AUJUS Editors

The editors of the AUJUS are all students, and they oversee the submission, review, and publication of the AUJUS. If you’re interested in becoming an AUJUS editor, contact us!

Lorenzo Cremaschi

Dr. Lorenzo Cremaschi is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Director of Undergraduate Research at Auburn University (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’s interests focus on buildings’ energy efficiency and sustainability, scalable thermal energy systems, water desalination and purification, and the water-energy-food nexus. His current research includes thermodynamics and heat transfer of low Global Warming Potential 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 105 papers. He revised three book chapters and gave several presentations at conferences, meetings, and university seminars. Dr. Cremaschi is the inventor of two international patents.   

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 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 also mentored 23 undergraduate students and 9 international visiting exchange scholars during research and scholarly activities. Dr. Cremaschi is the faculty advisor of the Auburn University ASHRAE student organization. He fostered several scholarships and awards for undergraduate students involved with research, including the 2023 Matthews fellowship program, which promotes engagement in undergraduate research by Pell-eligible students. 

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 is chair of the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) U.S. National Committee and the International Energy Agency (IEA) U.S. Heat Pump National team member. He has served on several technical and standard committees for 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).  

Lexy Barraza

Production Editor: Lexy Barraza is a second-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 processing and editing AUJUS highlights and articles. 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 assisting with Auburn’s Rural Health Initiative. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Chambers County Community Health & Wellness Center and spends quality time with her family in Florida.

Hannah Sellers

Production Editor: Hannah Sellers is a third-year graduate student pursuing her Doctorate in Audiology. She is currently working at an off cite ENT clinic for her program. 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 journal. Her past research was studying motivation behind volunteer work and presenting at a state wide research convention. Involvement now includes working on research related Auditory Processing Disorders and being a member of the Student Academy of Audiology. She loves to travel whenever she can and in her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her pets, family and friends.

Claudia Ann Rutland

Associate Editor: Claudia Ann Rutland is a PhD student and a graduate research assistant in the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, studying weed science under Dr. Scott McElroy. She graduated from Auburn University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. Her current research focuses on target-site resistance in herbicide resistant weed species, more specifically understanding the mechanisms of resistance in auxin-mimic herbicides. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and playing with her dog Obi. 

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. 

Maliha Yel Mahi

Associate Editor: Maliha Yel Mahi is a second-year graduate student pursuing her doctorate in Mechanical engineering. She has achieved her Master’s degree in Mechanical engineering from the University of North Dakota. Her research focuses on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) under the supervision of Dr. Lorenzo Cremaschi. She enjoys reading books, spending time with family and friends, and traveling in her spare time.

Ying Yan

Associate Editor: Ying Yan is a Ph.D. candidate in the Consumer and Design Sciences. She has rich work and research experience in multiple fields, including industrial design, interior design, consumer behavior, and business. She previously graduated from Nanjing Agriculture University with a Bachelor of Industrial Design in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Master of Industrial Design at Auburn University. Throughout her research, she has been continuously fascinated by the intersection of design and well-being. Recognizing the profound influence environments have on our mental and physical health, she was drawn to explore how design can positively impact human well-being. Currently, Ying’s research focuses on increasing college students’ learning motivation through game-based learning to enhance learning experiences in design education. 

Jeremiah Pfitzer

Associate Editor: Jeremiah Pfitzer is a fifth-year graduate student pursuing his Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the Harrison College of Pharmacy at Auburn University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Genetics in 2019.  Jeremiah’s research investigates novel secondary therapeutics in multiple myeloma with an emphasis on Ras driver mutations. He previously worked in targeting glutamate dysregulation in Alzheimer’s disease and in discovering mechanisms driving tauopathies.  He is also an assistant conference developer for the annual Innovations in SoTL Medical Education conference

Onyedika Mbelu

Associate Editor: Onyedika Mbelu, is from Anambra state, Nigeria. He is a third-year PhD Student at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Mbelu currently holds a master’s degree in fluids engineering for Industrial processes from INSA Toulouse, France. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from University of Nigeria. His research focuses on Direct-Contact Storage of Thermal Energy Utilizing Phase Change Materials under the supervisor of Dr. Jay Khodadadi. In his spare time, he likes to go to the gym, swim, and read. 

Olamide Isaac Durodola

Associate Editor: Olamide Isaac Durodola is a graduate student of Biosystem Engineering. He had his undergraduate in  Agricultural and Environmental Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria. His research efforts have been dedicated to conducting spatial analysis within incubators, with the goal of achieving optimal performance and increased productivity by refining air velocity, temperature, and humidity conditions. In his spare time, he dedicates moments to staying updated on technological advancements, learning new skills, and enjoying valuable moments with his family and friends. 

Olivia Brahms

Associate Editor: Olivia Brahms is a Ph.D. candidate and graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences under the guidance of Dr. Jason Upton. She is also pursuing a graduate certificate in Health Equity Science. In addition to being associate editor for AUJUS, she currently serves as a Biological Sciences Graduate Student Association Senator and the Social Media chair for Graduate Women in Science. She graduated from Auburn University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences. Currently, her research investigates the role of interactions between an uncharacterized herpesvirus gene and a host protein complex in cytomegalovirus pathogenesis. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys walking her dog, Milo, playing with her guinea pig, Winston, and painting.   

Esther Akinerinde

Associate Editor: Esther Akinrinde is a third-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 from auburn university in 2023. Her research interest is in driving operational excellence by identifying, developing, and implementing methods to eliminate inefficiencies in processes. She is currently exploring the adoption of digital technologies in manufacturing and production processes, especially in the poultry and wood product industries to achieve the same. In her spare time, she likes to bake.    

Syed Hassan Raza Shah

Associate Editor: Syed Hassan Raza Shah is a PhD candidate, Course Instructor, and graduate teaching assistant in the Aerospace Engineering department. He possesses two master’s degrees in aerospace, one from Auburn University and the other from Air University, Islamabad, Pakistan. His undergraduate degree also in Aerospace was acquired from the esteemed College of Aeronautical Engineering at NUST, Pakistan. His research is centered around unsteady and low Reynolds number aerodynamics, with a specific focus on investigating non-linear aerodynamic interactions. Beyond his academic endeavors, Syed finds gratification in cherishing moments with his family, traveling, and golfing. 

Gabrielle Brown

Associate Editor: Gabrielle Brown is a PhD student in the Counseling Psychology 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 research interest include teletherapy utilization, mental health service accessibility, dismantling 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. 

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. 

Mason Parkes

Associate Editor: Mason Parkes is a PhD student in the Physics Department. He graduated from BYU in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. His research focuses on the physics of resource sharing in hippocampal presynapses. He’s particularly interested in why synaptic vesicles are shared between presynapses, what cytoskeletal elements support that sharing, and what that means for wider brain function. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends. 

Ifeoluwa Odeniyi

Associate Editor: Ifeoluwa Odeniyi is a PhD candidate and graduate research assistant in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. He obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nigeria in Biochemistry. He has rich work and research experience in patient tumor xenograft model and tumor dissociation, mouse breeding, genotyping and metabolic cage assessment and adipocyte differentiation. Currently, his PhD research in Dr. Greene’s lab focuses on the link between obesity and its role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer through integrating molecular biology, genetics, and nutrition. Outside his academic undertakings, Ifeoluwa’s leadership acumen shines through his role as the President of the African Students Association during the academic year of 2022/2023. His exceptional dedication was meritoriously acknowledged with the title of student leader of the year, accompanied by an array of additional awards. He has published 8 peer-reviewed journal articles and numerous conference presentations. During moments of respite, he finds solace and joy in strumming the guitar, a pursuit that harmoniously balances his multifaceted life

Pooja Zen Santhamoorthy

Associate Editor: Pooja Zen Santhamoorthy is a fourth-year Ph.D. student and a graduate research assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering, working on developing optimization tools under Dr. Selen Cremaschi. She graduated from Anna University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering. Her current research focuses on developing portfolio optimization models for planning carbon capture and utilization and solution approaches to solve the developed mathematical model. She enjoys reading fiction, playing DOTA, and caring for her sweet pets, Valerie and Rocket.  

Olumide Falana

Associate Editor: Olumide Falana is a second-year Ph.D. student in Biosystems Engineering Department and a researcher at National Poultry Technology Center. Olumide’s academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria. He further expanded his horizons with a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering from the same institution. Olumide is conducting research in the poultry industry, contributing to animal welfare and food security research. Presently, he is studying the thermal environment in commercial poultry houses in Alabama. Beyond his academic pursuits, he finds joy in volunteerism, cultural integration, and strategic social media engagement. Olumide Falana’s journey is one of continuous learning, proactive research, and a commitment to driving positive change within Biosystems Engineering and its application in agriculture. 

Chhabi Raj

Associate Editor: Chhabi Raj is a second-year MS student and graduate research assistant in the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, doing research to improve agricultural sustainability while enhancing water quality. He obtained his BSc (HONORS)  in Agriculture from India. Raj loves hiking, running, and volunteering at different events. 

Last Modified: Dec 6, 2023 @ 11:56 pm