A Record of Research: How Early Research Opportunities Shaped UCO Student's Future
June 11, 2026
The University of Central Oklahoma highlights transformative learning as a cornerstone of the Central experience. In practice, transformative learning connects students with hands-on opportunities that move classroom concepts into real-world applications.
For Alex Matsayko, a spring 2026 mechanical engineering graduate from Midwest City, Oklahoma, those opportunities helped him discover a passion for research and provided the chance to present his work at the prestigious National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).
What makes Matsayko's journey unique is that an opportunity many students experience only once became a defining part of all four years of his college career—setting a UCO record for the most presentations at the conference and placing him among a select group of students nationwide to achieve the milestone.
Matsayko did not come to UCO with research in mind. Instead, he was drawn to UCO's smaller class sizes and faculty members focused on student learning.
During Matsayko's freshman year, an unexpected opportunity changed the course of his academic journey. Faculty members recommended Matsayko for an opportunity to join a research project under Mohammad Hossan, Ph.D., professor and interim director of the UCO School of Engineering, because of his strong work ethic and commitment to the field.
“I met with Dr. Hossan the following week, and he showed me around the lab to see if I was interested in the research," Matsayko said.
"I fell in love with the project and, since then, have spent much of my free time in the lab helping further the research."
Matsayko’s research focuses on improving treatment options for brain aneurysms using a specialized medical device, a flow-diverting stent. Traditional stents, made of permanent metal, can shift over time. His work explores an alternative made from polycaprolactone, an FDA-approved, bioresorbable polymer that safely dissolves in the body after supporting the healing process.
The goal is to provide temporary structural support, allowing the body to heal before the device gradually disappears, reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with permanent implants.
For undergraduate student researchers, the opportunity to present at a national conference, even once, is significant, offering valuable experience, recognition and connections with peers.
“The National Conference on Undergraduate Research allowed me to discuss my work with professionals in similar areas of expertise and gain new insight by attending other presentations,” Matsayko said.
“With universities, employers and research professionals all in one place, NCUR offers an incredible environment for students to grow academically and professionally.”
While Matsayko’s experience may be unique, the opportunity itself is not uncommon at Central. While many universities reserve research projects for graduate students or upperclassmen, UCO is committed to providing these opportunities at the earliest stages of the academic experience.
Even with that access, acceptance to present at NCUR is not an easy accomplishment. As one of the largest undergraduate research conferences in the world, the conference features a highly competitive, blind review of submitted abstracts, making Matsayko's four-time acceptance even more impressive.
“For most students, it can take time to find the right research project and to present at NCUR, which is why many submit abstracts as juniors or seniors," said Michael Springer, Ph.D., director of UCO's Office of High-Impact Practices.
"Alex found his footing early and was accepted to NCUR four years in a row—a rare accomplishment made possible by his hard work and skilled UCO mentors who guided him. I am proud of what he has achieved.”
Now that his time at Central has come to a close, Matsayko plans to continue this path and pursue a doctorate in materials science, with aspirations to work at a national laboratory.
The transformative learning experiences Matsayko found at UCO helped turn curiosity into opportunity, demonstrating how hands-on learning can shape a student's future long after graduation.
For more information about the University of Central Oklahoma, visit uco.edu.
To read the research, visit PubMed Central.
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Cutline: Alex Matsayko, a spring 2026 mechanical engineering graduate from Midwest City, Oklahoma, presented his research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) for the fourth time, setting a University of Central Oklahoma record for the most presentations at the conference. Matsayko is pictured at NCUR.
