Khushar Javed, M.S. (M.S.’20), has received VCU’s 2020-21 Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award.

The university’s Office of Graduate Studies presents one award annually in each of four groups of academic disciplines. Javed’s thesis received the award for physical sciences, mathematics and engineering.

Her adviser and thesis director is Ravi Hadimani, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering.

Javed investigated a promising material for magnetic cooling mechanisms. Magnetic cooling is an efficient, environmentally friendly method because it uses magnetization and demagnetization — instead of voltage and gasses — to produce the cooling effect.

The main focus of her research is a compound whose magnetic properties change depending on whether it is stored in air or water. Her study offers a detailed study of the behavior of the material in both storage conditions. It also presents a novel, patent-pending magnetocaloric heat exchange device based on her research findings.

"Khushar is one of the most enthusiastic and energetic students I have come across,” Hadimani said. “She has completed her master's degree in two years with a very good GPA. In this time, she also published two peer-reviewed papers and two conference proceedings — all while working full time. She was regularly in our laboratories over the weekends. I am sure she will do very well in any career she chooses."