Volya, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Awardee

Nicholas (Nick) Volya is a graduate student in the chemistry program at NC State, having enrolled in 2023. He recently received the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF), which provides three years of financial support as part of a five-year fellowship, with an annual stipend of $37,000. This fellowship is awarded to outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based degrees in STEM fields.

Nick’s research focuses on enhancing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) through Radiofrequency Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (RASER) technology. He addresses challenges in MRI, such as nuclear spin polarization limitations and inefficient signal coupling, by re-engineering the MRI detector cavity and utilizing RASER physics.

Nick’s proposed research is grounded in his experience contributing to several key milestones achieved in the NC State Hyperpolarization Lab. This includes working with team members to develop control parameters for Carbon-13 RASERs, advancing parahydrogen-based hyperpolarization by constructing continuous flow systems for sustained signals and contributing to the foundational science needed to extend this technology toward future MRI applications.

Nick expresses his gratitude to several key contributors to his work. He specifically thanks undergraduate mentees Althaf Salavudeen and Tommaso Riva, as well as the hyperpolarization lab team members: Chris Nelson, Seth Dilday, Brojo Dhali, Rielly Harrison, Megan Pike, Erica Curran, Reagan Womack, Abdul-Rahman Sweilam, Dr. Mustapha Abdulmojeed, Dr. Franziska Theiss, and Dr. Stephen McBride. He also extends special thanks to his mentor, Professor Thomas Theis, an Associate Professor and Goodnight Distinguished Scholar in Molecular Characterization, who serves as the Principal Investigator of the NC State Hyperpolarization Lab.

Nick feels honored by the GRF recognition, which reflects both his efforts and the collaborative work at the NC State Hyperpolarization Lab. He is motivated by the potential impact of his research on clinical applications, aiming to improve diagnoses and treatment accessibility in healthcare.