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.
23rd annual CGRS
March 24, 2026
State Capitol Building, Topeka
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.
Amy Winstead
Master’s in biology
Soil and grass quality are impacted by fire and grazing
Asmita Mahara
PhD in biological and agricultural engineering
The ultimate future of wastewater treatment: harnessing nature’s remedy to tackle the untreatable
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.
Md Suzauddula
PhD in food, nutrition, dietetics and health
Bioengineered purple tomato-derived anthocyanins reduce colorectal cancer progression
Mia Reyes
Master’s in agricultural education and communication
Growing pains: the entrepreneurial journey of Kansas agritourism operators
Mohsen Davoudkhani
PhD in psychology
Odor identification and blood-based markers reveal early signs of mild cognitive impairment
Nayara Mota Miranda Soares
PhD in grain science
Effects of graded levels of red sorghum bran on processing parameters and palatability in dry dog food
Vidya Nada
PhD in chemistry
Small molecules, big impact: building the next generation of cancer and antibiotic drugs
Vydehi Gadiparthi
Master's in agronomy
Beneath the surface: how farming practices influence soil health and microbial life