Kennesaw State University and Birla Carbon have announced the launch of a new global research internship program in India, marking a further step in their partnership that has lasted over 15 years.
Starting in 2026, the Birla Carbon India Study Abroad Program will select up to 12 undergraduate students from KSU’s College of Science and Mathematics for summer internships at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) in Goa, India. The initiative is supported by a $184,000 donation from Birla Carbon. Students will begin their research projects at Kennesaw State during the spring semester before continuing them alongside BITS faculty and students during the summer.
Since 2014, Birla Carbon’s funding has enabled 117 students at KSU to participate in research as Birla Carbon Scholars. This year saw the twelfth group of scholars complete sponsored projects with guidance from university faculty. In addition, 21 graduates from KSU have secured positions at Birla Carbon’s Marietta facility.
“We are now in our 15th year of partnership with Kennesaw State University overall,” said Terence Norman, human resources head for Birla Carbon Americas. “Over the years, we’ve seen phenomenal growth and development opportunities for the students here in the College of Science and Mathematics.”
Kadian Callahan, associate dean for student success and community engagement at KSU’s College of Science and Mathematics, explained that discussions between university faculty and Birla Carbon leadership led to the creation of this study abroad opportunity. “The college’s focus is on providing quality undergraduate research experiences to students, and when Birla Carbon shared that they had locations in India training students, we saw an opportunity to collaborate,” she said.
Callahan also highlighted how the program brings together two significant educational practices: undergraduate research and international study. “They’re learning a lot about the culture and gaining new perspectives on the research,” Callahan said. “It’s new for KSU, and we’re very excited to be able to partner with Birla Carbon to bring this opportunity to our students.”
Bharat Baruah, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at KSU who helped establish connections with BITS Goa, noted that this collaboration could lead to joint publications and longer-term academic partnerships. “Whatever research they start here, they can finish up in India,” Baruah said. “That means they can get a publication out of it with KSU and BITS faculty and students as co-authors.”
Upon returning from India, participating students will present their findings at a symposium hosted by KSU. The university expects that this initiative will create further opportunities for collaboration and enhance its global profile.
“We do this because it’s something we believe in,” Norman added. “Our purpose is created by passion and that leads to inspiration and rejuvenation. It’s about enriching lives, and Kennesaw State gives us an opportunity to do that firsthand.”
