Sample Project Summaries

Carleana Hickey

Giving  Children with Autism a Voice

Mentor: Sharon Reeve

Applied Behavior Analysis         Poster # L01

The Center for Autism and ABA provides intensive behavior analytic intervention to learners of all ages.  Like most individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, some of our early learners have difficulty vocally communicating their wants and needs. We will present pre and post intervention data on at least three young learners (starting age below 3 years) learning to vocally communicate. A list of learned words, a description of the types of intervention and videos will be included.

Jeyzliany Oliveras (Senior)

Other Presenters: Kerols Mikhaiel

Phage Therapy as a therapeutic approach in pseudomonas bacterial infections

Mentors: Dr. Darryl Aucoin & Dr. Agnes Berki

Biological Science        Poster # B02

Antibiotic-resistant and multi-drug resistant bacteria have become a threat to our current standard therapy against bacterial infections due to the misuse of antibiotics.   In 2017, pseudomonas caused an estimated 32,600 infections among hospitalized patients and 2,700 deaths in the United States.  This study will test the effectiveness of bacteriophages against multi-drug resistant bacteria that do not match in receptors to see if conditions can be changed and remain successful.

Jessica Rossi (Senior)

Can Pain Relievers Kill You By Killing Your Microbiome?

Mentor: Dr. Darryl Aucoin

Biological Science        Poster # B05

The antibacterial properties of NSAID drugs Tylenol, Aleve, and Motrin were tested against bacteria Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterocolitica using the disk diffusion method, at volume of 5, 10, and 15 microliters of 12.5%, 5.5%, and 5% respectively. Tylenol was proven to be the safest pain relief.

Reeya Callychurn (Junior)

In Vitro Effect of Blueberries on Breast Cancer Cell Death

Mentor: Dr. Agnes Berki

Biological Science - Cancer Biology       Poster # B06

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in the US. The side effects of conventional treatments makes alternative remedies such as blueberry, indicated for anticancer properties, favorable. We evaluated the anticancer effects of blueberry against a breast cancer cell line. Blueberry dose-dependently reduced cell growth, indicating its potential anticancer effect.

Ana Gonzalez Martin (Senior)

Strategic Management of Sports Organizations

Mentor: Professor Neil Malvone

Business (Honors Project)         Poster # D01

Similar to Fortune 500 companies, sports organizations need to develop proper management strategies to be successful. In sports, success is defined in different ways depending on the goals of the organization. Success in sport cannot be measured only by winning, but also by other factors such as improving from year-to-year, developing players, and increasing profit. This project studies different successful sports organizations and the way leadership, goal-setting, and strategic planning skills factor into organizational success.

Anusha Pandey (Junior)

Visualization- aided Exploration of Northeastern Real Estate of United States

Mentor: Professor Arnold Toffler & Professor Patricia Garruto

Business (Honors Project)         Poster # D02

This project looks upon tangible and intangible factors that affect real estate values in the northeastern region of the United States. Principal Component Analysis (PCA)is used to determine the relationship between these factors. To create a comprehensive picture of northeastern real estate, visualization is performed using powerful tools within Python. This identification of trends and patterns in real estate listings ultimately helps predict future buying trends.

Nika Gedenidze (Sophomore)

Explainable AI is Responsible AI: A survey of transparency in AI approaches

Mentor: Professor Vlad Veksler

Business and Computer Science Poster # D03

Modern AI design choices make AI decision calculations indecipherable to both developers and end-users. This lack of transparency has the potential to create an array of problems, ranging from errors and a lack of trust to existential risks for humanity, such as the stop-button problem where human-desired safeguards stand in direct opposition to agent goals. Current research compares multiple AI designs for transparency to single out more responsible, trustworthy, and safe approaches.

Bibek Dhungel (Senior)

Other Presenters: Hope Buchan, Alex Spencer

THE SYNTHESIS AND COLOR CHARACTERIZATION OF COLOR CHANGING MACROPOROUS HYDROGELS IN VARIOUS SOLUTIONS

Mentor: Dr. Xiaolei Gao

Chemistry        Poster # C01

This project establishes a solid synthetic route to fabricate color changing PEGDA hydrogel strips that have the potential to be used as cheap and effective solvent sensors similar to pH strips. This color changing property can be employed to fabricate hydrogel strips capable of sensing ethanol content in breath, potentially replacing currently available breathalyzers in the market.

Daniella Marrero (Senior)

Formulation of Synthetic Melanin with Aloe Vera

Mentor: Dr. Marjorie Squires

Chemistry        Poster # D04

Commercial sunscreen ingredients have harmed coral reefs and marine life, urging other options. Both Aloe vera and synthetic melanin possess UV absorbing characteristics, while their combination has better UV absorption than most commercial sunscreens. However, melanin’s limited solubility led to this study to modify the formulation of synthetic melanin and create a more soluble derivative combined with Aloe vera extract. Results revealed higher solubility for melanin indicating the potential success of this study.

Zoe Saric (Senior)

Detecting Selenium in Various Mushrooms

Mentor: Dr. Marjorie Squires

Chemistry        Poster # D05

Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral that humans need.  Some of the benefits of selenium include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  Naturally, mushrooms are known to contain selenium.  The purpose of this research is to determine selenium content in mushrooms to meet the recommended daily intake.  Various amounts of mushrooms were analyzed, and the results showed that commercial mushrooms do not have a significant selenium content that can be detected through fluorometric analysis.

Kylee Blaney (Senior)

EN 410 Senior ePortfolio Project

Mentor: Dr. Lindroth

Creative Art & English Poster # A05

For my EN 410 Senior ePortfolio Project, I created a Google Sites page that focuses on four of my essays as an English major. It includes features that reveal my growth as an English major, as well as a creative writer and photographer. My portfolio entails a brief introduction about me and further showcases my passion for travel and poetry. Throughout my project, I demonstrate why I decided to reflect on these works.

Mariam Haroun (Freshman)

The Laboratory of Writing

Mentor: Professor Mary Ladany & Dr. Agnes Berki

Creative Art & English Poster # A04

Although the outcome of the liberal arts and sciences is different, they both are fueled by exploration and honed by trial and error. The number of trials in an experiment is like revisions and edits in an essay. The variables in scientific experiments function like images in poetry. For this project, I have applied the scientific method to my poetry to show how the two disciplines inform and intersect with each other.

Ellen Pietsch (Junior)

The Recent Effects of Climate Change on New Jersey Rainfall

Mentor: Professor Suzanne Baron

Creative Art & English Poster # A07

As I continue to explore my own creative efforts I want to advocate for the local environment in my work by showing the effects of climate change. Within my piece I intend to express recent environmental data visually by incorporating organic shapes. I also want to experiment with different mediums that are not traditionally combined in a format that is both engaging and informative.

Brooke Russell

Layers: How a Mural is Used to Communicate Intersectionality and Create Conversation

Mentor: Professor Suzanne Baron

Creative Art & English Poster # A01

"Layers" is a proposed mural that will celebrate and encourage the Caldwell University community to think more about their intersectionality through art. In addition, it aims to teach more about the concept of intersectionality as a whole, what the campus is already doing to encourage this topic, as well as what we could do do better for the future of Caldwell using  art as a platform for conversation.

Christopher Peltyszyn (Senior)

Is It Time for America to Reevaluate Jimmy Carter?

Mentor: Dr. Marie Mullaney

History or Political Science       Poster # D06

The 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, is typically ranked in the bottom half of America’s best presidents, and many hold the view that Carter’s presidency was unsuccessful. A reevaluation of Jimmy Carter’s entire legacy, including a study of all the work he has done in his post-presidency with The Carter Center, paints a different picture. Factoring in all of his life’s achievements greatly increases his standing among American presidents.

Hrishita Badu (Senior)

China’s Interest in Post-Withdrawal Afghanistan

Mentor: Dr. Domenic Maffei

History or Political Science (Honors Project)      Poster # D07

China and Afghanistan share a common border, and the Taliban’s take over will have significant implications for Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, including China. This paper will study China’s security concerns in Afghanistan and its economic and political interests in the region. It will look at the past and the existing relationship between the two nations and China’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan, especially its security and economic development policies in Afghanistan.

Deepal Bhatt (Senior)

The Adverse Effects of COVID-19 on Mental Health Nurses

Mentor: Dr. Kathleen Kelley

Nursing - Burnout        Poster # D10

COVID-19 is a disease that has devastated everyone in the world. The people who have been at the forefront of this disease are health care workers trying their hardest to overcome everything that has been thrown their way. The purpose of this research paper is to shed some light on how COVID-19 has significantly impacted mental health nurses that have been in the hospital day in and day out.

Ericca Greiss (Junior)

Other Presenters: Brittany McKenna, Jennifer Mota, Shaniyah Nash, and Eroleenn Pellosis

Mental Health of Post Grad RNs Amid Pandemic

Mentor: Dr. Meghan Ryan

Nursing - Burnout        Poster # E01

Amidst the pandemic, the psychological impact on postgraduate registered nurses has greatly impacted our next generation, either positively and/or negatively. Transitioning from education to practice is stressful, but due to the pandemic there is even greater stress for new nurses, which can lead to burnout. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to review the literature to determine if the psychological impact of the pandemic has affected post-graduate RNs.

Emilee King (Junior)

Other Presenters: Ruth Merisier, Jessica Gaita

The Effects of Breaks on Nursing Fatigue During COVID-19

Mentor: Dr. Meghan Ryan

Nursing - Burnout        Poster # E05

The COVID-19 pandemic has directly contributed to nursing fatigue and burnout. Recent literature on the topic of nursing fatigue and burnout related to the COVID-19 pandemic has been reviewed to determine how the pandemic has contributed to this problem, and whether effective interventions have been researched. Evaluating current research on this topic will help researchers determine the strengths and gaps that may exist in this area of research.

Gianna Orrico (Senior)

Other Presenters: Rebecca Burrow, Michaela Mehl, Jillian Hamilton

Nursing Stress Leading to Burnout

Mentor: Dr. Meghan Ryan

Nursing - Burnout        Poster # E06

One of the most trusted fields to work in is nursing. With holding this title, nurses experience the utmost amount of stress. The purpose of this evidence based project is to conduct a literature review to determine how stress on nurses leads to burnout. The stress nurses endure affects their mental health, as well as their quality of life, which ultimately leads to job burnout and can also result in poor performance as a nurse.

Fjolla Avdimetaj (Senior)

The Effects of COVID-19 on Patients in Nursing Homes

Mentor: Dr. Kathleen Kelley

Nursing - COVID Patient Impact  Poster # E08

In 2019, COVID-19 cases surged with outbreaks in nursing homes erupting several times. Most deaths from COVID-19 were seen in nursing home patients aged 80 years and older due to their vulnerability from age and existing comorbidities. Due to COVID-19, there has been a change in the care and quality of life for these patients. This paper presents data about COVID-19 in nursing homes and the importance of identifying solutions to limit outbreaks.

Donna-Lee Graham (Senior)

COVID-19 Deaths and Racial Disperity

Mentor: Dr. Kathleen Kelley

Nursing - COVID Patient Impact  Poster # E11

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the healthcare disparity among various populations. The purpose of this EBP project is to utilize evidence-based research to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the mortality rates of the African American population due to residential segregation compared to the White population. Research has shown that there is an increase in the contraction of COVID-19 and mortality rates among the African American population.

Cian Richardson (Senior)

LGBTQ+ Health Disparities and Their Effects on COVID-19 Outcomes

Mentor: Dr. Kathleen Kelley

Nursing - COVID Patient Impact  Poster # F06

It has been recognized that the LGBTQ+ community suffers from health care inequalities that often prevent them from getting the care they need. This in turn can cause worse health results in comparison to those who do not have these barriers. This study will observe how existing health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community lead to worse health outcomes in reference to COVID-19.

Mikaela Lynch (Senior)

Effects of insufficient PPE in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in inpatient hospital settings.

Mentor: Dr. Kathleen Kelley

Nursing - General         Poster # G02

This poster will be investigating the healthcare disparities related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the inpatient hospital settings as well as the effects of insufficient amounts of personal protective equipment (PPE). Studies showed that due to the lack of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, infection and anxiety rates of the hospital staff significantly increased.

Megan DeGregorio (Junior)

Other Presenters: Caitlyn Gomez, Faith Sutter, Madison Gundlah

Maternal Bonding in Preterm Infants

Mentor: Dr. Meghan Ryan

Nursing - Parenting      Poster # G10

Maternal bonding has the potential to improve health outcomes of preterm infants. The purpose of this literature review was to determine if maternal-bonding interventions such as kangaroo care and breastfeeding improve mental and physical outcomes. These interventions were found effective individually, however, we propose that their combination in hospitals may enhance the positive effect in reference to mental and physical development of these infants.

Megan Maloney (Junior)

Other Presenters: Shelby Williams, Mariah Domenech, Roisin Kennedy, Angella Kwarteng

Nurse to Patient Ratio in regards to safe IV Medication Administration

Mentor: Dr. Melissa Scollan-Koliopoulos

Nursing - Shortages     Poster # K08

Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review aims to focus on the impact nurse-to-patient ratios have on the safety of patients with regards to IV medication administration. Using the nursing databases, the literature review includes articles within the past 10 years. Our search focused on keywords such as medication errors, safety, and nurse-to-patient ratio. The overall well-being and safe administration of IV medications would be more likely achieved with a reduced number of patients.

Yaman Thapa (Senior)

Qualitative Analysis of the Effects of Psychedelic Drugs

Mentor: Dr. Jon Sigurjonsson & Dr. Darryl Aucoin

Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice        Poster # B11

Studies on psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin have shown to be beneficial for depression, anxiety, OCD. However, these studies are done in a lab setting and differ greatly from the real world. In this study, I interviewed 11 participants who had consumed psychedelic drugs in the past 2 years. A questionnaire focusing on anxiety, depression and stress was used. The data was analyzed using interpretive phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Brianna Vargas (Junior)

Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Exploration Through a Sculptural Process

Mentor: Professor Kendall Baker

Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice        Poster # C07

This will be a creative project exploring the relationship between sculpture and mental health. The research will be taken from art therapy articles as well as reflection of the sculpture process. The project will evaluate the effect this process has on mental health issues relating to anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as provide awareness about this topic. There will be a heuristic methodology using graduate level art therapy journaling methods.

Bibek Dhungel (Junior)

Of Death and Dying

Mentor: Dr. Darryl Aucoin

Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice (Honors Project)      Poster # C02

This project examines death and dying from ethical, legal, scientific, and philosophical points of view to understand our allure and avoidance of the subject. It aims to summarize common protocols used to define and pronounce death while studying post-death successions such as organ donation. The project aims to help people prepare for the unavoidable when they might have to use these concepts for themselves or their loved ones.

Domonique Caldwell (Senior)

Trauma-Informed Correctional Care Reduces Recidivism

Mentor: Dr. Stephanie Sitnick

Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice        Poster # C05

This review synthesizes literature defining trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress symptomologies such as emotional dysregulation, negative world assumptions, and comorbid substance use disorders to highlight their impact on aggression, addiction, criminal behavior, and ultimately recidivism.  The purpose of this study is to synthesize this information for the Department of Justice to reduce recidivism through the standardization of evidence-based trauma screening and trauma-informed treatment in all correctional settings, particularly within adult male forensic populations.

Tia Williams (Junior)

Critical Race Theory in Children’s Literature: An Analysis of Children’s Literature that covers Racism, Anti-Racism, Privilege, and Protest

Mentor: Dr. Clare Echterling

Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice        Poster # C08

In the United States education system, there is an ongoing controversy to ban books that discuss systemic racism and its ongoing effects. Despite this, contemporary youth authors write on issues of anti-racism, privilege and protesting for change. In my EN 314 final paper, I discussed how issues connected to Critical Race Theory are discussed and presented to children in a palatable way that introduces them to impacts of race in the society we live in.

Peter Detrez (Senior)

Challenges to Reentry: Post-Incarceration Employment Projects

Mentor: Dr. Lena Campagna

Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice (Honors Project)      Poster # C10

This honors project addresses the hardships that individuals reentering the community post-incarceration face when trying to find employment. This project explores these obstacles to employment post-incarceration through a content analysis of hiring policies at various corporations such as Amazon, KFC, Hilton Hotel, and many more. Future research directions will be discussed in the project.