Group
Doctoral Students
Ayomide Afolabi
Ayomide Afolabi is a doctoral student in the Department of Data Science and Analytics at Kennesaw State University. Before starting his doctoral studies, Ayomide earned master's degrees in Data Science and Industrial Engineering from Auburn University, Alabama, showcasing a strong foundation in both fields. Currently, Ayomide's research is on cooperative control of connected automated vehicles in mixed traffic, leveraging the power of reinforcement learning to pioneer innovative solutions for future transportation challenges.
Duleep Rathgamage Don
Duleep Rathgamage Don is a Ph.D. student in the School of Data Science and Analytics at Kennesaw State University. Before coming to the Ph.D. program, Duleep was a Graduate Student at Georgia Southern University and the University of Wyoming. He earned his MS in Mathematics with a concentration in computational mathematics from Georgia Southern University. Duleep’s current research is focused on network clustering for estimating the macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) and developing machine learning methods for dynamic traffic modeling in urban regions.
Faysal Chowdhoury
Faysal Chowdhoury is pursuing a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering and currently working as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Smart Transportation Systems lab at the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Kennesaw State University under the supervision of Dr. Mahyar Amirgholy. Prior to joining Kennesaw State University, Faysal worked as a design engineer in the industry and as a lecturer in engineering schools. He has a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a Dean's Honor Award from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh. Faysal's primary research focus is on a hybrid modeling approach that utilizes machine learning techniques to analyze the broader implications of energy dynamics and environmental consequences in the context of transportation electrification and charging infrastructure.
Master's Students
Fushata Andani Mohammed
Fushata Andani Mohammed is a graduate student at the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Kennesaw State University. Fushata is pursuing her Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Transportation Systems. Focused on the intricacies of signal-free urban networks, her research primarily delves into the collaborative control of connected automated vehicles, with an emphasis on extending battery life for sustainable city mobility. Passionate about sustainable urban transportation, Fushata aims to revolutionize the way we perceive and utilize modern transportation systems.
Maheswari Rachamanti 
Maheswari Rachamanti is currently pursuing a Master's in Data Science and Analytics at Kennesaw State University. She began her professional journey as an ETL Developer and Data Analyst at Cognizant, where she gained over 3.5 years of hands-on experience working with Informatica PowerCenter, IICS, Snowflake, Oracle SQL, Unix Scripting, Tidal Scheduler, and Control-M. With a strong foundation in data integration, transformation, and automation, Maheswari has successfully contributed to multiple data-driven projects, optimizing workflows and ensuring seamless data pipeline operations. Her expertise lies in designing efficient ETL processes, managing large-scale data environments, and leveraging cloud-based data solutions. Currently, she is actively involved in developing an interactive modeling tool for analyzing energy consumption and emissions at the regional level.
Pradyumna Kumar
Pradyumna Kumar is a Master’s student in the Computer Science program at Kennesaw State University. He began his career as a Data Science Intern at MuSigma and later worked as a Data Scientist - II at BetterPlace, a startup based in Bengaluru, India. With nearly four years of professional experience, Pradyumna has production-level expertise in developing end-to-end data science solutions. His research interests lie in machine vision, natural language processing (NLP), and big data technologies. Currently, he is a Graduate Student Assistant at Futra Lab, contributing to the Atlanta Energy and Emission Modeling and Analysis Tool project. His role involves backend development, data visualizations, and building machine learning models to enhance data-driven insights.
Sai Nikhila Kanigiri
Sai Nikhila Kanigiri is pursuing a Master's in Computer Science at Kennesaw State University. She kicked off her career as an Associate Software Engineer at Robert Bosch Engineering, specializing in Airbag Systems. With almost 32 months of experience at Bosch, Sai Nikhila made the leap to Verizon, where she embraced a billing modernization project. Currently, Sai Nikhila is a Research Assistant in Dr. Mahyar Amirgholy's group, focusing on developing an interactive tool for estimating energy consumption and air pollutant emissions of electric and fuel-based vehicles and power plants under various EV adoption and charging infrastructure development scenarios. Her role involves coordinating the backend development by integrating EPA MOVES with the core model and creating the frontend interface of NEIMAT.
Swetha Kakaraparthi
Swetha Kakaraparthi is pursuing a Master's in Information Technology at Kennesaw State University. She began her career as a Java Developer and Cybersecurity Analyst at Wipro, where she gained over two years of experience specializing in Java 8, Spring Boot, React, and Oracle SQL. Swetha is currently a Graduate Research Assistant at Futra Lab, assisting in developing an interactive interface for an integrated machine learning model that enables analyzing vehicle fuel consumption and emission, as well as electricity consumption from EV charging and the resulting increase in grid emissions. Swetha’s work is focused on developing the front-end and back-end models while ensuring seamless API communication. Swetha's academic and professional experiences showcase her passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems in sustainability and innovation.
Undergraduate Scholars
Chrisley Licona-Hernandez
Chrisley Licona-Hernandez is a student at Kennesaw State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering. Her design and Media specialist TCC from Atlanta Technical has given her a different perspective to engineering. She participates in the undergraduate research project National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program: Estimating the Energy Consumption and Air Pollutant Emissions from the Power Plants with Dr. Amirgholy. She has also been accepted to a study abroad course, Earth Science and Culture of Japan, enriching her understanding of her major by experiencing it outside of America firsthand. She is driven to play her part in creating a sustainable future.
Damian Martinez Gonzalez 
Damian Martinez Gonzalez is an Honors student at Kennesaw State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He contributes to the Atlanta Energy and Emission Modeling and Analysis Tool (AEEMAT) research project under the guidance of Dr. Amirgholy, applying machine learning techniques to predict emissions from vehicles and power plants. Balancing a demanding schedule of academics, work, and research, he demonstrates strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a passion for sustainability. Damian is committed to searching for practical, efficient solutions for real-world challenges and aims to shape a future driven by sustainable engineering and innovation
David Garcia-Ramos
David Garcia-Ramos is an undergraduate scholar at Kennesaw State University, currently immersed in the world of Civil and Environmental Engineering. With a keen interest in cutting-edge technologies, his research is dedicated to advancing the use of artificial intelligence in illuminating short tunnels. Looking ahead, David is set to embark on a compelling academic journey at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he will pursue a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, complemented by a minor in Computational Data Analysis.
Kayden Powell
Kayden Powell is a Civil Engineering student at Kennesaw State University who grew up in Dahlonega, Georgia. She graduated from Lumpkin County High School in May 2023. Kayden is now excited to be part of the "National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program" research project. She believes that it will help her develop valuable research skills and enhance our understanding of the impact of electric vehicles. Kayden is passionate about transportation and renewable energy, and she is thrilled to be contributing to research in this field.
Maryflelona Wagner
Maryflelona Wagner is an undergraduate research assistant passionate about digital interface design, digital well-being, and technology for social good. She is currently contributing to the development of an intuitive and user-friendly interactive interface for the Atlanta Energy and Emission Modeling and Analysis Tool (AEEMAT), ensuring accessibility for researchers, policymakers, and urban planners. With a keen interest in human-centered design, she focuses on creating digital experiences that enhance user engagement and promote sustainable decision-making in energy and emissions analysis.
Nevaeh Branham
Nevaeh Branham is a third-year Information Technology student at Kennesaw State University, concentrating in Cyber Operations. She has a strong interest in projects that focus on sustainability and improving her community through technology. Currently, she is assisting in the development of a user interface for the Atlanta Energy and Emission Modeling and Analysis Tool (AEEMAT), contributing her skills to enhance data visualization and accessibility. Passionate about cybersecurity, Nevaeh aims to apply her technical expertise to drive innovation in the technology sector. She is eager to expand her knowledge and make a meaningful impact by integrating cybersecurity with sustainable and community-focused initiatives.
Sahil Mainesh
Sahil Mainesh Patel is an Honors student at Kennesaw State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He is passionate about designing systems that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. He participates in a research project called the Atlanta Energy and Emission Modeling and Analysis Tool (AEEMAT), where he investigates how electric vehicles and their charging networks impact the environment. His research focuses on analyzing energy consumption, predicting future pollution rates, and assessing the broader benefits of adopting electric vehicles. Through this experience, he has developed essential teamwork skills, creativity in problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of advanced engineering principles. Sahil aims to use his engineering knowledge to develop smarter, sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and society.
Shanice N'Guessan
Shanice N'Guessan is a third-year Environmental Engineering student at Kennesaw State University with a strong interest in sustainable transportation and data-driven solutions. She joined Futra Lab in January 2025. Her research focuses on leveraging machine learning to enhance smart transportation systems. Currently, Shanice is contributing to the development of the Atlanta Energy and Emission Modeling and Analysis Tool (AEEMAT), assisting in its implementation to support more efficient and sustainable urban mobility.
