Missouri S&T
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Kummer College

of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development

Newsletter

  

Dear alumni, students, faculty and staff:

Innovation crossroads in Kummer College

This month, as we celebrate the graduation of students from all three departments and their transition into careers, we highlight the powerful synergy of business, science and engineering — the foundation of creative advancement. Recent faculty and student achievements showcase this powerful convergence.

The partnership between Solvus Global and the Missouri Protoplex exemplifies how business acumen strategically aligns with advanced manufacturing research and engineering capabilities to drive technological adoption and economic growth.

The development of AI software at Missouri S&T to improve kidney transplant organ procurement showcases the application of sophisticated data science and engineering principles to address a critical health care need. 

Professor Mahelet Fikru's research on public perception of critical minerals highlights the essential role of social science in understanding and navigating the societal and economic landscapes that influence the feasibility and adoption of crucial technologies for energy transition — a nexus of science, engineering and policy (a key aspect of business strategy).

Finally, the journey of S&T alumnus Duncan Bannon underscores the value of an engineering management education. This interdisciplinary approach blends engineering expertise with strategic thinking, preparing graduates to turn innovation into real-world impact across industries.

The synergy of business, science and engineering is not just a collaboration — it's the fundamental engine of progress. Best wishes and congratulations to our graduates!


Sincerely,

Signed James D. Sterling

Jim Sterling, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Dean

Kummer College of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development 

Jim Sterling, Vice Provost and Dean.
 
 

News from the Kummer College

Sean Kelly, co-founder and COO at Solvus Global; Diran Apelian, co-founder and chair at Solvus Global; Aaron Birt, co-founder and CEO at Solvus Global; and Richard Billo, director of Center for Advanced Manufacuring and the Missouri Protoplex.

Missouri Protoplex partners with Solvus Global 

Solvus Global, a leader in advanced manufacturing headquartered in Massachusetts, has become the first major company to partner with the Missouri Protoplex at Missouri S&T. 

Keep reading
Dr. Cihan Dagli.

Researcher’s AI kidney allocation software gains traction 

Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for kidney transplants, yet a large number of kidneys never reach a recipient. Researchers from Missouri S&T are improving that with artificial intelligence. 

Keep reading
Tucker Morris and Blaise Beauchamp. From left, back row: Michael Onunkwor, Jack Zarr, Ryan Sroka and Adam Rickman.

From basketball court to CEO: S&T Miners build their future 

Clothing brand founder. Sports marketer. Financial advisor. Entrepreneur. CEO. These are just a few future titles for several members of the Missouri S&T’s men’s basketball team.  

Keep reading
Sreeja Koppera and Dr. Mahelet Fikru working in Harris Hall.

Powering the future: America’s perception on critical minerals

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and copper are essential for an energy transition away from fossil fuels — but America’s perception of their importance isn’t fully understood, which can slow progress.  

Keep reading
Duncan Bannon.

Engineering meets business: S&T alumnus lands ideal career 

Duncan Bannon always had a business-oriented mindset, and sought a career with a mix of business and STEM. A tour of the Missouri S&T campus sealed the deal as he saw the Engineering Management Building. Then it clicked: that was the next step in his path to success.  He graduated last year with a degree in engineering management and now works as a sales engineer at Timken.

Keep reading
 
 

Noteworthy accomplishments 

Congratulations to Dr. Cihan Dagli, professor of engineering management and systems engineering, for being recognized with the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) award at the 2025 CAS conference, hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Dr. Cihan Dagli.
Two high school students pose for a photo during S&T's DECA event.

Congratulations to Business and Information Technology for successfully hosting the DECA district 5 competition in February. Over 300 students from 12 Missouri high schools visited campus to participate in judged events and poster presentations related to marketing, finance, entrepreneurship and management.

Congratulations to Dr. Amaury Lendasse, chair of engineering management and systems engineering, for achieving an h-index of 50. This accomplishment reflects the wide-reaching impact and influence of Lendasse’s research within the scientific community.

Dr. Amaury Lendasse.
 
 

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Have news related to the Kummer College you would like to share? Email Kaitlin Brothers at kmb8c7@mst.edu. 

Kummer College of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri S&T Rolla, MO 65409
573-341-4613
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