AUJUS Editors

Lorenzo Cremaschi

Lorenzo Cremaschi is a Henry M. Burt, Jr., Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of Auburn University’s Undergraduate Research Programs (Auburn, AL, U.S.). He received his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland (College Park, MD, U.S.) in 2004. In 2001, he was awarded his M.S. and B.S. diploma degrees from the University of Modena (Italy). Before joining Auburn University, Dr. Cremaschi was a post-doctoral research associate at Purdue University’s Herrick laboratories, followed by assistant and associate professor in the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK).

Dr. Cremaschi focuses on energy efficiency, scalable thermal energy systems, water harvesting, desalination and purification, and the water-energy-food nexus. His current research includes climate-control transportation systems for biomedical applications, thermodynamics and heat transfer of low Global Warming Potential and natural refrigerants, air dehumidification processes, frost and defrost, and moisture transport in thermal insulation systems. He is the principal investigator of several research projects and the author of over 100 papers. He revised three book chapters and gave several presentations at conferences, meetings, and university seminars. Dr. Cremaschi is the inventor of three international patents. 

Dr. Cremaschi developed and implemented strategic plans for increasing the visibility and involvement of undergraduates in research and was responsible for providing support and administrative leadership for undergraduate research programs, including developing new initiatives. He fostered several scholarships and awards for undergraduate students involved with research, including programs providing access to research fellowships to a broad range of students. He also serves on the organizing committees for the university’s research symposia, specifically organizing the annual research symposium.

Dr. Cremaschi served as an associate editor for the Science and Technology for the Built Environment Journal. He has several honors and awards, including the 2024 Henry M. Burt, Jr. Endowed Professorship for the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, the 2022 Research Award for Excellence in the College of Engineering, and the 2020 Exceptional Service Award from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Dr. Cremaschi teaches Thermodynamics, Refrigeration, Renewable Energy Systems, and Cryogenics courses. These courses are offered at the undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum’s second, third, and fourth years and the graduate level. Dr. Cremaschi advised 35 graduate students (14 Ph.D. and 21 M.S. students) and over 50 undergraduate students in academic curriculum and career choice. He mentored 23 undergraduate students and 10 international visiting scholars during research and scholarly activities. Dr. Cremaschi is the faculty advisor of the Auburn University ASHRAE student organization.

Dr. Cremaschi is the chair of the American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers (ASTFE) Executive Committee and served on the ASHRAE Research and Administration Committee. He has served as the chair of the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) U.S. National Committee. He is a member of the International Energy Agency U.S. Heat Pump National team. He is currently the president of the IIR Commission B1, which focuses on thermodynamics and transfer processes fundamentals of refrigeration. He has served on several technical and standard committees for over 20 years. Dr. Cremaschi was the technical program chair for two ASTFE conferences in 2019 and 2021. He organized numerous technical sessions, panel forums, and seminars within ASHRAE, ASTFE, IIR, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Madison Russell

Production Editor: Madison Russell is a second-year graduate student pursuing her Doctorate in Audiology. Madison graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders. She is a Graduate Assistant for the Office of Undergraduate Research. She is in charge of processing and editing AUJUS highlights and articles. Her research studies the overall well-being of those with hearing loss in rural areas. Her previous research included services in rural areas to improve the accessibility of hearing healthcare. Madison is currently involved with the Student Academy of Audiology as the Fundraising Chair. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and exploring new cooking and baking recipes.

Lexy Barraza

Production Editor: Lexy Barraza is a third-year graduate student pursuing her Doctorate in Audiology. Lexy graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science. She is a Graduate Assistant for the Office of Undergraduate Research. She is in charge of the mentor matching program, newsletter and editing for the AUJUS journals. Her research studies the effects of hearing loss on Hispanic cultures in Alabama. Lexy’s other on-campus involvements include being a Student Academy of Audiology member and an Auburn University Rural Health Fellow. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Chambers County Community Health & Wellness Center and spends quality time with her family in Florida.

Esther Akinerinde

Associate Editor: Esther is a fourth-year PhD student in the Industrial and System Engineering department at Auburn University. She received her bachelor’s degree in industrial and production engineering at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and her MS in Industrial and systems engineering and supply chain management from auburn university
in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Her research interest is in driving operational excellence by identifying, developing, and implementing methods to eliminate inefficiencies in processes. She is currently exploring the applications of overall equipment effectiveness approach to driving process improvement in poultry processing with the goal of enhancing operational excellence. In her spare time, she likes to cook and bake.

Ayuba Akinpelu

Associate Editor: Ayuba Akinpelu is a research assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University. His academic journey is rooted in bioengineering and microfluidics, with degrees from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Nigeria and Auburn University. His research focuses on designing and fabricating tunable microfluidic devices to study cellular responses under mechanical stimuli, contributing to advancements in mechanobiology, cancer research, and tissue engineering. He utilizes innovative techniques such as hydrogel biomaterials, gene editing, and advanced microscopy to investigate cell behavior in complex environments.

Beyond his research, Ayuba has actively engaged in leadership roles across various organizations. He currently serves as a Graduate Senate Cabinet Member in the Auburn University Graduate Student Council and plays a key role in the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) as the Membership Recruiting Chair.

His scholarly contributions include publications in high-impact journals and presentations at prestigious conferences. Committed to mentorship and STEM advocacy, he has guided undergraduate students in biomedical research and actively participates as a judge and moderator for research symposiums and science fairs. At the core of his academic and professional pursuits is a dedication to advancing biomedical research and fostering diversity in STEM through leadership and innovation.

Olivia Brahms

Associate Editor: Olivia Brahms is a Ph.D. candidate and graduate teaching assistant in the Department
of Biological Sciences with a graduate certificate in Health Equity Science under the guidance of Dr. Jason Upton. She graduated from Auburn University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences. Her current research focuses on how Cytomegalovirus modulates and manipulates host immune responses to aid in viral pathogenesis. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys walking her dog, Milo, playing with her guinea pig and cat, Winston and Nougat, and painting.

Gabrielle Brown

Associate Editor: Gabrielle Brown is a 4^th year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology PhD program and a graduate research assistant for the department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling. She earned her Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Emory University and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Vanderbilt University. Her current research focuses on exploring how the impact of oppressive social structures contribute to health disparities and the connection between applied psychology and health policy. In her spare time, she enjoys drinking tea, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Olumide Falana

Associate Editor: Olumide Falana is a Ph.D. student in Biosystems Engineering whose research focuses on optimizing the thermal environment in commercial poultry houses to improve animal welfare and production efficiency. With a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, he applies his expertise in precision agriculture and environmental control systems to tackle challenges in food security and sustainability. His research interests span sustainable food systems, climate-resilient agriculture, environmental control, and energy efficiency. Outside academia, Olumide is actively involved in community outreach and educational initiatives.

Temitope Ruth Folorunso

Associate Editor: Temitope is a Ph.D. student in the Conservation and Genomics Laboratory at the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment. Her academic background is rooted in molecular biology and genomics, with degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Her current research significantly contributes to the forest industry by focusing on mitigating the effects of Brown Spot Needle Blight, caused by the fungal pathogen Lecanosticta acicola, in pine species. She aim to compare patterns of genetic diversity with symptoms of Brown Spot Needle Blight to better understand how L. acicola strains are associated with symptom expression and severity.

Beyond her research endeavors, she has actively engaged in leadership roles across various student organizations, she previously served as the Secretary of the African Students Association and as the Graduate Senator for the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment 2023/2024. Currently, she represent graduate students as a Senator in the Auburn University Student Government Association. She has communicated her research findings both through journal publications and conference presentations. At the core of her academic and professional pursuits is a commitment to fostering sustainability in agriculture and forestry through impactful research and leadership.

Pankaj Gaonkar

Associate Editor: Pankaj Gaonkar is a Ph.D. student and graduate research assistant in the Department of Pathobiology. He is a veterinarian with a Master’s degree in Veterinary Pathology from Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, India. His research focuses on the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in poultry production. Beyond academia, he’s an avid traveler, constantly exploring new destinations, and actively practicing Karate. 

Pritam Mitra

Associate Editor: Pritam Mitra is a fourth year PhD student in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. He has a bachelors (B.Sc) and master’s degree (M.Sc) in Economics from the University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India (2018) and Auburn University (MS) (2023). His current research topics are food waste at the household level, the use and misuse of pesticides. he is also interested in behavioral economics and decision making. In his free time, he enjoys a cup of tea with music or an awesome book. 

Abosede Onifade

Associate Editor: Abosede Onifade is a second-year graduate student in the Department of Sociology at Auburn University, where she focuses on the intersection of environmental justice, public health, and socio-economic equity. She earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Lagos State University, Nigeria, graduating as the best student in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her current research explores the social impacts of wastewater infrastructure, addressing critical issues such as public health risks, environmental sustainability, and the challenges of equitable access in underserved communities. Outside of her academic pursuits, Abosede engages in professional development, participates in community service initiatives, and serves in leadership roles that advocate for diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. In her free time, she enjoys learning new skills, staying informed on global environmental challenges, and spending quality time with family and friends.

L.E. Parsons

Associate Editor: Parsons is a Ph.D. Student and teaching assistant in the department of human development and family science. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in human development and family science from Auburn University. Parsons’s research seeks to better understand relationships, stigma, and health from a critical and intersectional perspective with a focus on trans, queer, and non monogamous relationships, social structures and narratives, and material conditions. Aside from research, they enjoy music and hanging out with friends.

Jeremiah Pfitzer

Associate Editor: Jeremiah Pfitzer is a Ph.D. candidate committed to making a meaningful impact by developing therapeutics for hematological malignancies.  Jeremiah’s current research investigates novel therapeutics in drug-resistant multiple myeloma. His previous work involved deciphering the neural pathology in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. 

Didimos Johnson Pulikkottil

Associate Editor: Didimos Johnson Pulikkottil is a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He earned his Bachelor’s (B.Sc.) and Master’s (M.Sc.) degrees in Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India, in 2018. His research focuses on the synthesis of pyrene-extended molecules for applications in biology and material sciences. Beyond his academic pursuits, Didimos is passionate about science communication and creatively sharing scientific ideas through films. In his free time, he enjoys exploring photography through photo walks and creating short videos.