Commercial and Residential Locksmiths in Kennesaw

By discovering a process that could simplify the manufacturing of advanced materials used in consumer electronics, Kennesaw State University assistant professor of chemistry Graham Collier has earned a nearly $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand his research.

Synthetic polymers are used to make electronics and other technological tools, so there is a demand for research into streamlining the synthesis of polymeric materials, which Collier said can require around 20 steps and taxes natural resources, such as petroleum and water.

Shortly after Collier arrived at Kennesaw State in 2020 his research uncovered a chemical building block that simplifies the polymer synthesis process. That building block, called pyrrolopyrrole, is made under ambient conditions and does not require tedious purifications.

“The hypothesis was that we could exploit this simple process to more easily create polymers,” Collier said.

According to Collier, the future for the research could involve collaboration with manufacturers and engineers seeking quicker and more sustainable processes for producing electronics. The broad technological applications for polymers make the research relevant beyond the laboratory.

“You don’t need a Ph.D. to come into my lab and make the materials that we work with,” Collier said. “If you think about the screens for your phones, your smart watches, and your e-readers like a Kindle or a Nook, these polymers are everywhere.”

The three-year grant also includes a component for engaging undergraduate and graduate researchers in the work, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

“The work my undergraduates are doing for their own projects directly contributes to this research under the NSF grant,” Collier said. “Those students are adding an important dimension, too, and that's going in a direction of recyclability and sustainability of our polymers. It's pretty exciting.”

The research project will benefit not only manufacturers and consumers, but Kennesaw State students, as well.

“With this award, our lab can contribute to KSU’s mission of becoming a top-tier research university,” he said. “I can buy supplies for students and pay students to do summer research, which allows me to impact a lot of people over the next three years. That's ultimately going to help shape the future of KSU.”

Photos by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 43,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.

Percentages: FG .517, FT .682.

3-Point Goals: 7-18, .389 (Rodgers 2-2, Ademokoya 2-3, Stroud 2-4, Youngblood 1-5, Cottle 0-1, Robinson 0-1, Jennings 0-2).

Team Rebounds: 5. Team Turnovers: None.

Blocked Shots: 4 (Burden 2, Jennings, Youngblood).

Turnovers: 16 (Burden 3, Jennings 3, Robinson 3, Rodgers 3, Youngblood 2, Cottle, Stroud).

Steals: 10 (Youngblood 3, Robinson 2, Ademokoya, Burden, Jennings, Rodgers, Stroud).

Technical Fouls: None.

Percentages: FG .459, FT .600.

3-Point Goals: 13-28, .464 (Blackmon 5-9, Swenson 3-5, Oglesby 2-3, L.Brown 2-5, Panzo 1-3, Harrison 0-1, Peek 0-1, Smith 0-1).

Team Rebounds: 4. Team Turnovers: 1.

Blocked Shots: 5 (Blackmon, Diawara, Panzo, Smith, Swenson).

Turnovers: 17 (Blackmon 6, L.Brown 4, Panzo 2, Swenson 2, Gateretse, Harrison, Smith).

Steals: 8 (Swenson 3, Smith 2, Oglesby, Panzo, Peek).

Technical Fouls: None.

A_929 (5,000).

Overall patient care suffered during the coronavirus pandemic when COVID-19 surges swamped U.S. hospitals, especially in patients 45 years and older, a study by a Kennesaw State University researcher shows.

According to assistant professor of economics Weiwei Chen, who began her research when COVID peaked during the summer of 2020, non-COVID patients had poorer outcomes in hospitals overwhelmed with large numbers of COVID cases. Based on the research, the odds of an in-hospital death were 1.2 times higher among those non-COVID patients than before the onset of the pandemic. The study was published in November in The American Journal of Managed Care.

“Multiple factors contributed to the increase in mortality rates with COVID spikes, but resource constraints seem to be the main reason, which includes, for example, healthcare worker burnout, staff shortages and reduced bed space,” said Chen.

While the research was not positive during the early part of the pandemic, Chen said that some patterns observed during the period may suggest ways to alleviate overcrowding and falling patient outcomes in the future. For example, discharging hospital patients to home care grew during the pandemic, while discharging to skilled nursing facilities declined. It shows the promise of home health care as an alternative care option during the pandemic.

“A major implication is that it is going to be very important to monitor patient outcomes at hospitals during pandemics in real time, even though it may be very difficult,” she said. “That is the best way to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.”

Chen’s research used data from a large insurance claims clearinghouse, which covered hospitals nationwide. She said she hopes the implications of the research include better preparation for future pandemics or large-scale illnesses.

“It’s important research like this that makes me especially proud of the faculty we have here in Coles College,” said Robin Cheramie, dean of the Coles College of Business. “Dr. Chen's research challenges us to learn from the pandemic and includes key insights into what can be done to lessen the most dramatic effects of a large-scale event in the future. She is among many KSU faculty aiming to make a difference through research, not just for the sake of research, but the community as a whole.”

– Thomas HartwellPhotos by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 43,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.

Just a few minutes northwest of Kennesaw State University sits a 23-acre plot of land along Hickory Grove Road near Interstate 75 in Kennesaw, Ga.

Eight years ago, the land was a concrete mixing plant owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

The KSU Field Station operates under the auspices of the Office of Research, led by Vice President for Research Phaedra Corso, who admitted being duly impressed with the facility upon first glance.

“When I first visited the Field Station, I thought it had so much potential for Kennesaw State,” she said. “It had the greenhouse, a functional hydroponics lab, and all that land. I just thought it was the perfect place for the Office of Research to turn into a living laboratory.”

Michael Blackwell, KSU's Field Station manager, led the efforts to remediate the land, which has allowed KSU to expand its faculty and student research, and provide hands-on, real-world experiences in a unique setting. In addition to giving faculty a chance to engage in interdisciplinary research projects, the Field Station also offers the community multiple activities to learn about sustainability.

The projects happening at the Field Station span multiple colleges, from an ongoing study of European starlings by assistant professor of biology Sarah Guindre-Parker to a small farm with edible vegetables supervised by geography professors Jason Rhodes and Vanessa Slinger-Friedman. Rhodes and Slinger-Friedman’s Food Forest hews closely to the original Field Station project — culinary sustainability. It sits on a third of an acre near the entrance to the Field Station and serves as a model for urban cultivation. By growing vegetables, the project seeks to lead the way to a sustainable mode of urban agriculture.

“I knew there needed to be a hands-on model for the class, so in 2019, I visited the Field Station and realized it was a perfect spot for the Food Forest,” said Rhodes, who teaches a class in sustainable agriculture each spring. “The best thing about it is it’s replicable in any urban setting, and we do invite people from all over the Atlanta metro area to see what we’re teaching and learning at KSU.”

Assistant professor of biology Mario Bretfeld also works with growing food, only in a different way. In one of the clear-glass, Quonset-hut greenhouses, Bretfeld hydroponically grows tomatoes for an ongoing, externally funded project in his PlantEcoPhysiology laboratory. Before Bretfeld arrived at KSU in 2019, his research focused primarily on the interaction between trees and their environments, particularly regarding water uptake. Over time, he realized his research had an application to agriculture and collaborated with associate professor of mechanical engineering Sathish Gurupatham (an expert in thermodynamics) for the hydroponic tomato project.

“One of the big reasons why I came to KSU was the Field Station,” Bretfeld said. “I did most of my research in the Rocky Mountains, and I needed a local research spot. I realized I had access to the hydroponic greenhouse at the Field Station and could lean on the expertise of the Field Station staff; from there, the project just grew and grew.”

Guindre-Parker also joined Kennesaw State in 2019. Like Bretfeld, she says the Field Station was a major drawing point. Guindre-Parker studies European starlings and how they’ve adapted successfully to different environments. She has around 50 nest boxes at the Field Station, which sits at the intersection of city and country for migratory birds — a valuable spot for research.

“The Field Station is an important peri-urban site, granting us access to a unique intermediate between urban and rural spaces where we can work safely in a space dedicated for research,” Guindre-Parker said. “It is a great place for students new to field work to get the hang of things in a space that is secure and well equipped. It also supports large groups — including field trips for my courses.”

Blackwell lists the various projects going on at the farm with a sense of pride, considering it had just one ongoing project when he arrived. The partnership with the Office of Research further solidified the Field Station as an integral part of KSU’s sustained R2 status, and Corso said the Field Station perfectly illustrates the University’s potential for growth.

“We have three priorities for the Field Station: research, students, and the community,” she said. “Our office is dedicated to making the Field Station a hub of not only research but also teaching, and we do host classes there frequently. And for the community, we provide workshops to see what we’re doing out there. The Field Station is really a jewel for KSU.”

Furthering this commitment, the Field Station offers community partners educational programming, activities, and special events related to sustainability. These activities have included a Beginner Beekeeping Workshop, Small Farms Tool demonstration, and the very popular workshop on Growing Culinary Mushrooms at home.

In addition, the facility welcomes volunteers to participate in weekly community service opportunities assisting with field and ground maintenance, planting, harvesting, and helping with seasonal necessities.

For his part, Blackwell said he welcomes inquiries from every corner of the university. He said professors from engineering and architecture have been in contact, though the most interesting collaboration came from the department of dance, where students performed an interpretive piece among the rows of trees.

“My answer is always ‘yes’,” Blackwell said. “Let’s find a space that works for the project that you want and we’ll make it happen.”

– Story by Dave ShellesPhotos by Judith Pishnery, Jason Getz

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 43,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.

Kennesaw State (8-9), (4-2) at Jacksonville State (9-8), (2-4) Location: Jacksonville, Ala. | Pete Mathews Coliseum Date: Jan. 20 Time: 5:00 p.m. EST Live Stats | Video

KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State women's basketball heads to Jacksonville, Ala. for a rematch against the Jacksonville Gamecocks late Saturday afternoon at the Pete Mathews Coliseum.

Last night, Kennesaw State led for nearly all 40 minutes and cruised to a 71-61 win over Jacksonville State Thursday night at the KSU Convocation Center. With the win, the Owls improved to 4-2 overall in ASUN Conference play, their best start since the 2007-08 season and have won seven of their last 10 games. KSU's 5-1 record at home is the best in nearly 10 years and the Owls have won three straight at the KSU Convocation Center.

Jah'Che Whitfield posted a strong performance Thursday night with 21 points (16 in the first half), six rebounds and two assists. The Sumter, S.C. native has scored in double-figures in 10 of the past 11 contests and 20 or more three times this season. Stacie Jones finished with 12 points and nine boards and Lyndsey Whilby added 10, going 2-for-4 from distance to lead the Owls.

Kennesaw State and the Gamecocks have met 22 times, with Jacksonville State holding a 13-9 advantage in the series. The Owls are 7-3 over the last 10 games against JSU dating back to the 2007-08 season.

KSU Starts Conference Play 4-2 for First Time Since 2007-08 After a grueling non-conference slate that featured three games against Power-5 opponents, KSU has won seven of its past 10 games, including a 71-52 win at previously unbeaten in ASUN action Lipscomb. The 4-2 start under second-year coach, Octavia Blue is the best start for the Owls in the ASUN since the 2008-09 season. KSU is currently tied for fourth with Liberty in the ASUN standings.

Amani Johnson Adds Another Milestone The graduate senior added another major milestone to her outstanding career on Saturday. Johnson knocked down a pair of free throws late in the game at Austin Peay, which put her past the 1,500-point mark in her KSU career. The guard is already the KSU DI all-time leader in scoring (1,502), assists (573), field goals made (552), field goals attempted (1,473), minutes played (4,662) and steals (234).

Owls Flying High Kennesaw State is 7-3 over its last 10 games, which included a three-game winning streak for the first time since early February last year. The Owls took down Bellarmine on the road, Central Arkansas and North Florida from Feb. 5th through Feb. 12th a season ago. This season KSU posted another three-game winning streak with wins coming against Austin Peay at home and wins on the road at Bellarmine and Lipscomb.

Defense is Key The KSU defense drives the success of the team this season and the Owls are 8-2 when holding their opponent below 40 percent shooting from the field. Over the last seven games, KSU has held four opponents below 57 points in four of the seven contests. Kennesaw State is 5-0 this season when limiting opponents under 60 points.

Hitting the Boards KSU's offensive rebounding has been a staple all season. The Owls lead the ASUN in offensive rebounds per game, with 13.44. Last time out, Kennesaw State crashed the offensive glass for 15 offensive rebounds against Jacksonville State. KSU has posted at least 11 offensive rebounds in four straight games.

Hooks Posts Career-High 21 Points at Lipscomb Carly Hooks stuffed the stat sheet in Thursday's win at Lipscomb. The Atlanta native finished with a career-best 21 points, four rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists on the night.

Whitfield Leading Owls in Multiple Categories Jah'Che Whitfield finished with a career-high 23 points and 10 rebounds at EKU in the ASUN Conference opener, posting her first double-double of the season and the ninth of her career. The Sumter, S.C. native has scored at least 11 points in 10 of the last 11 games and leads the Owls in scoring (13.9), rebounding (5.5), defensive rebounds (69), made field goals (89), field goals attempted (199), free throws made (44) free throws attempted (71) and three-point percentage (.455).

KSU and Johnson Break Records in Rout Over Coastal Georgia Kennesaw State scored a program-record 109 points and Amani Johnson added another record to an already illustrious career as the graduate senior scored 15 points to break the KSU Division I career scoring record as the Owls raced past Coastal Georgia 109-53. Johnson finished with her first double-double of the season, scoring 15 and dishing out a career-high 13 assists. Johnson surpassed Alexis Poole on the all-time scoring list, who set the record last season for KSU. The Owls set season highs in points (109), field goals made (38), field goal attempts (81), free throws made (25), assists (23), steals (15) and blocked shots (6) in a dominant performance against the Mariners. Six Owls scored in double-figures in the 56-point win over the Mariners.

Scouting Jacksonville State Jax State (9-8, 2-4) fell below .500 in conference play for the first time since 2019-20 following a pair of losses in the Volunteer State last week and then a 71-61 defeat at the hands of the Owls. JSU could not stop Austin Peay in crunch time on Thursday in Clarksville, surrendering a 5-0 run late and suffering a 47-43 defeat. Their luck did not improve two days later in Nashville, as Rick Pietri's squad battled back from significant deficits twice to regain the lead but could not hold on in a 62-55 loss. Kennedy Gavin tallied two more standout performances for Jax State over the weekend. The Petal, Miss., native had a team-high nine points and 11 rebounds at Austin Peay before following it up with a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double against Lipscomb. Those 12 rebounds are a season-best for Gavin, who leads the team in rebounds per game (8.3) and is second on the team in points per game (11.2). Shawnta Shaw, the squad's leading scorer (11.4 points per game), cooled off a bit and had just 12 total points in Tennessee. The Gamecocks are seventh in turnovers per game (11.4), 14^th in scoring defense (54.2 points allowed per game), 14^th in defensive three-point percentage (25.2%), and 24^th in turnover margin (+5.25). The Gamecocks entered last week tied for second in the ASUN standings but now sit in a tie for eighth place with a 2-4 conference mark.

To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsWBB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.