Engineering alumnus chosen for prestigious NSF Graduate Fellowship Program

Joshua Murray’s passion for studying alternative fuel and energy resources goes beyond his budding career as an engineer and his undergrad experience at Campbell University’s School of Engineering. 

Murray, now a grad student working toward his PhD at Clemson University, dreamt of doing this kind of work — important work that could have a real impact on the planet he calls home — back in high school. 

“My passion for transportation goes way back,” says Murray. “I’ve always loved cars, and I always knew this is what I wanted to do. When I got to Campbell, I got to learn real engineering. I immersed myself in studying subjects like thermodynamics that are critical for understanding engines. It’s why I’m here today.”

Photos courtesy of Joshua Murray

Where Murray is today isn’t easy to achieve. This spring, he was chosen for the National Science Foundation’s prestigious Graduate Fellowship Program, created by “broaden participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM.” The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support, inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000. 

To achieve the fellowship, Murray had to submit a research plan proposal. His topic, of course, was renewable fuels, specifically alternatives like dimethyl ether, a synthetically produced alternative to diesel for specially designed diesel engines (and a fuel Murray says is a “really promising solution for carbon neutrality). 

“It allows us to take advantage of the short carbon cycle that adds no new carbon dioxide to the atmosphere,” he says, “and it produces absolutely no soot emissions, which are some of the worst emissions for human respiratory health.”

His proposal has renewable fuel entering the light duty vehicle market, rather than for big truck or tractor engines. 

“I feel like the U.S. is pushing electric vehicles, but customers aren’t really sold on them yet,” he says. “EVs have their own set of problems, and in my opinion, it’s not a mature enough tech to take over the market. Why not instead use our 150 years of engine knowledge — combined with what we’re learning about renewable fuels — and focus there. I’m a big fan of hybridization. Smaller, better batteries combined with renewable fuel, and I think that’s the car of the future.” 

Murray’s think-big approach to engineering isn’t new. While a student at Campbell in 2021, he was part of an international team responsible for the pandemic-inspired “Chatterbox” idea — an engineered portable, sound-proof mask that not only blocked out surrounding sound while working remotely, but also contained the speaker’s voice so he or she didn’t distract others. Their design was one of three prize winners in a global student competition called Innovate for Sustainability,” organized by Dassault Systémes. 

Dr. Jenna Carpenter, founding dean of Campbell’s School of Engineering and Murray’s mentor during his time at Campbell, said she and the entire student body and faculty of the school are proud of Murray’s achievement. 

“The NSF Graduate Fellowship Program is very competitive and securing a fellowship is therefore very prestigious,” she said. “We are so pleased to have been able to provide mentoring to assist him in preparing his application.”