Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA)

About CURCA:

The College of Arts and Sciences and University College will again present CURCA, an opportunity to showcase and celebrate your research and creative activity. CURCA is part of the Faculty of Arts and Science–Camden’s annual Research Week, which includes a graduate-level research celebration and a Faculty Research Fellow Lecture.

 

2025 CURCA Project Abstracts

Projects are listed in alphabetic order by the last name of the main presenter.

 

Thaha Alam ‘27
Major: Psychology
Minor: Health Sciences Research
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tamara Nelson, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: A National Study of Social Support and Depression among Immigrant Mothers in the United States

The transition to motherhood is a significant life change that involves physical, psychological, and social adjustments. This process may be more challenging for immigrant women because of the acculturation processes, which may involve rigid cultural expectations, inadequate social support, including limited help from extended family, and stress which may be associated with postpartum depression (Pineros-Leano et al., 2023; Yu & Bowers, 2020). Indeed, while postpartum depression affects more than 1 in 8 children and women worldwide (CDC, 2018), this mental health condition might be higher among immigrant women in the United States. For example, researchers have found that immigrant women are susceptible to the risk of developing depression because of the unique challenges experienced when entering and integrating into a new country and culture (Alhasanat-Khalil et al., 2018). However, a lack of social support is a predictor of depression (Pao et al., 2020). Despite the growing number of immigrants in the U.S. less is understood about the role of social support and depression among immigrant women. Using national data from the Listening to Mothers Survey the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social support and depression among a sample of 169 immigrant women in the United States. We predict that within immigrant women, social support serves as a protective factor to perinatal care and is associated with lower levels of depression.

Mariam Ali ‘27
Major: Psychology
Minor: Human Resource Management
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tamara Nelson, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: The Concealment of Sexual Identity and Emotional Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Racial and Ethnic Factors among Queer Individuals

The concealment of sexual identity, a form of conscious withholding, has long been a survival strategy for many queer individuals. This study investigates how the concealment of sexual identity influences emotional well-being among queer individuals, focusing on the moderation of this relationship by race and ethnicity. As discrimination against queer individuals increases, many choose to hide their sexual identity as a protective measure. Studies on this phenomenon have been conducted but have often overlooked the experiences of queer individuals from racial minority groups. In this research, we hypothesize that concealment negatively impacts emotional well-being, increasing feelings of social isolation. Using data collected from the Generations Study by Meyer (2023), we intend to determine whether identity concealment causes a negative impact on the emotional well-being of queer individuals and specifically, if this varies based on racial and ethnic background. We predict that the concealment of sexual identity will negatively impact the emotional well-being of queer racial minorities, including increased feelings of depression and anxiety.

William Aluoch ‘26
**Recipient of Support from the Experiential Learning Fund**
Major: Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Youwen (Warren) Zhang, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Title of Project: Investigating Chiral Ligand Conjugated Graphene Quantum Dots for Therapeutic Drug Delivery Directly to Cancer Cells

Existing methods for cancer therapies employing Chiral nanoparticles such as Gold (Au) and polypeptides (long chain amino acids) have limitations, such as biological incompatibility and difficulties with scalability, respectively.[1][2] The research herein proposes a potential method for addressing these issues using chiral ligand conjugated graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Graphene Quantum Dots are composed of carbon imbuing them with inherent biocompatibility. By conjugating these GQDs with chiral ligands we impose the left or right-handed chirality of these ligands on our GQDs. Chirality can be thought of as a left and right shoe. Both are shoes, but you can never use them interchangeably because they do not have identical characteristics. The difference in characteristics for chemicals are chemical properties while the difference for shoes being physical. Research has shown that chirality of ligand conjugated GQDs does influence their permeation efficiency.[3][4] However, the chiral GQDs were being used to deliver therapeutics to exosomes and not directly to cancerous cells. To my knowledge there is no research that demonstrates using chiral GQDs to directly deliver therapeutics to cancerous cells. In addition to their inherent biocompatibility and increased permeation efficiency once conjugated with chiral ligands, GQDs have many favorable characteristics which make them a promising candidate for the delivery of cancer therapeutics. For example, the hydrophobic and aromatic/stable properties of GQDs enable efficient drug transport across the phospholipid bilayer of cells without structural damage. The pH sensitive release mechanism of GQDs also makes them a viable candidate for cancer treatment applications in vivo. [5] Zhang et al.

Victoria Atuma ‘28
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Ms. Kimberlee Moran, Associate Teaching Professor of Forensic Science
Title of Project: Specimens under Scrutiny: Investigating the Legality of Wildlife

In the late 1960s through the early 1980s faculty and students at Rutgers-Camden collected a range of local animals and birds, presumably for the purposes of comparative anatomy and biological education. These collected specimens have remained in storage ever since. This research delves into their legal status, exploring whether their possession adheres to modern wildlife protection laws. By examining regulations like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Lacey Act, and CITES, this study identifies legal challenges related to both older specimens and protected species. Specimens such as Mephitis mephitis (striped skunk) and Ondatra zibethicus (common muskrat) are exempt from current restrictions, but concerns arise over birds, particularly feathers, eggs, and nests, regulated by the MBTA. In addition, a catalog of tagged bird specimens was compiled, cross-referencing protection status. The inventory revealed that most bird specimens fall under the MBTA, emphasizing the need for proper documentation and permits. The study highlights the complexities of legal compliance, particularly with migratory birds, and the importance of clear institutional policies.

Myo Thinzar Htin Aung ‘26
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Grant**
**Recipient of Support from the Experiential Learning Fund**
Major: Biology
Minors: Chemistry and Health Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kwangwon Lee, Professor of Biology
Title of Project: Sex-Specific Effects of a Common Non-Caloric Sweetener (NC1) on Circadian Rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster

Circadian rhythms orchestrate vital biological functions, including sleep-wake cycles, metabolism, and overall activity. While extensively studied, the role of sex-specific differences in circadian regulation remains an exciting and underexplored area of research. This study delves into how dietary compounds influence the circadian behavior of male and female Drosophila melanogaster, providing new insights into how biological rhythms are shaped by sex-specific physiological factors. Using the Drosophila Activity Monitoring (DAM) system, locomotor activity, sleep duration, and sleep fragmentation were analyzed to assess behavioral differences between sexes. Control female flies exhibited significantly higher morning activity and longer evening sleep compared to males, demonstrating distinct circadian patterns. However, after dietary intervention, these differences diminished, suggesting that the treatment may interfere with sex-specific regulatory mechanisms. This finding is fascinating because it raises the question: Could dietary compounds be altering the natural divergence between male and female biological clocks? This research not only highlights the importance of considering sex as a key factor in circadian rhythm studies but also opens the door to future investigations into the molecular pathways responsible for these changes. Understanding how external factors such as diet modulate biological clocks at a fundamental level is crucial for both evolutionary biology and potential human health applications. The possibility that common dietary compounds may influence circadian rhythms differently in males and females is an exciting prospect that could reshape how we approach circadian research and dietary science. Future studies will focus on identifying the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving these behavioral changes, bringing us closer to unraveling the complexities of sex-based circadian regulation.

Feroza Aziz ‘25
Major: Political Science
Minor: Criminal Justice
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Simanti Lahiri, Program Coordinator for the Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement
Title of Project: The Free Books Project Graphic Novel Book Drive

As a Bonner Civic Scholar, I have a volunteer placement at The Free Books Project (TFBP). This placement allowed me to launch a Graphic Novel Book Drive aimed at addressing the literacy challenges faced by children in Camden, NJ. This project is driven by the understanding that graphic novels can serve as an engaging and accessible tool to promote reading, especially for underserved children who struggle with traditional reading materials. By collecting graphic novels, the book drive seeks to offer these young readers an opportunity to develop their literacy skills in a format that can spark their interest and provide them with an enjoyable reading experience. I set up donation bins across various campus locations, including the Paul Robeson Library, the Campus Center, and the Honors College entrance. The drive also incorporates a partnership with the Honors College, where students can earn campus activity credits for their donations, further fostering a culture of involvement and civic responsibility. By offering this incentive, I am not only encouraging student participation but also raising awareness about the importance of early literacy development. In addition to these collection points, I continue to expand the project through tabling outreach efforts to engage more of the student body and collect donations for a wider variety of graphic novels. This outreach is essential in reaching a broader audience, increasing the number of donations, and ultimately helping The Free Books Project provide more resources to children who lack access to books in Camden. As the sole organizer of this initiative, I have coordinated the logistics, developed partnerships, and ensured that the graphic novels collected will be distributed to children in need. This ongoing project is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community, promoting literacy, creativity, and student involvement in a cause that directly benefits underserved youth.

Morgan Baker ‘25
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Grant**
Major: Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alex Roche, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Title of Project: Multi-Dimensional NMR of Ionic Liquids as a Research Inspired Undergraduate Chemistry Teaching Lab

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the most powerful analytical instrumentation techniques available to organic chemists, and hands on experience of NMR is required for accreditation by the American Chemical Society. This sequence of experiments exposes students to both multi nuclear (1H, 13C, 15N) and multidimensional (e.g., 15N-1H HETCOR) NMR techniques. One area of experimentation in which NMR is advantageous is the study of ionic liquids (ILs), especially since ILs have shown promise as green materials that have the potential to replace harmful organic solvents and therefore further the study of green chemistry. Previous research by Kholod Dahashi (MS degree in 2018) produced NMR analyses of 3 ILs which were impressive in both their clarity and speed of generation. These ionic liquids have since been used in undergraduate teaching labs as examples of NMR analyses and techniques. In this study, 5 more IL’s are being examined: (1,3- Dimethylimidazolium Methyl Sulfate; 1-Propyl-3-methylimidazolium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide; 1,3-Bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolium chloride; 1,3-Bis(1-adamantyl)imidazolium tetrafluoroborate; and 1,3-Bis(cyclohexyl)imidazolium tetrafluoroborate). It is known that some ionic liquids work better than others due to factors such as viscosity, solubility, separation of signals, and other unknown factors or properties – which cannot be determined until the experiments are performed.

Jenna Brodnyan ‘25
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angélica González, Associate Professor of Biology
Title of Project: Diversity in the Atacama: Population genetics and assessment of genetic structure of solpugids

In recent decades, the biodiversity of arthropods has declined globally. Changes to arthropod populations can fundamentally affect food webs, the regulation of plant communities, and organic matter decomposition. In addition, smaller population sizes can lead to the loss of genetic diversity and can potentially reduce an organism’s fitness. Despite the essential role arthropods play in ecosystems, their demographic and evolutionary responses to climate change remain uncertain. Of particular concern are arthropods from arid lands, which might be more vulnerable to higher temperatures and reduced precipitation. This project aims to: (i) develop genomic libraries for populations of a common arthropod taxa, Solpugidae, collected from the Atacama Desert, Chile; (ii) quantify genomic variation across space; and (iii) test for patterns of population divergence based on spatial and climatic distances. We expect that precipitation will be correlated with metrics of genetic diversity and that populations will be more genetically divergent when climatic differences are greater between geographic locations. It is important to understand the links between climate and genomic diversity for understanding the ecology of desert species and for assessing conservation needs. In the future, we hope to use these data as a genomic baseline for this species and use our identification of genetic polymorphisms to analyze ancient DNA.

Alaysia Byrd ‘27
Majors: Psychology and Africana Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Julio Alicea, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Title of Project: Race and Education

This presentation bridges theory, research, and student experience on race and education. With sociological scholarship as the foundation, this presentation emerges from an independent study guided by the following questions: (1) How are schools race-making institutions? (2) What do schools do to reproduce and resist racial domination? (3) How do student experiences of race and racism differ across educational contexts? With these questions in mind, I will analyze original interview data from two Rutgers-Camden students’ experiences, along with the experiences of my journey across charter and district school contexts. The presentation will address the aforementioned research questions and discuss future directions for research on race and education.

Gloria Campos ‘25
Major: Political Science
Minors: Legal Studies and Sociology
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Anthony Grasso, Assistant Professor of Political Science; Dr. Gail Caputo, Professor of Criminal Justice; Dr. Lee Ann Westman, Director of the Honors College; and Mr. Ralph Giraud, Instructor of Teaching in Finance
Title of Project: Food Pantry Initiative

The Food Pantry Initiative is dedicated to supporting the Rutgers-Camden community by addressing food insecurity among students, faculty, and staff. Through a range of service efforts, including volunteering opportunities, food drives, and fundraisers, this initiative aims to provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions to those within the Rutgers-Camden community who are facing hunger. Additionally, by fostering collaboration and leveraging collective action through legislative campaigns, the Food Pantry Initiative strives to ensure that no New Jersey college student faces hunger. In addition to direct service and legislative efforts, I have been working with professors to uncover background information through qualitative research, exploring broader themes and connections between food insecurity, policy, and incarceration. By analyzing personal narratives, policy frameworks, and systemic barriers, this research seeks to shed light on the structural factors that contribute to hunger within the Rutgers-Camden community and beyond. Understanding these intersections allows us to advocate for more effective policies and interventions, ensuring that our efforts address not only the immediate need for food assistance but also the underlying causes of food insecurity.

Jazlynn Carmickel ’25 and Kassandra Anderson ‘27
Major: Biology (JC); Psychology (KA)
Minor: Forensic Science (KA)
Faculty Mentor: Ms. Kimberlee Moran, Associate Teaching Professor of Forensic Science
Title of Project: Estimating Age from Fingerprints: Developing an Equation Using Mean Ridge Breadth Analysis on Clay Tokens

The present study investigates whether a more reliable equation can be constructed to estimate an individual’s age based on their fingerprint. While previous studies have demonstrated the practicality of such equations, the most reliable equation to date was developed from prints left on ancient artifacts in Arizona (Kamp 1999) and supported by subsequent studies (FowlerI, 2020; Kralik et al. 2003). However, the small sample sizes limit the equation’s validity. The present study examines whether a larger sample size of friction ridge measurements can be used to develop a more reliable age estimation equation. Over nine months, fingerprint samples were collected on tokens and figurines, photographed, and analyzed using ImageJ, a measurement software that can determine the mean ridge breadth (MRB). The MRB is the average ridge-to-ridge distance on the fingerprint. Due to the poor quality of fingerprints left on the figurines, only the prints left in the 191 tokens were analyzed. The findings focus on the development of a more reliable equation based on the relationship between MRB and age, allowing for comparison with previously established age estimation equations.

Marlena Clement ‘25
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Conference Travel Grant**
**Recipient of Support from the Experiential Learning Fund**
Major: Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Salas-de la Cruz, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Title of Project: Passive Method of Altering Morphology of UV Resin Using Carbohydrates

Research into biodegradable alternatives has gained momentum due to a global push to adopt more eco-friendly materials across various industries. This study proposes a method to modify the chemical properties of UV resin by incorporating environmentally friendly fillers. This approach reduces the overall amount of commercial resin required by using non-toxic chemicals. Carbohydrate polymers, such as cellulose, are among the chemicals that can serve as fillers for UV resin. Due to its abundance, versatility, and biodegradability, cellulose is a key focus of many research efforts. In addition, numerous cellulose derivatives have diverse applications and chemical properties. These derivatives are generally classified into two main groups: cellulose ethers and cellulose esters. For example, water-soluble cellulose ethers can be mixed into UV resins formulated to be water-washable. Adding fillers to UV resin alters the morphology of the printed material, leading to changes in properties such as flexibility, density, and thickness after curing. This study investigates how different reagents affect the final printed sample. Following qualitative observation and comparison of each print’s properties, Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray scattering, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to quantify the amount of each filler present. These methods also provided insights into the interactions between the photopolymer and cellulose, offering detailed analyses and imaging of these effects.

Caitlin Cohen ‘26
Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tamara Nelson, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: A National Study of Mothers’ Perceived Mistreatment During Birth and its Association with Bonding

Maternal-infant bonding has been well established as correlated with a mother’s confidence and wellbeing (Sharan et al., 2001) and infant growth and development. There are strong associations between maternal stress symptoms, depression, and impaired bonding (Lutkiewicz et al., 2020; Nakano et al., 2019). Current research has established a correlation between birthing experiences and their impact on maternal mental health. The focus however is most often on traumatic birth experiences from the medical perspective and there is limited attention given to the psychosocial aspects of care. One example of psychosocial care is how mothers are treated during pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum. While holistic care, which respects patient autonomy and agency, leads to better outcomes, discrimination based on language, culture, and race are well documented occurrences in obstetrics (Mehra et al., 2020). Feelings of discrimination or perceived mistreatment during birth and hospital stay may impact the parent-infant bond. For example, qualitative studies have found that women report a lack of advocacy and limited care options due to language differences, which results in increased vulnerability and decreased visibility (Nguyen et al., 2023). However, further research is needed to understand the prevalence of perceived mistreatment and its relationship with bonding between mothers and their infants. Using a nationally representative sample of perinatal women, the purpose of this study is to investigate how a mother’s perception of mistreatment during birthing can affect bonding with their infant in the postpartum period. Understanding how these factors affect bonding will contribute to improving overall maternal and infant health.

Donald Cook ‘25
Major: Art
Faculty Mentor: Mr. Allan Espiritu, Professor of Art
Title of Project: Integrating AI into a Creative Process

This project emerged through experimentation with generative AI’s potential to serve as a resource for creative inspiration. A closed-loop system was developed in which an initial “primer” image is provided by the user. That image is interpreted by the system into text, which is then converted to a prompt for the generation of a new image. The image is displayed for a configurable amount of time, during which the generation process is repeated in the background using that new image. This loop continues perpetually, each time using the last generated image as the source for the new prompt. Iterations quickly surface the unpredictability and contextual degradation that occurs through machine interpretation and generation. Patterns emerge, attributed to choices made in the initial primer image as well as the models – and the content used to train them – used for interpretation and generation. Human response to the resulting imagery reveals the complicated duality of generative AI as imitator and creative resource.

Cindy Do ‘25
Major: Biology
Minors: Chemistry, Health Sciences, and Psychology
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Daniel Shain, Professor of Biology, and Dr. Lee Ann Westman, Director of the Honors College
Title of Project: Chronic Stress Elevates the Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, impacting approximately 1 million Americans over the age of 65 and up to 10 million individuals globally. It is marked by a decline and dysfunction of movements, along with a broad range of nonmotor features. PD is characterized by motor symptoms, including rigidity and tremors, alongside non-motor symptoms such as cognitive decline, mood disturbances, and sleep dysfunction. Despite extensive research, the pathology of PD remains unclear but is hypothesized to be associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, along with the accumulation of intracellular aggregates of alpha-synuclein (α-syn), known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Neurodegeneration in PD is driven by the misfolding and aggregation of α-syn into clumps within neurons, compounded by dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. PD is known to induce significant stress due to its neurodegenerative progression and associated physiological challenges. While the link between PD and stress is recognized, the biological mechanisms by which chronic stress may contribute to the onset and progression of the disease remains a novel area of research, representing a critical gap in the understanding of the pathogenesis of PD. Chronic stress exacerbates PD symptoms, particularly tremors by disrupting the HPA and autonomic nervous system. Prolonged stress elevates cortisol levels, activating glucocorticoid receptors that enhance α-syn transcription. This activity drives the transcription of proinflammatory proteins such as TNF-α, p38MAPK, and JNK1, inhibiting the autophagic and proteolytic clearance of intracellular α-syn aggregates—a key pathological marker of PD.

Aidan Donohue ‘25
Major: Political Science
Minors: History and Public Administration
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Woj Wolfe, Associate Professor of Political Science
Title of Project: Why are so Many People in China Investing in Housing, Leading to the Appearance of the Ghost City Phenomena?

An immense amount of investment has poured into China’s housing industry, creating more units than China’s 1.4 billion population can fill. The resulting effect is “ghost cities”: large urban developments that lack public infrastructure such as hospitals and schools, for example. Most importantly, people are missing from these developments. This paper explores a number of reasons Chinese households choose to invest as much as they do in real estate. In addition, a consideration into why government officials have let the housing investment bubble grow so big. Many have prophesied a catastrophic crash to the Chinese economy, and the growing mismanagement with the housing industry could indicate that the fall of the yuan is starting to come true. This paper will also discuss actions the United States is taking in response to the struggling Chinese economy, and the difficulties policymakers are finding with this process.

Maya Dove ‘27
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Ms. Kimberlee Moran, Associate Teaching Professor of Forensic Science
Title of Project: Discovery of Unknown Kapalas and The Tibetan Culture

Kapalas are an extremely interesting part of Tibetan culture and there is so much more to learn about them. They are ritual cups that are made from human skull used in Hindu Tantra and Tibetan Buddhist Tantra. They are often finely created with precious metals, jewels, and carvings. Offerings such as wine and dough cakes are put into these Kapalas. Monks believe that making these offering while reciting mantras and mediating will help them achieve greater insight and focus. My mentor, Kimberlee Moran, was given two Kapalas some years ago. One was covered in incredible carvings on the top, while the second one has a metal interior with jewels on the outside of it. Both have an unknown origin. There was a report from the Louisiana Department of Justice for the second Kapala. The report consists of information that a man named Charles Morey was trying to sell the Kapala illegally on eBay. My job was to research Kapalas and their culture with the hopes of finding a monastery or organization to take them. Our drive is to spread more knowledge about Kapalas and the Tibetan culture. I was hoping to learn more about Kapalas in general to estimate age and origin for ours. So far, I have been unsuccessful due to the lack of knowledge about them. The last couple weeks of my research, I contacted around six organizations and only one got back to me:  the Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia.  They said they were grateful to be considered and would gladly take them. They let me know that they don’t tend to hold items like these and could take them to a monastery for us. They go to India each summer, which would be the perfect opportunity for us to gift it to them before their trip. My mentor and I hope to complete our mission by the summer of 2025. 

Maha Durrani ‘26
Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lauren Daniel, Associate Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: Does religious affiliation moderate the relationship between healthcare distrust and registry enrollment?

Health care distrust is a known barrier to medical research participation, including enrollment in registries such as the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). Despite a registry of over 7 million potential donors, approximately 30% of identified matches are unavailable for further evaluation, highlighting challenges in donor retention. Religious affiliation influences healthcare decisions, shaping perceptions of trust, altruism, and social responsibility. This study examines whether religious affiliation moderates the relationship between healthcare distrust and likelihood of registry enrollment. Using a sample of college students [N = 361, age: M = 19.67, SD = 2.60, Range = 18-33; Gender: male (N=99, 261 female, 1 other], ANOVAs were used to compare the likelihood of registration between religious (N=157) and nonreligious (N=204) individuals. Results indicated religious individuals were more likely to register with the NMDP than nonreligious individuals (p = .033). A moderation analysis tested whether religious affiliation moderated the relationship between distrust and likelihood of enrollment. Distrust alone was not a significant predictor of enrollment (B = 0.01, p = .585), but a significant interaction emerged (B = -0.08, p = .046). This model accounted for 4.0% of the variance in likelihood to enroll (R² = .04, p = .002). An additional moderation analysis examined altruism, testing whether religious affiliation moderated the relationship between altruism and enrollment. Altruism positively predicted likelihood of enrollment (B = 0.03, p = .001), but its effect did not vary by religious affiliation (B = 0.02, p = .063). Post-hoc simple slopes analysis showed altruism was a significant motivator for religious individuals (B = 0.57, p = .001) but not for nonreligious individuals (B = -0.43, p = .061). This model explained 5.1% of variance in likelihood to enroll (R² = .05, p = .003). These findings suggest that religious individuals’ enrollment is more influenced by distrust but also more driven by altruism, whereas nonreligious individuals enroll at lower rates and are less influenced by these factors. Understanding these dynamics can inform targeted strategies to increase registry enrollment across diverse populations.

Sadie Fiore ‘25
Major: English
Minor: Philosophy
Faculty Mentor: Mr. Tom McAllister, Assistant Teaching Professor of English
Title of Project: The Erotic and the Divine: The Biblical Jesus as a Sex Symbol in the Age of Repression

European women in the Medieval period, commonly considered to have lasted from the 5th century CE to the 15th Century CE, had very few options when choosing the path their lives would take–a life of religious devotion was one of the only accepted and respected paths for a woman who did not desire marriage. This vocation allowed women to learn to read, write, expand their knowledge of the formal scientific world, and engage in philosophical and theological thought.

This project examines the work of three female Medieval religious thinkers: Catherine of Siena, Margery Kempe, and Julian of Norwich. All three women have drastically different approaches and backgrounds, but the main theme their works have in common is an erotic fascination with the figure of Jesus Christ. In an era where women, especially nuns, were forced to repress their sexuality, the figure of Christ became an outlet for those feelings, and what would have usually been seen as negative became an almost accepted expression of devotion to their Lord.

Drawing from their writings, this project analyzes and illuminates the erotic connection between the figure of the Biblical Christ and his female devotees.

Kylie Friddell ’25, Samantha Caruso ’25, and Abigail Walker ‘26
Majors: Health Sciences and Psychology (KF); Psychology (SC); and Psychology (AW)
Minor: Biology (SC)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robrecht van der Wel, Associate Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: When a car starts looking at you: Gaze Effects for Pareidolia Faces

Have you ever looked at the front of a car and seen a face staring back at you? Facial pareidolia is a psychological phenomenon where people perceive illusory faces in everyday objects, such as clouds, tree bark, or electrical outlets. This tendency arises from our brain’s innate ability to recognize and interpret facial patterns, even when there are none present. Through understanding this phenomenon, we can identify how the brain interprets ambiguous sensory information and distinguish between signal and noise. Through the manipulation of the gaze of a pareidolia face, we want to understand if individuals recognize a shift between direct and averted gaze. This current study aims to understand whether these gaze processing effects are present when looking at cars.

Kayla Geulen ’25 and Kennedy Short ‘25
Majors: Chemistry (KG); Art and Art History (KS)
Minor: Forensic Science (KG)
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Georgia Arbuckle-Keil, Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Chinghsin Wu, Associate Teaching Professor of Art History
Title of Project: A Chemical and Historical Investigation of Edo Period Japanese Woodblock Prints

At the Stedman Gallery of Rutgers University–Camden, there are eighteen Ukiyo-e Japanese woodblock prints from Edo Japan. This project is a collaboration between the Chemistry and Art History departments, working on both art historical and chemical analysis of the Japanese woodblock prints. The art historical analysis includes clarifying the artists and their lineages, identifying the content of the prints, and researching the history of the common pigments, especially red, in Edo, Japan. Both analyses focused on one of the prints, Story of Cherry Blossoms on Higashiyama, by Kunisada, who is also known as Toyokuni the Third.

By examining the narrative depicted, we identify that the print tells the story of The Tale of Genji, although under a different name, reflecting the evolving nature of the tale to suit the cultural and societal norms of the time. Using a combination of books and journal articles, we traced Story of Cherry Blossoms on Higashiyama to be depicted by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) through a triptych. Through the lineage of the Utagawa school, we can see the evolving styles through signatures, allowing a clear depiction of relations between each artist.

During the chemical analysis, the scientific instrumentation implemented was ALPHA FTIR attenuated total reflectance (ATR), external reflectance (ER), and Raman Microscopy. Mockups were created as references for commonly utilized red pigments during this time period. Initial ER testing revealed that due to the composition of the pigment, the Raman microscope was required to confirm the composition. The red pigments used for woodblock prints could be inorganic, such as iron oxides or vermillion, or organics, such as safflower or madder. The higher laser excitation wavelengths of 638 nm (red) and 785 nm (purple) in the Raman microscope are necessary for identifying organic pigments. Both infrared and Raman results will be presented comparing the mockup references to the Japanese woodblock print.

Francis Hill ‘25
Majors: Psychology and Childhood Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tamara Nelson, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Mental Health Help-Seeking in a Sample of Black Women

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are described as traumatic experiences that occur before the age of 18 (Poole et al., 2017). These experiences can be defined as emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing violence or dysfunction within the home or community; having a family member attempt or die by suicide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). In the United States, approximately 64% of adults have reported at least one adverse childhood experience (CDC, 2023). Black women within the United States are at a higher risk of experiencing ACEs compared to other racial groups (Leath et al., 2022). Among Black women, ACES are associated with increased odds of depression (Cavanaugh & Nelson, 2022) and may impact mental health help-seeking. Notably, prior research has shown that individuals have difficulty seeking help for mental health conditions and choose not to engage in services fully (Corrigan et al., 2014). However, to our knowledge, no study has examined ACEs impact on mental health help-seeking in Black women. In this study, we examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and psychological help-seeking attitudes in a sample of Black women. We predict there will be a relationship between ACEs and mental help-seeking.

Faith Jackson ‘27
Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tamara Nelson, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms: The Moderating Role of Loneliness

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. Research has established significant connections between ACEs and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), indicating that individuals exposed to traumatic childhood events are more likely to develop PTSD later in life (Felitti et al., 1998). Among Black women, ACEs such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction have been linked to an increased vulnerability to PTSD and depression (Cavanaugh & Nelson, 2022; Green et al., 2010). Furthermore, Black women encounter unique stressors that intersect with race, gender, and socio-economic status, that compound the psychological impact of ACEs (Jones et al., 2014) and are associated with loneliness (Nelson et al., 2023). Notably, loneliness has emerged as a significant emotional and psychological stressor that can worsen mental health outcomes, particularly PTSD, in marginalized groups (Cacioppo et al., 2006). However, despite these findings, the relationship between ACEs, PTSD, and loneliness in Black women remains underexplored, particularly regarding how loneliness may moderate the relationship between ACEs and PTSD, which leaves a critical void in understanding the unique experiences of Black women and how interventions might be tailored to address both childhood trauma and loneliness. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating role of loneliness in the relationship between ACEs and symptoms of PTSD among Black women. This research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the psychological processes specific to Black women. The implications for the development of more effective, culturally relevant interventions and mental health strategies designed to support Black women facing trauma and mental health challenges will be discussed in this presentation.

Samantha Jacobs ‘25
Major: Theater and Digital Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Emmons, Associate Teaching Professor of Film
Title of Project: Is To Be

Is To Be is a video essay highlighting the way women are portrayed in film and how it carries into reality and modern society. Inequality between the sexes has been an ongoing fight and this project shows the parallels between the way women are treated and portrayed in film and how it relates to the real world. Day to day life is vastly different for every being, this project focuses on the female perspective and the struggles that are prevalent in that respect. Using feminist theory to drive the story, authors like Virgina Woolf and Simone deBouvior helped mold this project to exemplify the true meaning of what it is like to be a woman in today’s society from the media – TV shows, films, and real-life influencers. The wide range of archival footage showcases the exaggerated and real hardships of womanhood. Women have been fighting for equality and human rights for decades and although there has been change, there has not been enough.

Larodge Johnson-Miller ‘25
Majors: Marketing and Art
Minor: Art History
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Simanti Lahiri, Program Coordinator for the Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement
Title of Project: Camden 2012: An Oral History of Transformation

This project centers on narrative change and relationship building as important methods to promote transformation and understanding. Through the collection of stories and memories, the project will recover, re-inscribe, and commemorate the experiences of Camden residents and juxtapose those experiences with the overarching narrative of Camden’s transformation as a “policy win” for the state. 

Guneet Kaur ‘26
Major: Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shauna Shames, Associate Professor of Political Science
Title of Project: Exploring the Impact of AI in Policymaking: Reinforcing Democratic Principles or Fostering Authoritarian Practices?

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into policymaking promises to enhance democratic values but also raises concerns. AI is integrated in our lives more than ever and its impact in reinforcing democratic engagement or enabling authoritarian practices needs to be measured for policy frameworks across political landscapes. Previous research on this question offers mixed findings by analytically evaluating the intersection of AI and political structures. Margetts (2022) highlights AI’s promise for good governance and describes its use as a convenient and structured approach. But Ünver (2018) and Yayboke & Brannen (2020) expose the risks of AI in policy-making processes facilitated by surveillance, manipulation, and authoritarian ideals. This research will adopt a mixed approach combining interview evidence (from at least six experts) with at least two in-depth case studies. It will facilitate our understanding of the current trends and applications in AI with policymaking which will help us unfold future prospects. Towards the end, we will be able to determine if we should be optimistic about the democratic potential of AI or pessimistic about certain current applications and why. This research will be able to provide valuable insights into ongoing debates about AI’s dual role in policymaking. The results from this study can offer best practices and cautionary lessons to people by offering evidence-based awareness of the uses of AI.

Sara Kelley ’26 and Jeniska Rivera Galarza (MA, psychology)
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Courtenay Cavanaugh, Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: Associations Between Past-Year Discriminations and Past-Year Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Little is known about whether the associations between gender discrimination-TSD or racial discrimination-PTSD vary by gender and race/ethnicity. This study examined whether the associations between past-year gender or racial/ethnic discrimination and PTSD varied by gender and race/ethnicity. Data was used from participants in a national survey who identified as White, Black, or Hispanic (n=32,901). Logistic regression tested effects between gender discrimination, racial/ethnic discrimination, gender, and race/ethnicity with PTSD, and three-way interactions (i.e., gender discrimination-gender-race/ethnicity and racial/ethnic discrimination-gender-race/ethnicity) while controlling for covariates. Three-way associations between both gender discrimination, gender and race/ethnicity and racial/ethnic discrimination, gender, and race/ethnicity with PTSD were significant (p<.001). Gender and racial-ethnic stratified analyses revealed gender moderated the following associations: a) gender discrimination and PTSD among Hispanics and b) racial discrimination and PTSD among Black adults. Specifically, gender discrimination was associated with significantly greater odds of PTSD for Hispanic females than males (AOR=2.08 for Hispanic females versus AOR=1.04 for Hispanic males). Racial/ethnic discrimination was associated with significantly greater odds of PTSD for Black females than males (AOR=2.28 for Black females versus AOR 1.99 for Black males). Findings suggest the need for more research to understand the epidemiology of discrimination and PTSD.

Mounia Khalil ’26, Amama Asif ’25, and Tayler Williams ‘26
Majors: Biology (MK); Biology and Economics (AA); Biology (TW)
Minors: Chemistry (MK); Chemistry (AA)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nathan Fried, Associate Teaching Professor of Biology
Title of Project: Ca-α1T Knockdown in Tim and PDF Expressing Circadian Pacemaker Neurons Exhibits No Effect on Sleep

Pan-neuronal knockdown of Ca-α1T, a T-type calcium channel in Drosophila melanogaster, increases sleep. However, researchers do not know which specific neuronal circuit is responsible for this effect. Circadian pacemaker neurons (CPNs) are one of many cell types that contain this T-type calcium channel, and these neurons take part in establishing normal circadian behaviors. We identified certain CPNs as possible candidates in narrowing down which neuronal circuit is responsible for the increase in sleep. We hypothesize that the knockdown of Ca-α1T in these certain CPNs will cause an increase in sleep, with an increase more pronounced in tim-expressing CPNs. To test this hypothesis, we utilized the GAL4-UAS system to target specific CPNs with RNA interference of Ca-α1T. An ethoscope, a computer-mediated apparatus, was paired with rethomics, a set of R packages, to track and analyze the activity of Drosophila through their movement. The data demonstrates that the tim-CaRrnai and pdf-CaRrnai lines exhibit less activity when compared to the tim-GAL4 line. However, no significant difference in sleep exists between the experimental and control groups. Thus, our experiment suggests that the knockdown of Ca-α1T in tim– and pdf-expressing CPNs does not have a significant effect on sleep.

Nasur Lambert ‘27
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tamara Nelson, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: Predictors of Perceived Safety and Discrimination among LGB People: Are There Variations among Racial and Ethnic Groups?

Hypervigilance and fear of discriminatory threats or violence have been found to be prevalent among lesbian, gay men, and bisexual (LGB) individuals (Riggle et al., 2023; Rostosky et al., 2021), heavily contributing to adverse health outcomes among the population. To begin addressing this disparity and to enhance safety and well-being among LGB populations, both individual and systemic risk factors should be explored, especially across racial and ethnic groups. To understand the nuances of sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, and how they intersect and compound stress ( Frost & Meyer, 2023; Meyer, 2003), we will examine predictors of perceived safety and discrimination among LGB individuals. We will also explore variations across racial and ethnic groups. Using a minority stress theory framework and data from the Generations Study (Meyer, 2023), we will examine how community connectedness frameworks, factors such as life satisfaction, community involvement, familial support, as well as mental health status will be explored as predictors of perceived safety and discrimination. We predict that high life satisfaction will correlate to increased perceptions of safety and decreased rates of discrimination; stronger social support networks will have the strongest correlation to increased perceptions of safety with decreased rates of discrimination; A high level of community involvement will correlate to increased perceptions of safety with decreased levels of discrimination; and decreased mental health status will correlate with decreased perceived safety and increased rates of discrimination. The findings and implications of the study will be discussed.

Sophia LaPorta ‘25
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Mathematics and Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Salas-de la Cruz, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Title of Project: Making Scaffolds for Self-Morphing Materials Using Clay-Based Composites

Studies in advanced material manufacturing have allowed for the development of environmentally sustainable materials with advantageous physical properties that enable various applications. These promising materials include hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), glycerol, and clay. When mixed together, these materials form flat, flexible sheets that can be extruded into various shapes and designs while still being thermally stable at high temperatures. This material can be extruded into a scaffold shape that will be used as a passive layer in other material bending studies that utilize active layers. By developing an effective passive layer for bending studies, more research can be conducted regarding self-morphing materials, including agarose and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). This study will investigate how altering the concentrations of clay, HEC, and glycerol will affect the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of the mixture. The goal is to create a material that has a liquid viscosity that is suitable for 3D printing, which then morphs into a sturdy solid that remains flexible enough to bend when an external force is applied. To understand how the properties change as concentrations change, we will conduct tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FTIR.

Alexandra LaRue ‘26
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Conference Travel Grant**
Majors: Psychology and Childhood Studies
Minor: Gender Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kristin August, Professor of Psychology and Health Sciences
Title of Project: Romantic Partners’ Comments on Unhealthy Eating: Role of Gender and Sexual Orientation

This cross-sectional survey study examined the frequency and nature of diet-related social control attempts among individuals in same-gender and opposite-gender relationships (N=833), focusing on specific aspects of unhealthy eating and the role of chronic health conditions. Men in opposite-gender relationships reported receiving the most frequent social control, with fast food and desserts being common targets. Diabetes and heart disease were associated with more frequent social control. Some findings varied by gender and sexual orientation.

Amir Lindor ’26, Jason Nguyen ’25, and Allison Night ‘25
**Recipient of the Chancellor’s Grant for Independent Student Research**
Major: Psychology (AL); Psychology (JN); Psychology and Criminal Justice (AN)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robrecht van der Wel, Associate Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: Investigating the Link between Performance and Sense of Agency

The current study investigates the sense of agency (SoA)—the feeling of control over one’s own actions and their outcomes—both with implicit temporal binding measures and explicit self-report measures in a goal-directed action task. The study employs a novel experimental paradigm wherein participants actively or passively control motion and perform perceived timing difference judgments. In the experiment, participants underwent situations where they actively exerted control over movements and tones (active condition) or passively observed movements (passive condition). Explicit self-report questionnaires were used to assess experienced control in participants, and temporal binding measures were added as an implicit SoA measure. The results demonstrated that explicit SoA ratings were consistent with the experienced control of the participants, specifically in active conditions. The temporal binding measures did not, however, capture SoA in a reliable manner, being inconsistent with objective control and showing regression-to-the-mean effects. There were no relationships between temporal binding and explicit ratings, which demonstrates that temporal binding may not be a reliable implicit measure of SoA.

Jonathan Ma ’25 and Efe Karadag ‘28
Majors: Economics and Finance (JM); Finance (EK)
Minor: Statistics (JM): Economics (EK)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tetsuji Yamada, Professor of Economics
Title of Project: Obesity of the Youth: Health Disparity and Income Inequality

Obesity among adolescents is a critical public health issue, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities due to systemic disparities in income, healthcare access, and education. This study investigates the intersection of socioeconomic status (SES), healthcare availability, racial and ethnic disparities, and lifestyle factors in shaping adolescent obesity trends. Utilizing data from the 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), we employ the PRECEDE-PROCEED framework and mixed-effects modeling to examine how structural inequities contribute to BMI classifications and overall well-being. Drawing on existing literature, we explore several key research questions: How do socioeconomic factors influence adolescent health disparities? What role does healthcare access play in the mental and physical health of different racial and ethnic groups? How do lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and physical activity, vary across demographics and contribute to disparities in obesity rates? How does school environment and educational attainment impact adolescent health outcomes? Prior research underscores the multifaceted nature of youth obesity. Studies indicate that poor diet and low physical activity increase cardiometabolic risk even among active adolescents (Bezrati et al., 2024). Racial and ethnic disparities in sleep health further exacerbate obesity-related risks (Clark et al., 2024), while structural inequalities in healthcare access and socioeconomic status limit preventive interventions (Foster et al., 2024). School-based policies, such as nutritional programs and physical activity initiatives, have demonstrated varying degrees of success, particularly in diverse and low-income school districts (Sanchez-Vaznaugh et al., 2024). The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified these disparities, disrupting healthcare access, school environments, and physical activity patterns, leading to increased obesity rates and mental health challenges (Todd, 2024; Kaneko et al., 2025). By integrating a mixed-effects modeling approach, this study aims to quantify the impact of SES, healthcare access, and behavioral factors on youth obesity while controlling for individual and environmental influences. Findings from this research will contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations to mitigate health disparities, enhance healthcare accessibility, and improve school-based interventions aimed at reducing adolescent obesity.

Reese Mabolis ’25 and Molly Skelly ‘27
Majors: Psychology (RM and MS)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Courtenay Cavanaugh, Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: Intimate Partner Violence Moderates the Associations Between Child Neglect and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, but not Child Abuse and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Sexual Minority Women

Background: Sexual minority women are disproportionately affected by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and risk factors for PTSD including child abuse, child neglect, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Many sexual minority women who experience ACEs have also experienced IPV. However, little is known about whether the associations between child abuse or child neglect and PTSD vary among sexual minority women who have also experienced IPV. This study examined whether IPV moderated the impact of child abuse or child neglect on PTSD among sexual minority women.

Methods: Data was used from participants in wave II of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions who identified as female and either gay/lesbian, bisexual or unsure (n=402). Logistic regression tested associations between child abuse, child neglect, and IPV with PTSD as well as the child abuse-IPV and child neglect-IPV interactions.

Results: IPV moderated the associations between child neglect and PTSD, but not child abuse and PTSD. Specifically, child neglect was associated with significantly lower odds of PTSD (AOR=0.31, p<.05; 95% CI=.14, .68)) among sexual minority women with a history of IPV compared to sexual minority women without a history of IPV. For sexual minority women without a history of IPV, child neglect was associated with greater odds of PTSD (AOR=1.98, p<.05, 95% CI=1.28, 3.06). For sexual minority women with a history of IPV, child neglect was associated with lower odds of PTSD, but the finding did not reach statistical significance (AOR=0.62, p=ns).

Conclusions: Findings suggest that the association between child neglect and PTSD is stronger among sexual minority women who have not experienced IPV. Additional studies are needed to replicate and extend these findings.

Srijan Makkena ‘26
Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lauren Daniel, Associate Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: Increasing Participation in the National Marrow Donor Program: A Randomized Trial

Altruism is a key motivator for bone marrow donor registration, yet ambivalence may reduce individuals’ intentions to register. Research suggests intrinsic motivations lower ambivalence, while external concerns increase it (Switzer et al., 2003). This study examines whether ambivalence moderates the relationship between altruism and intentions to join the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), hypothesizing that higher ambivalence weakens this association. A moderation analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 1) was conducted with altruism as the independent variable, registry intentions as the dependent variable, and ambivalence as the moderator.

Participants included 361 undergraduate students (72.3% female, 58.4% non-White, M age = 19.67, SD = 2.60). Ambivalence was assessed through four Likert-scale items, altruism via a 20-item prosocial behavior measure, and registry intentions with a single-item likelihood rating. The overall model from the moderation analysis was significant, [F (3,357) = 33.83, p < .001], explaining 22.13% of the variance in registration intentions. Altruism did not significantly predict registration intentions (b=0.05; p = .148), while ambivalence negatively affected intentions (b=-0.20, p = .020). The interaction between altruism and ambivalence was not significant (b=-0.01; p = .3085), indicating that altruism did not vary by level of ambivalence.

Findings suggest ambivalence plays a crucial role in reducing donor registration intentions, regardless of altruism levels. Self-reported measures and a single-item registration intention assessment present limitations, as responses may fail to capture the complexity of decision-making. Additionally, the sample consisted of undergraduate students, which may limit generalizability to broader populations. Future research should explore psychological factors like self-efficacy and social norms that may further influence donor registration decisions.

These results highlight the need for public health campaigns and donor recruitment efforts to address ambivalence by providing clear information on the donation process, reducing uncertainty, and addressing concerns. Interventions that emphasize the minimal risks and potential lifesaving impact of bone marrow donation may help mitigate ambivalence and increase donor registration rates. Efforts should focus on enhancing individuals’ confidence in their decision to register, particularly among those who are otherwise inclined to be altruistic but hesitant due to mixed feelings.

Franklin Milord ‘25
Major: Physics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sean O’Malley, Associate Professor of Physics
Title of Project: Time Resolved Laser Irradiation of Cryo-TEM Samples During Plunge Freezing

My project is on Time Resolved Laser Irradiation of Cryo-TEM samples during Plunge Freezing. A small grid made out of copper and lacey carbon is irradiated by a laser before being dropcasted into a chamber filled with liquid propane. This freezes the nanoparticles on the grid without actual ice, so it can be observed clearing during imaging. The nanoparticles attach to polymersomes, which can be used in a multitude of industries.

Linda Nguyen ‘25
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Conference Travel Grant**
**Recipient of Support from the Experiential Learning Fund**
Major: Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Salas-de la Cruz, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Title of Project: Harnessing Cellulose Nanocrystals: Advancing Polymerized Ionic Liquids for Sustainable Technologies

The development of polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) derived from cellulose has garnered significant attention in recent years, driven by its economic advantages and sustainability. These materials have substantial potential in advancing sustainable technologies, particularly due to their unique properties. By integrating ionic liquid characteristics into the polymer backbone of cellulose, we can create conductive materials suitable for energy storage, catalysis, and biomedical applications. Previous studies have successfully synthesized 1,2,3-triazolium-functionalized cellulose PILs (Cell-Tri-PILs) from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) using the azide-alkyne “click” cyclization method. Cellulose possesses a naturally ordered crystalline structure along with disordered amorphous regions. Chemical treatments, such as acid hydrolysis, typically dissolve the amorphous regions, leaving a predominantly crystalline material. Sulfuric acid is commonly used in this process, introducing sulfate half ester groups that confer a slight negative charge to the cellulose backbone. Our research aims to replicate the azide-alkyne “click” cyclization with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as starting materials. The unique crystalline structure of CNC may enhance ionic conductivity, potentially improving performance in energy storage and applications such as CO2 sequestration. To assess the properties of the resulting materials, we will conduct thermal and morphological tests. Through this work, we aim to further demonstrate the advantages of using CNC in the synthesis of PILs, highlighting their contribution to sustainable technology development.

Zymirah Nguyen ‘25
Majors: Health Sciences and Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bill Whitlow, Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: How Perceptions of Campus Safety Impact Academic Engagement and Mental Health among Female Students

This study explores how female students’ perceptions of campus safety impact their academic engagement and mental health at Rutgers University-Camden. A total of 22 female students participated in an online survey examining their views on campus safety, levels of scholarly engagement, and mental health. The results showed a weak negative correlation between campus safety and academic engagement, suggesting that safety did not strongly influence academic engagement. However, a moderate negative correlation was found between safety and mental health, indicating that students who felt safer on campus reported better levels of mental health. The correlation between academic engagement and mental health was weakly positive, showing a slight tendency for more engaged students to report better mental health. These findings highlight the importance of both campus safety and mental health resources in advocating for an environment where students can thrive academically. The study offers valuable recommendations for universities to improve campus safety and mental health support for female students.

Uswa Noman ’25, Cate Harding ’27, Niayla Silvera ’28, Karla Paredes Vargas ’26, and Kaitlyn McDermott ’27
Majors: Criminal Justice (UN); Human Resources (CH); Sociology and Philosophy (NS); Spanish (KPV); Health Science and Psychology (KD)
Minors: Sociology (CH); German (NS); Education and Childhood Studies (KPV)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Julio Alicea, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Title of Project: Imagining More Equitable Futures with and Through Schools: Comparing Educational Opportunity Across District, Charter, and Private School Contexts

In a country with compulsory education, schooling is a definitive experience that shapes and molds students in different ways. Thus, as individuals we tend to acquire many formative memories, social connections, and points of view that stay with us after graduation. Schooling, however, reaches beyond the individual to influence the wider society in myriad ways. Horace Mann (1848), an education reformer and anti-slavery activist, famously remarked that from a societal perspective, education would be “beyond all other divides of human origin, […] a great equalizer of conditions of men—the balance wheel of the social machinery.” In this presentation, we explore educational opportunities in three different models of schooling: district schools, charter schools, and private schools. With theoretical grounding in the sociology of education, we examine how each model of schooling came to be, what they look like today, and how they affect the students they serve as well as the larger society. Each team will offer a policy-focused analysis, grounded in emergent qualitative data from interviews and field notes. The goal of the research is to learn from these models and inform how we might further educational opportunity for all students moving forward.

Isabella Perry ’27 and Olivia Pozniewski ‘27
Majors: Criminal Justice and English (IP); Biology (OP)
Minor: Forensic Science (IP)
Faculty Mentor: Ms. Kimberlee Moran, Associate Teaching Professor of Forensic Science
Title of Project: Children in Antiquity: An Archaeological Experiment

Our research begins 3,000 years ago with the discovery of neolithic clay figurines from Crete, a small island off Greece. These figurines are believed to be made by children due to their small size and their association with domestic, and not religious, contexts. Found on the figurines are remnants of fingerprints, also known as friction ridge detail. This detail led us to several articles in which previous researchers claim to be able to determine the age of the fingerprint owner by measuring the distance between ridges. In order to test this and determine if age can be identified by measuring fingerprints, we utilized an experimental archaeology approach. We prepared a lesson on archaeology for elementary students ranging from 5-11 years of age. They were given a short lecture about the typical day of a child in Ancient Greece to provide them with a better understanding of Crete and the similarities between children from the modern and ancient world. After the slide show, students were given two small pieces of clay and asked to make one small figurine and a “token”. The figurines they created allowed us to observe the sorts of imagery the students were inclined to make, as well as where friction ridge detail was most prominently left on the objects. The “token,” made from a ball of clay and an indent of their right thumb, was done to create a “control” fingerprint, which would then be used for measuring and age determination. We found that the younger group of children made smaller, more detailed figurines, while the older children made larger, bulkier figures. Showing the children how to make the tokens and figurines was a learning experience: we found that more adult supervisors at the tables helped the children follow instructions better, which led to better outcomes. Overall, the figurines produced by this group of children were much larger and less sophisticated than the figurines from ancient Crete suggesting that the ancient makers possibly had better fine motor skills. Measurements of the friction ridges were taken for the next phase of this project.

Ashley Petthyng ‘25
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Conference Travel Grant**
Majors: Health Sciences and Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carla Giaudrone, Associate Professor of Spanish
Title of Project: Bridging the Language Gap: Bilingual Zines as Tools for Climate and Health Education

The lack of bilingual scientific resources often excludes non-English-speaking communities from critical conversations about health and climate. This paper reflects on my experience creating and presenting zines as part of the Voces de la comunidad project, which addressed the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and its health implications in Camden’s Latinx community. Zines are a creative and accessible way to share information, personal experiences, and alternative perspectives. As part of the Health and Wellness in the Latinx Community course, we work on translating technical concepts into both English and Spanish to make them accessible to local residents. Bilingual zines provide an opportunity for residents to engage in climate discussions, understand the environmental challenges they face, and take steps to address them. Moreover, humanities-led storytelling plays a crucial role in engaging people in climate narratives. By incorporating personal narratives and cultural references, zines not only inform but also inspire action, making environmental justice efforts more inclusive and impactful.

Nallely Pineda Turcios ‘27
Majors: Psychology and Theater
Minor: French
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tamara Nelson, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: Fatalismo and Substance Use in the Latinx Community: The Mediating Role of Help-Seeking Attitudes

Latinos are the fastest-growing population in the United States, comprising 19.5% of the total U.S. population of 340,110,988 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). In the Latinx community, mental health stigma limits the utilization of mental health resources (Cabassa et al., 2006), contributing to increased reliance on maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, marijuana, painkillers, and cocaine (Pinedo, 2020). Research suggests that 7% of adult Latino Americans have a substance use disorder, while 25% engage in binge drinking (American Addiction Centers, 2024). Beyond structural barriers, Latino cultural values significantly shape health behaviors (Valdivieso-Mora et al., 2016). One key cultural value, fatalismo, is the belief that life events are predetermined and beyond personal control (Abraído-Lanza et al., 2007). Fatalismo discourages help-seeking, reinforcing mental health stigma and increasing substance use as a maladaptive coping mechanism (Ojeda & Bergstresser, 2008; Pinedo, 2020). Prior research suggests that fatalismo is associated with lower help-seeking attitudes (Abraído-Lanza et al., 2007). In other studies, it has been found that lower help-seeking attitudes predict higher substance use (Pinedo et al., 2018). In this study, I will examine the relationship between fatalismo, help-seeking attitudes, and substance use using data from the Latinx Behavioral Health Initiative (N = 159 Latinx immigrants) and validated measures, including the DAST-10, AUDIT, and ATSPPH. We hypothesize that higher fatalismo scores will be associated with negative help-seeking attitudes and lead to increased substance use; help-seeking attitudes will mediate this relationship. Findings will inform culturally tailored interventions to reduce substance use and improve mental health support for Latino populations.

Gretchen Purvis ‘25
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Conference Travel Grant**
Major: English
Minor: German
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ellen Malenas Ledoux, Associate Professor of English
Title of Project: “An Awful Doomed Love:” Grief and Return in Pet Sematary and Frankenstein

Despite significant academic research interest in depictions of grief and mourning in Mary Shelley’s 1818 Frankenstein and the comparative dearth of research investigating similar portrayals in Stephen King’s 1983 Pet Sematary, very little research has examined these two texts together. Drawing on Freud’s aesthetics of the uncanny, I argue the protagonists’ responses to these novels’ revivified dead bodies frame revivification as an unnatural return disrupting—and even preventing— successful completion of the mourning process.

Both novels’ protagonists initially conceptualize these revivifications as longed-for events, allowing them to retain a feeling of control over and avoid the emotional distress associated with their loved ones’ deaths, but change their minds when these revivifications’ realities prove unsatisfying and even violent. Using Carroll’s theory of art-horror as prompting specific affective audience responses, this paper argues that these two novels’ focus on the protagonists’ negative reactions to the revivifications’ results provokes a similar reaction in the reader.

Finally, I argue that King’s retelling of the revivification process retroactively highlights the importance of community to readings of grief in Shelley’s novel. King and Shelley both ultimately portray the desire for return through revivification as the result of unresolved grief, which eventually physically threatens not only the bereaved, but also that person’s family and broader community. Using art-horror and the uncanny, I argue that these novels portray the protagonists’ problematized grief as negative examples of mourning for the reader to learn from and themselves avoid similar violence to their own social networks.

Justine Faye Quitola ’25 and Kimberly Lugo ‘25
Majors: Health Sciences (JQ); Nursing (KL)
Minors: Biology and Psychology (JQ)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Simanti Lahiri, Program Coordinator for the Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement
Title of Project: Breaking Barriers: Leveraging Social Media to Improve Healthcare Communication for Spanish-Speaking Patients

Social media is an integral part of today’s society, serving as a medium for a plethora of information. Different forms of social media include blogs and posts, sites, messaging platforms, podcasts, and more. During COVID-19, people turned towards social media for health information. Minority groups such as the Latinx community rely on posts, websites and networks for health advice. However, the language barrier makes it difficult for Spanish-speaking patients to access critical health information to make well-informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones. In this research project, I aim to bridge the gap between critical information and patients by creating Spanish-translated materials that the Cherry Hill Free Clinic can utilize and provide to their patients during visits.

Wayne Reynolds ‘25
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Conference Travel Grant**
Major: English
Minors: Communication, Digital Studies, and Film
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Jim Brown, Director of the Digital Studies Center; Dr. Anthony Wright, Associate Director of the Digital Studies Center; Dr. Keith Green, Associate Professor of English; Dr. Holly Humes, Professor of English; Office of Disability Services staff
Title of Project: Playing with the Xbox Adaptable Controller

This presentation describes a workshop that offers participants an opportunity to interact with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, a controller designed for those with motor disabilities, in order to prompt discussion and reflection on how controllers affect accessibility in videogames. In September of 2018, Microsoft unveiled its adaptive controller, marking a milestone in accessibility and video games. The adaptive controller is an accessibility peripheral designed with disabled people in mind. The controller allows multiple configurations and is designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility. The controller has two large buttons, a d-pad, a menu button, a select button, and the standard Xbox nexus button. The most unique feature of the controller is a series of eighteen 3.5 millimeter jack ports, each associated with an individual Xbox controller button. It also comes with two USB A ports and has a USB C port for charging or directly connecting the controller to the Xbox. With the adaptive controller and third-party components, the player can use Xbox software to map the controller in an array of configurations.

While the Adaptive Controller was designed for those with limited mobility, our workshop uses the controller as a tool for raising awareness about how controllers shape and constrain gameplay and how they can sometimes even serve to exclude certain players. The adaptive controller can be a key tool in opening up discussions amongst all players about gaming, disability, and accessibility. By inviting players to construct their own controller, a range of players can be made more aware of what is too often forgotten: the “norm” of the gamepad excludes and erases many players. This work comes out of a research group at the Rutgers University-Camden Digital Studies Center (DiSC) called “Well Played.” Well Played conducts hands-on research and leads hands-on workshops about videogames and has addressed a range of research topics since its launch in 2014. For the past year, the Well Played group has been conducting research on accessibility and video games in collaboration with the Rutgers–Camden Office of Disability Studies (ODS), and the workshop described in this presentation is the latest result of that collaboration.

Johnathon Rodriguez ‘25
Major: Computer Science
Faculty Mentor: Mr. Travis DuBose, Assistant Teaching Professor of English
Title of Project: Healthcare Sentiment Analysis

Social media has given individuals a platform to be able to express their own opinions and thoughts surrounding a variety of topics. This research project aims to investigate social media discussions and analyze the sentiment expressed in posts related to insurance, healthcare policies, and healthcare programs. By researching data from social media through API search endpoints, I will collect relevant text and apply sentiment analysis techniques to examine public opinions involving these topics.

Insurance and healthcare contain critical industries that impact millions of people living within the U.S. The study done on this topic can trigger widespread discussions and give insight into how this industry is perceived by the daily public. Through research, I want to capture key incidents covered in news media and see how they are also reflected in the data. One big example of this, that I hope to examine and observe, is the murder of the United Health CEO Brian Thompson. However, my primary goal is to understand overall how people perceive the many different aspects of insurance and the public reaction to key incidents. By doing research into seeing how these topics are discussed on social media, I hope to discover the overall sentiment of people and their response to crises and controversies within this industry.

In addition to pulling data from an API search endpoint to do this research I will also be looking into tokenization which involves breaking down text into individual words from phrases for better analysis. I will also be looking into natural language processing techniques to find key themes and to detect patterns inside posts. Using these tools, I hope to gain a deeper understanding and discover patterns that reveal how individuals respond to the topics discussed.

By analyzing social media discussions and key incidents, the research I plan to accomplish aims to provide a deeper understanding of how the public perceives insurance and healthcare. I look to take a deeper look at the trends, concerns, and the patterns in online discussions revolving around our healthcare. This insight can help identify public concerns and misconceptions which can contribute to a more informed understanding of the industry’s impact on society.

Alan Rozenblit ‘26
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Grant**
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nir Yakoby, Professor of Biology
Title of Project: Effect of enhancer deletion on egg laying, and posterior patterning across Drosophila

Morphological diversity is found across the animal kingdom, even in closely related species, like the Drosophila clade. However, mechanisms underlying this morphological diversity are poorly understood. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling controls posterior patterning of the Drosophila melanogaster egg chamber in oogenesis. One downstream target of this pathway is Midline (Mid). Previous work has shown changes in EGFR expression patterns are linked to morphological diversity in eggshell structure, including the dorsal ridge, across Drosophila species. However, no studies have investigated the expression of this signaling pathway’s downstream targets, like Mid and H15, across multiple species. This raises the question: is the posterior patterning by Mid conserved across different Drosophila species? Another focus of the project deals with enhancers identified for Mid and H15. Enhancers control the precise spatiotemporal expression of genes in development. We hypothesize the life cycle and egg laying of D. melanogaster are negatively impacted by the deletion of the Ventral Leg Enhancer (VLE). Using small molecule inexpensive fluorescence in situ hybridization (smiFISH), we aim to capture expression patterning of Mid and H15 throughout various stages of development across Drosophila species. Consequences of enhancer deletion are analyzed through a life cycle assay in which fitness markers are observed. A smiFISH protocol was established in oogenesis, with some posterior patterns found across species. Having developed a method to follow the life cycle, egg laying was reduced in enhancer deletion backgrounds. Future work includes further smiFISH protocol adjustments across species and further analysis of fitness markers impacted by enhancer deletion.

Lucas Caleb Pascua Sandig ‘25
Major: Political Science
Minor: Legal Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mustafa Saqib, Visiting Scholar
Title of Project: Evolution of Women’s Rights in Iran Since the Iranian Revolution

This research paper explores the evolution of women’s rights in Iran since the Iranian Revolution. It argues that women have gained better access to public facilities but still lack many fundamental rights. This is due to the two competing goals of the Iranian government: to run a nation with secular needs and to adhere to Islamic values. For example, Iran’s leaders want a strong economy and international prestige both of which require public facilities for women. On the other hand, Iran’s leaders, particularly the clerics on the Guardian Council, want to maintain Islamic values within the country leading to limits on women’s rights. As a result, gender inequality persists. Finally, this paper argues meaningful advancements of women’s rights are impossible under the current regime as the government is too unresponsive to women’s needs.

Flynn Semenuk ‘26
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eric Klein, Associate Professor of Biology
Title of Project: Exploring the Role of the LacZ Gene in Regulating Sphingolipid Production in E. coli

Sphingolipids are complex lipids found in the cell membrane that are integral to many functions in the cell such as membrane structure, signaling, and cell-to-cell communication. However, it is not known what regulates the production of sphingolipids in Escherichia coli. For this study, the focus is to determine how sphingolipid production is regulated inside the bacteria E. coli. To do this, lacZ gene was knocked out which is required for growth on lactose, and we introduced the plasmid which has the lacZ gene under the control of the sphingolipid promoter. This will make it so that the E. coli cannot grow like they would normally in the minimal media lactose plates due to missing the benefits of lacZ. If a colony of E. coli grows within the plate, that means that there is a mutation there that has enabled the lacZ protein to be reactivated along with the sphingolipid reporter as well. This mutant strain can then be cultured, and its genome studied to find a possible regulatory pathway for sphingolipid production, since the mutant would reactivate both the lacZ protein and the sphingolipid reporter.

Rhea Sharma ’25 and Don Frenzel III ‘27
Majors: Biology and Global Studies (RS); Computer Science (DF)
Minors: Chemistry and Spanish (RS)
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lee Ann Westman, Director of the Honors College
Title of Project: The Sustainability and Impact of Friday Lunch Services at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Camden, New Jersey

Cooking for Camden is an initiative of Dr. Westman’s class, the First Year Forum. Students from the First Year Forum work very closely with leadership at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church each semester to directly support the Friday lunch services that run from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Beyond addressing food insecurity, this initiative has fostered deep connections between students and the Camden community, creating a space of mutual support and joy.

Our analysis examines the sustainability and impact of this meal service, highlighting the logistical challenges and efforts to create a sustainable model for monetary support, food donations, and volunteers. Food from the meal service is sourced by excess trays donated from the dining hall and the previous Sunday service. If this is insufficient, volunteers from St. Paul’s church and Cooking for Camden will prepare a meal. We have relied on Dining Hall donations, which can be challenging because donations are unpredictable in terms of consistency in the availability of food. Weekly attendance varies between 20 to 60 individuals, and fluctuations in food supply can result in surplus or shortages, but the number has been increasing recently with the warmer weather. When donations are insufficient, approximately $100 is needed to fund a meal for one service, supported by grants and donations from organizations such as the Ravitz Family Foundation ($2,500) and Kingsway Church ($500). In addition to money, weekly volunteers consist of Honors College students and First Year Forum students. Individual groups have also helped the church by purchasing ingredients and preparing a meal for one service at the church. These groups include RUC U-RISE program, DDE forensics honors society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Greek organizations. Our immediate priority is monetary support. When the university is not in service for approximately 10-15 weeks in the summer and 6 weeks in the winter, the church receives no food donations or volunteers. The second priority is setting up a framework within Cooking for Camden as a student organization.

Sumaiya Siddique ‘25
Majors: Health Sciences and Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tamara Nelson, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Title of Project: The Acting White Accusation, Belongingness, and Psychological Distress for South Asians

The “Acting White” Accusation (AWA) is a form of cultural invalidation experienced by people of color when their behaviors or values do not align with those of their own racial or ethnic group (Durkee & Goméz, 2021). Previous research supports the implication that the AWA has detrimental effects on racial-ethnic identities and cognitive health (Durkee & Goméz, 2021). Research shows that the AWA is distressing for Black and Latina/o individuals when it is perpetrated by racial or ethnic ingroup and outgroup members (Durkee & Goméz, 2021). However, current research offers little to no visibility regarding the harmful effects of the AWA against individuals of South Asian descent. Indeed, limited available research in this area might be attributable to the Model Minority Myth (MMM; Museus & Kiang, 2009), which emphasizes the desirability of perceived Asian Americans’ professional and educational successes while ignoring the social adversities and discrimination that they face as a racially marginalized group (Rajakopal, 2024). Given this framework, the pressure to assimilate into White culture, yet also remain culturally authentic, may result in unique experiences of AWA among South Asians that might impact their mental health. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the AWA and psychological distress among South Asians. We will also explore if belongingness might explain this relationship. We predict that higher levels of AWA will result in higher levels of psychological distress. We also predict that higher levels of AWA will also be associated with decreased belongingness and increased psychological distress. The findings and implications of the study will be discussed.

Marcus Spann ’25 and Lilly Zhang ‘27
Majors: Physics (MS) and Computer Science (LZ)
Minor: Mathematics (MS)
Faculty Mentor: Mr. Cory Trout, Assistant Teaching Professor of Physics
Title of Project: Analysis of Plasma Produced upon Pulsed Laser Ablation of Bismuth in Water

Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) is a nanoparticle production technique conducted in a one-step process in which a pulsed laser is focused on a bulk target submerged in liquid. While PLAL is relatively simple to preform, there are many parameters (e.g. laser and environmental) that affect the resulting nanoparticle characteristics such as their morphology and composition. Previous work has demonstrated that the laser and environmental conditions employed during the ablation of metallic bismuth submerged in water has a dramatic effect on the resulting nanostructures[1]. For example, ablations with high fluence (20 J/cm2 ) under ambient conditions lead to the formation of bismuth oxide nanowire bundles while ablations in CO2-saturated aqueous solutions produce bismuth subcarbonate nanosheets. In both of these cases the initial nanoparticles produced directly after ablation are spherical and mostly composed of metallic bismuth, however they differ in their surface chemistries. It is suspected that the surface chemistry of the initial nanoparticles plays a large role in the eventual formation of the higher-order nanostructures. While specific conditions have been identified to produce distinct bismuth-based nanostructures, the root cause of their surface chemistry still remains a question. The plasma generated after the absorption of the laser pulse could produce the conditions for reactions between the target material and the solvent molecules along with any dissolved gasses that may be present. This work focuses on the development of an experimental apparatus that allows for time-resolved monochromatic imaging of the plasma allowing for analysis of the plasma dynamics in terms of the volume and intensity of plasma radiation at a wavelength determined by a monochromatic filter. By assuming the dominant source of radiation from the plasma is due to radiative recombination, the temperature of the plasma can be calculated using a black-body analysis[2]. To get statistically meaningful and comparative data, the apparatus must allow for the collection of many images taken under the same conditions. The apparatus built in this work accounts for both the surface modification of the target and the release of nanoparticles into solution after each laser pulse.

Amber Traylor ‘27
**Recipient of the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Grant**
**Recipient of Support from the Experiential Learning Fund**
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Forensic Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michelle Carlin, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Title of Project: Analysis of Multicannabinoid Products by GC-MS

In 2018, the United States of America Congress passed the Agricultural Improvement Act, which declassified hemp as a stage-one drug substance and states that a product may be considered hemp if the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) dry-weight concentration is less than 0.3%. This change made it legal to manufacture and sell cannabidiol (CBD) in the United States, which has led to an influx of these products onto the market. Pharmaceutical drugs are subject to variability limits during production, with all product components being fully disclosed to manufacturers and consumers. Standardized quality control protocols are implemented in pharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure compliance with established regulatory standards, and raw materials and final products must conform to predefined tolerance thresholds. However, CBD products are not required to meet this rigorous standard, which may modify the intended pharmacological actions of the product and/or induce additional, unintended effects that are undesirable or adverse for the consumer.

Previously, research was done to establish a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) method to detect eight phytocannabinoids that may be contained in these products. This method can establish the accuracy of labeling information and provide evidence of which phytocannabinoids are contained in the capsules.

This project aims to verify the previously established method that utilizes solid-liquid extraction (SLE) by instead incorporating a solid-phase extraction (SPE) step to concentrate and purify the desired phytocannabinoid analytes from the capsule samples. Three extraction methods from literature were evaluated utilizing two SPE cartridges with distinct column chemistries. These methods were then optimized through experimentation to produce a purification process for the GCMS method. The GCMS method was then re-verified according to the ASNI/ASB standard 036 due to changes in lab personnel and sample preparation.

Casey Jane Waters ‘25
Major: Health Sciences
Minors: Psychology and Biology
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Jamie Dunaev, Associate Teaching Professor of Health Sciences, and Dr. Charlotte Markey, Professor of Psychology and Health Sciences
Title of Project: Behavioral and Mental Health Implications of Health-Related Stigma on Individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

According to the CDC, 38.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with Diabetes. Of that population, 90% to 95% have Type 2 Diabetes (CDC, 2024). Additionally, Diabetes can lead to an increased risk for complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, and retinopathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss. People living with Type 2 Diabetes tend to also suffer from diabetic neuropathy and decreased blood flow, specifically in their feet. This can lead to ulcers and the amputation of toes, feet, and legs (WHO, 2024). Furthermore, individuals with diabetes are frequently stigmatized because of their condition. A study conducted by Schabert and associates (2013) found that some consequences of stigma are compromised selfcare regimen from concealment attempts and impaired psychological well-being. Another study found that stigma toward those with Diabetes can lead to higher rates of diabetes complications and higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in adults with T1D and T2D (Eitel et al., 2024). Finally, Browne and associates (2013) found that adults with T2D were more unwilling to disclose their condition to others and suffered psychological distress such as guilt, shame, and low self-worth due to Diabetes stigma. Less is known, however, about the impact of internalized stigma on individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Internalized stigma refers to stigma that has been self-directed, meaning individuals actively believe the negative things about their social group. The purpose of this study then is to examine the influence of both experienced and internalized stigma on the behavioral and mental health outcomes of individuals living with type one or two diabetes. Analyses will include 187 individuals who have been diagnosed with type one or two diabetes and reported on their adherence to various medical regimens and their self-esteem more generally.

Dominic Watson ‘25
**Recipient of Support from the Experiential Learning Fund**
Major: Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Salas-de la Cruz, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Title of Project: Assessment of Char Formation and Thermal Resistance in Hydroxyethyl Cellulose-Porcelain Composites

Advancements in green chemistry allow for the manufacture of environmentally sustainable composite materials with advantageous physical properties. One promising composite is the mixture of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and clay. This material can be shaped into flexible sheets that possess superior thermal retardation qualities over that of common manufacturing plastics such as propylene and polyethylene. When exposed to high temperatures, organic materials typically undergo one of two processes. The first is a free radical reaction series that releases volatile compounds into the air. The second, which is promoted by the presence of clay, is oxidative dehydrogenation, which forms an aromatic, thermally stable char layer. This char layer bolsters thermal resistance by acting as a barrier that reduces heat transfer and slows the release of volatile compounds. In this study, we will investigate the physicochemical and thermal properties of an HEC/clay composite. The structural organization will be examined to explore the relationship between composite morphology and thermal properties. To understand how the composite’s morphology and thermal behavior change with varying clay content, cellulose content, ambient water content, and exposure to ultrasound, we will employ several analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Arsalaan Zaki ‘28
Major: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Ms. Kimberlee Moran, Associate Teaching Professor of Forensic Science
Title of Project: Methodology and Comparison of Cleaning Desiccated Animal Remains

Anyone who has had to clean bones for display, whether human or animal, knows that it is tedious work, especially if the remains have dried out. This project, under the guidance of Professor Moran of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Criminal Justice, is an overview of some of the various methods employed to clean and whiten skeletal remains. These different chemicals and processes interact with the bones in unique ways. Some can clean the remains or “whiten” the surface but will result in damage to the external layers of the bone structure, making it unsuitable for higher-fidelity analysis. Different temperatures and combinations of chemicals will further accelerate the cleaning process while also sacrificing bone integrity. The degradation of outer bone material also depends on the size and composition of the bone, for example, a cow femur is much more resistant to wear than a humerus of a sheep. The methods utilized include household chemical cleaning substances such as bleach, ammonia, and water, as well as mechanical removal of dead tissue using knives or scrubs. Water treatments proved to be the most effective at removing desiccated tissue, combined with high temperatures to accelerate the process; however mechanical removal of the majority of dead tissue prior to chemical or water treatment saves time in the overall cleaning process, cutting down on waste material, as well as exposing layers of desiccated flesh that would have taken chemicals or water time to penetrate through.

 

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