Welcome to Russell Sage College's Annual
Undergraduate Research Day!
Wednesday, April 28, 2027
Updates in Progress: Please come back closer to the date.
Celebrating student research/creative projects across all disciplines.
Click through the schedule to learn more about each session.
(Armory at Sage/Fieldhouse) Sara Schuman, Coordinator, Gen Ed Core
Please register ahead if you'd like to be a professional guest (not a student) at this event by emailing ugresearchday@sage.edu.
Event will start promptly at 8:30 a.m..
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Psychology Seminar Students Capstone Presentations
(Armory 213) PSY 403: Donald F. Graves, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology
Presenters:
Jonathan Reese
Amber Banas
Jaidy Hernandez
Samantha Hild
Dyandra Izquierdo
Joshua Nelson
Crista Spizowski
10:00 a.m.-Noon AEM Senior Capstone Personal Artist Presentations
(Opalka Classroom) AEM-422 Capstone II: Production and Fabrication: William Fillmore, Program Director and Associate Professor, Art + Extended Media
Participants:
Claire Collins
Robert Cusato
Grace Kinkaid
Faith Rainis
Anthony Richichi
Sarah Schonhiutt
Stefani Urban
10-10:45 a.m. Oral Presentations by High Honors Project Recipients in Biology
(Armory 102) Kristi LaMonica, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Biology and Health Sciences, Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
Effects of Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries on Semantic Memory Matthew DeSocio
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
Extensive research has been conducted in the area of traumatic brain injuries and their long-term benefits. Despite this, there appear to be gaps as to how long symptoms and effects can last. This study compares two groups of participants with a history of a traumatic brain injury greater than six months prior and less than six months prior with individuals who have no history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants will be given a story to commit to memory and then asked immediately after to recall as much information as they can. Thirty minutes later and then three days later, they will again be asked to recall information from the story. The three scores will each be averaged and compared among the three groups of participants. Current results predict that participants with traumatic brain injury within six months will perform worse on the semantic memory tests than those without TBI. This indicates the importance of allowing TBI patients to fully heal before expecting the same level of functionality to return and using preventative measures to protect our brains from injury.
Sleep, Sport, and Study: Understanding Memory in College Athletes Versus Non-Athletes
Sage Grennon
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
This study investigates how sleep duration, sleep consistency, athletic participation, and early-morning academic schedules influence short-term memory performance in undergraduate and graduate students. While sleep is widely recognized as essential for memory consolidation and cognitive functioning, college students frequently experience insufficient or irregular sleep due to academic demands and competing responsibilities. Student-athletes may face additional challenges related to early practices, travel schedules, and competitive seasons, which may further disrupt sleep and cognitive performance. Research also suggests that athletic training may support aspects of working memory, creating a complex interaction between sport participation and cognition. The current study compares in-season athletes, off-season athletes, and non-athletes to identify patterns that may inform strategies to support both academic achievement and athletic success. Participants will be given two standardized memory tasks: a 12-word immediate and delayed recall activity and a digit span forward test. It is hypothesized that students sleeping fewer than seven hours per night and out of season athletes will demonstrate lower memory performance compared to peers reporting sufficient and consistent sleep.
Neuronal expression of Retinoid-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma (RORγ)
Daniel Kagan
Kristi LaMonica, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Biology and Health SciencesRetinoid-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) is a lineage-defining transcription factor for T helper 17 (Th17) cells and has long been considered selectively expressed within the immune system. However, several studies have implicated RORγ-positive Th17 cells and IL-17 signaling in embryonic brain development and central nervous system (CNS) function. Notably, RORγ-Cre–mediated deletion of the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) has been reported to induce spontaneous seizures and premature lethality, leading to the conclusion that Th17 cells directly regulate CNS physiology.
Using multiple RORγ-based reporter mouse lines, we uncovered unexpected and widespread neuronal labeling throughout the forebrain and cerebellum. RORγ-Cre/GFPf/- mice displayed robust GFP expression in neurons despite the absence of detectable Th17 cells in the brain. Neuronal recombination was evident prenatally and was independently validated using the mT/mG reporter line, indicating transient RORγ expression in embryonic neurons. In contrast, a RORγ-GFP reporter showed no detectable RORγ expression in the postnatal brain, either at baseline or following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus.
These findings demonstrate that RORγ expression is not confined to the immune lineage and reveal previously unappreciated developmental expression in the embryonic brain. Consequently, seizures observed following RORγ-Cre–mediated deletion of TSC1 are unlikely to arise from Th17 cell–dependent mechanisms, but instead reflect direct neuronal loss of TSC1. Our results warrant careful reinterpretation of prior studies attributing CNS phenotypes to Th17 cells or IL-17 signaling based on RORγ-Cre–driven genetic models.
Manuscript abstract presented for publication: Neuronal expression of Retinoid-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma (RORγ) and revisiting its role in the Central Nervous System
Logan Reid, Srikar Ganapathiraju, Sophia Mancinelli, Daniel Kagan, Gia Sprouse, Alex
Li, Marcello Fazio, William German, Chuangxin Fan, Rojana Saengsot, Paul Feustel,
Yunfei Huang*
Departments of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
Albany Medical College, NY 12208
*Corresponding Author: Huangy@amc.edu
Measuring What Matters: Evaluating Accessible Alternatives to BMI
Lilliana Langdon
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the accuracy and feasibility of low-cost body composition assessment methods, including skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and circumference-based ratios (waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio), in comparison to Body Mass Index (BMI) for assessing body mass and obesity. While BMI is widely used due to its simplicity, relying on only height and weight, it often misclassifies individuals’ body composition and associated health risks. Factors such as age, race-ethnicity, gender, fitness, and body morphology; including muscle mass, fat distribution, and skeletal frame, can significantly affect BMI’s accuracy. Although BMI is commonly used to estimate risk for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, evidence indicates that it is less effective at predicting cardiovascular and metabolic risk than other body composition measures, including waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. In addition to these circumference-based ratios, this study will assess the accuracy of skinfold calipers and BIA as accessible, low-cost methods for estimating body composition in field settings. The study will also examine whether biological sex influences measurement accuracy, as differences in fat distribution and muscle mass may affect outcomes. It is hypothesized that circumference-based ratios, along with skinfold and BIA measurements, will provide more accurate estimates of body composition than BMI alone.
10:00am-11:00 a.m. Expressive Arts Session
(Armory 209) Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC, Assistant Professor and Program Director Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Program
10:00am- 11:00am Exploring the Overlap of the Expressive arts and Sensory Integration with Local Elementary School Students
The EMH248 Topics Expressive Arts in Sensory Integration class will present about the overlap and integration of the expressive arts and sensory needs in their observations and experiences with local elementary school students.
Participants:
Natalia Abdallah
Olvia Brand
Lily Brown
Bregen Causey
Kaitlyn Farron
Naiya Garvin
Alex Heller
Madison Horner
Cristyan Lowery
Natalia Phoenix Ervin
Vee Schweigert
Emma Wrieden
10-11:30 a.m. School of Management Interns
(Armory 230) BUS 327: Kristen Delaney, M.A., Adjunct Professor, Internship Coordinator
The presentations highlight the skills, knowledge, and professional growth students have gained across a variety of industries. Students will present an overview of their organization and experience, the goals they had for their internship, their impact and contribution, any challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.
Presenters:
Cameron Aery
Harisha Bhojdass
Samir Georges Der Boghossian Filho
John Derrick
Mason Diaz
Stephen Fleury
Kyana Harriott
Brandon Harris
Joseph Karpierz
Aniyah Kelley
Max Lavoie
Riley Montanye
Matthew Salvi
Connor Swart
Kareena Tashir
10-11:30 a.m. Doris Adams Ferguson ’53 Memorial Fund for Sociology Lecture & ITD Academic Celebration
(Armory 234) Michelle Napierski-Prancl, PhD, Professor and Program Director of Sociology, Kim Brayton, PhD, JD, Chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies hosts The Doris Adams Ferguson '53 Lecture and celebrates students being inducted into Alpha Kappa Delta: The International Honor Society in Sociology, Alpha Phi Sigma: The Criminal Justice Honor Society, and Iota, Iota, Iota: The National Women's Studies Honor Society.
Doris Adams Ferguson ’53 Memorial Fund for Sociology 2025-2026 Scholar
Functional Holistic Teachings: Forest Bathing and Ayurveda at Kripalu
Mackenzie Chatham
Ali Schaeffing, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geography
Burnout and mental health challenges are increasingly common among individuals working in helping professions such as healthcare, education and social service. These fields often involve high emotional demands, long hours and ongoing exposure to stress, causing negative effects to personal well-being and professional effectiveness. This research paper examines how holistic self-care practices may serve as supportive strategies for individuals experiencing stress and burnout in helping roles by maintaining a balance between the mind ,body and spirit. The literature explored helps examine prominent burnout rates in helping fields and the existing research on integrative wellness practices, including mindfulness-based techniques, stress reduction strategies and traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Kripalu-based healing practices. Overall, this research highlights the value of incorporating holistic self-care practices into personal wellness routines and professional training within helping fields. Promoting these practices can support mental health, reduce burnout and encourage a sustainable well-being among individuals working in demanding care-oriented professions.
11:00 a.m.-4:00p.m. VA Hospital Designs
(ADB 302) ISD 406 Capstone 2: Lynn Capirsello, Interior + Spatial Design Program Director
Avery Bates
Kylie Behan
Morgan Brown
Shea Bryant
Ciara Fountain
Adrienne Gahl
Mathew Keruskie
Anna Leclair
Guiliana Mulinio
Jordin Muniz
Kayla Shein
11:00 a.m.-Noon Formal Review and Discussion of English, Writing, and Culture Honors Project
(Armory 102) Shealeen Meaney, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, Interdisciplinary Studies Department
The Boot on the Cliff
Jonathan Reese
Nathanael Green, Assistant Professor of Practice in Writing, Honors Program Director
This semester I’ve been working with the honors program to create a novel as my capstone to the English portion of my double major. The goal was to undergo a complete production of longform writing. In this I would experience time management, aspects of drafting and revisions, gain experience with the steps towards publication (seeking agents, creating a synopsis, and forming a pitch for said novel. My goal with this project is also to create a piece of horror genre fiction following a first person narrative. In this writing there are themes of family, the sublime, and trauma in a domestic setting. I will be presenting the manuscript along with a synopsis of the story and answering questions in relation to characters, themes, setting, scenes, and process. The hope is to inspire others in my field to undertake such a daunting task while also engaging with the honors program as a creative outlet.
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Lunch
(Armory at Sage/Fieldhouse) RSVP Required
11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m New Venture Showcase
(Armory 230) BUS 424 Strategy II: Dr. John F. Dion, Dean of the School of Management
Students will present original business plans for an entrepreneurial venture.
Presenters:
Cameron Aery
Elian Bello
Harisha Bhojdass
Anthony Bisner
Madison Buck
Stone Cramer
John Derrick
Mason Diaz
Christopher Evans
Kyana Harriotte
Ava Judd
Joseph Karpierz
Gabriella Lanzi
Max Lavoie
Riley Montanye
Anthony Rizzo
Joel Ntumba Tshiamala Salart
John (Lewis) Whalen
Jack Wyman
Noon-1 p.m. Open (no REV)
(Armory 234 & Zoom)
Noon-2:30 p.m. Graphic & Media Design Senior Capstone Presentations
(Opalka Classroom) GMD 406: Leah Rico, Assistant Professor, Program Director of Graphic + Media Design
Graphic + Media Design senior capstone students will present the results of their semester-long research project. A selection of projects will be on display as part of the annual BFA exhibition in Opalka Gallery.
Presenters:
Ty Ardman
Paisley Cross
Aria Graham
Victoria Harris
Anna Hogan
Destiny Hough
Conor Keefe
Zakary Lesson
Nicholas McCrudden
Laura Rosenthal
Sadarah Tucker
Coddy Vu
Selected Abstract:
Vaccine Importance: By Canva and Affinity
Laura Rosenthal
Leah Rico, Assistant Professor, Program Director of Graphic + Media Design
Immunizations are crucial to modern public health. Infectious diseases are becoming more widespread due to medical misinformation, skepticism, and individual behaviors that are political rather than beneficial for the common good.1 The spread of false facts discourages a significant percent of people from receiving or allowing their children to receive vaccines. Around 50% of Americans endorse at least one science-related conspiracy, including vaccinations.2 A study conducted on adults aged 25 to 73 determined that Gen Z and Millennials are at risk of vaccine hesitancy.3 In turn, COVID-19 vaccine rates for 2025 to 2026 have been low, with around 9.2% of children and 17.2% of adults under 65 receiving a booster.4 Similarly, the Influenza vaccine rate for 2025 to 2026 is around 46.4% of children and 46.0% of adults under 65.4 Several nonprofits are working to change this by increasing vaccine rates, and improving public health through the spread of factual information.
Canva and Affinity, in partnership with the nonprofit Vaccinate Your Family, want to leverage design to successfully communicate this information through their services. This campaign will use empathetic language to evoke confidence and motivation. While medical advertising trends are advancing, many are targeted at older generations; this has led Gen Z and Millennials to receive much of their health information from social media.5 Better designed messages, targeted at Gen Z and Millennials, would help reach this audience. This campaign will include both digital and physical deliverables displayed online, in healthcare settings, or handed directly to parents.
12:15p.m.-3:15p.m. Research Across Disciplines: Oral Presentations
Includes a break around 1:30pm
(Armory 102) Moderators/Advisors: PSY 403: Donald F. Graves, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Harvey J. Strum, Professor of History and Political Science, Leah Rico, Assistant Professor, Program Director of Graphic + Media Design, Tonya Moutray, Ph.D, Professor of English
*The time blocks listed are meant to indicate the approximate length of each presentation, including time for Q & A and transitions between presenters. Each presenter has 18 minutes total, including Q & A. Faculty moderators will serve as timekeepers and will adjust if a presenter finishes early.
BLOCK 1:
#1 (*12:15-12:33pm) Location-Based Productivity: Using Attention Tests to Compare Working From Home Versus In-Person
Molly Oravsky
Donald F. Graves, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology
The sudden uprising of remote work and digital learning has shifted the way we perceive labor from being your typical desk job to granting much more flexibility. However, the impact of these varying environments on core executive functions remains poorly understood. This study aimed to quantify the differences between a controlled in-person setting and a participant’s home environment. Using a within-subjects design, 35 participants completed a standardized array of cognitive tasks in both environments. Following the tasks, participants completed an Environment Survey to rate subjective general, visual, and auditory distraction on a Likert scale. Analysis of reaction times (RT) and accuracy suggests that while accuracy remained relatively stable across environments for low-complexity tasks, significant performance costs were observed in the home-environment during high-load conditions. Specifically, reaction times in the visual search (Set Size 40) Posner (incongruent), and Stroop (Incongruent) tasks were notably higher in the home setting. Furthermore, participants reported significantly higher levels of distraction at home compared to the in-person setting. The findings indicate that while participants can maintain accuracy in diverse settings, the home environment introduces cognitive friction that slows processing speed, particularly during tasks requiring higher levels of reasoning or focused attention. This suggests that for tasks demanding peak cognitive efficiency, controlled environments offer a significant advantage over typical home environments.
#2 (*12:33-12:51pm): Exploring the Influences of Epistemic Curiosity and Self-Regulated Learning on Student Engagement with Large Language Models Among College Students
Kyra Weatherwax
Donald F. Graves, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are changing how students learn and complete academic work, yet little is known about the psychological factors that might predict whether students use these tools constructively or dishonestly. This study investigated whether epistemic curiosity (EC), the intrinsic "drive to know", predicts how undergraduate students engage with AI in academic settings. Specifically, it was examined whether higher EC would be associated with greater self-regulated learning with AI (SRL-AI) and stronger academic integrity with AI (AI-AI). A correlational survey was administered to 105 undergraduate students at Russell Sage College using three validated self-report measures assessing EC, SRL-AI, and AI-AI. Contrary to expectations, EC was not significantly related to either SRL-AI (r = −.02, p = .820) or AI-AI (r = .02, p = .840), suggesting that simply wanting to learn is not enough to predict responsible AI use. However, SRL-AI was a strong and significant predictor of academic integrity (r = .64, R² = .41, p < .001). Students who actively set learning goals, evaluate AI outputs critically, and manage their own resources were far more likely to use AI ethically. These findings give way to future research might be valuable in finding how to produce ethical AI engagement among students in higher education. It might not be in motivational traits like curiosity, but in teachable, practical self-regulation skills.
#3 (*12:51-1:09pm) Two American Revolutions
Delanee Ashby and Mackenzie Ruszkowski
Harvey J. Strum, Professor of History and Political Science
Ellis describes the Revolutionary War as a fragile and divided struggle for independence. Colonists lacked unity, resources, and a strong central authority, and victory depended on key factors such as George Washington’s leadership, French support, and British mistakes. The war also functioned as a civil conflict among Americans, and despite independence, it did not significantly expand rights, leaving issues like slavery unresolved. In contrast, McPherson presents the Civil War as a “second revolution” led by Abraham Lincoln that redefined the nation. What began as a fight to preserve the Union evolved into a struggle to abolish slavery and promote equality. Policies such as the Emancipation Proclamation and the enlistment of Black soldiers marked a major shift in the war’s purpose and outcome.
#4 (*1:09-1:27pm): Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. (2021)
Annaliese Myers
Harvey J. Strum, Professor of History and Political Science
The Supreme Court case of Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. (2021) examines student speech rights, both on and off campus, under the First Amendment. Brandi Levy was suspended from the Mahanoy Area School District's cheerleading team because of her expression. Specifically, off campus, she had posted images on social media that had captioned the statement “F*** school f*** softball f*** cheer f*** everything”, because she had made the junior varsity cheerleading team instead of the varsity cheerleading team. Throughout this Supreme Court case, the Tinker Test was analyzed. The Tinker Test was developed in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) and is a legal test that dictates when schools can discipline students. Schools can discipline students when there is a "reasonable forecast of substantial disruption". The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that Levy’s First Amendment rights were violated. This case clarified student speech rights off campus. However, the Supreme Court did not create a new test or standard for schools to use to regulate off-campus speech, which has caused public schools to be unsure when they can intervene when issues related to student speech occur. I concur with the Supreme Court’s decision in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. (2021).
BREAK ~1:30-1:45
BLOCK 2:
#5 (*1:45-2:03pm): Navigating the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962
Harvey J. Strum, Professor of History and Political Science
#6 (*2:03-2:21): Development of Chemical Warfare and Submarines
Carolyn Bruchac
Harvey J. Strum, Professor of History and Political Science
This research examines how two major technological innovations in 1915—chemical weapons and unrestricted submarine warfare—transformed the nature of World War I and reshaped the moral and legal boundaries of modern warfare. Focusing on the first large-scale gas attack at Ypres and Germany’s use of U-boats against civilian and commercial shipping, this study explores how these developments altered battlefield tactics, civilian experiences, and international responses to war.
The German release of chlorine gas at Ypres introduced a new and terrifying form of combat. Unlike conventional weapons, poison gas caused severe respiratory injuries, long-term health consequences, and widespread psychological trauma among soldiers. Although gas did not prove to be a decisive weapon due to its reliance on weather conditions and difficulties in control, it introduced a persistent fear on the battlefield and forced armies to rapidly develop protective equipment, medical treatments, and new tactical responses. The horror associated with chemical warfare also generated strong moral reactions and contributed to the later international movement to ban such weapons. At the same time, Germany’s expansion of submarine warfare fundamentally changed naval strategy and the relationship between civilians and the battlefield. U-boats targeted merchant and passenger ships in an effort to weaken Britain’s supply lines, demonstrating the effectiveness of stealth technology at sea. High-profile sinkings shocked international audiences and intensified political tensions, particularly with the United States.
Together, these developments reveal how rapid technological innovation during World War I blurred the line between combatants and civilians while outpacing existing ethical and legal frameworks. Their consequences extended beyond the war itself, influencing international law, diplomatic relations, and long-term efforts to regulate the conduct of modern warfare.
# 7 (*2:21-2:39pm) Subversion of Victorian Gender Roles in Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla
Carmela Morano
Tonya Moutray, Ph.D, Professor of English
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1897) is commonly regarded as the central text within vampire fiction as a whole, and often as the literary standard against which all other vampire texts are compared. Twenty-five years earlier, however, Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla (1872) took Victorian England by storm, sparking controversy over its queer content and inclusion of one of the first female vampires. In this research presentation, I will retrace the cultural history and significance of Carmilla and its continued popularity today. Through a Queer Studies and feminist lens, my analysis will consider the significance of sexual and penetrative acts within the text, keeping in mind Victorian standards for women: purity, lack of sexuality, and once married, complete submission to their husbands. Rather than follow those guidelines, Le Fanu’s gothic novella portrays a relationship with no male involvement between a teenage girl and a sensual female vampire who penetrates victims’ flesh with her teeth as an implied sexual act, along with a notable lack of a strong patriarchal figure present, clearing the way for the titular vampire to take possession of her victims with little interference. The subversive absence of strong and masculine Victorian men allows the female characters to dominate the narrative instead, allowing Carmilla to reveal much about Victorian power dynamics and gender expectations which continue to maintain cultural relevance today.
Key words: Gender roles, patriarchy, penetration, power dynamics, queer, sexuality, vampire, Victorian England
#8 (*2:39-2:57pm): The Naked Bee: Winter Campaign
Laura Rosenthal
Leah Rico, Assistant Professor, Program Director of Graphic + Media Design
#9 (*2:57-3:15pm):Kotn: Strengthening Sustainable Fashion
Leah Rico, Assistant Professor, Program Director of Graphic + Media Design
https://hbr.org/2015/05/customer-data-designing-for-transparency-and-trust
1:30-3:00 p.m. Poster Presentations
(Armory at Sage/Fieldhouse)
#1A) Neuronal expression of Retinoid-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma (RORγ)
Daniel Kagan
Kristi LaMonica, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Biology and Health Sciences
Retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) is a lineage-defining transcription factor for T helper 17 (Th17) cells and has long been considered selectively expressed within the immune system. However, several studies have implicated RORγ-positive Th17 cells and IL-17 signaling in embryonic brain development and central nervous system (CNS) function. Notably, RORγ-Cre–mediated deletion of the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) has been reported to induce spontaneous seizures and premature lethality, leading to the conclusion that Th17 cells directly regulate CNS physiology.
Using multiple RORγ-based reporter mouse lines, we uncovered unexpected and widespread neuronal labeling throughout the forebrain and cerebellum. RORγ-Cre/GFPf/- mice displayed robust GFP expression in neurons despite the absence of detectable Th17 cells in the brain. Neuronal recombination was evident prenatally and was independently validated using the mT/mG reporter line, indicating transient RORγ expression in embryonic neurons. In contrast, a RORγ-GFP reporter showed no detectable RORγ expression in the postnatal brain, either at baseline or following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus.
These findings demonstrate that RORγ expression is not confined to the immune lineage and reveal previously unappreciated developmental expression in the embryonic brain. Consequently, seizures observed following RORγ-Cre–mediated deletion of TSC1 are unlikely to arise from Th17 cell–dependent mechanisms, but instead reflect direct neuronal loss of TSC1. Our results warrant careful reinterpretation of prior studies attributing CNS phenotypes to Th17 cells or IL-17 signaling based on RORγ-Cre–driven genetic models.
Manuscript abstract presented for publication: Neuronal expression of Retinoid-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma (RORγ) and revisiting its role in the Central Nervous System
Logan Reid, Srikar Ganapathiraju, Sophia Mancinelli, Daniel Kagan, Gia Sprouse, Alex
Li, Marcello Fazio, William German, Chuangxin Fan, Rojana Saengsot, Paul Feustel,
Yunfei Huang*
Departments of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
Albany Medical College, NY 12208
*Corresponding Author: Huangy@amc.edu
#1B) Investigating the role of lys-7 in the innate immune response to Vibrio parahaemolyticus in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model
Matthew DeSocio, Samantha Parker, Daniel Kagan, and Sean Pingelski
Mary R. Brockett, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Sciences
The intestinal pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes approximately 52,000 cases of vibriosis annually in the United States typically through the ingestion of contaminated shellfish (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe infections. Leveraging the premier genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans to study the highly conserved innate immune pathways may reveal mechanisms by which the host pathogen response neutralizes V. parahaemolyticus infections. In C. elegans, exposure to V. parahaemolyticus is known to activate conserved intestinal innate immune and stress response pathways, including the induction of antimicrobial effectors such as lysozymes. However, the specific contribution of individual immune effector genes responsible for resistance against V. parahaemolyticus remains undefined (McHugh et al., 2020). Specifically, our study aims to define the role of lys-7 in the immune defense of C. elegans through the use of RNA Interference (RNAi), specifically the resistance to the intestinal pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Previous research has concluded that lys-7 knockout has a deadly impact on C. elegans when exposed to bacterial pathogens such as Microbacterium nematophilum and fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans (Marsh et al, 2011; O’Rourke et al, 2006). We hypothesize that knockdown of lys-7 will increase susceptibility to infection, demonstrating its functional role in host defense. These findings could strengthen understanding of conserved antimicrobial mechanisms and contribute to research on innate immunity, pathogen resistance, and host-microbe interactions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About Vibrio Infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vibrio/about/index.html#:~:text=80%2C000%20cases%20of%20vibriosis%20happen,result%20of%20eating%20contaminated%20food.
Marsh, E. K., van den Berg, M. C., & May, R. C. (2011). A two-gene balance regulates Salmonella typhimurium tolerance in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. PloS one, 6(3), e16839. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0016839
McHugh, D. R., Koumis, E., Jacob, P., Goldfarb, J., Schlaubitz-Garcia, M., Bennani, S., Regan, P., Patel, P., & Youngman, M. J. (2020). DAF-16 and SMK-1 contribute to innate immunity during adulthood in caenorhabditis elegans. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics, 10(5), 1521–1539. https://doi.org/10.1534/g3.120.401166
O’Rourke, D. M., Baban, D., Demidova, M., Mott, R., & Hodgkin, J. (2006). Genomic clusters, putative pathogen recognition molecules, and antimicrobial genes are induced by infection of C. elegans with M. nematophilum. Genome Research, 16(8), 1005–1016. https://doi.org/10.1101/gr.50823006
#1C) Linking Breech Presentation to Gait Abnormalities: A Systematic Review of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip as a Mediator
Samantha Parker
Andrea L. Dievendorf , D.C. Co-director of Biology program, Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Sciences
Breech presentation occurs in approximately 3-4% of term pregnancies and is a recognized prenatal risk factor for the child developing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). DDH, characterized by abnormal development of the acetabulum and hip instability, has been associated with altered lower-limb biomechanics and gait abnormalities in children. Although no studies directly follow infants from breech birth through DDH and into later gait outcomes, existing literature suggests a biologically plausible indirect pathway. This systematic review with narrative synthesis examined evidence linking breech presentation to DDH and DDH to gait abnormalities to evaluate whether DDH may function as a mediating mechanism. Findings consistently demonstrate that breech presentation significantly increases the risk of DDH. As a result, children with DDH exhibit higher rates of compensatory gait deviations including foot pronation, altered pelvic alignment, and Trendelenburg gait patterns. Collectively, these findings support a statistically and biomechanically plausible indirect relation between breech positioning and later gait abnormalities mediated by DDH. While causation cannot be established without longitudinal research tracking the full developmental progression, the evidence highlights the importance of early screening and extended motor monitoring in infants born breech. Prospective longitudinal studies integrating hip morphology, biomechanics, and motor development are needed to directly evaluate this proposed developmental pathway.
#2A) Effects of Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries on Semantic Memory
Matthew DeSocio
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
Extensive research has been conducted in the area of traumatic brain injuries and their long-term effects. Despite this, there appear to be gaps as to how long symptoms and effects can last. This study compared two groups of participants with a history of a traumatic brain injury
greater than six months before the study and individuals who had no history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Scores were weighted such that more recalled information is less valuable in the scoring in order to create qualitative data. Participants were given a story to commit to memory
and then asked to recall as much information as they could at zero minutes, thirty minutes later and three days later. The scores for each time point were averaged within the group and compared between the two groups of participants. Results showed a higher average score in
participants without a history of TBI than in those with a TBI greater than six months ago; this value was found to be statistically significant. This indicates the importance of allowing TBI patients to fully heal before expecting the same level of functionality to return and using
preventative measures to protect our brains from injury. Results from this study could also help accessibility services in institutions better understand appropriate timetables for service availability.
#2B) Parkinson's Disease and Human Gut Dysbiosis
Isabella Cline
Andrea L. Dievendorf , D.C. Co-director of Biology program, Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Sciences
Parkinson’s Disease (PD), is known as a neurodegenerative disorder due to the declining loss of the dopamine producing neurons found in the basal ganglia in the brain, ultimately leading to the motor and non motor symptoms patients face. On the flip side, there is new growing evidence that suggests that people who experience gastrointestinal dysfunction and have an altered gut microbiome could contribute to the onset and rate of progression of Parkinson’s Disease. This meta analysis that was conducted analyzed human case studies in which compared people with PD and gut dysbiosis to the control group. The goal is to evaluate and distinguish microbiota changes in PD patients from healthy individuals.
Studies examined through databases such as PubMed, NIH, and Parkinson’s.org, search terms included PD, gut microbiota, and gut dysbiosis. Inclusions of the study where human participants and control groups and exclusions where animal studies and reviews. Z-scores were calculated and revealed that Parkinson’s patients consistently displayed microbiota imbalances which included proinflammatory dysbiosis and reduced short chain fatty acid producing bacteria. This finding supports the theory of how the misfolded alpha synuclein that originated in the gut has the potential to travel up the vagus nerve to the brain, which can contribute to neurodegeneration. A crucial finding to note is that about 80% of
people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease experience some type of gastrointestinal issue, 10 to 20 years before a formal diagnosis. In conclusion, the results found that there is a positive correlation between PD and gut dysbiosis which puts an emphasis on the need to have longitudinal studies performed on individuals with some type of gut dysbiosis to determine if early intervention and diagnosis can be concluded.
#2C) Screening environmental isolates for anti-Vibrio activity
Ravi Kriss
Mary R. Brockett, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Sciences
One of the most significant burdens to modern medicine is the evolving issue of antibiotic resistance. In fact, it is estimated that by 2050 more than 39 million deaths will be due to infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria. Drug resistant bacterial infections are currently out pacing antibiotic development efforts. Thus, it is imperative to identify novel antimicrobial compounds that can treat these infections, and aqueous environments may prove to be an untapped source. The goal of this study is to identify microbes that inhibit the growth of marine pathogens, such a Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) and Vibrio alginolyticus (Va). Both pathogens cause significant diseases (vibriosis) in humans and fish aquaculture. In this study, a collection of environmental isolates will be screened for inhibition of Vp and Va using a soft agar overlay assay. Zones of inhibition will be quantified. Subsequent analysis will be conducted to determine the mechanism of inhibition. These findings highlight the potential of bacteria from the aquatic environments as a source for novel antimicrobial compounds.
#3A) Sleep, Sport, and Study: Understanding Memory in College Athletes Versus Non-Athletes
Sage Grennon
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
This study examined how sleep duration, sleep consistency, athletic participation, and early morning academic schedules influence short-term memory performance in graduate students. Sleep is widely recognized as essential for memory consolidation and overall cognitive
functioning; however, college students often experience insufficient or irregular sleep due to academic demands and other responsibilities. Student-athletes may face additional challenges, including early practices, travel, and competition schedules, which can further disrupt sleep and
potentially affect cognitive performance. At the same time, athletic training may support aspects of working memory, suggesting a complex relationship between sport participation and cognition.
The current study compared in-season athletes, off-season athletes, and non-athletes (N=14). Participants completed two standardized memory tasks: 12-word immediate and delayed recall test and a forward digit span task, along with self-reported sleep measures. Independent-sample t-tests were conducted to compare memory performance and sleep duration between groups.
Results indicated no statistically significant differences between athletes and non-athletes in immediate recall, delayed recall, digit span performance, or average sleep duration (p > 0.05). Although non-athletes demonstrated slightly higher delayed recall scores and athletes showed comparable digit span performance, these differences were not significant. Both groups reported similar sleep durations, averaging approximately 6-6.5 hours per night.
These findings suggest that, within this sample, athletic participation did not significantly impact short-term memory performance, potentially due to similarly insufficient sleep across groups. The results highlight the importance of adequate sleep for all students and suggest that future research with larger sample sizes further clarify the relationship between sleep, athletic participation, and cognitive performance.
#3B) Architecture, Harmony, and Healing: Interpreting Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia
Sage Grennon * Presented @ NYCHE
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
This research examines how Antoni Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia embodies themes found across global healing traditions by uniting natural form, geometric precision, and spiritual symbolism. Drawing on earlier histories explored in HST 238: History of Healthcare and
Medicine, this study considers Mesopotamian, Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, Egyptian, and Greco-Roman approaches to harmony, balance, and integrative healing. It interprets Gaudí’s architecture as a continuation of historical efforts to connect the body, the environment, and the divine. Using scholarship by Eaude, Roe and Noetinger, and archival drawings from the Digital Memory of Catalonia, this study demonstrates that Gaudí’s use of organic geometry, light, color, and structural symbolism reflects and extends earlier medical worldviews that link wellness to proportion, natural order, and spiritual alignment.
#3C) Heat Shocking News: Uncovering the role of hsp-12.3 in the innate immune response to Vibrio parahaemolyticus in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model
Lilliana Langdon, Lane Schoenfeldt, and Sage Grennon
Mary R. Brockett, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Sciences
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an intestinal bacterial pathogen spread through contaminated food and water. Vibriosis, or a condition that results in severe diarrhea, cramping, and potentially sepsis, affects 80,000 people in the United States each year. Individuals with weakened immune systems are disproportionately affected (Pennsylvania Department of Health, 2013). Although V. parahaemolyticus activates known intestinal innate immune and stress response pathways, the specific effector proteins critical to neutralizing V. parahaemolyticus infections are not well characterized. Prior studies have demonstrated that hsp12.3 gene expression is induced under stress conditions (Wang et al., 2014). HSP-12.3 is a heat shock family protein predicted to be involved in protein refolding; however, the role of hsp-12.3 in intestinal infections has not been characterized. Our study aims to specifically uncover the role of hsp-12.3 in the innate immune response during V. parahaemolyticus intestinal infections. To elucidate the function of hsp-12.3, expression will undergo RNA Interference (RNAi) mediated knockdown in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans which shares conserved innate immune pathways with humans (Edgley, 2022). C. elegans will be subsequently challenged with V. parahaemolyticus and resistance to killing will be examined via survival assays. We hypothesize due to hsp-12.3’s role in stress response, C. elegans survival during V. parahaemolyticus infections will be decreased. These findings will improve understanding of how stress-response proteins contribute to innate immune defense during bacterial infection and provide insight into conserved mechanisms regulating host survival.
#4A) Measuring What Matters: Evaluating Accessible Alternatives to BMI
Lilliana Langdon
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the accuracy and feasibility of low-cost body composition assessment methods, including skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and circumference-based ratios (waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio), in comparison to Body Mass Index (BMI) for assessing body mass and obesity. While BMI is widely used due to its simplicity, relying on only height and weight, it often misclassifies individuals’ body composition and associated health risks. Factors such as age, race-ethnicity, gender, fitness, and body morphology can significantly affect BMI’s accuracy. Although BMI is commonly used to estimate risk for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, evidence indicates that it is less effective at predicting cardiovascular and metabolic risk than other body composition measures. In addition, this study assessed the accuracy of skinfold calipers and BIA as accessible, low-cost methods for estimating body composition in field settings and examined whether biological sex influences measurement accuracy.
Nineteen college students, sixteen females and three males, completed all measurements and results revealed notable classification mismatches. BMI classified fourteen participants (73.7%) as overweight or obese, while skinfold-derived body fat percentage was considerably lower. BIA produced higher body fat estimates and waist-to-height ratio identified elevated cardiometabolic risk in thirteen participants (68.4%). There was a very strong relationship between BMI and WHtR (r=0.87) and a strong correlation between BMI and BIA body fat percentage (r=0.76). Circumference-based ratios, such as waist-to-height and waist-to-hip, were also determined to be better predictors of risk for cardiometabolic diseases than BMI alone. This shows that low-cost alternative methods offer more specific information about body composition and health risk.
#4B) Not Ovary-acting: The Effects of Estrogen on the Efficacy of SSRIs and SNRIs
Lane Schoenfeldt
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
Estrogen cycling in the body is a part of the menstrual cycle, controlling processes such as bone density, regulating cholesterol, promoting collagen production, and influencing brain function. Estrogen has a significant impact on the body and its physiological processes, especially in emotional regulation. While the general relationship has been studied, the impact of estrogen levels on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) has not yet been studied. Given the predictable hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels can be estimated based on the last date of menstruation. Behavior patterns are then analyzed in conjunction with the approximate levels of estrogen. Estrogen levels are lowest in the body directly after ovulation, or at the beginning of the luteal phase, and before menstruation, at the end of the luteal phase. It is predicted that the low levels of estrogen, a characteristic of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, will result in a significant exacerbation of depressive symptoms, even among individuals undergoing treatment with SSRIs or SNRIs.
#4C) Something in the Water: The Impacts of Cholera on Low Income New Yorkers (1800-1900)
Lane Schoenfeldt * Presented @ NYCHE
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
Low-income areas have been linked to high rates of transmissible diseases partly because of systemic and societal inequality. While the bacteria Vibrio cholerae was prevalent across Manhattan in the nineteenth century, the highest mortality rates were observed in low-income neighborhoods.
My research examines how the disease impacted low-income housing, green spaces in the city, public space sanitation, and the development of public health regulations. During this time of mass cholera epidemics, public health shifts, and changing cultural views, these neighborhoods experienced periods of intense change.
From clean water sources to housing laws, the wave of change that cholera started cannot be underestimated. By analyzing the changes in low-income areas in response to cholera, we can begin to see the beginnings of public health initiatives and social reform.
#5A)Understanding the role of clec-60 in innate immune response to Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Bridelle Toumani, Jamie Leon, Janiyah Hewins and Alexis Gouldsbury
Mary R. Brockett, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Sciences
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative bacteria found in the ocean. When ingested by humans, V. parahaemolyticus infection typically results in gastroenteritis. People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for complications, like septicemia. (Rezny et al. 2023) Using the powerful genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate conserved innate immune pathways may provide valuable insight into host–pathogen interactions. In C. elegans, exposure to V. parahaemolyticus triggers conserved intestinal innate immune and cellular stress response pathways. However, there is still much to understand about the key effectors involved. The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate the role of clec-60 in the innate immune response in C. elegans to neutralize V. parahaemolyticus infections. Clec-60 is a secreted C-type lectin that functions as an antimicrobial peptide in the intestinal innate immune response against bacteria; however, its specific role in response to V. parahaemolyticus infections is unknown. (Schulenburg H et al. 2017) To assay the function of the clec-60, gene expression will be knocked down using RNA interference (RNAi) in C. elegans. The animals will then be challenged with V. parahaemolyticus, and resistance to pathogen-induced killing will be assessed using survival assays. We hypothesize that the knockdown of clec-60 will make C. elegans more susceptible to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections leading to decreased survival. Overall this study will provide insights into the innate immune response to bacterial pathogens
#5B) Prehospital Blood Products in Trauma Care: Effects on Survival in Hemorrhagic Injuries
Alexis Gouldsbury
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
The objective of this research is to determine if prehospital transfusion of blood products such as packed red blood cells (pRBC) improve mortality rates in patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS). pRBCs are red blood cells separated from platelets and coagulation factors that function to increase oxygen-carrying capacity and delivery and restore blood volume loss. THS is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, accounting for about 8% of deaths, with only 1% of ground emergency medical service (EMS) agencies having access to blood products. The current protocol for prehospital THS is to administer tranexamic acid (TXA) and crystalloid fluids like lactated ringers or 0.9% normal saline. TXA is an antifibrinolytic medication that prevents plasminogen activation to stabilize clots, reducing mortality by 10%. Mortality at 24 hours and at 30 days was the lowest in TXA (3.3% and 12.75%), followed by TXA+pRBC (10% and 16.65%), and pRBC (16.8% and 30.65%). However, the lowest increase in mortality (IOM) was TXA+pRBC (6.65%) compared to TXA (9.45%) and pRBC (13.85%).
#5C) Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in ALS and Spinal Cord Injury
Ja'niyah Hewins
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
The human spinal cord possesses a highly specialized architecture with a limited capacity for regeneration. This research project provides a comparative analysis of the physiological responses to two distinct forms of trauma: Acute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and chronic neurodegenerative decay, such as that seen in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). While both conditions culminate in the loss of motor and sensory function, their underlying molecular cascades are fundamentally divergent. Acute SCI is characterized by a secondary injury cascade. The nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord which is surrounded by soft tissue and bones called vertebrae that extends from the base of the brain to the lower waist. Spinal cord injuries can result from damage to the spinal cord itself or the vertebrae. While sudden traumatic injuries to the surrounding areas can fracture, dislocate, or compress one or more of the vertebrae. An object such as a knife or glass can sever the spinal cord and can cause a spinal cord injury. Though additional damage usually occurs over days or weeks due to swelling and fluid accumulation. ALS is characterized by the progressive degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons, which interrupts the signaling between the central nervous system and skeletal muscles. The underlying neurodegeneration involves a systemic failure of cellular metabolism and axonal transport. This study evaluates how these different environments necessitate unique therapeutic neuroprotection and surgical decompression, while neurodegenerative strategies prioritize disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and gene editing.
#6A) Comparative Success in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Jamie Leon
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) an endocrine disorder or mostly known as a hormonal disorder occurs when ovaries create excess hormones, known as androgens which cause hormone imbalance. Symptoms include irregular periods, abnormal hair growth, Acne, thinning of the hair and obesity. Beyond reproductive symptoms. PCOS can lead to complications such as insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, high blood pressure, infertility and increased risk for type 2 diabetes; treatment is highly individualized and specific to every woman.
Studies show the new treatments and medications to control PCOS symptoms and health risks associated with it. Clinical studies have shown that traditional medications like Metformin have been effective in improving Insulin resistance, reducing androgen levels and successfully inducing ovulation (Barbieri, R.L., 2003). Combined medications such as Clomiphene citrate, antidiabetics and antiandrogens have also shown effectiveness in PCOS management (Ndefo, et.al, 2013). Other medications such as letrozole, clomiphene citrate, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors have demonstrated benefits in reproductive metabolic outcomes (Somagutta, et.al, 2022). The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Metformin treatment on women with PCOS compared to other pharmacological treatments and medications. A review of the clinical studies indicates that Metformin has significantly enhanced insulin resistance and metabolism in women diagnosed with PCOS. Although Letrozole is more efficacious in enhancing reproductive functions, it has shown poor efficacy in improving metabolic function, while other antidiabetic medications have exhibited an improved role in the development of the disorder, which Metformin has demonstrated supremacy in this case.
#6B) CRISPR Gene Editing and the Current Political Climate
Dua Sadiq * Presented @ NYCHE; Supported through a grant from the New York State Education Department Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
CRISPR is a gene-editing technology, allowing for DNA to be precisely cut and modified. Following its introduction in 2013 CRISPR’s applications have been widespread, including somatic and germline cell treatments, and in-utero treatments. Somatic treatments include editing genes in non-reproductive cells, while germline involves sperm or egg cells, or embryos, which can cause alterations in genes inherited by children. CRISPR’s debut and the recent political climate brings concerns about the efficacy and ethics behind this treatment, especially in its use for treating infantile diseases. This study employed modified meta-analysis techniques to examine the general public's opinions about CRISPR treatments. CRISPR treatment experiments were also analyzed to determine if they have any promise for the future. Recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic and politically fueled economic conditions have led to significant shifts in attitudes towards medicine and scientific advancements, contributing to increased political polarization. Opinion surveys of the general public comparing religious commitments, political affiliation, sexes, and educational backgrounds were compared. Findings indicated that very religious people thought the treatment was going too far against natural events. The sex-based opinions followed unexpected results among women, with many who did not trust the gene-editing (Funk et al., 2016; Rainie et al., 2022). In the US 44% of adults preferred that companies had more control over setting the standards for how gene-editing is used, but Republicans thought the government would go too far (Funk et al., 2016; Rainie et al., 2022). Distrust of CRISPR is prevalent, but overall, this treatment is practical.
#6C) Bats and the Genetics of Inflammatory Responses
Jacob Kagan * Presented @ NYCHE
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
Bats are unique animals that can carry many viruses without becoming sick. Scientists are interested in understanding how bats resist diseases that can be dangerous to other animals and humans. This project explores the evolutionary adaptations that allow bats to tolerate and resist infections. By examining scientific studies on bat immune systems and genetic traits, the research highlights how bats have developed specialized biological mechanisms that help them control viruses and reduce harmful inflammation. Understanding these evolutionary strategies may help scientists learn more about disease resistance and could contribute to future medical research. This project introduces key ideas about bat evolution, immune responses, and the role bats play in the study of emerging diseases.
#7A) False Memories in Bilinguals: A Meta-Analytic Review of Cross-Linguistic Interference and Memory Distortion
Adrianna Denio * Presented @ NYCHE, NeCTFL
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
Ekaterina Kagan, Ph.D., Professor of Spanish, Interdisciplinary Studies Department, Associate Director of Honors Program, Program Director
Memory is a highly reconstructive process, meaning it is pieced together by putting together fragments of information, rather than replaying exact experiences, making it highly vulnerable to distortion and, thus, false memories. A false memory occurs when an individual recognizes or recalls an event that never transpired, a phenomenon particularly prominent amongst bilingual populations, as multiple language systems interact, leading to cross-linguistic interference. Prior research (Marian & Neisser, 2000; Scelsi et al., 2021; Beato & Arndt, 2021; Schrauf, 2016) suggests that language context influences encoding, retrieval, and susceptibility to semantic intrusions; however, findings are often contradictory (Rossi & Ellis, 2020; Arndt & Beato, 2017; Beato & Marco, 2018). Hence, this modified meta-analysis aims to clarify how bilingualism influences false memories by synthesizing existing studies.
#7B) The Effects of Exercise on Memory Retention
Shannon Hartwell and Zaynah Aparece
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
This preliminary project studied the effects of moderate intensity exercise on memory performance in college students. Memory is a crucial component of learning and academic performance. The period of memory consolidation, in which short-term memories are solidified into long-term memories, is a vulnerable phase that requires optional hippocampal functioning. Exercise is reported to stimulate the hippocampus, increase blood flow to the brain, lower cortisol, and combat neurodegenerative diseases. Participants from Russell Sage College, ages 18-26, were tested on their ability to memorize and recall a list of words with and without the influence of moderate intensity exercise, defined as 60-80% of maximum heart rate on a treadmill. It was hypothesized that moderate, short-term exercise would increase memory retention in college students. The mean of memory scores for each group and between groups were analyzed. The results of the study show that memory scores increased among the exercise group after they jogged on the treadmill and decreased in the control group after fifteen minutes without exercise. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. This might suggest that moderate- intensity exercise does not produce a measurable effect on short-term memory performance under the conditions of this study. Yet running more subjects might produce more reliable conclusions.
#7C) The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on athletes vs non-athletes
Noah Kenyon; Supported through a grant from the New York State Education Department Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
Flexibility is part of everyone’s life, this study compares the immediate effects of peripheral neuromuscular facilitation stretching and traditional static stretching. The study also compares the effectiveness of each stretch on athletes and non-athletes. This can be used to determine new timelines and methods for injury recovery in areas such as physical therapy. To do this study participants did a short walk on a treadmill followed by a sit and reach test. Then the participants completed a stretching program followed by another sit and reach test. The study concluded that athletes respond to the stretching better than the non-athletes and had a significantly better response to PNF stretching compared to static stretching (insert data). Although it is difficult to know the exact cause for the increase some studies suggest it is an increase to pain tolerance (Sharman, 2006). Others believe it is due to the neuromuscular connection becoming stronger with the movement (Ferber et al., 2002). While there is not a lot of research on the effects of PNF stretching Behm et al., 2015 suggests a moderate drop in strength with the increase in ROM showing that there is still a lot to figure out and the ROM is only part of the whole picture.
#8A) Seasonal And Circadian Influences On Children's Growth
Samira Sefadine Ismail, Supported through a grant from the New York State Education Department Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
This project investigates whether growth in children is more influenced by seasonal factors such as temperature, outdoor activities and daylight, or by circadian rhythms, which are daily light/dark rhythms that affect biological processes (Moreno et al., 2019). Seasons may have a greater impact on children's growth, although other factors also play a role. Shulman et al. (2013) observed seasonal variation in height velocity (HV) in children by comparing growth in U.S cities with different daylight exposures. They compared HV in Anchorage, Seattle, Miami, and Honolulu and found that cities with the most daylight differences between winter and summer showed greater changes in growth. This suggests that seasonal shifts in light exposure may influence growth patterns in children. Moreno et al. (2019) found that these differences between winter and summer may also affect hormone release, which influences the seasonal growth shown in children. Circadian rhythms also play a role in children's growth by influencing hormone release and metabolism. These daily biological rhythms are regulated by the brain’s central clock which is controlled by light exposure, sleep patterns, and physical activity. Gombert et al. (2018) found that internal clocks and environmental cues support normal hormone levels of melatonin and cortisol. Cortisol is needed for energy balance and growth. Both seasonal and circadian rhythms influence children’s growth by affecting hormones and their biological functions, although seasonal changes appear to have a stronger impact on children's growth.
#8B) The Correlation Between Upper Body and Lower Body Strength
Danielle Waldron
Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies
Handgrip strength and vertical jump height are methods that can be used to measure strength and power. Grip strength is a measure of upper-body strength, while vertical jump height is a measure of lower-body power. Although both are valid measurements, it is not known to what extent they are related. Some studies have shown a relationship between the two, while others have not.
This study examined the relationship between grip strength and vertical jump height in college students. The purpose of the study was to determine whether grip strength could be used to predict muscle performance. The students were asked to complete three maximum grip strength tests and three maximum vertical jumps. We then analyzed the data using statistics to determine whether a relationship existed between the two tests and compared the data between males and females.
The data revealed a small to moderate positive relationship between grip strength and vertical jump height. The relationship was stronger in the male subjects than in the female subjects. This indicates that although some aspects of muscle performance are related, strength is specific to the exercise being performed. Grip strength cannot be used as a replacement for tests that measure lower-body power.
#8C) Institutional and Stigma-Related Barriers to Help-Seeking for Intimate Partner Violence Among LGBTQ+ Male Victims
Alexius Smith
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Intimate partner violence (IPV) has historically been framed as a gendered issue primarily affecting heterosexual women, leaving male victims, especially those in LGBTQ+ relationships, underrepresented in both research and support systems. While emerging evidence confirms that gay, bisexual, and transgender men experience IPV at comparable or elevated rates, formal help-seeking within this population remains disproportionately low. This paper will argue that stigma-related and institutional factors do not operate independently but rather reinforce one another in a feedback loop that silences LGBTQ+ male survivors and perpetuates systemic unpreparedness. Drawing on masculinity theory, the Intimate Partner Violence Stigmatization Model, and Minority Stress Theory, the analysis will examine how internalized shame, anticipated discrimination, and gender role conflict intersect with bias embedded in law enforcement, domestic violence services, and healthcare systems. The paper will first explore how individual stigma shapes help-seeking behavior, before turning to the structural barriers survivors encounter when they do come forward. It will then address how underreporting and institutional invisibility mutually sustain one another. Finally, the paper will conclude by arguing that meaningful reform must target both internalized stigma and systemic inequity simultaneously, through culturally competent service provision, inclusive policy reform, and improved data collection, to reduce disparities in help-seeking among LGBTQ+ male IPV survivors.
#9A) Signature and Fantasy: Sexual Offenders and Crime Scene
Ava Diaz
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
This paper examines the complex interplay between an offender’s internal psychological world and their actions at a crime scene, specifically focusing on the expression of deviant sexual fantasy in crime scenes. A signature consists of ritualistic, non-essential actions that satisfy the offender’s unique psychological needs and fantasies. This study explores how behavioral consistency and crime site selection allow investigators to link offenses through a "signature approach". In addition investigates the causation of sexual homicide, analyzing how aggressive scripts and distorted ideas evolve into violent reality. By distinguishing between the crime scene behaviors of homicidal and non-homicidal sexual offenders, the roles of sexual sadism, psychopathy, and sensation seeking in shaping the ritualistic elements of a crime. These findings underscore the significance of linkage analysis and offender profiling in modern investigations.
#9B) Mental Health Crises and Police Response
Gamo Koulibaly
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Police officers have increasingly become the first responders to mental health crises all over the United States. Due to the closures of psychiatric hospitals and the lack of community mental health services, this has caused a shift in responsibility to law enforcement officers. Individuals with mental illness have become overrepresented in jails and prisons (Steadman et al.,2009). This shift raises concerns across the board about the criminalization of mental illness, where police officers are the best responders for situations involving mental health crises. There are new reform efforts and response methods that have developed in response to this. One of these new methods is the development of the crisis intervention team (CIT) model with the goal of training officers to recognize mental illness and de-escalate situations (Compton et al., 2014; Watson & Fulambarker, 2012). Another is the emergence of the co-responder models, where police officers work alongside mental health professionals during crisis calls (Puntis et al., 2018). Some communities are also exploring non-police crisis response programs or reduced police involvement. (Sood et al.,2025). To this day, the debate continues over which crisis response model produces the best outcome, and with the limited consensus on whether training police is enough or if alternative response systems are needed. In this research, we will discover how effect are police based mental health crisis response models particularly crisis intervention team and co-responder approaches, are in improving outcomes for individuals in crisis, officers, and communities.
#9C) Placement Instability in Foster Care as a Structural Contributor to the Juvenile-to-Prison Pipeline
Jaclyn Benedetti
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
The foster care system is designed to provide protection and stability for hundreds of thousands of children who are temporarily or permanently separated from their family. Unfortunately, there is systemic instability within the foster care system like placement instability, inadequate mental health support, lack of supervision, and institutionalization that could lead to juvenile youth or incarceration later in life. Children in foster care disproportionately come from low income families, and already have experienced some sort of physical, mental health and emotional abuse. Although the foster care system is intended to provide support and protection, the children in state custody may instead experience increased exposure to violence and behavioral challenges. As a result, children in foster care face higher risks of homelessness, contact with law enforcement, and lack of education. Drawing on preexisting literature, this paper will examine how structural features of the foster care system increase the likelihood of incarceration in adolescence and adulthood. By analyzing the foster care system, placement instability, behavioral issues, juvenile delinquency, and adult imprisonment, this study argues that the foster care system may remove youth from abuse environments, and instability within the system could function as a stepping stone to later involvement in the justice system.
#10A) Adolescents in Juvenile Drug Courts
Kirsten Hansen
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Using punitive methods does not deter drug addiction, especially amongst adolescent populations. Drug abuse among these individuals is seen more as a medical condition rather than a criminal activity. The teenage brain has a "developmental imbalance" in which socioemotional systems grow more quickly than the regulatory prefrontal cortex, according to research in developmental psychology and neuroscience. As a result, one becomes more impulsive, more sensitive to instant gratification, and more vulnerable to peer pressure. Juvenile Drug Courts were initially established due to the high number of continuing growing usage among adolescents from peer pressure, as well as the overcrowding within prisons due to drug issues. This research will explore Juvenile Drug Courts’ effectiveness by looking at different treatment outcomes, recidivism rates, and whether helping to rehabilitate these adolescents will deter them from future drug usage, compared to the punitive justice methods.
#10B) Kids aren't Kids, they're Adults.
Layla Acosta
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
My paper looks at the consequences of trying juveniles as adults in court, and this causes more damage than good. All over America, depending on the crime committed by a juvenile, they are then transferred to adult courts based on the seriousness of the crime. This practice is sought as a way to instill discipline in those who commit horrendous crimes who are underage, but it is said that this impacts the youth in a negative way– whether that's their development or it's their future. When we compare decision-making and impulse between adults and adolescents, youth are still developing their emotions, their mental states and what's going on in their environment compared to adults; school, their home, and other outside factors. When juveniles are tried as adults, it is then when their childhood is not protected because they are exposed to the adult prisons, harsher sentences, and places that are not focused on rehabilitation. Trying juveniles as adults harms their mental development, increases the likelihood of their reoffending, and undermines the ultimate goal of juvenile justice, which should be rehabilitation.
#10C) Understanding Antisocial Behaviors: How Psychopathic Tendencies Are Shaped by Adolescent Experiences
Mackenzie Gorman
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
A person who has antisocial personality disorder also known as psychopathy. Psychopathy is characterized by a consistent disregard for right and wrong, lack of empathy, and manipulative, impulsive, or aggressive behavior. According to research, 3% of people that have ASPD and men are more likely to have it than women. Different research shows that sociopathic tendencies can be predicted in childhood, such as aggression. The point of this essay will explore how experiences in adolescence can lead to sociopathic behaviors into adulthood as well as exploring the treatment and options on how to prevent it.
A main factor that can lead to psychopathic tendencies can be environmental. The likelihood of mental health problems and violent behavior in later life is increased by abuse, neglect, strict parenting, poverty, and childhood exposure to violence. Another important factor is parenting attachment and parenting styles. Antisocial characteristics are closely associated with low parental warmth, stringent control, and poor parent to child connections.
Social skills are important for a child's development. Peer relationships may have an effect on children's development since they often give in to peer pressure and seek social acceptance. Signs of maladjustment at school. Problems at school are also a strong predictor of aggressive and bad behavior later in life. Examples being them failing in school and having disagreements with their peers and teachers. Overall, Research has proven that signs of ASPD can be shown at a childhood and can be treated and prevented before it can go into adulthood.
#11A) How do law enforcement officers implement Mental Hygiene Laws in New York State, and what are the outcomes of involuntary commitment for both individuals and officers?
Mia Hart
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Increasingly, law enforcement is needed to intervene in mental health crises, particularly in jurisdictions, including New York State, where there are statutory provisions that authorize police to utilize their powers of involuntary psychiatric evaluations (detainment). In New York State, for example, the law (Mental Hygiene Law) allows police to detain an individual for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation based on the determination of danger to self and/or danger to others due to mental health issues. Consequently, law enforcement frequently serves as the first responder to mental health crises, placing them between the dual responsibilities of supporting public safety as well as facilitating access to mental health services. Although there have been some studies examining the implementation of legal powers by law enforcement personnel, research is extremely limited on the broader implications of providing involuntary psychiatric interventions for both clients and police personnel. This study will provide a comprehensive review of the involuntary psychiatric intervention legal framework in New York State; describe the role, discretion, and expectations of law enforcement personnel regarding the enforcement of the Mental Hygiene Law; and outline the results of involuntary psychiatric interventions. The study will also consider the challenges confronting law enforcement personnel when responding to mental health crises, and how these challenges may harm their occupational duties and well-being. Based on scholarly work in the fields of law, criminal justice, and mental health, a review of the data indicates that inconsistency in training, resources, and inter-agency coordination contributes to differing results when dealing with mental health crises and negatively impacts the ability of law enforcement officers to perform their functions. The identified problems call for system-wide policy reforms to develop integrated crisis response systems, better-trained officers, and non-police responses to mental health crises.
#11B) Analyzing the effects of adverse childhood experiences on delinquency
Natalie Selig
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
For many years, we have witnessed countless numbers of people entering the criminal justice system; however, have the root causes of crime been considered? Adverse childhood experiences(ACE) affect several aspects of a child's life and can even follow them into
adulthood. An ACE is defined as “Early to middle childhood trauma, such as exposure to violence, abuse, or neglect, along with family dysfunction, can significantly impact overall well-being.” (Qu G et al, 2024). Individuals who exhibit a higher ACE score are typically more likely to experience depression, chronic illness or criminal justice involvement. One interesting statistic reveals that “individuals with four or more ACEs are at a significantly greater risk for negative outcomes, including substance abuse, mental health disorders, and involvement with the criminal justice system” (Metzler et al., 2017). Examining ACEs shows us how environments can shape behavior and social outcomes throughout one's life. This research indicates that these traumatic events may potentially lead to delinquency and poor school performance, but with resilience and protective factors we can mitigate the effect of these negative outcomes. Notably, developing prevention and trauma-informed interventions will help decrease and avoid the effects of ACEs.
#11C) The benefits of case linkage in serial investigations
Olivia Dyer
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Case linkage in investigations is a crucial method in identifying serial offenders. Case linkage refers to the process investigators use to examine connections present, distinct, or indistinct between two or more crimes. It aims to find the distinct purpose or expression shown by the offender during the crime to connect similar cases together. Case linkage combines behavioral analysis, the modus operandi (MO), the fantasy of the crime, and the signature used by the offenders. The combination of these acts shows a link between similar cases and helps investigators identify a serial offender. This research will focus on the tools and techniques used to link cases together, the role that crime scene analysis and evidence play in case linkage, how investigators compare cases, and the effectiveness it has had in identifying offenders in serial crimes.
#12A) The Building Blocks of Resilience Across Life
Reese Rodgers
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
When surrounded by difficulty or trauma, how do people recover? Resiliency explains how individuals can adapt and overcome adversity. Across the lifespan, the interplay of protective and risk factors determine resiliency which may influence the involvement in criminal behavior. Resilience is not a trait people are born with, but rather more of a process shaped by life experiences, and even support from others. It also considers the role of coping strategies and social influences, including family support and close relationships, which can strengthen a person’s ability to respond to adversity. In contrast, factors such as chronic stress or substance use may weaken resilience and increase vulnerability to negative outcomes. Resiliency develops or varies over time and is influenced by both personal characteristics and environmental factors. This study will illustrate how supportive relationships and effective coping strategies contribute to an individual’s ability to adapt to adversity and reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes.
#12B) Accountability vs. Offender Centered Reforms
Rzonathan Morris
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
This paper is intended to examine tensions between accountability centered justice, and offender focused reform in domestic violence policy; this paper will focus primarily on restorative justice. Restorative justice models have gained popularity throughout many sectors of society with an emphasis on dialogue, healing, and community involvement. While restorative justice may offer benefits with specific instances, its pervasive application to domestic violence cases in the world of criminal justice remains highly contested by the public and professionals. This paper will focus on domestic violence since domestic violence differs from many other forms of crime because it often involves cyclical patterns of coercion, control, power imbalances, and psychological manipulation. These dynamics are very concerning when asking where restorative justice will adequately protect survivors and ensure meaningful accountability. In this paper, it is argued that restorative justice can unintentionally minimize the severity of harm, place pressure on survivors to forgive their abusers, and lack enforceable accountability for offenders. By examining existing research and policy debates, this paper will highlight the risks associated with offender centered reform models in cases of violence between intimate partners. It also will explore alternative approaches that could be utilized to prioritize survivor safety, include trauma informed care, and provide structured accountability. This paper is intended to advocate for policies and frameworks that will center around survivor autonomy while maintaining enforceable accountability for offenders.
#12C) Applying Registration and Notification Laws to Juvenile Sex Offenders
Sarah Cuerdon
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Juveniles account for approximately half of molestation cases each year and a fifth of rape cases each year. The juvenile justice system tends to focus more on treating all kinds of offenders rather than punishing them. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, public fear grew about sex offenders, resulting in more laws coming out regarding registering sex offenders as well as disclosing their registration to the public. Shortly, states began including juvenile sex offenders in those policies, making parts of the juvenile justice system more punitive. While registration and notification laws are favored for adult sex offenders, there has been a lot of debate over registration and notification laws for juvenile sex offenders. This paper examines the registration and notification laws, the debates surrounding it, and see what effect these laws have on juvenile sex offenders.
#13A) Exposure to Trauma & The Development of Mental Health Disorders Among Youth Involved in The Juvenile Justice System
Tatiana Trombley
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Exposure to trauma and the development of mental health disorders are highly prevalent among youth involved in the juvenile justice system, particularly among incarcerated adolescent males. Experiences such as physical abuse, neglect, family instability, and community violence place these individuals at elevated risk for psychological conditions including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health challenges occur during a critical developmental period in which emotional regulation skills are still forming, increasing vulnerability to behavioral dysregulation and aggressive responses. As a result, trauma and psychological distress may play a central role in shaping patterns of offending and continued system involvement. How does exposure to trauma and mental health disorders influence emotional regulation, aggression, and recidivism among incarcerated males around age 16?This research will review existing literature on key conceptual definitions and theoretical frameworks, the prevalence of trauma and mental health disorders among justice-involved youth, and the effects of trauma and psychological symptoms on emotional regulation and aggressive behavior. It further explores the relationship between trauma, mental health, and recidivism, as well as the role of mental health services and intervention strategies in mitigating these outcomes. Additionally, cross-system involvement and structural influences, including interactions with child welfare systems, are considered. Given the developmental sensitivity and impressionability of youth, addressing mental health needs within justice-involved populations is essential. Understanding how trauma and psychological disorders influence behavior and reoffending can inform more effective intervention strategies, reduce recidivism, and promote healthier developmental trajectories for incarcerated adolescents.
#13B) Uncovering Injustice: DNA Analysis and the Issues of Wrongful Convictions in the United States
Victoria Burger
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Recent post-conviction DNA analysis has been uncovering a substantial issue within the American criminal justice system. Hundreds of innocent individuals have been falsely convicted and are serving time for crimes they have not committed. Factors that contribute to such injustice include false confessions, eyewitness misidentifications, and improper protocols. Not only does this affect the innocent individual negatively, but it also creates a false sense of justice that is not correctly achieved due to the errors in the system. DNA testing is a significant tool that has been used to overturn wrongful convictions by showing that there are in fact flaws in interrogation methods, eyewitness accounts, and individual treatment of suspects. This research will examine the use of DNA analysis in the United States criminal justice system and how it uncovers the causes of wrongful convictions. Through experimental research, statistics, and actual case files from exonerated individuals, it becomes apparent that these systemic weaknesses are too common and can be improved drastically.
#13C) Defining and Classifying Serial Murder
Morgan Potter
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Behind the quiet exterior of some of the world's most dangerous offenders lies a hidden reality of women who kill in secret. Even though they are frequently overlooked, women actually make up about 10% to 15% of all serial killers. Their crimes are often harder to detect because they use quiet, "low-profile" methods like poison or lethal injections to avoid being caught.
The development of this violent behavior is rooted in a mix of nature and nurture. Nature refers to biological factors, such as specific "warrior genes" or issues in the brain that make it difficult for a person to control their impulses. Physical brain injuries can also act as a trigger for violent behavior and stop a person from developing normally. On the other hand, nurture looks at a person's upbringing. Many of these offenders have histories of extreme childhood abuse or neglect, which prevents them from forming healthy bonds with others. Unlike many male killers, these women are most often motivated by a desire for financial gain or a need for power and control. This research will explore the role of childhood trauma and the socialization in how they play a role in the development of female serial killers(Farrell et al., 2011; Miller, 2014; Morton & Hilts, 2010; Baldeo, 2023; Gavin, 2014).
#14A) Missing and Murdered First Nation Women Crisis
Maria Stewart
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Missing persons cases in the United States have become an important issue in the criminal justice system, thousands of people are reported missing every year. There are many systems in place, such as law enforcement agencies and national databases, that are meant to help find
missing individuals and inform the public. However, these systems do not always work in favor of everyone. Indigenous communities, in particular, face many challenges while reporting missing persons due to confusion over jurisdiction, poor communication between agencies, and
gaps in data collection. In addition to this, the media often plays a major role in bringing attention to missing persons cases, but Indigenous victims tend to receive less coverage. This leads to less public awareness and fewer resources. Findings suggest that these issues contribute to the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis. This literature review aims to examine how problems within the criminal justice system, media coverage, and reporting systems affect missing and murdered Indigenous people in the United States.
#14B) Evolution of police use-of-force standards in response to police brutality
Shaquan Ross
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Law enforcement officers are authorized to use force in certain situations to protect the public, enforce laws, and ensure their own safety. At the same time, the application of force raises important legal, ethical, and social questions about when and how such authority should be exercised. American Courts and legal standards, including decisions such as Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner, have established guidelines for evaluating whether force used by officers is reasonable under the circumstances. Given these legal standards and ongoing public debate. This research will analyze the evolution of police use-of-force standards in response to police brutality, as well as the corresponding changes in preventative training.
#14C) Violence at Their Fingertips: Media Exposure and Youth Delinquent Behavior
Samantha Gonzalez
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
A teenager can view multiple acts of violence and aggression in a day without ever leaving their bed. As a society, there is a common misconception that if your children are home, they are safe and shielded from the violence and delinquent behavior portrayed in a variety of media. However, that might not always be the case. Social media has long been something many parents attempt to hide from their children, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so in this day and age. Media influence is everywhere. The top consumers of media happen to be the youngest and most vulnerable minds. The constant wave of violence and delinquency throughout social media can make youth more susceptible to committing those same acts. This Research contends that there is a significant relationship between violent media consumption and youth delinquency. This paper will highlight that relationship utilizing detailed research. Anderson (2003) suggests that violent media may increase aggressive thoughts and emotional responses, particularly when exposure is frequent and normalized. Similarly, longitudinal research by Huesmann (2003) found that children who were heavily exposed to television violence were more likely to display aggressive behavior later in life. These findings do not claim that media alone cause crime, but they do raise important concerns about how repeated exposure during formative years may shape behavioral patterns. No single factor causes someone to act in a deviant way, but many factors, such as media consumption, peer pressure, and environment, all play a role in this complex dynamic.
#15A) MS-13, Organized Crime, and the Criminal Justice
Thyon Nelson
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Organized crime continues to pose an important threat to the criminal justice system because it jeopardizes public safety, threatens community stability, and operates through intricate networks that are difficult to disrupt. MS-13, as opposed to isolated criminal acts, is committed by coordinated organizations that plan, finance, and carry out illegal activities over time. To maintain control and silence communities, these groups frequently use intimidation, violence, and loyalty systems. Transnational gangs have become a major target for authorities in the United States due to their involvement in violent crime, drug trafficking, weapons transportation, extortion, and human smuggling across several states. MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) is one such group that began in the United States and grew into a transnational criminal organization with ties in Central America. While frequently referred to as a gang on the streets, MS-13 exhibits features of an organized criminal enterprise, such as organizational leadership, established rules, organized criminal activity, and cross-border impact. This research contends that MS-13 should be understood and treated as an organized crime organization rather than a local gang. To support this argument, the research will look at MS-13's origins and development in the United States, as well as its organizational structure and criminal activities. It will also evaluate the criminal justice strategies used to combat its influence, such as federal prosecutions, task forces, and policy changes.
#15B) Police Officers responding to Mental Health Crises in the U.S
Abid Ali
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
This study examines whether police officers are the most appropriate first responders to mental health crises in the United States. Over the past several decades, law enforcement has increasingly assumed responsibility for responding to behavioral health emergencies due to the decline of institutionalized care and the lack of adequately funded community-based services. As a result, officers are frequently placed in situations that require specialized clinical knowledge and de-escalation skills beyond traditional policing. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and police mental health co-response models in comparison to standard law enforcement responses. Drawing on recent empirical research, the study evaluates key outcomes such as use of force, arrest rates, and access to mental health treatment. The findings suggest that while CIT training enhances officer preparedness, co-response models that integrate mental health professionals produce more effective and less punitive outcomes. Overall, this research highlights the need for a more integrated approach to crisis response that prioritizes both public safety and mental health care.
#15C) Destructive Cults
Emma Hall
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Throughout our time cults have long taken up space in psychology, sociology and criminal behaviors, which then start to raise questions about our own human vulnerability and the limits we have on our individual autonomy. Even though cults are normally portrayed in our popular media as a rare occurrence, they are not rare and also tend to be hard to identify, and the influence they have goes far beyond their isolated cult. Cults are often described as having intense devotion to their leaders, a rigid belief system, and they have complete and total systematic control of the members behaviors and every thought. They may try to present themselves as a supportive and helpful community or spiritual groups, they can evolve into a highly manipulative scheme that will exploit individuals psychological vulnerabilities. The persistence of cults then leads to an important question when it comes to human behavior and the things that influence us. How do cult leaders convince people to adopt their extreme beliefs and start to take part in criminal activities? Looking at the psychological tactics the cult leaders use, such as isolation, persuasion, and manipulation, it gives an insight on how normal individuals can be drawn in and then controlled by cults. Overall, cult leaders are able to psychologically manipulate members into joining and carrying out criminal acts by exploiting the vulnerabilities, withholding information, and trying to reshape individuals identity and their beliefs. This will be focusing on cults and their behaviors within manipulation and psychological tactics to draw in individuals and cults impact on society.
#16A) The Relationship Between Early Attachment Disruption and Adult Sexual Predation: A Developmental Psychopathology Perspective
Molly Esposito
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Trauma-inducing experiences have been noted to cause attachment disruption in males which can result in sexual predation in adulthood. Attachment disruption in sexual predators has been described as a marker for severe attachment insecurity and serves as a specific diathesis in the etiology of sexual offending. Specifically, early adversity often stems from neglect, abuse, or “affectionless control.” This acts as a predisposition that compromises critical emotional balance skills and creates significant social detachment. Sexual predators lack secure and healthy relationships leading to insecure attachments, low intimacy, poor social skills, and loss of power and control. These intimacy gaps create a susceptibility where sexual predation manifests as a dysfunctional way to cope with their internal, deep-seated distress. This research will focus on how traumatic experiences in childhood, attachment disruption, and other factors such as poor coping mechanisms play a significant role in the development of an adult sexual predator.
#16B) Mental Health in Law Enforcement: Occupational Stress, Stigma, Alcohol Use, & Domestic Violence Risk
Macey Salvione
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Mental health challenges in law enforcement are influenced by exposure to traumatic events along with workplace stress and the culture within departments. The policing culture typically values toughness, control, and independence which can make it difficult for officers to seek help (Soomro & Yanos, 2019). As a result, some officers may rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms, like alcohol use, to manage that stress (Violanti et al., 2011). These challenges can also affect officers’ personal lives, contributing to relationship strain, work-family conflict, and even domestic violence risk in some cases (Goodmark, 2015; Blumenstein et al., 2012). This study will explore how occupational stress and cultural stigma within law enforcement play a significant role in shaping officers’ mental health, and that these factors are connected to alcohol use and increased interpersonal conflict, including domestic violence risk.
#16C)Harmful Sexual Deviance
Lily Tanner
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Historically, sexual behaviors that deviated from dominant social norms were often labeled as immoral, sinful, or indicative of mental illness. However, contemporary research has significantly reshaped this perspective, emphasizing that atypical sexual interests do not inherently imply psychological dysfunction or a propensity for criminal behavior. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), makes a critical distinction between paraphilias and paraphilic disorders. While paraphilias refer to atypical but not necessarily harmful sexual interests, paraphilic disorders are only diagnosed when such interests cause significant distress, impairment, or involve harm or risk to others. This distinction reflects a broader shift in understanding human sexuality as a diverse spectrum rather than a rigid set of acceptable behaviors. Many individuals experience non-normative sexual interests, such as fetishes or unconventional fantasies, without engaging in coercive, harmful, or illegal actions. This also shows, the evolving perception of behaviors once considered deviant such as same-sex relationships demonstrates how societal norms change over time.
#17A) Animal Versus Plant Protein: Comparing Performance and Functionality in Nutrition and Cooking
Summer Atchley
Selina Preyer-Blakney, MS, RDN, Assistant Professor Applied Nutrition Program Director
Proteins from both animal and plant sources play critical roles in supporting health and physical performance, but they differ in amino acid composition, digestibility, and functional food properties. This poster looks at 5 scientific studies to compare the bioavailability, physiological outcomes, and cooking performance of animal and plant proteins. While animal proteins such as meat and eggs contain all 9 essential amino acids and are easily digested, most plant sources lack a complete amino acid profile and aren't as easily digested. However, evidence shows that some sources, like soy, do contain all 9 essential amino acids, and other plant proteins can be combined in order to make a complete protein. Research demonstrates that plant based proteins can promote comparable gains in body composition and strength when consumed in equivalent doses to whey protein. Furthermore, innovations in aquafaba and plant-based egg substitutes reveal expanding applications for food manufacturing and egg-free alternatives. Overall, these findings suggest that plant proteins, when properly combined and processed, can be an effective and adequate substitute for animal protein.
#17B) Psychological Harm of Solitary Confinement
Balbina Njankenji
Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science
Solitary confinement has long been used in correctional systems to discipline, control, and separate incarcerated individuals. People placed in solitary confinement are typically confined to small cells for up to 23 hour periods each day with minimal human contact or environmental stimulation. Although correctional institutions argue this practice maintains order and safety, many researchers warn that prolonged isolation harms psychological functioning. Over several decades, psychologists, criminologists, and public health researchers have studied these effects and consistently found that extreme social isolation damages mental health and wellbeing. These effects are especially severe for people with existing mental health conditions whose symptoms often worsen in prolonged isolation. Because confinement limits social interaction and access to treatment, many medical and correctional organizations question its continued use. This study examines research on solitary confinement and psychological harm.
#17C) Educating Diverse Learners in Spain: A Comparative Analysis of Bilingual and Special Education Systems in Spain and the United States
Emma Pitrulle
Ekaterina Kagan, Ph.D., Professor of Spanish, Interdisciplinary Studies Department, Associate Director of Honors Program, Program Director, Spanish, Program Director, Culture and Language Acquisition at Sage (CLAS) Program
This research paper looks at how the education system in Spain supports diverse learners, focusing on bilingual education and special education, and compares these approaches to those used in the United States. Spain’s decentralized education system, shaped by regional autonomy and recent reforms such as LOMLOE, places a strong focus on linguistic diversity and inclusive practices in schools. In contrast, the United States follows a more federally structured system that emphasizes accountability, legal protections, and standardized measures of student achievement. By comparing education policies, classroom practices, and equity outcomes, this study points out the strengths and weaknesses of both systems when it comes to supporting multilingual students and students with disabilities. Overall, this research argues that Spain does a stronger job integrating linguistic diversity into its culture and schools, while the United States provides stronger legal protections for students with disabilities. This comparison shows that both education systems offer valuable ideas, but neither provides a complete model of inclusive education on its own.
#18A) Building Resilience Through Art: Addressing Educational and Social Needs of Children in Cienfuegos, Santiago, Dominican Republic
Jacqueline Rock-Pérez * Presented @ NYCHE
Ekaterina Kagan, Ph.D., Professor of Spanish, Interdisciplinary Studies Department, Associate Director of Honors Program, Program Director, Spanish, Program Director, Culture and Language Acquisition at Sage (CLAS) Program
This research project is grounded in four months of service learning at Primaria Rafael Ramos Mercado, a Kindergarten–6th grade school located in Cienfuegos, Santiago, Dominican Republic. Its primary goal is to explore the realities of the country’s public education system and examine the ways in which poverty impacts children’s learning experiences. The project also seeks to develop sustainable strategies that can contribute to a brighter future for current and future generations of students. As part of the study, volunteers conducted interviews with students aged 10–13 to gather information on their demographics, personal experiences, family dynamics, and peer relationships. Additional interviews with teachers and community members were carried out to gain broader insights and help identify practical steps toward implementing an effective resolution plan. Teachers explained that students need parent involvement to succeed to their best ability at school, communication between faculty and staff is key to creating a positive educational environment, trust between schools and families is crucial to ensure students’ needs are being met, and the promotion of student independence in early years of children' s lives helps to set them up for success as they continue to grow. To initiate the implementation of these ideas, staff and student volunteers from Futuro Lleno de Esperanza decided to create an after-school program based on art to promote student autonomy, independence, and creativity, allowing the students to engage in artistic activities and finish the program by creating a community mural project. Over the four months, arts and crafts sessions were held with approximately 30 student participants each week, aged 7-13 years old, for about two hours. The students were introduced to specific artistic concepts and famous artists, creating small projects based on the related lesson. Implementing the mural project in a developing community like Cienfuegos has many benefits that extend beyond aesthetic improvement of the city. This project is the first step in building the foundation of overall sustainable development in education and the community.
#18B) The Spotlight on the History of Broadway
Rebecca Schnefel * Presented @ NYCHE
Ekaterina Kagan, Ph.D., Professor of Spanish, Interdisciplinary Studies Department, Associate Director of Honors Program, Program Director, Spanish, Program Director, Culture and Language Acquisition at Sage (CLAS) Program
Broadway’s history reflects a major transformation, beginning as a Native American trail and eventually becoming the heart of American theater. Originally a pathway used by Native Americans, it later developed into a Dutch and then British road in New York City, growing into a center of commerce before emerging as a theatrical hub. By the late 19th century, venues such as Niblo’s Garden helped establish Broadway as a destination for entertainment, hosting early musicals and a variety of popular performances.
In its early years, Broadway was known for vaudeville, burlesque, and nightclub acts, blending different styles and influencing the development of ragtime and jazz. This mix of genres contributed to the birth of American musical theater. A major milestone came in the 1920s with Show Boat, which introduced deeper storytelling and complex themes. The “Golden Age” of the 1940s and 1950s, led by composers like Rodgers and Hammerstein, further shaped the American musical by integrating music, dance, and narrative in new ways.
Broadway experienced periods of decline, particularly in the 1970s, but saw a strong revival in the 1980s and 1990s with large-scale productions such as Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. Earlier, the introduction of electric lighting earned Broadway the nickname “The Great White Way,” highlighting its dazzling appearance and growing popularity.
Today, Broadway remains culturally influential, known for technologically advanced productions and diverse storytelling. Shows like Hamilton and Wicked demonstrate its continued innovation, solidifying Broadway as a globally recognized symbol of high-quality live theater.
#18C) The Risk of Lung Cancer
Takia Scott; Supported through a grant from the New York State Education Department Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program
Stephanie A. Bennett-Knapp, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor of Behavioral Science, Director - Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science, Director - Public Health
Lung cancer is one of the major health problems in the United States. The younger a person is when they start smoking, the more likely they are to develop lung cancer in the future. Not only does age play a role in the increased risk of lung cancer, but the more cigarettes a person smokes per day, the more likely they are to develop lung cancer. For our research we use the 2023 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BEFSS) Survey which is a survey on the data collected from U.S residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services (CDC, 2025)1. We also used the SPSS program to conduct the bivariate correlation from the data we collected from the survey. For our two independent variables, we used the age a person started smoking and the number of cigarettes a person smokes a day while for the dependent variable we focus on if they were ever told they had lung cancer. During our research we found that since the sig level is less than .05 (.001) the relationship is significant, the younger you start smoking the more likely you are to have lung cancer, and the number of cigarettes smoked. Our hypothesis was supported. Our research is important; it could discourage young people from smoking and encourage people to smoke less.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025, June 4). Behavioral risk factor surveillance system. https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/index.html
#19A) Two American Revelations
Mackenzie Ruszkowski and Delanee Ashby
Harvey J. Strum, Professor of History and Political Science
This paper compares the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War through the works of Joseph J. Ellis and James M. McPherson. It argues that while the Revolution created the United States, the Civil War transformed it.
#19B) Endometriosis as an Epidemiological Issue Globally
Claire Idema
Brittany Peoples
Gynecology has always been an under-researched, stigmatized, and often a barbaric practice. The “Father of Gynecology”, Dr. J. Marion Sims rose to fame because of his repeated unanesthetized operations on enslaved women who suffered from uterine issues. The concept of the “wandering womb”, meaning that the uterus could roam throughout the body, causing hysteria in women was not debunked until the late 1800s. Even today the female reproductive system is a mysterious and deeply stigmatized and politicized entity, with only about 5% of international research and development spending going towards women’s reproductive health .
Even in the most technologically advanced countries, millions of women are living with what is commonly referred to as the “missed disease”. Endometriosis is an invasive condition characterized by cell overgrowth inside and outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, often affecting other organs and tissues in the body. Its prevalence is unknown, but it is estimated to affect nearly 200 million women globally. This condition impacts an incredibly large age range, most commonly in women of reproductive age, which is generally fifteen to forty five years of age.
Medical research disparities regarding non-cancerous women’s issues are incredibly scarce internationally, making up less than 1% of global disease research in 2020. Specifically, endometriosis research is lacking in various fields, such as research bias, limited diversity among participants, and quality of life data. This leaves massive gaps in etiology and treatment for endometriosis. Treatment access is incredibly limited and delayed with laparoscopic surgery being the only gold standard mode of diagnosis, and no specialized medication or treatment is dedicated to targeting the root cause of the symptoms, only managing them.
#19C) To Nurse or Not to Nurse – Religion, Stigma, the AIDS Epidemic, and the Unsung Women on the Frontlines
Anne Reilly, Kyra Weatherwax, Claire Idema
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
The history of nursing in the United States is impossible to separate from religion. Long before nursing became a paid profession, Catholic nuns provided free care to the poor, the dying, and those ostracized by society, which would lay the institutional foundation for much of the American healthcare system. During the AIDS epidemic when patients were being turned away left and right, in addition to nuns, it was also lesbian activists–individuals who were also pushed to the fringe of society–who stepped up as caretakers. Thus, this poster will examine how this unlikely alliance shaped both the provisions of and barriers to care during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and how women, both religious and secular, stepped into the gaps that stigma created.
As the Christian right gained political dominance under Reagan, figures like Rev. Jerry Falwell publicly framed AIDS as a divine punishment, and the stigma attached to homosexuality in medical and religious institutions became a direct barrier to treatment. Many physicians refused to treat AIDS patients outright, families abandoned the dying. Who held the line? Lesbians and catholic nuns, despite perceived religious conflict of interest, became unlikely allies as the first responders for patient care.
#20A) Intersection After Segregation: Black Women Fight Back In Hidden Figures
Rachel Stein, *Presented at the Capital District Feminist Consortium Conference
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
My research examines the segregation of black women in Hidden Figures (2016) written by Margot Lee Shetterly and its film adaptation directed by Theodore Melfi highlights the hardships of sexism and racism in the 1950s. Through the story of three women working for NASA we see the themes of intersectional identities, resistance and sisterhood in both the film and the text. For example, Katherine faces a hostile work environment due to her male counterparts, while Mary is told she can not become an engineer because of her gender; Dorothy is denied the supervisor title solely because no one has held the job before. All three women broke through the glass ceiling they were confined to. Kathrine, taking a stance and fighting for her basic rights such as using the restroom, or attending meetings. We see Mary using her voice to fight back- as she preaches to the judge her case on attending an all white school. Finally Dorothy, who as a silent protest steals a book from the library, after being wrongfully segregated. In a time where history is repeating itself through racial inequality’s as well as stereotypes. For example Kamala Harris was a black woman who ran for president in 2024, who was faced with similar obstacles as Mary. Since she is a woman it was believed that she was incapable of running the United States due to the stereotype that women are meant to stay at home, and slave after their husbands. It is profoundly important that we take the time to understand the struggles that continue to face. By researching and analyzing my topic, it made me realize the significance of Hidden Figures, and how it gives the audience an insight on the deep impacts of segregation on black women.
#20B) Elrich to Eldritch, Tracing Horror from Conception to Contemporary Genre Horror through Moby Dick
Jonathan Reese * Presented @ NYCHE
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
When reading through Rime of the Ancient Mariner this semester, I saw the word eldritch used in reference to the deck of the mariner’s ship in act 4. Tracing the etymology of eldritch, the term comes up as “elf + adj.” In act 5 the term elfish is used to describe the water snakes beyond the shadow of the ship, and though both words have the same origin they depict vastly different ideas. The objective of this research is to see how the early English meaning of “eldritch” evolved through classical literature and into the specific connotations it has within the contemporary genre of cosmic horror, inspired by HP Lovecraft. I also seek to use this evolution as a lens to understand what works contain eldritch themes such as Moby-Dick, and how they may have influenced the contemporary horror sphere. I plan to do this by close-reading texts such as Rime of the Ancient Mariner along with using the OED as a history of publications to guide my research. My goal is to produce a timeline that traces the evolution of the term while creating a list of works that reflect eldritch inspirations as examples of the definition’s slow change over time.
#20C) Nursing Portrayals of the Late 19th Century
Salma Ibrahim and Lyndsey Edick
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
The “Lady with the Lamp” and the “Real Angel of Crimea,” better known as Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole are two women who were trailblazers of nursing, becoming cultural, feminist icons. We will be examining how these Crimean nurses are portrayed through art. The goal of this research is to further expand the subject of race and gender's impact on the iconography of nurses. This topic can help understand the controversies around both Nightingale and Seacole's work, often compared to one another. The artists put direct observations onto paper and canvas, along with their own bias of the subjects. This research will be exploring these women’s cultural legacies.
#21A) Scottish Witchcraft: The Healer-Magic Link
Sarah Bova and Kinsey Krutzler
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
4,000 women were executed for witchcraft in Scotland between the sixteenth and early eighteenth centuries. How many of those so-called witches were nurses, healers, or even midwives? Midwives during this period were especially under fire after King James published his treatise Daemonology (1597) which painted the remedies for pain during childbirth as a direct affront to God since the punishment for Eve’s original sin was painful, even deadly, childbirth. Recent scholarship has dedicated itself to chronicling these trials and making these “heretics” voices known. Our project will analyze the connection between the victims of the trials and the folk-healing “magic” of the region of the time. What populations benefitted from their care and why were their methods controversial? We will also explore the patriarchal agenda behind accusations of witchcraft and subsequent execution of thousands of women to make way for the emerging male medical establishment. We will look at the effects on patient care before and after these injustices.
#21B) The Strike of the Nurses: U.S. Healthcare and the History of Nursing Unions
Hailey Blake and Chloe Radloff
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
What happens when the people responsible for caring for the sick and injured decide they will not work in those hospitals anymore? The recent New York City nurses’ strike shows that nurses are willing to stand together to demand change. However, this is not the first time nurses have used collective action to fight for their rights. We will analyze nurses’ strikes over 60 years, in time beginning with the 1966 strike at Youngstown Hospital Association, which is now part of Mercy Health/St. Elizabeth and the most recent nursing strike in New York City at Mount Sinai, Montefiore, and New York-Presbyterian, which happened towards the end of January 2026, but is still ongoing. Have our unions changed for the better to meet the needs of nurses now? To further compare, we will use media coverage and photos, as well as news articles from newspapers and most local news anchors. Our research will demonstrate how the government and the unions reacted to thousands of nurses going on strike and their willingness to cooperate after seeing the nurses go on strike. Comparing how nurses were treated and Europe vs the U.S will be part of our analysis as well making our research more in depth and accurate to the timeline. Looking at recent nursing strikes in New York City alongside the earliest known strike in Youngstown highlights how unions have evolved over time in the United States. Understanding this history of unions not only in the US but also in Europe will show the action in advocating for better working conditions, fair treatment, and quality patient care.
#21C) Unequal Access: Addressing Structural Barriers for Black Women in Healthcare
Jessica Korbieh; Supported through a grant from the New York State Education Department Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program
Emilly Obuya, PhD., Associate Professor of Chemistry & Chair of Department
Marginalized Black immigrant women in United States are overrepresented in entry-level jobs like Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and face obstacles advancing into higher positions such as Registered Nurses (RNs), Physician Assistants (PAs) and other allied health professions (Schut, 2025; Holmes, et al., 2023). These barriers include racial bias, foreign credential devaluation, and lack of access to clear, organized career information (Okoro, et al., 2024; Schut, 2025). This research addresses the informational gap by applying the Career Pathways Framework (Fein, 2012) to increase career advancement in healthcare. The research outlined progression steps for 5-8 higher-paying healthcare careers and involved data collection from local colleges and healthcare training program websites, and input from healthcare educators. Data was analyzed by identifying stackable credentials for each career pathway (for example; CNA- LPN- RN- BSN- NP). This connects learners to key information such as program costs, entry requirements, training duration, and immigration-related eligibility, which were organized into a spreadsheet and individual career documents for accessibility. The findings of the research showed disorganization regarding these requirements across institutions. While this project focuses on informational challenges, future research may explore lived experiences of Black immigrant women. The research supports the creation of a region-specific visual career map of the Capital District of New York as a tool to help Black immigrant women understand, plan, and navigate their career options more clearly. Clearer resources targeted to their needs can limit information gaps, increase mentorship opportunities, diversity and fairness in healthcare workforces.
#22A) From Hysteria to Holistic Care: The Medicalization of Women’s Mental Health
Ryleigh Hotaling, Gia Inglese, Ashley Sandoval
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
In The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the unnamed narrator’s descent into madness reflects more than personal suffering; it exposes a medical system that once pathologized women's emotions under the diagnosis of “hysteria.” Our research will examine the evolution of women’s mental health from the 19th century to the present, focusing primarily on Europe and The United States of America. Centering on the historical diagnosis of “hysteria”, the research explores what hysteria was believed to be, how it was treated in the late 19th century, and how similar symptoms would be understood and diagnosed today. Through a feminist lens, the paper analyzes why women’s emotional distress was frequently labeled as hysteria and how gender bias shaped medical interpretations and interventions. Our research traces the development from hysteria as a catch-all diagnosis to more nuanced understandings of mental health conditions, highlighting major shifts in psychiatric theory, treatment approaches, and professional standards of care. Finally, it evaluates the persistent stigma surrounding women’s health and mental health, considering the ways in which gender-based misunderstandings continue to affect diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes today.
#22B) The Representation of Nurses in U.S. Television: A Comparative Analysis
Kylee Church, Gabriella Grant, and Peyton Grant
Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English
Have you ever heard of Major Margaret Houlihan from M*A*S*H, or do you know her as Hot Lips Houlihan? As we know, not everything that is shown on screen represents the true reality in everyday life. Our poster presentation will explore how nurses are represented from the seventies to the present day. Focusing on the popular television shows Grey's Anatomy, Chicago Med, M*A*S*H, Nurse Jackie, and The Resident, we will show the stereotypes of nurses throughout the years in American culture. The stereotypes we will examine are the sexy nurse, the nurse with a substance abuse issue, and the dependable nurse. While all of these representations are still in play, not all stereotypes are consistent throughout the years, which can be seen in The Resident and Chicago Med as the female nurses are taking on more leadership roles and are reliable. Although nurses can face these struggles, the stereotypes on television can dramatize the reality of nurses in their work lives. These portrayals show how television representation can influence viewers' perceptions of the nursing profession and their roles in society.
#22C) RSC 301 Innovating to Impact: Your Engagement with the Community Project: Books & Conversations with Kids
RSC 301-36 Students
Sara Schuman, Coordinator, Gen Ed Core, Director of the Kathleen A. Donnelly Center for Undergraduate Research
Students in RSC 301-36 conducted a class mentoring project, Books & Conversations with Kids. We collectively read over 608 books with 117 students in Kindergarten through 6th grade across four local elementary schools where we focused on both mentoring and promoting literacy. We used books each week as springboards for meaningful conversations with our reading buddies, many of whom were identified as needing some additional social and academic support. While promoting literacy through our book sessions, we also made a special effort to “check-in” with our reading buddies. By listening and giving them our undivided attention, we supported their social-emotional well being and helped build their confidence, one book and one conversation at a time. To inform our service and fulfill course requirements, we conducted research on various topics including mentorship, social-emotional learning, positive psychology, self-compassion, community building, and communication.
#23A) The Benefits of Art-Based Therapeutic Sessions for Adults with Aphasia
Kambylle Allen
Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs
In our world and society today language and expression are frequently viewed as inherently linked, yet disorders like aphasia challenge this perspective. Brain damage, often resulting from a stroke, can cause a condition such as aphasia. This condition impairs a person's ability to use language, impacting their capacity to speak, understand, read, or write (What is aphasia?: Lingraphica 2025). But, while aphasia disrupts the use and comprehension of language, it does not diminish an individual’s creative or communicative capabilities. Art-based therapy aids adults with aphasia through nonverbal communication, emotional support, cognitive stimulation, social interaction, and improved quality of life by complementing traditional language therapies.
#23B)The Treble With Schools: Benefits of Incorporating Music into a Classroom Setting
Elliot Angstadt
Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs
Music therapy can be described as the use of musical interventions in order to reach non-musical therapeutic goals. While music therapy is most often seen in a clinical setting being utilized to help reach specific objectives or a defined end result, musical interventions can be used in any setting, and the process of utilizing music does not have to be complicated. The impacts of music can be seen physiologically, and even the simple act of just listening to music helps improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention span, and behavioral augmentation (Toader et al., 2024). One setting in particular that can greatly benefit from the use of music and musical interventions is in the classroom, especially in the context of primary and secondary education. Some of the benefits of incorporating music into a standard classroom setting include improved socioemotional development, improved emotional management, improved interpersonal skills, reduced negative behaviors, and reduced negative predicted outcomes. On a more specifically academic level, music can also be utilized to increase phonological awareness, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Overall, the use of musical interventions in a classroom setting can both directly and indirectly lead to improved learning outcomes for students, and is certainly something to be more closely examined and more widely utilized.
#23C)Small Group Art Therapy Using Comic Strip Creation About Future Career Interviews Helps Increase Self Confidence and Future Self Concept in Teens
Julani Bannister
Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs
Adolescence is a really important time when young people are trying to figure out who they are, what they believe in, and who they want to become. During this stage a lot of teens struggle with confidence, self doubt and not always having a clear vision for their future. That is why my guiding question asks can a small group art therapy activity using comic strip creation about future career interviews help increase self confidence and future self concept in teens ages 15 to 17. This question connects directly to the population I am working with, which is a group of teens at the Boys and Girls Club in Albany and Troy where I serve as a mentor’s assistant supervisor. The Boys and Girls Club is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe and supportive environment for youth. It gives teens a place to go after school where they can stay engaged in positive activities instead of being outside and potentially getting into trouble. They also create opportunities for teens to work within the program that can help build responsibility and consistency because they are getting paid while also participating in activities and events. They also host teen night every Friday, which gives teens a space to have fun, build connections, and just be young without negative influences around them. Spaces like this are important because research shows that supportive environments play a key role in adolescent development and emotional well being (Versitano et al., 2025).
#24A)Small Dance Movement Therapy Groups for Self-Esteem and Confidence in Adults
Emilie DeGroff
Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs
Can small therapeutic group sessions using dance/movement help to increase group members’ self-esteem/confidence? This question matters for adults with psychiatric mental disorders. Psychiatric mental disorders include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorder, substance related disorders and more. When individuals with psychiatric mental disorders are properly placed in a dance/movement therapy group, the individuals can benefit from gaining increased ability to be able to emotionally regulate, have increased identity development, social connection and embodied self-awareness. Dance therapy has been proven to overall improve these functions in adults and give each individual the ability to gain social confidence in a safe environment. Being placed in a group dance therapy setting, individuals can expand on their social skills while being able to take space comfortably in a room.
24B) Beyond Words: Individualized Art Therapy as a Tool for Aphasia
Grace Thompson
Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs
Language is one of the most vital components of communication, serving as the bridge connecting individuals and the world around them. It is how people begin to construct their identity, share their history, and create meaningful relationships. However, this experience appears differently for everyone, as not all individuals can speak, hear, or see. In these cases, one may not be raised with conventional language skills and is often taught adaptive ways to communicate with those around them, leading them to develop their own ways to express themselves. When a person begins to lose established language skills, whether in talking, writing, signing, Braille, or imagery, the impact goes beyond a simple loss of expression. The loss can lead to frustration, isolation, loss of identity, and a reduced ability to express thoughts and emotions (Ahn et al., 2022). This new struggle to articulate ideas may hinder social interactions, leading to alienation and strained relationships with family and friends. As the ability to communicate comfortably declines, the resulting disconnect from one's surroundings can lead to a sense of loss that goes beyond words, necessitating a closer look at the benefits of alternative approaches, such as individualized art therapy interventions for those navigating this silence.
#24C) RSC 301 Innovating to Impact: Your Engagement with the Community Project
RSC 301 Students
Ali Schaeffing, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geography
1:30-3:00 p.m. Be Well@Sage Community Health Fair
(Armory at Sage/Fieldhouse) NSG 325: Marcy A. Koblenzer-Fiet, CNM, FNP-Assistant Professor of Practice
Roundtable #1: Does Mother Know Best?
Margaret Carboy, Emma Siedsma, Madison Rhodes, Shyanne Elie, Daniela Williams
Roundtable #2: Suicide Prevention
Annalise Tyler, Emily O’Keefe, Emma Dos Santos, Olivia Horan.
Roundtable #3: Fight HIV stigma
Elizabeth Zollman, Amelia Green, Punit Kaur, Yandel Avendano, Nilsa Dominguez
Roundtable #4: From Awareness to Action: Maternal Safety
Julie Kadletz, Caroline Hennessy, Elizabeth Higgs, Katie Snell
Roundtable #5: Stopping Nurse Suicide: It's Worth a Shot.
Joseph Johnson, Zach Trump, Chase Lieberman, Dylan DiCesare, Pricillia Ogunsalu
Roundtable #6: Know It Before You Need It
Sophia Bastiani, Amelia Scheriff, Abigail Gorrill, Madeleine Meehan
Roundtable #7: Sugar: Not As Sweet As You Think
Alyssa Bilodeau, Ethan Harrington, Erin Nagy, Danielle Fedorchak
Roundtable #8: Baby got Facts (and moms need care)
Za’Nazia Clark, Alana Wood, Carly Santoli
Roundtable #9: No Ifs, Ands, or Butts
Kiera Ahern, Emma Kello, Maria Nunez, Trinity Minissale, Sevie Sankher
Roundtable #10:Clouded Judgement
Chien-Ju Yeh, Ciara Karanikas Dennett, Hatziry Zarate, Esther Berkoh, Alexis Arango
Roundtable #11:ABCs of Safe Sleep: Simple Steps, Sweet Dreams
Julia Slater, Chloe Patenaude, Isabella Seeberger, Ella Moskov
Roundtable #12: Small Steps, Big Changes: Obesity Prevention
Max Ellis, Alex Lee, Samantha White, Kaylie Leonard
Roundtable #13: Overdose Prevention Starts With You
Kylie Whitacre, Betul Yucedal, Abigail Karpierz, Haley Maxon
Roundtable #14: How Healthy Are Your Daily Habits?
Isabella Provost, Larisa Posada, Nina Cyrus, Jake Kelley, Christian Hendricks
Acknowledgements:
Special thanks to President Matthew Shaftel, Provost Theresa Hand, Dean Andrea Rehn, Kathy McLaughlin, and Mary Beth Cusack, The Faculty Review Board: Ekaterina Kagan, Amy Pass, Ali Schaeffing, and Chris White; Communications; Conferences & Events: Sara D'Aversa, Jody Dietrich; Facilities; Sodexo; IT Team; faculty advisors; and our student scholars.
Event organized by Sara Schuman, Coordinator, Gen Ed Core, Director of the Kathleen A. Donnelly Center for Undergraduate Research