Peyton Kullmann of Dresher, Pennsylvania, a first-year doctoral student in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, recently accepted a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. Her research focuses on the mechanical design of medical devices, rehabilitation technology and robotics.
The Graduate Research Fellowship Program aims to help ensure the quality, vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding students pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM education.
The fellowship provides three years of support over five years for graduate students who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. For each year of support, NSF provides a $37,000 stipend and $16,000 cost of education allowance.
Kullmann is Nebraska’s most recent recipient, joining two other graduating seniors and an alumna this year. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in May, graduating as a Chancellor’s Scholar with a 4.0 grade-point average.
As a student researcher in the Applied Mechanisms and Design Lab, under the guidance of Carl Nelson, professor of mechanical and materials engineering, Kullmann worked on the redesign of a surgical stapler used for minimally invasive colorectal resection. The 2024-25 research was part of the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences program at Nebraska.
Kullmann credited early involvement in research and supportive mentorship with helping build momentum toward her goals, which include a future career in soft robotic systems for rehabilitation and surgical applications.
Participating in hands-on work to solve real-life challenges was exciting, Kullmann said, inspiring her to pursue graduate study and the NSF fellowship. She said she especially valued brainstorming sessions with faculty and lab-mates, which brought their research from theory to practical implementation.
“I loved this collaborative process, because there was never a single ‘right’ answer, but instead many different unique concepts to consider and explore,” she said.
With the support of Nelson’s team, Kullmann published conference papers during her junior and senior years. She also presented her UCARE project at Student Research Days this spring.
Kullmann further developed teamwork and leadership skills through involvement in the Biomedical Engineering Society and the Salt Company campus ministry. Her strengths in problem-solving, collaboration and communication have laid the foundation for success in creating devices that can transform lives. Kullmann said she is “especially passionate about pediatric care, where these technologies can help restore mobility and independence for children.”
Applications for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship are currently open and due between Nov. 10-14, depending on the applicant’s field of study.
At Nebraska, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships advises and nominates undergraduate candidates for 30 supported scholarships and fellowships. Graduate student applicants are supported by advisers and graduate chairs in the academic departments. To learn more, contact Courtney Santos, director of undergraduate research and fellowships, at courtney.santos@unl.edu.
