Capitol Graduate Research Summit

The Capitol Graduate Research Summit (CGRS) is an annual showcase of research conducted by graduate students from Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas, the University of Kansas Medical Center, and Wichita State University. Participants share their research posters with state legislators and the public. Outstanding presentations are selected for award presented by the participating institutions and BioKansas.

2026 CGRS award winners

These students were selected for awards for their outstanding research poster presentations at the 23rd annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit, held on March 24, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Topeka.

Mia Reyes Master’s student in Agricultural Education and Communication

Nayara Moto Miranda Soares Doctoral candidate in Grain Science

K-State Presenters

The following graduate students were selected to represent K-State in the 23rd annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit on their presentations at the annual Research and the State poster forum held in October 2025.

Mohsen Davoudkhani
PhD in psychology
Odor identification and blood-based markers reveal early signs of mild cognitive impairmen

Vydehi Gadiparthi
Master's in agronomy
Soil health dynamics under grazed pastures and no-till management

Kelechi Igwe
PhD in biological and agricultural engineering
Closing the water budget gap: leveraging satellite-based insights for accurate irrigation water use estimation across the western U.S.

Asmita Mahara
PhD student in biological and agricultural engineering
The ultimate future of wastewater treatment: harnessing nature’s remedy to tackle the untreatable

Vidya Nadar
PhD candidate in chemistry
Small molecules, big impact: building the next generation of cancer and antibiotic drugs

Mia Reyes
Master’s student in agricultural education and communication
Growing pains: the entrepreneurial journey of Kansas agritourism operators

Nayara Mota Miranda Soares
PhD student in grain science
Effects of graded levels of red sorghum bran on processing parameters and palatability in dry dog food

Md Suzauddula
PhD student in food, nutrition, dietetics and health
Bioengineered purple tomato-derived anthocyanins reduce colorectal cancer progression

Bailey Walke
Master's student in mechanical engineering
Ceramix matrix composites with aerospace applications

Amy Winstead
Master’s student in biology
Soil and grass quality are impacted by fire and grazing