The University of Missouri–Kansas City has announced the winners of its highest graduate research honors: the UMKC Outstanding Dissertation Award and Distinguished Thesis Award.

This year’s Outstanding Dissertation Award was presented to Md. Reaid Hasan (CIPh.D. '25), who earned his Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry. The Distinguished Thesis Award was presented to Emily Trapani (M.M. '25), who completed her Master of Music in Musicology.

Christine Getz, Ph.D., dean of the School of Graduate Studies, said the scholars in this year’s competition exemplified the innovation, curiosity and impact that define graduate research at UMKC.

“Research and creative work are essential to advancing scientific discovery and enriching society,” Getz said. “We are proud to celebrate Reaid and Emily for their extraordinary accomplishments and the meaningful impact their work has had in their disciplines and on the community.”

Hasan’s award-winning dissertation could transform how vaccines and therapeutics are administered and dramatically reduce waste. He developed a biodegradable microneedle to deliver vaccines that reduces pain and eliminates hazardous sharp waste.

A key breakthrough in Hasan’s research is his team’s development of an emulsion-based, light-curable formulation that significantly increases drug loading while allowing microneedles to be formed quickly using visible light rather than harmful UV exposure. Hasan said the microneedle patch also could reduce reliance on cold-chain storage, enabling vaccines to remain stable at room temperature and expanding access in areas without advanced infrastructure. In addition to improving efficiency, Hasan’s innovation could also open the door to broader applications to reduce UV exposure, from curing dental fillings to curing nail polish.

Another key benefit is reducing waste. Rather than a single-use needle being discarded into a landfill, Hasan’s microneedle degrades into the skin.

Hasan credits his advisor, Kun Cheng, Ph.D, Sperry Family Fund endowed chair in geriatric pharmaceutical research and Curators' Distinguished Professor, with guiding him toward the right questions and supporting him throughout his research.

“He is a really inspiring person,” Hasan said. “Looking at him pushed me a lot to achieve.”

While his invention has been proven with a model, the next step will be testing with a live vaccine and examining any potential byproducts of the microneedle. Hasan’s dissertation will be nominated for this year’s Distinguished Dissertation Award, a national competition sponsored by the Council of Graduate Schools and ProQuest.

Trapani’s master’s thesis explores how artists and organizations create meaningful connections in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape. Motivated by a curiosity of how she could turn her passion into a career, Trapani examined three nonprofit arts organizations that have successfully adapted over time while remaining grounded in their values.

Her research highlights how these groups integrate artistic practice with purpose-driven programming, demonstrating that contemporary music can serve as both an aesthetic experience and a powerful tool for connection.

Drawing on case studies ranging from nationally recognized ensembles to Kansas City’s own No Divide KC, Trapani found successful organizations share a commitment to accessibility, inclusivity and community engagement. Through innovative programming such as festivals, collaborative performances and interdisciplinary events, these groups break down barriers between artists and audiences, inviting participation and dialogue.

Trapani even had the opportunity to put her findings into action at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. With the support of her advisor AWith the support of her advisor Andrew Granade, Ph.D., associate dean of academic and faculty affairs and professor of musicology, Trapani curated and produced a multimedia performance that invited audiences to move through gallery spaces as music unfolded alongside visual art. The program featured works by 21st-century female composers paired with contemporary artwork, allowing audiences to engage with the performance from multiple perspectives and even encounter it unexpectedly as they moved through the museum.

“That felt like kind of my first chance to curate something that was rooted in something that’s really important to me,” Trapani said. “There were some really meaningful conversations that I got to have with people in and after the performance.”

Trapani is currently pursuing her Doctor of Music at Michigan State University and is continuing her work, developing a performance in collaboration with the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.