STEMposium Exhibition

Welcome to the 2024 STEMposium Virtual Exhibition!

During the 2023-2024 school year, 37 Advanced Research Mentorship students partnered with mentors from UConn, UConn Health, Trinity College, University of Hartford, University of Tulsa, and other notable institutions

We are grateful to our ARM Mentors for donating their valuable time, expertise, and guidance to these students throughout the year.

Please note, some documents may need additional time to load.

Melany Aguiar

Effects of the ID2 Gene on the Cell Cycle and Development of Osteosarcoma

Marc F Hansen, Professor of Medicine, Genetics and Genome Sciences

Headshot of a girl.

Research Poster and Abstract

ARM Poster.pdf

Personal Reflection

Aguiar, Melany Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Anna Botros

The Effect of Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) on the Protection of Oligodendrocytes 

Dr. Stephen Crocker, PhD Associate Professor, Departments of Neuroscience and Immunology, UCONN School of Medicine  

Closeup of a girl smiling.

Research Poster and Abstract

GHS helmet logo

Personal Reflection

Botros, Anna Reflective Journey 2024.docx

Russell Boyer 

Impact of Cyberspace on Youth: A Global Framework

Ben Chua, Chief Executive Office of Cyber Youth Singapore

Closeup of a boy smiling.

Research Poster and Abstract

Boyer, Russell research poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Boyer, Russell Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Macey Burns


Examining Beaver Dam Analog Design for New England


Dr. Danielle Hare, Ecosystem Ecologist and Watershed Hydrologist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Closeup of a girl sitting at a computer.

Research Poster and Abstract

Burns, Macey ARM Poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Burns, Macey Reflective Journey 2024  .pdf

Vivek Chandy


Development and Tests of a Data-Driven Model  of The GlueX Experiment

Dr. Richard Jones, Professor of Physics at the University of Connecticut

Closeup of a boy sitting at a computer.

Research Poster and Abstract

Chandy, Vivek ARM Poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Chandy, Vivek Reflective Journey 2024.docx

Emma Coderre


Evaluating A Breast Cancer Targeting Antibody Using Four Different Light Chain Combinations With A Selected Heavy Chain

Dr. Kevin Claffey, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Cell Biology UConn Health, Farmington

Closeup of a girl smiling. and doing some scientific research.

Research Poster and Abstract

Coderre, Emma.pdf

Personal Reflection

Coderre, Emma Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Sarah Comenale

The Effect of Beaver Dams on Heavy Metal Concentrations in Rivers and their Potential Impact on Water Quality in New England

Dr. Danielle Hare, Ecosystem Ecologist and Watershed Hydrologist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Closeup of a girl smiling and holding up her iPad.

Research Poster and Abstract

Comenale, Sara.pdf

Personal Reflection

Comenale, Sara Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Elizabeth Evans


The Role and Location of Beta Adrenergic Receptors in Skeletal Muscle Pathway Leading to Muscle Differentiation

Sofia Possidento, Biomedical Sciences Ph.D Candidate, Cell Biology, UConn Health Center

Closeup of a girl smiling.

Research Poster and Abstract

Evans, Elizabeth.pdf

Personal Reflection

Evans, Elizabeth Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Maya Drelichowski

The Effects of a Helmet Cooling Fan on Productivity Outcomes and Cognitive Function During Simulated Occupational Work in the Heat

Mentored by Dr. Rebecca Stearns, PhD, ATC; Chief Operating Officer, Korey Stringer Institute 

Student Mentors: Monique Marcelino, MS, LAT, ATC; Director of Education and Cecilia Kaufman, LAT, ATC; Director of Occupational Safety

Closeup of a girl smiling.

Research Poster and Abstract

Drelichowski, Maya.pdf

Personal Reflection

Maya drelichowski (STUDENT) - Reflective Journey.pdf

Tony Gao


Evaluating Neural Network Methods to Determine the Mineral Composition of 101955 Bennu

Dr. Jingyi Chen, Decker Dawson Professor of Geophysics, University of Tulsa

Closeup of a boy at a computer.

Research Poster and Abstract

Gao Tony.pdf

Personal Reflection

Gao Tony Reflective Journey 2024 .pdf

Jackson Hall


The Role of Gravity in Oxygen Gas Removal in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyzers


Dr. Ugur Pasaogullari, Professor and Director of the Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2), Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, UConn

Closeup of a boy at a computer.

Research Poster and Abstract

Hall,Jackson poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Hall, James Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Anna Hilary


How do Phloem-feeding Herbivores Suppress the Parasitism of Caterpillars on Quercus Alba?


Dr. Michael Singer, Professor of Biology, Wesleyan University

Nicole Steigerwald, Undergraduate Student, Wesleyan University

Photo of a girl holding a microscope and smiling.

Research Poster and Abstract

Hilary, Anna.pdf

Personal Reflection

Hilary, Anna Reflective Journey 2024 .pdf

Sarah Hogan

Generation of Metal Adapted Tetrahymena Cells from Exposure of the Metals Copper and Zinc

Dr. Michelle Kovarik, Gregory G. Mario ‘87 Associate Professor of Chemistry

Photo of the hands and arms of a person working with test tubes and a dropper.

Research Poster and Abstract

Hogan, Sarah.pdf

Personal Reflection

Hogan, Sarah Reflective Journey 2024(1).pdf

Naavya Jain

Prediction of Non-B DNA Structure Using PacBio Sequencing Interpulse Durations

Dr. Derek Aguiar, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut

Photo of a girl smiling in front of a computer.

Research Poster and Abstract

Jain, Naavya ARM Poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Jain, Naavya Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Makenya Kinyua


Understanding The Relationship Between Disseminating Psma Positive Prostate Cancer Cells and Osteoblasts


Mentored by Dr. Leslie Caromile, PhD, UConn Health, Department of Vascular Biology, Brenna Mcallister, Graduate Student, UCONN Health, Department of Vascular Biology

Photo of the side of a girl sitting at the computer.

Research Poster and Abstract

Kinyua, Makena ARM Poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Kinyua, Makena Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Farhan Kittur


A Study on the Effects of Magnetic Control on Molecular Emission in Solid States

Dr. Tomoyasu Mani, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Connecticut, Chemistry Department

Photo of a boy smiling.

Research Poster and Abstract

GHS helmet logo

Personal Reflection

Kittur, Farhan Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Alex Kosior 


Comparison of a Novel Alginate Based Tracheal Sealant to Traditional Suture Methods for Rapid Treatment of Tracheal Injuries

Dr. Christine M. Finck, M.D., CT Children’s Medical Center and UConn School of Medicine

Photo of the side of a boy sitting at a computer.

Research Poster and Abstract

Kosior, Alexander, ARM Poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Kosior, Alexander Reflective Journey 2024 .pdf

Astrin Krane


Microbe-Microbe Interactions Between the Fish Pathogens Vibrio Anguillarum and Bacillus Mycoides


Mentored by Dr. Kathryn Milligan-McClellan, associate professor of microbiology at UConn and Sarah Pasqualetti and Caroline Vieira Da Silva, PhD candidates.

Photo of a students using a dropper to pour something into a test tube.

Research Poster and Abstract

Krane, Astrin.pdf

Personal Reflection

GHS helmet logo

Ananya Kumar

Opioid Prescription Patterns Post Third Molar Extractions 

Dr. Elie Ferneini, Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Photo of a girl holding up her laptop and showing the screen which has a chart on it.

Research Poster and Abstract

Kumar, Ananya, ARM Poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Kumar, Ananya Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Jagannath Lakshmipathy

Analyzing the role of type of surgery and background factors on opioid prescriptions.

Dr. Nathaniel Rickles, Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs and Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy.

Photo of a boy sitting at the computer.

Research Poster and Abstract

Lakshmipathy, Jagan ARM Poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Lakshmipathy, Jagan Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Savannah Le

A Study of the Big Five Personality Model in Relation to the Susceptibility of Creating False Memories

Dr, John Protzko, Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences at Central Connecticut State University

GHS helmet logo

Research Poster and Abstract

GHS helmet logo

Personal Reflection

GHS helmet logo

Aarav Mehta

Predicting DNA Methylation with Translocation Times

Dr. Derek Aguiar, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, UCONN

Phot of a boy sitting at a computer. He's turning his head around toward the camera.

Research Poster and Abstract

Mehta, Aarav ARM Poster.pdf

Personal Reflection

Mehta Aarav Reflection 2024.pdf

Lee Oh

Related Abstract Semantic Domains Show Distinct Color Signatures


Tobias Putrih, Lecturer of Art Culture and Technology


Ardalan Sadeghikivi, Project Developer and Manager at MIT.nano and Instructor of Art Culture and Technology

Closeup photo of a girl with a screen in the background.

Research Poster and Abstract

Oh, Lee ARM Poster.pdf

Personal Reflection

Oh, Lee Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Shruti Sendhilkumar 

Exploring Antisense Strategies Using AKT Inhibitors to Target Breast Cancer Cells

Dr. Anisha Gupta, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Saint Joseph; Mahnoor Khan, Graduate Student, PharmD, University of Saint Joseph

Closeup head shot of a girl.

Research Poster and Abstract

Final slideshow.pdf

Personal Reflection

Sendhilkumar, Shruti Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Sydney Shaw

How Phloem-Feeding Insects Suppress the Parasitism of Caterpillars by Braconid Wasps

Dr. Michael Singer, Professor of Environmental Studies, Chair of Biology Department, Wesleyan University

Nicole Steigerwald, BA Student, Wesleyan University

Closeup photo of a student.

Research Poster and Abstract

Shaw, Sydney poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Shaw, Sydney Reflective Journey 2024  .pdf

Braden Simon 

Mesoporous Magnesium Oxide-Based Catalyst for the Cycloaddition of CO2 to Styrene Oxide

Ph.D. Candidates Inosh Perera and Isaac Olowookere

UConn Department of Chemistry

Closeup photo of a boy wearing safety goggles.

Research Poster and Abstract

Simon, Braden.pdf

Personal Reflection

Simon, Braden Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Emma Skripol 

The Impact of GCM2 Gene Variations on Parathyroid Tumor Development and Susceptibility

Jessica Costa, D.M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, School of Dental Medicine, Center for Molecular Oncology, Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Connecticut

Closeup photo of a girl.

Research Poster and Abstract

Skripol, Emma.pdf

Personal Reflection

Skripol, Emma Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Luke Smith 

The Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure and Temperature on Articular Cartilage Health

Mentors: Isaac Lingenfelter, M.S., University of Connecticut & David M. Pierce, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering/Biomedical Engineering/Mathematics, Department Head of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut

Photo of a boy standing in a room with lots of science equipment and a large stainless steal tank with the word nitrogen on it.

Research Poster and Abstract

Smith,Luke_Poster.pdf

Personal Reflection

Smith, Luke Reflective journey 2024.pdf

Nupur Sondhi 

Analyzing The Cause Of Brain Dysfunction In Patients With Bipolar Disorder 


Mentored by Dr. Elizabeth Jonas, Professor of Neuroscience and Internal Medicine at Yale University, and Lei Shen, Postdoctoral Associate at Yale School of Medicine.

Photo of a girl sitting in front of a laptop.

Research Poster and Abstract

Sondhi, Nupur Poster_.pdf

Personal Reflection

Sondhi, Nupur Reflective Journey 2024.docx

Sarah Spang

Reflective Thematic Analysis Of TikTok Posts by Women in Stem

 Jocelyn Steinke, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Department of Communications, University of Connecticut

Closeup photo of a girl with a notebook.

Research Poster and Abstract

Spang Sarah .pdf

Personal Reflection

Spang Sarah Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Andrew Stranko

Harvest Energy using Water Turbines and Piezoelectric Sensors

Dr. Wajid Chishty, Professor in Residence, Mechanical Engineering at UConn

Photo of a boy.

Research Poster and Abstract

Stranko, Andrew.pdf

Personal Reflection

Stranko, Andrew Reflective Journey 2024.docx

Kiernan Tierney 


The Sub-Diurnal Fluctuations in the Isotopic Composition of Xylem Water in Deciduous Trees

Dr. James Knighton, Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, University of Connecticut

Photo of a girl standing near a tree holding up something that looks like a blue bar. There is a pink ribbon tied around the tree and hanging out of her pocket.

Research Poster and Abstract

Tierney, Kiernan.pdf

Personal Reflection

Tierney Kiernan Reflective Journey 2024 (1).pdf

Jayanth Tummala


Analyzing Prediction Accuracy of RNA Secondary Structure Conformation Based on Nanopore Translocation Times in Deep Learning Models

Dr. Derek Aguiar, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Department of Computer Science, University of Connecticut

Photo of a boy standing at his computer desk.

Research Poster and Abstract

Tummala, Jayanth.pdf

Personal Reflection

Tummala, Jayanth Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Maya Vallejo

Analyzing Relationships Between b-cell Activation in Tumorous Lymph Nodes and Patient Age, Lymph Node Size, and er/her-2 Positive or Negative


Kevin P. Claffey, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Cell Biology, Center for Vascular Biology at the University of Connecticut

Photo of the side of a girl peering into a microscope.

Research Poster and Abstract

maya V.pdf

Personal Reflection

Vallejo, Maya Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Presthika Vijaykumar


Proteomic Analysis of Autism-Associated Variants in the Human ASPM Gene

Dr. Byoung-II Bae, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut

Phot of a girl wearing blue gloves and a lab coat and using some type of syringe

Research Poster and Abstract

Final ARM Poster pdf_2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Vijaykumar, Presthika Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Rachel Wallace

Exploration and Statistical Analysis of Health Disparities Contributing to a Delayed Diagnosis of Endometriosis

Mentored By: Dr. Danielle Luciano, Associate Professor of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at UCONN Health

Photo of a closeup of a girl standing in front of a projector screen with the words, "Charlotte Johnson Hollfelder Center for Women's Health."

Research Poster and Abstract

Wallace, Rachel Poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Wallace, Rachel Reflective Journey 2024.pdf

Sarah Zhang 

Altered Chemoreception in Breathing Abnormalities in Rett Syndrome

Dr. Daniel Mulkey, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Department Head of Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and  Neurobiology, University of Connecticut; Monica Strain, Graduate Student at the University of Connecticut, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology

Photo of the back view of a girl wearing a lab coat and rubber gloves standing in front of large tanks.

Research Poster and Abstract

Zhang, Sarah poster 2024.pdf

Personal Reflection

Zhang, Sarah Reflective Journey 2024  .pdf