From heat exchangers to bioactive proteins: Broncos land prestigious research fellowships

For graduate students, winning a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship is the academic equivalent of an Olympic gold medal. Eight Boise State students and alumni received this distinguished award in recognition of their outstanding research and potential as contributors to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Four current Boise State students won fellowships:

• Brianna (Anne) Sheppard, master's degree student in geophysics
• Noah Montrose, doctoral student in materials science and engineering
• Angela (Jasmine) Baclig, doctoral student in biomolecular sciences
• Nathan Sakaguchi, doctoral student in materials science and engineering

Four Boise State alumni also received awards:

• Nuha Akhtar (bachelor's degree, mechanical engineering, 2025) studying mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley
• Giada Brandes (bachelor's degree, mechanical engineering, 2025) studying biomedical engineering at Purdue University
• Karlee Macaw (bachelor's degree, mechanical engineering, 2025) studying mechanical engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara
• Azamat (Aza) Tulepbergenov (bachelor's degree, computer science, 2018) studying artificial intelligence at Brown University

"When students earn a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, doors open in ways that can shape an entire career," said Nancy Glenn, vice president for the Division of Research and Economic Development. "Having four current students and four alumni receive this honor in a single year is something we are extremely proud of, and these students motivate us to keep raising the bar for Boise State's research experiences."

The awards provide three years of support over a five-year fellowship period, including a stipend and cost of education allowance to cover tuition and mandatory fees. The Center for Research and Creative Activity within the Division of Research and Economic Development supported students with application workshops and reviews.

Meet the current Boise State award winners

Anne Sheppard

Anne Sheppard on a hike. Photo provided by Sheppard.

Sheppard is a first-year master's degree student in geophysics from Lansing, Michigan. She focuses on understanding the geology and tectonic characteristics of the Queen Charlotte Fault in Southeast Alaska.

"It's an interesting fault because it separates different types of rocks to either side, which isn't very common and hasn't been well studied," Sheppard said. "To investigate this, I am using earthquake and man-made seismic sources to identify the maximum earthquake depth and characterize the types of rocks in the subsurface. Both of these affect the size of earthquakes that can occur."

Sheppard's research aims to improve earthquake hazard models by better quantifying factors that influence earthquake size.

As a first-generation student, winning the fellowship feels like a dream come true.

"I initially believed in my early undergraduate years that a bachelor's degree was all that was financially possible for me," Sheppard said. "Receiving this fellowship means I can pursue a doctoral degree, which is a dream I once thought impossible. The financial security it represents will allow me to become the first doctor in my family and work toward a career in research."

Professor Andrew Gase, Sheppard's mentor, praised the uniqueness of her project as it combines geology and geophysics.

"I hope Anne enjoys her project and time as a student at Boise State, and that she goes on to other big and bold opportunities that carry her toward her professional dream job," Gase said.

When not conducting research, Sheppard enjoys hiking and "geeking out at the cool rocks I see along the trail," as well as reading and gardening.

Noah Montrose

Noah Montrose. Photo by Priscilla Grover.

Montrose, born in Meridian, is a first-year doctoral student in materials science and engineering, and a Boise State alum (bachelor's degree, material science and engineering, 2025). His research focuses on 3D-printed metal heat exchangers, such as radiators, used to keep high-power electronics from overheating.

A current challenge with 3D-printed surfaces is that they are typically rough and can serve as breeding grounds for microorganisms. These microorganisms increase both the speed and severity of corrosion and form slime that reduces heat transfer, Montrose explained.

Montrose's proposal focuses on developing a process for growing copper-nickel alloys - which are naturally antimicrobial and kill harmful bacteria - on existing and 3D-printed heat exchangers.

"My research has the potential to impact many industries that rely on cooling systems where water cleanliness cannot be tightly controlled," Montrose said. "This applies to artificial intelligence data centers as they look toward non-potable water or recycled water to keep high-power electronics from overheating, and in mobile applications such as cars, ships and defense-related unmanned vehicles."

The coating could be used more broadly in water desalination plants, geothermal plants, nuclear power plants, food and beverage systems, and water and wastewater systems.

Associate Professor Mike Hurley mentored Montrose and provided "sanity checks" regarding the scope of the research. Hurley also inspired Montrose's project in his first doctoral-level class about corrosion.

"While this award is a testament to my own efforts and adversity in preparing my fellowship proposal, it is a greater reflection of the individuals around me," Montrose said. "My friends, family, peers and professors have been able to elevate me and have given me eternal motivation to continuously learn and improve. I would not be where I am today without their support, and I am grateful to have them in my corner."

Noah Montrose in a lab in the Materials Science and Engineering, photo by Priscilla Grover

Outside the lab, Montrose stays physically fit through volleyball, pickleball and tennis with his brother and friends.

"Beginning sophomore year of my undergraduate program, I've taken Boise State's Introduction to Volleyball class more semesters than I haven't, and I keep finding myself going back," he said.

Montrose also enjoys finding new recipes to cook with his girlfriend and "seeing if the dish we made is worthy of being added to our cookbook."

Jasmine Baclig

Jasmine Baclig and Buster Bronco, photo provided by Baclig

Baclig is a first-year doctoral student in biomolecular sciences and Boise State alum (bachelor's degree, chemistry, 2025). A first-generation student born in the Philippines, she has lived in Boise since 2016. In Professor Konrad Meister's chemistry lab, she studies bioactive proteins with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

"These proteins are increasingly being used as therapeutics, but the problem is that their function is sensitive to the conditions of their environment, including temperature and acidity," Baclig said. "So before we can use these proteins for pharmaceutical applications, we need to first answer the fundamental question of what chemical principles govern their stability."

Beyond therapeutics, understanding what keeps bioactive proteins stable, active and safe could have implications for food science and environmental applications.

Using biophysical tools like spectroscopy, Baclig shines light on these proteins to track their size, structure and molecular interactions in different conditions. She finds this work meaningful because "it sits at the intersection of chemistry, biology and physics" and requires an interdisciplinary approach.

"Additionally, my research allows me to combine my interests across all these fields, even including computer science, which I studied as a minor during undergrad," Baclig said.

For Baclig, this award reflects the impact her professors, mentors and peers have had on her academic journey.

"I would not have gotten this far without their guidance and support," Baclig said. "Aside from giving me the independence to pursue research more fully, I hope to take advantage of this fellowship to give back to my communities - through both mentorship and outreach - and strengthen the wider scientific field, one future scientist at a time."

Baclig presents her research. Photo provided by Baclig

Professor Konrad Meister, Baclig's mentor, celebrated her accomplishment and talent as a scientist.

"I've been so impressed by how naturally she has grown in so many directions, as a researcher, as a leader for undergraduates, and in working with industry partners to make her research matter beyond the lab," Meister said. "She also brings a rare mix of talent, curiosity, humility and sincerity to everything she does. Those qualities will take her far, and I am truly glad to support her and be part of her journey."

When not studying or doing research, Baclig likes to crochet, play video games, sing karaoke and participate in outdoor activities with her boyfriend.

Nathan Sakaguchi

Nathan Sakaguchi on the proud day of commencement with his bachelor's degree in material science and engineering from Washington State University, 2025. Photo provided by Sakaguchi.

Sakaguchi is a doctoral student in materials science and engineering from Bothell, Washington. He researches advanced fuels for nuclear reactors - an opportunity to help bolster the nuclear industry with research that will increase the prevalence and safety of nuclear power in electricity generation without contributing to greenhouse gas pollution.

"My research proposal is focused on improving the properties, performance and safety of uranium nitride fuel by adding small amounts of compounds known as burnable absorbers," Sakaguchi said. "These burnable absorbers will help control and optimize the activity of the fuel when it is being used in a reactor. To complete this research, I will synthesize the uranium nitride, compound it with specific amounts of burnable absorbers, produce test samples and evaluate the samples using a comprehensive suite of analysis techniques."

Professor Brian Jaques, Sakaguchi's mentor, explained the context and critical nature of the research.

"The demand for electricity is drastically increasing year after year, and with the implementation of widespread artificial intelligence, the need to power data centers is exacerbating this need," Jaques said. "Data centers need reliable and continuous sources of electricity with a relatively small footprint, and nuclear power plants - specifically, small modular reactors - are a perfect match. Nathan's research on advanced nuclear fuels aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy's net-zero goals and its mission to enhance the safety, efficiency and sustainability of the next generation of nuclear power plants, including small modular reactors."

Jaques praised Sakaguchi's abilities and passion for the field.

Sakaguchi loves being in nature, especially outdoor and indoor rock climbing, bouldering, hiking, scrambling and whitewater rafting. Photo provided by Sakaguchi.

"Nathan's aptitude for learning, constant strive for improvement, attention to safety, exceptional problem-solving ability and overall performance, coupled with his passion for nuclear materials research, will allow him to excel as a graduate student researcher," Jaques said.

Sakaguchi credited Jaques' guidance, advice and expertise as critical to the success of his award.

When he steps away from the classroom and research lab, Sakaguchi enjoys nature with family and friends through outdoor and indoor rock climbing, bouldering, hiking, scrambling and whitewater rafting.

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