Matt Bonvissuto, a junior physics major at Kennesaw State University, was awarded the top prize at the Birla Carbon Scholars Symposium on August 26. The annual event marks the completion of a summer research program that allows students to conduct sponsored projects under faculty guidance.
Bonvissuto’s project focused on using satellite data to measure the light emitted by stars with orbiting exoplanets. Working with David Joffe, associate professor of physics, Bonvissuto studied limb-darkening coefficients—parameters describing how the intensity of light changes from the center to the edge of a star as observed from Earth’s solar system. According to Bonvissuto, “From analyzing NASA data using Python-based software, we measure parameters that allow us to map out the brightness of stars depending on which portion of the star’s surface you are looking at. This project has been really exciting. Astronomy and astrophysics have been a passion of mine since a young age, and it’s surreal to be able to work on this stuff. It’s truly an honor to receive this award.”
The symposium is now in its twelfth year and is part of Kennesaw State’s efforts to provide research opportunities for students in science fields. Melanie Griffin, interim associate dean of faculty affairs and operation and associate professor of biology at KSU, said: “Providing these types of research opportunities is a high priority at Kennesaw State University and in the College of Science and Mathematics. Participation in undergraduate research gives our students the valuable experience needed to succeed, and these discovery opportunities help students integrate learning, expand their understanding of the sciences, and develop their professional identity over their time here at KSU.”
Birla Carbon Americas’ human resources head Terence Norman praised participants for their achievements: “The scholars clearly pushed themselves to achieve higher standards while conducting their summer research. The advanced level is unfathomable when realizing they have not yet completed their bachelor’s degrees.”
Since 2014, funding from Birla Carbon has enabled 117 students from KSU’s College of Science and Mathematics to participate in undergraduate research through this program.
This year also saw Birla Carbon announce an internship program for up to 12 KSU students beginning in 2026 through a university in India; successful applicants will receive mentorship from both Birla Carbon scientists and university faculty.
Each scholar received a $4,500 stipend for participation in this year’s program. As top prize winner, Bonvissuto was also awarded $2,000 in travel funds intended for presenting her work at scientific conferences.
Birla Carbon is recognized as one of the world’s largest producers and suppliers of carbon black additives used across various industries including tires, plastics, paints, and electronics. It operates technology laboratories both locally in Marietta as well as internationally.
