KINGSTON, R.I. – Jan. 05, 2026 – Two former graduate students from the University of Rhode Island were honored at the recent Rhode Island Transportation Forum for their outstanding research contributions. Rakesh Paswan, Ph.D. ’25, received the Best Dissertation Award, sponsored by the Construction Industries of Rhode Island. At the same event, Emma Pensky, M.Sc. ’25, earned the Best Thesis Award, also sponsored by the Construction Industries of Rhode Island.

Rakesh Paswan, Best Dissertation: more resilient concrete in the cold

For Paswan, the recognition was both unexpected and deeply meaningful. He says that it’s a milestone that he’ll carry with him throughout his career. The award validates that his work resonated with the academic community and contributed significantly to the field of transportation materials. Paswan credits his advisor, Sumanta Das, for his mentorship. 

“His guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support were instrumental throughout the research process and played a defining role in shaping both the dissertation and my development as a researcher,” says Paswan.

Paswan’s dissertation was entitled, Enhancing Freeze-Thaw Durability of Cementitious Composites Through Innovative Materials Design. It examines the deterioration of concrete infrastructures in cold climates caused by repeated freezing and thawing that leads to cracking. More importantly, he wanted to explore how Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials can counteract this cycle and enhance resistance to damage.

“Conventional mitigation strategies are largely passive and do not account for the increasingly unpredictable winter temperature observed in recent years,” says Paswan. “This prompted us to explore whether smarter, thermally responsive material systems could provide a more adaptive solution.”

Through his research Paswan found that incorporating phase change materials in cementitious composites offers a promising pathway toward infrastructure that is both thermally adaptive and climate resilient. His work shows that using phase change materials in cement structures opens the door for more durable transportation systems by minimizing crack formations which ultimately extends the lifespan of transportation systems.

For Paswan receiving the award is somewhat of a full-circle moment. He had participated in the forum as a student and calls selection as an award recipient “humbling and energizing.”

Emma Pensky, Best Thesis: a socio-demographic look at EV charging stations

Pensky says winning the award was the result of a lot of hard work. Like Paswan, Pensky was surprised that she won and considers it a great honor. She described it as a validation of her research.

“Winning the Best Thesis Award is one of the biggest honors you can receive,” said Pensky. “To have others acknowledge and value all the work you put in, it was just an overwhelming feeling.”

Her master’s thesis was entitled, Analysis of Charging Station Distribution through Socio-Demographic Factors: A Chicago Case Study. Pensky’s work investigated how socio-economic status and demographic variables, including race, influence the distribution and utilization of electric vehicle charging stations. Pensky’s research focused on Chicago and extended to all of Cook County, Illinois.

“I wanted to focus on electromobility because it’s so important when it comes to renewable energies,” said Pensky. In terms of my thesis I wanted to focus on a topic that is important for the future.”

Among her findings: charging stations are disproportionately located in affluent neighborhoods, while low-income minority areas have fewer stations. Pensky discovered that in wealthier, predominantly white areas, stations experience higher usage and less idle time compared to those in lower-income minority communities, where stations see less use and more idle time. Her work underscores the need for city planners to consider demographic and socio-economic factors when determining station placement.

“They need to focus on factors like community use,” said Pensky. “They also need to ask questions about time of use and placement of charging stations.”

Winning the award, she said, was a full-circle moment—one that affirmed her commitment to research and sustainability.