By MALORIE SOUGEY
K-State News
MANHATTAN — K-State senior Jeremy Kamman will spend the summer researching computational materials physics in Germany with the support of the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD, through its Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or RISE Germany.
Kamman, senior in physics and international studies with minors in classics and exploration and environmental geophysics, Antioch, Illinois, will conduct research at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany with DAAD RISE mentor Mike Bruckhoff, theoretical physicist at the University of Duisburg-Essen.
"I look forward to expanding my academic horizons while immersing myself in a new culture," said Kamman. "I am grateful to the DAAD RISE Germany program for granting me this opportunity and look forward to meeting my mentor. This summer is sure to fuel both my intellectual and cultural growth, and I am excited for the lifelong connections and mentorships that I will make."
Sara Luly, faculty director of the University Honors Program, said, "This award is a testament to Jeremy's dedication to academics, his intellectual curiosity and his willingness to challenge himself inside and outside the classroom."
At K-State, Kamman conducts research with Loren Greenman, associate professor of physics, for the project "Computational Molecular Dynamics for Thiophenone." Kamman utilizes the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center's supercomputer, Cori, to run quantum calculations on the thiophenone molecule.
Kamman said the goal of his research is to learn more about the process of molecular fragmentation to hopefully be able to predict and control molecular reactions.
"I am extremely grateful to my mentor, Dr. Loren Greenman, who has been pivotal in my development as a physicist throughout my college career," said Kamman. "Without his mentorship and guidance, I would not be where I currently am."
Kamman said he is also thankful for Joanne Bader, who was his first mentor and physics teacher at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Illinois.
"I am sad that she is not able to celebrate this accomplishment with me, but I strive to continue her legacy in my accomplishments and research."
In addition to his research with Greenman, Kamman also works with Eleanor Sayre, professor of physics, and Brandi Lohman, instructor and director of undergraduate labs, on a project analyzing the state of the undergraduate physics community. The goal of the project is to examine the policies currently in place within the physics department and their impacts on the student population to better inform policy creation in the future.
He has served in several leadership roles in student organizations at K-State, including president of the Kansas State University Physics Club, senator for the College of Arts and Sciences in the university's Student Governing Association and president of the Honors House. He is also an Eagle Scout.
Kamman was named the 2023 Senator of the Year by K-State's Student Governing Association. Other recognitions include the James R. Macdonald Scholarship, the Sunflower State Award and the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates grant.
Jeremy Kamman is the son of Sue and Doug Kamman of Antioch, Illinois.