K-State students explore new opportunities through the Developing Scholars Program

Twenty-four Kansas State University students will gain hands-on research experience alongside faculty experts in their fields as the newest cohort of the university's Developing Scholars Program.

The program, hosted by Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research and now in its 27^th year, has increased access and broadened participation in undergraduate research for K-State students. Scholars in the program receive academic, social and financial support while becoming immersed in the university's intellectual environment.

Noah Sharp, a computer engineering major and Air Force veteran, is one of the newest members of the program.

“As a first-gen student, I was nervous to go back to school after four years in the Air Force, but the Developing Scholars Program helped connect me to a research mentor. This allowed me to get more integrated into K-State as a whole and helped me learn more about embedded systems and undergraduate research."

Scholars are eligible to continue in the program for up to three years, creating a vibrant community of students and mentors from many disciplines across the university.

“Being in the Developing Scholars Program gave me valuable research experience and helped me secure a summer internship with Phillips 66 that led to a full-time position following graduation as a Refining Engineer in Borger, Texas,” said Bryant Tamayo, a K-State student in his third year of the program. “The mentorship and support of the DSP community have been a formative part of my K-State experience.”

Susan Rensing, associate director of scholar development and undergraduate research and program director, said the incoming 24 students will continue the Developing Scholars Program's legacy of providing students with a best-practice model for student success.

"I am honored to support this year's cohort as they launch their research journeys," Rensing said. "Under the guidance of their mentors, this cohort will be at the forefront of new breakthroughs in topics like nuclear engineering, resilient infrastructure, health policy analysis and veterinary practice."

The new program participants were chosen from a highly competitive pool of candidates. The following 24 students are in the 2026-2027 Developing Scholars Program cohort:

Ciara Aruk Bissong, sophomore in psychology, pre-med, Lenexa; Katelyn Aune, junior in anthropology and political science, Andover; Cade Cameron, senior in computer science and math, Manhattan; Gustavo Cobian, sophomore in mechanical engineering, Dodge City; Daniel Franco, junior in mechanical engineering, Holcomb; Roman Hay, sophomore, human development and family science, pre-medicine, Wamego; Luana Hipolito, junior in nutrition and health, pre-medicine, Overland Park; Brielle Jefferson, freshman in psychology, Overland Park; Blayke Locke, senior in chemistry, pre-medicine, Augusta; Damien Loewen, junior in mechanical engineering, Montezuma; Laura Love, senior in animal science and industry, pre-vet, Sublette; Liam Miller, junior in mechanical engineering, Garden City; Wyatt Nord, junior in environmental science and geography, Overland Park; Zoe Rojas, sophomore in nuclear engineering and mechanical engineering, Dodge City; Noah Sharp, sophomore in computer engineering, Lenexa; Kerston Sipes, senior in educational studies, Haysville; Osvaldo Tellez, sophomore in biology, pre-medicine, Dodge City; Anthony Valdez, sophomore in electrical engineering, Overland Park; Vanessa Zaila, junior in chemical engineering, Manhattan.

From out of state: Ravindu Hansaja Lewkebandara, freshman in microbiology, Mudungoda, Sri Lanka; Kendall Hansen, junior in political science, pre-law, Elkhorn, Nebraska; Trinity Holland, sophomore in animal science and industry, pre-vet, Smithville, Missouri; Esther Komolafe, junior in environmental design, Ipaja, Nigeria; Pamela Ngankem Ngankem, senior in cybersecurity and computer science, Dschang, Cameroon.

Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research is in the Staley School of Leadership, which develops bold, curious and connected learners to address the world's most complex challenges. The school also includes undergraduate and graduate leadership studies academic programs, leadership and service cocurricular programs, Applied Learning Experiences and the University Honors Program.