College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

 

Ceyda Kara, a freshman in chemical engineering, has received the Wentz Research Award for the 2025-2026 academic year, allowing her to embark on undergraduate research.  

 

Funded by the Lew Wentz Foundation and Oklahoma State University, the award provides undergraduates the opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member in any field of study. 

 

Kara will work with Dr. Yu Feng, an associate professor in the School of Chemical Engineering, whose expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and lung aerosol dynamics sparked her interest, as she knew early on that she wanted to get involved in medical research. 

 

“My first project was on tracheal stenosis—I used CFD to model airflow in the airway and see how different surgical plans affected things like pressure drop and wall shear stress,” Kara said. “Once I submitted my final paper, I realized how much I enjoyed the process of figuring things out step by step and being able to visualize what was happening inside the body.” 

 

Kara aims to advance her research on tracheal geometry and its impact on drug delivery in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.  

 

“I’m excited to keep building on what I’ve learned and apply CFD to problems that really matter in medicine,” Kara said. “Research has genuinely shaped how I think and how I see the world.”  

 

Looking ahead, Kara plans to continue her research throughout her undergraduate years to gain hands-on experience. She aspires to pursue an MD-PhD and credits Feng for his support as a professor and mentor.  

 

“Dr. Feng has been an incredible mentor throughout this whole process,” Kara said. “He’s honestly one of the best professors I’ve ever had – always supportive, patient and genuinely excited about helping students grow.” 

 

The Wentz Research Scholar award not only allows undergraduates the opportunity to start exploring the field of research, but it also provides community.  

 

“Research can seem so foreign at first, but once you’re in it, you start to see how everything connects,” Kara said. “You realize that all the progress we see in medicine, technology, and society as a whole comes from people who were once in the exact same spot, just students who were curious and decided to try.” 

 

Kara's journey exemplifies the transformative power of undergraduate research, highlighting the importance of mentorship and knowledge. As she continues to explore the frontiers of medical research, her story serves as an inspiration to fellow students. 

 

“My advice is to force yourself to take that first step, even if you have no idea what you're doing or feel like you’re not ready,” Kara said. “You don’t have to have all the answers, you just have to be willing to learn and keep going.”