📅 Current & Upcoming Research Projects

(Fall 2025 / Spring 2026)

Our research program provides Caldwell University students with the opportunity to engage in authentic, hands-on scientific investigation. By working on original projects, students not only develop technical and analytical skills but also contribute meaningful findings to the broader scientific community. Many of these projects have been presented at regional and national conferences and are being prepared for publication.

Below are highlights of our active projects and past achievements:

🔬 Current Student-Led Projects

Pratishna KC (Lead), Bivash Pandit, Aryal Shardul
Evaluating the Metabolic and Oxidative Stress Effects of BPA Alternatives in C. elegans

• Active research; publication submission expected by November 2025

• Presented at:

  • 2025 TriBeta NE1 Convention (April 12, 2025) – University of Saint Joseph, CT

  • 70th NJ Academy of Science Annual Meeting (May 10, 2025) – Kean University, NJ

Bivash Pandit (Lead)
Chemotactic Behavior of C. elegans in Response to Artificial Urine and Urine from Diabetic Individuals: Toward a Bio-Sensor-Based Detection Method

• IRB required for human urine samples (Part B)

• Proposal draft due September 26, 2025

Umma Rumi (Lead)
“Modulating Alzheimer’s-Like Pathology in C. elegans Using Plant-Derived Natural Products”

• Final proposal due September 26, 2025

• Chemical order deadline September 19, 2025

Nisha Khatri (Lead)
Investigating the Anti-Diabetic Effects of Aloe-Emodin on Glucose-Induced Phenotypes in C. elegans

• Final proposal due September 26, 2025

• Chemical order deadline September 19, 2025

Lia Germosen (Lead)
Evaluating the Chemosensory Response of C. elegans to Urine from Rare Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors: A Non-Invasive Detection Study

• Pending IRB approval

• Final proposal due September 30, 2025 

🔄 Past Research Projects & Achievements

Federica Raco, Haleigh Fisher, et al.
Identifying Pain-Sensitive and Pain-Insensitive Strains Using Assays Measuring Pain-Like Behaviors

• Additional trials and data expansion planned (2025–26)

• Presented at:

  • Undergraduate Research Symposium (April 1, 2025) – Bell Works, NJ | ICUNJ Grant Recipient / Third Place Award

  • Research and Creative Arts Day (April 23, 2025) – Caldwell University | First Place Award

  • 70th NJ Academy of Science Annual Meeting (May 10, 2025) – Kean University, NJ | Second Place Award

Nana Kokroko et al.
The Transgenerational Effect of Sodium Sulfite & Ascorbic Acid on C. elegans

• Requires further data collection and analysis (2023–24)

• Presented at: 69th NJ Academy of Science Annual Meeting (April 20, 2024) – Kean University, NJ | Third Place Award

Amani McRae et al.
Investigating the Effects of Peppermint on Stress Response

• More trials needed to strengthen preliminary findings (2023–24)

• Presented at: 69th NJ Academy of Science Annual Meeting (April 20, 2024) – Kean University, NJ | First Place Award