Sumit Kumar Receives 2026 STLE Scholarship

Sumit Kumar, a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) has received a scholarship from the Philadelphia Section of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE). The scholarship recognizes promising research that is driving next-generation lubrication technologies.

Kumar’s research aims to advance the fundamental understanding of the tribological and rheological behavior of mucus. This includes characterizing natural mucins as well as chemically tunable synthetic analogs designed to uniquely replicate structural features, which have numerous healthcare applications like cystic fibrosis and dry eye disease.

With the scholarship, Kumar plans to use it to help advance his research and characterize a wider range of chemically tunable biomimetic biomaterials designed for lower wear, higher lubrication and other major tribological challenges.

Kumar is a member of the Carpick Research Group, and is advised by Robert Carpick, John Henry Towne Professor in MEAM.