Doctoral Oral Exams for Dec. 9-13, 2024

The graduate dean invites all graduate faculty to attend the final oral examinations for the doctoral candidates scheduled as follows:

Shuai Gong, Ph.D., Chemistry, Monday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m., Goessmann 153. Dissertation: “Efficient Bio-Orthogonal Conjugation Strategies and Nanoassembly Platforms for the Targeted Delivery of Biologics.” S. Thayumanavan, chair.

Sherilyn Herron, Ph.D., Nursing, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m., Skinner 106. Dissertation: “The Lived Experience of Nursing Witnessing Deathbed Phenomena of Dying Patients.” Pam Aselton, chair.

Lindsey Russo, Ph.D., Public Health, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m., Goessman 250. Dissertation: “Ambient Air Pollution During Spermatogenesis and Impact on Semen Quality and Infertility Treatment Outcomes.” Carrie J. Nobles, chair.

Justyne Oghdahl, Ph.D., Molecular and Cellular Biology, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m., ISB 221. Dissertation: “Allosteric Regulation of the Lon Potease.” Peter Chien, chair.

Fangying Huang, Ph.D., Chemistry, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m., Lederle 1681 and via Zoom. Dissertation: “Profiling Ubiquitin Conjugates on the Proteasome.” Eric Strieter, chair.

Krishna Chaitanya Rao Kathala, Ph.D., Education, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 12:30 p.m., via Zoom. Dissertation: “Investigating the Impact of Computing-Focused Hackathons on Self-Efficacy Development Towards Computing, Computational Thinking and Innovation.” Ivon Arroyo, chair.

Christian G. Hernandez-Negron, Ph.D., Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m., ILC N400. Dissertation: “Learning Form the Past to Inform Future Action: Learning Curve Innovations.” Erin Baker, chair.

Phuthipong Bovornkeeratiroj, Ph.D., Computer Science, Thursday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m., LGRD A215. Dissertation: “Accelerating Sustainability of the Electric Grid Using Distributed Energy Resources.” Prashant Shenoy, chair.

Richard Bryce, Ph.D., Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Thursday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m., via Zoom. Dissertation: “Advanced Computational and Machine Learning Approach for Optimizing Solar Energy Systems and Dispatching MW-Scale Battery.” Dragoljub Kosanovic, chair.

Apoorva Pramod Hungund, Ph.D., Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Thursday, Dec. 12, noon, Kellogg Conference Room. Dissertation: “Impact of Vehicle Automation on Young Drivers’ Distraction and Strategies for Mitigating Risks.” Anuj Kumar Pradhan, chair.

Zhan Chen, Ph.D., Polymer Science, Thursday, Dec. 12, noon, Conte Polymer Research Building A110/111. Dissertation: “The Influence of Chain Architecture on the Assembly of Block Copolymers at Interfaces and in Thin Films.” Thomas P. Russell, chair.

Myles Bittner, Ph.D., Education, Thursday, Dec. 12, 1 p.m., Furcolo S125. Dissertation: “Respecting Small Moments: Exploring Intra-Actions of Early Literacy Experiences.” Maria Jose Botelho, chair.

Cary Speck, Ph.D., Anthropology, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m., via Zoom. Dissertation: “Gold Hands and Green Thumbs: Conspicuous Production, Food Activism, and Gendered Labor in Post Socialist Czechia.” Krista Harper, chair.

Jane Piselli, Ph.D., Education, Friday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m., Furcolo S115. Dissertation: “Nature-Based Educational Settings for Promoting Prosocial Behaviors for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool: A Mixed Methods Case Study.” Alexandra Lauterbach, chair.

Alysha B. Putnam, Ph.D., Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Friday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m., French 209. Dissertation: “Species Responses to Climate Change in Coastal Ecosystems: Biodiversity, Adaptation, and the Role of Native and Introduced Species.” Michelle Staudinger, chair.

Phachara Saiphet, Ph.D., Education, Friday, Dec. 13, 3:30 p.m., Furcolo S125. Dissertation: “English Language Learning and Teaching as Products of the Coloniality of Power: An Analytic Autoethnography of a Thai Teacher.” Theresa Austin, chair.

Cornelia Meissner, Ph.D., Polymer Science, Friday, Dec. 13, 3:35 p.m., Conte Polymer Research Building A110/111. Dissertation: “Mesoscale Polymer Ribbons: Insights into Efficient Fabrication, Composition, and Chemical Functionalization.” Todd S. Emrick, chair.