Chemical and Materials Engineering

2026 Pigman College of Engineering Faculty Awards

May 4, 2026

On April 30, the Pigman College of Engineering gathered at the Manchester Fountain Hall to honor its 2026 Faculty Awards recipients for their outstanding contributions to the college and beyond. Awards were given in the areas of research, service and education. This year, in addition to individual research awards, the college added a new award category to honor the work of a research team. The winners in each area are listed below.

UK researchers bridge Kentucky’s energy past with world’s energy future

Christian Honce

Apr 29, 2026

Coal has long been the fuel at the heart of energy production in the Commonwealth. Kentuckians often grow up with stories of their grandfather’s days in the mines. But researchers at the University of Kentucky are finding ways to repurpose coal for energy storage — in the form of lithium-ion batteries.

UK Pigman College of Engineering Dean Rudolph G. Buchheit named provost at University of Cincinnati

Lindsey Piercy

Apr 13, 2026

Rudolph G. Buchheit, Ph.D., is resigning his position as Rebecca Burchett Liebert Dean of the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky to serve as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Cincinnati (UC), effective June 1. Buchheit will serve as UC’s chief academic officer — overseeing colleges and academic operations, while helping to advance strategic priorities in teaching, research and student success.

LaShan Hendrix, University of Cincinnati

Apr 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Abstract: Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification and Opportunities for Therapeutic Targeting

Joe Gauthier, Texas Tech University

Apr 15, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Abstract: Extending the reach of density functional theory: capturing charge transfer and making electrons behave

21 Pigman College of Engineering researchers among top 2% of world’s most-cited

Mar 3, 2026

The University of Kentucky is well-represented on a list of the most-cited researchers in the world. In a database compiled by Stanford University in a partnership with Elsevier, 125 current UK scientists and scholars appear among the top 2% of the most-cited researchers across 22 disciplines. Of those 125 scientists and scholars, 21 are UK Pigman College of Engineering faculty.

Shudipto Dishari, University of Nebraska

Apr 1, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Abstract: Interfaces That Matter: Materials Design for Sustainable Energy and Biomedical Systems

Chris Depcik, University of Kansas

Mar 11, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dr. Christopher Depcik is a Professor of Mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas (KU) with a courtesy appointment in Aerospace Engineering. His research focuses on reacting flow modeling and energy systems, emphasizing reduce dimensional (1-D and 1+1-D) formulations of chemically reacting flows in catalytic reactors, particulate filters, gasification units, desiccant wheels, shock tubes, and pulse detonation engines.

Samantha A. Meenach, University of Rhode Island

Mar 4, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Dr. Samantha Meenach is a Professor at the University of Rhode Island (URI), with joint appointments in the Departments of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. A first-generation college student from rural Kentucky, she earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky. Her doctoral research focused on the development of magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites for cancer treatment through hyperthermia and drug delivery.

2 engineering undergraduates to present at Posters-at-the-Capitol

Feb 19, 2026

Two engineering undergraduate researchers, Jacob Childress, Katelyn Straw, will present their work at the 24th annual Posters-at-the-Capitol on March 5.

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