Faculty Mentor: Caroline Brisson
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Abstract

Cork stoppers play a crucial role in preserving wine by allowing controlled oxygen transfer—permitting a small amount to pass through for aging, while preventing excess oxygen infiltration that could spoil the wine. This project simulates oxygen flow through corks using X-ray images, which must be properly processed before modeling. The program first loads a set of .bmp X-ray images and applies thresholding and edge detection to isolate the cork from the background. Morphological operations refine the cork's boundary, and an average orientation is calculated to uniformly rotate all slices for consistency. After rotation, the black background is cropped out, leaving only the cork material for accurate oxygen flow simulation. These processed images will be used to model cork stoppers and simulate oxygen transfer, advancing the evaluation of cork quality.

Christopher J. Barbieri is from Flemington, New Jersey and is pursuing a bachelors degree in Data Science, with a minor in Engineering Physics. After graduation Christopher plans to attend graduate school. In a previous life, he obtained a private pilot license.

Faculty Mentor: Kebra Ward
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Abstract

This interdisciplinary research project explores the convergence of astrophysics, engineering, and computational mathematics, focusing on the development of a space-based StarShade for ground-based telescopes. Initiated as a response to a NASA challenge aimed at undergraduate physics and astrophysics programs, participants engage in a comprehensive design endeavor. Emphasizing reading, writing, collaboration, and independent research, students delve into CAD drawing, structural analysis, and scale model creation to fulfill specific mission requirements. By navigating this multifaceted project, participants gain practical insights into real-world challenges at the intersection of space exploration and scientific inquiry.
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Tea Caravello is a junior Physics and Interdisciplinary Studies double major from Norwood, Massachusetts. After completing their undergraduate degrees, they plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics.

Faculty Mentor: George Hamaoui & Daniel Shustack
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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to culture and characterize the microbial community that degrades the feathers of dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis). The data from this study is important because these microbes may serve as a detriment to the survival of these birds in the wild. The data will also give insight into the ecology and interaction between the microbes present. I will be testing the birds for the presence of feather degrading bacteria at different time points. I will be elucidating the data collected utilizing next-gen sequencing technology after enriching the collected samples from the juncos using feathers and a basal salt medium. Based off past studies, most of the feather degrading microbes will be from the bacterial genus Bacillus, as shown using the bacteria in experiments regarding degradation.
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Lena DuPont is from Pittsfield, Massachusetts and is a senior majoring in Biology. Current post-graduation plans are to attend a PhD program in the field of cellular and molecular biology with a focus on immunology.

Faculty Mentor: Francis Craig
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Abstract

Cancel Culture is prevalent in today's society. The effects of personal distance, gender, and personality predispositions on cancel culture were investigated. Students (N=110) were drawn from general education courses from Commonwealth University- Mansfield. Participants completed a packet of self-reported surveys. This packet included Informed Consent, the NEO-FFI Inventory, the Scenario-Based Response Questionnaire, and Demographics. This research suggests that participants may be uncomfortable canceling people close to them and may not care to cancel those that are distant from them.

Erika Haag and Shannon Perlungher are junior psychology majors. Both researchers are planning on pursuing master's degrees in psychology after graduating.

Faculty Mentor: Maegan Borzok
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Abstract

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart disease characterized by fibrofatty infiltration of the myocardium. This disease is difficult to diagnose and currently has no viable treatment. Approximately 50% of ACM cases have been linked to mutations in the genes that encode for desmosomal proteins such as desmoplakin (DSP). Our lab previously identified a hotspot region of clinical mutations in DSP that exposes an occluded calpain target site for calpain degradation. We examined the unknown pathogenic variants I305F, K449T, N408K, and R315C to evaluate molecular modifications within the calpain sensitive region that may trigger sensitivity. In variant K449T, molecular dynamic simulations identified decreased surface area exposure of the calpain target site, but increased area exposure in the R315C variant. The variants of interest demonstrated increased calpain sensitivity in vitro. This reinforces understanding of the calpain sensitivity of DSP and may aid in future treatment for patients with calpain sensitive variants.

Gina Mazariegos is from Sayre and is majoring in Biomedical Sciences. After graduation she plans to attend a PhD program in Biology.

Faculty Mentor: Desislava Budeva
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Abstract

In the rapidly evolving fashion industry, capturing the nuanced perspectives of younger generations on sustainability is crucial for shaping future trends and policies. Youth opinions on sustainable fashion are particularly important, as this demographic is increasingly driving demand for environmentally conscious practices. Traditional sentiment analysis often falls short of fully capturing the complexity of opinions on key topics such as sustainability and fashion policies. To address this, we compared traditional sentiment analysis models, with models created using Large Language Models (LLMs). While traditional sentiment analysis achieved 76% accuracy, LLM performance varied based on prompting techniques, with accuracy ranging from 24% to 90%. These findings suggest that for those not proficient in prompting techniques, classic sentiment analysis may offer more consistent and reliable outcomes compared to LLM-driven methods.
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Tina Nosrati is a junior majoring in computer science and a research assistant at ASB's Sustainable Threads Research Collective. She has received numerous awards and honors for her academic achievements and research, including the prestigious PSEG Undergraduate Research Scholars for Environmental Justice award, Ramapo Faculty-Student Research Award, Ramapo Presidential Scholarship, and Manandhar Scholarship. She is a member of the Ramapo Honor program and the Pi Mu Epsilon National Mathematics Honor Society and plans to pursue further studies in a PhD program.

Faculty Mentor: Tom Byrne
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Abstract

Xylazine is a tranquilizer commonly used in veterinary medicine, and it has recently garnered attention for its recreational use, where it is often combined with opiates. Unfortunately, when overdose of this drug combination occurs, naloxone only mitigates the opiate effects by blocking opioid receptors, leaving the xylazine overdose unaddressed due to its action on Alpha 2 receptors. Yohimbine and tolazoline are alpha 2 antagonists utilized in veterinary settings to counteract the effects of xylazine. In our study, we are using planarians (flatworms) to assess the potential for alpha 2 antagonists to reverse the behavioral effects of xylazine. To do so, we are testing a variety of doses and drug-order procedures. We have chosen to use planarians because they contain the simplest equivalent to our neural network, and they are susceptible to the behavioral effects of drugs that are psychoactive in humans.
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Maia Rice (from Hudson, New York) is a Psychology major with a concentration in Behavior Analysis, Fine and Performing Arts major with a concentration in Music, Music Production minor, and Biology minor. After college plans include graduate school on a path to psychopharmacological research.

Faculty Mentor: Syed Islam
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Abstract

Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned the public about the presence of a class of harmful man-made chemicals called per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public drinking water systems across the U.S. This study reports the development of a sensitive and easy to use analytical technique known as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to test the presence of these chemicals in drinking water. Our preliminary investigation successfully identified ten different toxic PFAS found in drinking water using SERS. Our study detected the presence of these PFAS in water as low as femtomolar concentrations which is significantly lower than the amount of these toxic chemicals present in public drinking water systems. The results obtained in this study show that the analytical technique (SERS) developed using this project can be applied in the real-life detection of toxic PFAS chemicals in public drinking water systems throughout the country.

Neema Rock is from Middletown, Connecticut, and is a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry. Rock works with children with disabilities and plans to attend medical school after completing her bachelor’s degree.

Faculty Mentor: Sanghamitra Padhy and Rebecca Root
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Abstract

The Venezuelan refugee crisis has been impacting surrounding countries, most notably Colombia, for many years, with neighboring countries struggling to provide essential services to the incoming refugee populations. This crisis recently reached the front doorstep of the United States during the summer of 2023. Many Venezuelan refugees have come to New York City, which has been experiencing an extensive migrant crisis and whose Mayor, Eric Adams, has terribly mishandled the influx of refugees. This research analyzes the ties between the racialization of Latinos and the mismanagement of the influx of Venezuelan refugees, in addition to the most significant flaws and strengths of Mayor Eric Adams' approach. I conclude with a 5-point recommendation plan concerning the influx of Venezuelan refugees that focuses on encouraging integration, independence, and stability.
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Stefanie Viera is a third-year student double majoring in History and Humanities & Global Studies, the latter being a contract major centered around human rights. A resident of New Milford, New Jersey, Viera plans to travel and work abroad and eventually obtain a master's degree in Human Rights after graduation.

Faculty Mentor: Francis Craig
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Abstract

Job searching can be a significant stressor for college students, often due to unfamiliarity with job search tools. This study explored different modes of instruction for the “Handshake” career center tool and the impact on student confidence, knowledge, and anxiety. Students from Mansfield University (N=37) were assigned to one of three groups: 1) received only a card explaining Handshake, 2) watched four instructional videos, or 3) watched the videos and engaged in an active walkthrough of Handshake. Results showed that the active walkthrough group experienced significantly higher job search confidence and lower anxiety compared to the other groups. These findings highlight the effectiveness of interactive instruction over passive methods and can guide how career tools should be presented to students, demonstrating the added value of hands-on learning.
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Adriana Zebrowski is orginally from the small rural town of Thompson, Pennsylvania. Her major is School Psychology, and she intends to attend graduate school after graduation.

Faculty Mentor: Lynn Richardson
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Abstract

One of two visual artists representing Keene State College at this year's COPLAC conference, Julia Baer is inspired by common household objects and artifacts, using her art to reinvent and bring light to the mundane and the material culture of everyday life.
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Julia Baer is a junior pursuing a BFA in Graphic design, with Studio Art and Music minors.

Faculty Mentor: Lisa Donovan and Melanie Mowinski
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Abstract

(Fe)Male is a project that uses metal scraps and the creative process as an analogy for transitioning, in my case, from female to male. I morphed, sliced, glued, bent, welded, ground, and sanded these metal objects to create my desired vision. It was a transformative process, not unlike the steps I took to transition to male and develop my style. I often use the phrase "to be loved is to be changed" when illustrating my transition as an act of self-love. Like this project, my transition was a refining and fabrication process to achieve a craved vision.
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Matt Flanagan is a multi-media artist from Rhode Island, majoring in Studio Art and minoring in Arts Management and Art History. Post-graduation, Flanagan plans to continue running his Etsy shop, professionally exhibiting his artwork, learning to DJ, and entering the underground electronic music scene.

Faculty Mentor: Lisa Donovan
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Abstract

These photographs document the real-time exploration of oneself, as I partnered with queer men in my community to collaboratively explore our own femininity. Each portrait grew from a place of trust and vulnerability, with participants reflecting on gender, inherited roles, and the ways in which tangibly engaging with these topics fostered empowerment. By doing the makeup and costuming of each model, I was able to utilize my own skills while expanding on themes of identity and queerness through discussion and collaborative art making. Having the opportunity to work with men of varying demographics and cultural upbringings, our discussion transcended my own lived experience, emphasizing the power of community connection through shared meaning. This series of portraits highlights not only personal explorations of self, but also how each individual journey deepens collective perception and understanding of queerness, showcasing unity through the collaborative nature of artistry.
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Julien Gamache is an arts management student from Bucksport, Maine. After completing his degree, he aims to attend graduate school focusing on museum studies.

Faculty Mentor: Soojin Kim
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Abstract

The struggle against oneself, time, inability, ambitions, ideals far bigger than the self is what I see as most important. If it were not because of failures no one would succeed, and this willing risk to face failure and go forth anyways is what leads to collapsing that invisible barrier that stands in front of you. My senior project will attempt to represent this struggle from its very beginnings to its tumultuous end. I can only hope that this project will represent struggle not only through content matter but also through the essence of my own struggle in an area out of my bounds. But I don’t want to represent struggle in its most literal sense but how this struggle exists in everything and its ever presence in the formulation of something more. Struggle against struggle, the fight to harness toil and use it to one's benefit.
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Ben Giammattei is a senior Art major at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is always looking to explore and heighten his own artistic ability.

Faculty Mentor: Afarin Rahmanifar
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Abstract

The concepts of time, identity, and memory provide a framework for exploring our place in the universe. Time encompasses the past, present, and future; memory allows us to navigate these dimensions. When I am asked to articulate who I am, I find myself at a loss for words. Growing up as an "invisible child," I grappled with the challenge of understanding my identity and my place among those around me. My work serves as an invitation for viewers to enter my world, complete with its haunting imagery and emotional depth. In particular, one painting encapsulates my interests, thoughts, and feelings as I navigate life at 20 years old. While my world is constantly evolving, my core individuality remains steadfast. Through my art, I strive to create a dialogue that resonates with others, fostering a deeper understanding of both my journey and the universal experience of seeking one's identity.
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Nina Grim is majoring in studio art. Her hometown is Derby, Connecticut, and her plan is to attend graduate school in Arizona.

Faculty Mentor: Lisa Donovan and Melanie Mowinski
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Abstract

"Project JxJ" is an exploration of character design centered around inclusivity and diversity, featuring characters that represent a range of races, ethnicities, and LGBTQ+ identities. Inspired by animated series such as "Rick and Morty," "Dragon Ball Super," and "The Boondocks," the project blends vibrant visual styles with storytelling that challenges stereotypes. Using digital tools like Procreate on an iPad, each character is meticulously crafted with attention to shape, symbols, clothing, and color harmony to convey their unique personas. Themes of empowerment, identity, and unity are embedded in the designs, while symbols and tattoos reflect personal and cultural narratives. The process involves iterative sketching, color experimentation, and refining character movement through short looping animations. The project aims to foster empathy and promote the beauty of diversity, offering an immersive experience through movie marketing-style posters, character cutouts, and dynamic video presentations, creating a multi-layered artistic journey for viewers.
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Jean-Charles (J.C.) Innocent, a Haitian-American visual artist born in Port au Prince, Haiti and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, is pursuing a double major in Art with a focus on Design and Arts Management. Post-graduation, he plans to establish "Insomnia Artworks" as an art brand and production company, creating animations and art-inspired merchandise, while also working in trades like carpentry and HVAC to build sustainable homes in Haiti.

Faculty Mentor: Melanie Mowinski
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Abstract

Art and Influence: Multimedia research project on 20th Century American political art; a video essay deep dive into a variety of historical art and design techniques and how they have shaped our culture. Pulling from WW2 propaganda art, midcentury toy and interior design trends, and contemporary museum exhibitions - as well as original visual aids and materials by the presenter - we analyze and explore how artists communicate meaning and take part in authoring history.
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Max Sweeney is an Art Major and Art History minor. They have a deep interest in the communicative power of visual arts, and plan to teach art at the K-12 level in the future.

Faculty Mentor: Lynn Richardson
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Abstract

Kris Wilczak will be representing Keene State College's Studio Art program with the piece ‘i part my bangs to the right (your left).'
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Kris Wilczak is a senior dual major studying psychology and studio art from Cheshire, Massachusetts. Post graduation, they plan to work in gallery education and community outreach in art museums.

Faculty Mentor: Michael Dilthey
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Abstract

Art influences life, influences art. Often when considering or analyzing art, one can safely connect life experiences and those presented in art. Pablo Picasso, when painting The Weeping Woman, leading to Guernica, would challenge his model, Dora Maar, to the point of her screaming in tears, and then he would paint her. When Richard Wagner wrote the opera Die Walkure, he was already leading a polyamorous life which would eventually lead to several illegitimate children. This is seen in his opera where he breaks the norms of morality with incest.
While my life is not filled with crying models or extra marital affairs, I have had personal experiences that are reflected in my musical life. As a composer and writer, I find it fascinating to find these connections, some of which I did not know existed until after the song was written. This is my life in music.
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Jake Bluestein is a junior studying Music, Industry and Production with a minor in Arts Management. Bluestein is an aspiring artist and songwriter from San Diego, California, and a member of the men's basketball team. Link to his music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZJs2Eb2Spo.

Faculty Mentor: Amber Davisson
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Abstract

Audience engagement with David Fincher's protagonists Jack in Fight Club and Amy Dunne in Gone Girl offer insights into modern gender dynamics. This essay analyzes the contrast between Fincher’s satirical choices and the audience’s literal interpretations to highlight how these films reflect more about the audience than the characters themselves. Moral Disengagement Theory, the process by which otherwise unacceptable behaviors are permitted, accepted, and defended as moral disengagement, will be used to support these arguments. This is relevant as the misinterpretation of Fight Club's satire by certain male viewers has led to violent acts, underlining the cultural impact of these films. While the misinterpretations of Gone Girl’s satire haven’t had repercussions as severe as reactions to Fight Club, discourse still shows a misunderstanding of the themes at play. Fincher’s work challenges viewers to confront their biases, but many choose not to.
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Ben Harley is a senior majoring in Film Production and Communications with a minor in Film Studies. Filmmaking has always been a passion of his, and he recently garnered a great appreciation for the field of Communications. He also enjoys working with groups, on and off sets.

Faculty Mentor: Jenna Sciuto
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Abstract

I have been writing about the Claire Denis film Trouble Every Day (2001), using poststructuralist theory and the film writing of Eugenia Brinkema, Julia Kristeva, and Laura Mulvey. My research is about deconstructing gendered strictures of horror cinema, denaturing the enzyme of the male gaze to interact and converse with the films and filmmakers that enamor and compel us to look beyond the one-way conduit of being a viewer. I am drawing on my interests in biology to interact with the film's emphasis on neuroscience and its depictions of cannibalistic rape to reflect the polarities of horror cinema. This presentation will showcase my writing and other original artwork that re-interpret Trouble Every Day and the ways we interpret horror and the male gaze.
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Alexander Miller grew up in Cape Cod and moved to Western Massachusetts over fifteen years ago, after transferring from BCC to MCLA. They plan to graduate this Fall semester.

Faculty Mentor: Taylor Dunne
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Abstract

I was awarded a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship to make a short experimental film. This short film, shot on 16mm film, is about a man who cannot sleep. When he combines alcohol with sleeping pills, he soon goes on a wild journey that will leave him questioning everything. Shot on a 16mm Bolex camera with color and black and white film, I used in-camera effects, such as multiple exposures and a matte box. While the project is still being edited and perfected, the footage came back beautifully. The process of filming from start to finish was educational. I learned how to troubleshoot on problems relating to film techniques and working with others. I learned a lot from this film, and I feel more comfortable getting my hands on 16mm. It has helped me become more comfortable as a film maker and as a student willing to learn more.
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Mariah Rodriguez-Costa is a junior Film Production and Critical Studies major from Nashua, New Hampshire. She plans to pursue work in the film field by gaining more experience and creating more films.

Faculty Mentor: Zachary Finch
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Abstract

My proposed presentation, Spiritual Awakening in a Digitally Saturated World, is a selection of a work-in-progress novel entitled 2200 Blues. 2200 Blues is a 21st-century mythology that seeks to make sense of our growing, ever-fracturing digital world. Spiritual Awakening makes a social commentary on growing up with the internet as a guinea pig for Silicon Valley. My presentation will explore technological excess, coming of age, and the search for meaning in a world ruined by indulgence. Influenced by science fiction and epic fantasy, I have imagined a world shaped by technological escapism and unchecked hedonism. In this future Earth, a young man named Nickel is torn from a digital paradise and thrust into the Atlantic Canyons, a post-nuclear wasteland where the ocean once lay. Nickel encounters survivors, unexpected cultures, and dangerous visions of a digital phantom world.
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Guhan Nandakumar is an English major with a writing concentration from North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Post-graduation plans are to pursue a career as a professional science fiction author while self-supporting as an English teacher.

Faculty Mentor: Sarah McGregor
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Abstract

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) looks at achievement scores for 4th and 8th graders in 64 countries every four years to monitor global trends. The exam has 267 assessed math questions covering seven different topics. In initial data analysis of three topics areas, it was noticed the US tends to fall near the median of the country averages. However, it was found that when looking at individual questions the US scores widely vary from the median. This raised the questions: How did the US score on all the topic areas and do the above trends persist? How did the US perform on individual questions relative to the median throughout the topic areas? How do these scores reflect the US curriculum? To answer these questions, we’ll continue to analyze the TIMSS data and compare these results to the Common Core Math Standards for the US.
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Rachel Rainey is a senior from Attleboro, Massachusetts majoring in Mathematics Secondary Education, with a minor in Statistics. She plans to pursue teaching mathematics in either middle or high school.

Faculty Mentor: Lisa Donovan
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Abstract

Theatre is a beneficial tool in everyday skill building for elementary-age students. It is crucial that children have exposure to the arts at an early age; research shows that having an arts-based program in school curricula helps students gain necessary life skills. Theatre is an accessible, deeply engaging, and low-stakes way to create involvement in the arts, and to develop skills in collaboration, emotional understanding, reading comprehension, and so much more. The question is, how exactly does engagement in theatre help establish and create lifelong skills in students? Through lived experiences and further research, this presentation explores how engagement in the dramatic arts builds life-long skills that will benefit students across disciplines.
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Rachel Lamarre is a performing artist, theatre educator, arts administrator and current senior at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and is originally from Chicopee, Massachusetts. After graduating with her BA in Theatre and Arts Management, she plans to attend graduate school to earn an MFA in Acting to further her work around collaboration, creating space for vulnerability, and the overall joy that the arts bring to our everyday lives.

Faculty Mentor: Okon Hwang
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Abstract

Typecasting in the musical theatre industry has long been a controversial topic. While this can be negative in certain instances, it has niche examples of preserving personal identities. In my research, I will focus on the 2007 production of Hairspray, a cult-classic musical comedy set in 1960s Baltimore. Through a culmination of textual, musical, scene and source analysis, I aim to display how the plus-sized identities of Tracy and Edna Turnblad are imperative to their characters' roles and development. I argue that should this trait be neglected, the characters’ integrity, as well as the essence of the productions’ songs, would invalidate the overarching message this movie achieves. Though the Turnblads' physical appearance may not have any obvious effects on the story’s plot line, the music that renders their popularity ultimately relies on it.
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Taegan Botti is a junior music major with a concentration in vocal performance; she is from Ashford, Connecticut. A recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Award in 2020, she is passionate about musical theatre as a means of expression and aspires to be an elementary music educator.

Faculty Mentor: Lisa Donovan
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Abstract

This presentation investigates the connection between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the arts. UDL is the idea that learning should be adaptive based on the needs of the student. The arts by their nature provide a space for more flexibility and creativity than the standard academic environment. For example allowing students to act out a historical event or scene from a play allows them to engage with the material more deeply and in ways that are not found in traditional learning: it caters to helping a student who learns through action. This is one of the ways the arts can make learning more accessible through furthering universal design. While also investigating the role Universal Design plays in making the arts more accessible to people who otherwise would not be able to access or engage with them.
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Freya Langley is a junior studying English and Arts Management with a minor in Art History from Lebanon, New Hampshire. After graduating, Langley is looking to become a librarian who helps provide information and resources for the community.

Faculty Mentor: David Pellegrini
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Abstract

One might find writing and producing a full-length play as an undergraduate student daunting; yet this can be demystified by examining a step-by-step process of how two students developed a script from page to stage. The Last American Jackrabbit is a two-act drama, written for production and to submit to a collegiate writing competition. It is set during the early to late 1940’s, with the underlying themes of mentorship, racial identity, classism, traumatic release, and social kinship. This co-presentation by the playwright and director will detail the nearly 2-year long process of researching and developing the script, and how input from student designers, technicians, performers, and other creatives ultimately affected the final product. Our goal is to embolden undergraduates to take on the challenges of writing and producing original full-length theatre productions.
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Kane Waggoner (Playwright) is a senior double majoring in Theatre and Communication, with concentrations in Design, Technology, & Management, and Applied Media. He is President of Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honors Society, a member of Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honors Society, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honors Society, and President of the ECSU Drama Society.

Xsyanni Jackson (Director), from Manchester, Connecticut, is a current senior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Directing. At Eastern she is the President of Natural Hair Club as well as the Secretary/Treasurer of Drama Society; her current post graduation plans are to take a gap year, work in theatre and film, then attend graduate school.

Faculty mentors: Pierre Gourdain (UR) and Sedar Ngoma (SUNY Geneseo)
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Abstract

We are aiming to improve techniques for modeling quick, extreme changes called “shocks”. When working with shocks, the interpolation of data produces non-physical oscillations where the jump/step happens. Since these oscillations are non-physical, we want to mitigate them so that our ability to model shocks is more accurate. Better shock capturing techniques allow us to better understand the conditions that induce a shock as well as the consequences that result from a shock. To do this, we implement a Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. The algorithm works to minimize the error between the data we have and the interpolation of the data, ultimately damping the oscillations.

From Rochester, New York, Samantha Conrow is studying Applied Mathematics, with a minor in physics. Following graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to further explore her interests at the intersection of Applied Mathematics and Physics.

Faculty Mentor: Caroline Brisson from RCNJ, John F Federici from NJIT
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Abstract

Natural cork wine stoppers allow for a minimal flow of oxygen into the bottle necessary for the proper aging of wine. However, the cork industry lacks a reliable method to determine the  quality of corks. Modeling the flow of oxygen through the cork with COMSOL Multiphysics software allows for a non-destructive evaluation of corks. This work outlines the methodology developed. X-Ray tomography images of cork slices are rendered in grayscale to undergo experimental determination of the local diffusion coefficient and initial concentration of oxygen. COMSOL then processes this data to determine a numerical solution for the diffusion equation. The outcome of the simulation provides the amount of oxygen transferred into the bottle over time. Future research work will compare the simulated data with experimental data for statistical analysis and further improvement of the method.

Gary DiPasquale is an Engineering Physics major from Howell, New Jersey. He is currently deciding on graduate schools.

Faculty Mentor: Vijaykumar Veerappan
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Abstract

Legume plants form symbiosis with the soil bacteria rhizobia and convert atmospheric nitrogen into biologically available ammonia by symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). To identify genes that are involved in SNF, Medicago truncatula Tnt1 retrotransposon insertion mutants defective in SNF including NFxxx44, NFxxx18, NFxxx06 and NFxxx39 were characterized. Wild-type (WT) and mutant plants grown in the absence of nitrogen and phenotypes were characterized. WT shoots are green with large ovoid, pink nodules whereas SNF mutants display reddish-purple shoots with roots showing spherical white/pink nodules indicating deficient nitrogen fixation. Root length, number of nodules and nodule ultrastructure were studied. Tnt1 insertions in each mutant were identified using the Medicago Database and mapped to different chromosomes using the BLAST tool. Segregation analysis was performed to determine the mode of inheritance. Discovery of novel genes that control SNF in legumes will enable us to engineer non-legumes to capture atmospheric nitrogen.

Anne Le, from East Hartford, Connecticut, is a senior Biology major at Eastern, where she is part of the Honors Program and is conducting plant molecular genetics research. Outside of school, she loves to learn languages; her current post-graduation plans are to apply for Dental School and work as a dental assistant during a gap year.

Faculty Mentor: Alan D. Gishlick
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Abstract

The goal of this research was to test how combining photogrammetry, digital animation 3D kinematics and motion capture can be used accurately simulate the movement of the forelimb of Aldabrachelyx gigantea. This has applications to the study of functional morphology of both living and fossil vertebrates.

Nicholas Gardner is a junior majoring in Professional Geology, with a minor in G.I.S. and planning to graduate in Spring ’26. He is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and fell in love with the idea of working with fossils at a young age.

Faculty Mentor: Beverly Evans
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Abstract

On August 9th, 1948, the Refus Global manifesto was published at the Librarie Tranquille in Montréal by 16 Québécois artists, challenging the province's conservative, religious-dominated culture. Although it initially faced controversy and censorship, the manifesto represents a crucial turning point in Québec’s history. The ideas within the manifesto created the foundation for the Quiet Revolution, a significant social and political transformation that emerged two decades later. The presentation will explore the key figures behind the manifesto, including Paul-Émile Borduas, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Françoise Sullivan, and Marcelle Ferron, analyzing how their artistic works and ideologies varied within the movement. Additionally, it examines the long-term impact of Refus Global on society, and how it continues to shape modern identities both within Québec and globally, remaining a symbol of artistic and social rebellion.

Ayden Link, from Buffalo, New York is a junior studying French and Spanish. After graduation, he plans on completing a master's degree in translation studies.

Faculty Mentor: Allison Speicher
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Abstract

The spiritualist movement of the nineteenth century, which is often overshadowed by sensational imagery, provided solace to many after the Civil War with its assertion that our dead loved ones are ever present among us. During this time, Christian women in New England began reconciling traditional Protestant beliefs about death and heaven with spiritualist ones. Despite the revolutionary nature of the novels and memoirs these women penned, there is a lack of scholarship discussing the theological, literary, and feminist implications of the genre. To address this, I have curated and analyzed an archive of literature by authors like Elizabeth Stuart Phelps and lesser-known authors like Lilian Whiting and Cora Linn Daniels. The legacy of their subversive theologies and call for women to be theologians provides a compelling case for spiritualism’s enduring impact in America and the power of laywomen to transform the nation's cultural and religious landscape.

Eva Glaser is from Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and she is a senior Honors student studying English and secondary education. She is also the secretary of Sigma Tau Delta and has served as a teaching and research assistant for several faculty in the English and Education departments; she plans to be a middle school English teacher.

Faculty Mentor: Holle Canatella
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Abstract

The initial research question for the research project is: how did medieval European interpretations of pagan goddesses influence the witch craze of the early modern period? The central question is explored by analyzing a collection of translated primary sources as well as some secondary scholarly articles and books for support. The paper concludes that an association between witchcraft and femininity developed in the period(s) under examination, in part due to the reinterpretation of pagan goddesses as demonic entities by influential Christian writers. This association likely went on to play a role in the witch trials of continental Europe, which disproportionately impacted women.
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Ryan Probst is from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania and attends Commonwealth University - Lock Haven. His major is History and his current plan is to attend graduate school, likely in a medieval or classical studies program.

Faculty Mentor: Anthony Daly
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Abstract

There have been many historical flash-points that one could point to as transformative for human civilization in terms of deaths as well as catalyzing societal progress. “The Black Death” is thought to have been one of them and as many as 50 million people died in Europe alone during this pandemic that lasted from 1346 to 1353. Misleading medical knowledge and influential religious beliefs account in part for these staggering numbers. Although many historians posit that this incredible depopulation contributed to the rise of the capitalist economy as well as the decline of feudalism, my research into a specific example nation, England, shows that these shifts did not occur until many years after the Black Death had ended.
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Joseph King is a senior with majors in English, with a concentration in writing, and Music Industry & Production.

Faculty mentor: Timothy Haase and Tufan Ekici
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Abstract

It is everyone's responsibility to advocate for and secure a safe and prosperous livelihood for themselves and others. Through the news, one can learn about crimes in their neighborhood, city, state, and country. This reliance on the news for crime begs the question of how criminal reporting affects the rate of crime. Does reporting of burglaries, murders, and shootings increase the rate of these violent and unfortunate events? We explore this question through an examination of existing literature and tests using time-series econometric methods. Vector autoregressions are identified, and Granger-Causality tests are used to identify the significance of crime reporting as an influence on further crime. Following, an analysis of the variance decomposition of forecast errors sheds light on how much variation in crimes committed can be explained through media coverage. It is expected that media reporting does affect crime rates.
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Michael Mullane is from Pompton Lakes, New Jersey and is majoring in Economics. Mullane intends to apply to a graduate program in Economics or Business Analytics and pursue a career in public service.

Faculty Mentor: Mariana Bolivar
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Abstract

This paper explores the pervasive nature of colonial power structures in economic systems in Latin America through the theoretical framework of Aníbal Quijano’s theory on the Coloniality of Power. Through an analysis of colonial silver mining, Chilean copper nationalization, and contemporary lithium extraction, this paper demonstrates how colonial power and coloniality have persisted despite the end to colonization. Even though efforts towards the nationalization of natural resources have attempted to reclaim the economic sovereignty of Latin American nation-states from colonial/imperial control, these efforts have been ineffective because they fail to address the coloniality that exists within the western nation-state framework. By examining the most recent developments in some Latin American states moving towards a plurinational framework, this paper argues that successful nationalization movements need to be aligned with decolonization struggles.
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Charles Darling is a junior majoring in Political Science with minors in economics and Spanish. He is from Westfield, Massachusetts.

Faculty Mentor: Kehan Gao and Sarah Tasneem
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Abstract

Deep learning, especially through Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), has become an essential tool in computer vision, enabling advancements in tasks such as image recognition and classification. This study aims to evaluate the performance of three well-known CNN architectures – VGGNet, InceptionNet, and DenseNet – using a NASA Mars image dataset. The research focuses on how effectively each architecture classifies Mars images, applying a range of performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score, to gauge their effectiveness. Additionally, statistical methods were employed to compare the results across the models, determining whether any architecture significantly outperforms the others. Conducted as part of the 2024 summer research project, this work involved three CSC students, with partial support from NASA Research Grants. The project was led by Drs. Gao and Tasneem as PIs. This presentation summarizes the findings and offers insights for future deep learning applications in planetary image analysis and exploration.
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Gabriel Arevalo, from Quaker Hill, Connecticut, is a senior in Computer Science, specializing in AI and automation. He developed an intelligent AI for the strategy game Quoridor and, during his internship at Empower, implemented an automation script that significantly reduced developer workload. Gabriel also created the LibraHub library system, demonstrating his versatility in software development; his post-graduation plan is to work for Empower as an Associate Software Engineer.

Dylan Chamberlin is an honors Computer Science student with a 3.86 GPA. He is a proactive leader, having led a FIRST Robotics team and trained new members, showcasing his collaborative approach. Dylan also secured second place in the Connecticut TSA cybersecurity competition, highlighting his technical and competitive expertise.

Tim Lee, from Norwich, CT, is a Mathematics major with a concentration in Data Science and minors in Business Analytics and Computer Science, holding a 3.97 GPA and is on the Dean's List. He has experience in data analysis, programming, and problem-solving, with attention to detail and the ability to handle complex challenges; his current post-graduation plan is to attend graduate school to get a master's degree in data science.

Faculty Mentor: Sanghamitra Padhy
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Abstract

Women in the workplace have faced discrimination in professional settings throughout American history, whether this be through the evident gender wage gap or micro aggressions which discount their abilities and discredit their accomplishments. However, the everpresent “Motherhood Penalty” furthers this issue beyond solely the gendered discrimination that they may already face. Mothers often face discrimination in terms of furthered salary gaps as well as obstacles in hiring and promotion opportunities. In addition to these issues, working mothers also face a double burden of responsibility often not experienced by their male counterparts, as they have to balance their work and home responsibilities in order to uphold their roles as a mother and an employee. This research establishes the ways in which the role of female employees is impacted after childbirth through a historiography of women in the workplace as well as an empirical analysis of the challenges faced by working mothers.
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Giovanna LaMonica is a current Law and Society student with a minor in Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies from Wharton, New Jersey.  After graduating from Ramapo, she intends to attend law school and become an attorney in the field of family law.

Faculty Mentor: Zachary Finch
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Abstract

In this presentation, The Hope within American Gothic & Folk Horror, I propose to read aloud from my work in progress: Crow’s Light, a Horror Anthology. Crow’s Light is about exploring the beauty and hope within the horrific. Set within an alternate Appalachia, this anthology follows various characters living on the outskirts of a place already on the edge of American society. Here, through their struggles and life, characters encounter strange happenings, both real and imagined, and ultimately forge a place for themselves. Ultimately, Crow’s Light is about exploring the uncomfortable margins we push many people to in our society, and how despite growing up within those margins, there are still places we find hope, and forge a life for ourselves. It’s meant to be inspiring to younger readers who may need a little hope in those horrifically fraught years growing up on the outskirts of society.
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Formerly working in Astrophysics, Victoria Tetreault now is finishing their degree in Media & Cultural Studies. Originally from Cheshire, Massachusetts, Victoria hopes to head to Canada for a master's degree to become a Social Worker; writing and horror, however, remain a mainstay-focus within their life.

Faculty Mentor: Kirsti Sandy
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Abstract

A creative non-fiction piece that investigates the book community and how they have made reading into a form of challenge or fundraiser. Beyond the reading community, a personal attempt at this idea of a read-a-thon and what it is like to be a part of one. Told through the idea of how stories transport others into different worlds.
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Amanda Rotigliano is a sophomore History and Legal Studies major from Bellingham, Massachusetts. She plans to pursue graduate study in archival studies and to work in the field of museum archivists.

Faculty Mentor: Zachary Finch
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Abstract

“Turning Green” is a selection of experimental ecopoetry researched and composed in tandem with a course called “Literature and Society: Ecopoetics.” The collection attempts to track, in moments, the Earth’s temporality, the constant and invisible conversion of natural information—rocky, wet, full of insects and oak leaves—which precedes, underlies, and outlives us all. The collection feels around for the sensitive mystery of this everlasting change, which we humans in the Anthropocene have been so vividly separated from, and wonders how to know it, if there is a legible epistemology, how language might attend to this, or beautifully fail in the face of it. Through organically shaped visual forms and sensory dependent somatic mediations, I hope to share the work undertaken in “Turning Green” as a means of moving through the spaces of the canopy, holding, if only for a second.
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Casey Vieira is an English student hailing from the Greater Boston area. She plans to continue publishing poetic work in literary journals throughout her undergraduate work, later attending graduate school in the New England area.

Faculty Mentor: Allison Speicher
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Abstract

Over a hundred years after its publication, Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery remains a seminal work of children’s literature, charming old and new readers alike through its vibrant protagonist and humorous tone. However, there has been limited scholarship approaching Anne of Green Gables from a post-colonial lens. I argue, using the works of Joy Alexander, S. Karly Kehoe, Marilyn Solt, and others, that the novel’s relationship with geographical identity, expressed through its fictional setting of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, reflects a fundamentally settler-colonialist perspective dominant to Montgomery’s era. Additionally, I will explore how its recent television adaptation, Anne With An E, functions as a post-colonial re-interpretation of the novel, drawing attention to the source text’s biases while displaying respect for the work it adapts.
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Margaret Rousseau is a senior English major from West Hartford, Connecticut. She will graduate in December, after which she intends to start an MLIS degree, in hopes of becoming a youth services librarian.

Faculty Mentor: Todd Barnes
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Abstract

Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most famous heroines, but specific aspects of her portrayal and audiences’ reception to it have changed over time and with each artistic reproduction. Differing directorial approaches, therefore, provide insight into the attitude towards women at any given cultural moment. Using a combined approach of Feminist and Marxist Theory, this paper relates two filmed, theatrical productions–Simon Godwin’s 2021 National Theatre Romeo and Juliet, and Gabriel Villelo’s 2000 Portuguese-language, Romeu e Julieta, at the Globe Theatre–to the concept of the “female gaze.” The author analyzed aspects of staging and camera angles/shots used to convey intimacy with Juliet in each film’s “balcony scene,” and the ideology corresponding to this close identification. She found that a singular, uncomplicated view of the subject (as in a camera close-up) naturally assumes the singular male gaze.
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Marina Gannon is a third-year English major with a minor in creative writing. Her hometown is Edgewater, New Jersey, and she plans to pursue a career in publishing after graduation.

Faculty Mentor: Zachary Finch
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Abstract

Everything I Am (Is Because I Want to Die) is a portrait of the unrelentingly suicidal mind; an experiment that delves into protagonist Isaac’s episodes with self-harm. Written for Dr. Caren Beilin’s Writing Prose: Idiots & Assholes course, the piece opens with mentally ill Isaac wandering over a frozen creek and tasting what it would feel like to die for the first time. This satirical piece explores the nuances of suicidality and the ramifications that accompany such an incessant pursuit by exploring not only Isaac's life, but that of Abigail, his kid sister, who lives down the hall and is forced to bear witness to his all-encompassing psychosis. Everything I Am (Is Because I Want to Die) is a literary window into the insatiable and unwittingly illogical desire to no longer be alive, and an ironic expression of why it is necessary to carry on living.
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Matthew Lewellyn is a double major in English and Philosophy. From Saugerties, New York, Lewellyn is hoping to move on to graduate school after his time at MCLA comes to an end.

Faculty Mentor: Rodney Obien
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Abstract

Keene State’s strategic plan includes goals to increase efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all areas of campus life. Three Faculty Fellows are contributing to this process. One new initiative is the evelopment of an undergraduate open access journal, INCLUSION. The journal will feature written and creative work by KSC students embodied or inspired by DEI themes. This panel features students on the editorial team who will discuss the plans for the journal and showcase some of the initial student works collected from Art & Design, English, Film Studies, Holocaust & Genocide Studies, and Music. The editorial team hopes to collect student work from all academic departments.
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Amarrah Gates is a sophomore from Bellevue, Washington majoring in Holocaust & Genocide studies and History, planning on pursuing a Master's degree in Historical Administration.
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Jackson Caffrey is an undergraduate student studying History and English (2026). Besides being an editor on the Inclusion academic journal, he currently works as an Archives and Special Collections Assistant at Wallace E. Mason Library and is president of the Alpha Beta Tau chapter of the National History Honors Society.

Faculty Mentor: Zachary Finch
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Abstract

For this presentation, entitled Girlhood, I intend to read “Frostbite”, a creative nonfiction tale of growth and change told through the eyes of a young woman. It tackles themes of gender, religion, and sex. It also discusses the concept of death and dying in a world that seems to have become obsessed with finding new ways to slow the natural progression of time. I wrote this piece as a way to process and comment on societal contradictions regarding the roles and expectations of young women, and the insecurities that they are led to develop in those conditions. The piece’s stream of consciousness style is intended to break down boundaries between reader and writer. “Frostbite” leans into discomfort rather than shying away from it, and I encourage everyone reading to allow themselves to feel uncomfortable.
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Aurora Bullett is a senior English major with a concentration in creative writing. Bullette is from North Adams, Massachusetts, and plans to write and publish novels.

Faculty Mentor: Jordan Youngblood
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Abstract

Recent studies of video games have emphasized the need to discuss games outside the lens of “fun.” This presentation explores the approaches of the video games Before Your Eyes and Spiritfarer in translating the experiences of bodies in pain. Before Your Eyes uses blink-based controls to engage players’ bodies in a memory-focused narrative that explores pain through illness and emotional suffering, while in Spiritfarer players guide spirits through their final journeys while attempting to address their unresolved pains. I demonstrate how these games create a visceral understanding of pain through their mechanics and narratives, allowing players to confront pain through loss, grief, and illness. I argue for an understanding of affect in gaming, emphasizing moments of discomfort and sorrow as disruptive to normative gaming expectations. Ultimately, both games create spaces where players can reflect on their pain, fostering compassion and deeper levels of engagement that go beyond entertainment.
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Anna Miller is studying English at Eastern; she is from Mannford, Oklahoma but currently resides in Groton, Connecticut. Her research interests include video games, digital culture, and contemporary literature, with a particular interest in media that produces a “negative” affect, and she is in the process of applying to several different MA/MFA programs in English and New Media/Emerging Media.

Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Rogalsky
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Abstract

This research investigates why there is a distinctly defined area in the city of Rochester, New York that lacks significant physical activity. The social media app Strava maps how frequently a road/trail/path is used for exercise; examination of their “global heatmap” indicates a very clearly-bound area in Rochester that lacks physical activity, particularly running and walking. Because neighborhoods bordering this area (such as Park Ave and Cobbs Hill) are so commonly used for running and walking, it is peculiar that neighborhoods just a few blocks away are almost never utilized for physical activity. The goal of this research is to analyze - through the lens of the social determinants of health - why this physical activity disparity exists. I will then discuss potential effects of this disparity, and propose potential solutions to create a more connected and desegregated city.
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Alexandra Ventresca was raised in Henrietta, New York. Majoring in both Economics and Sustainability Studies, current post-graduation plans are still in progress: Ventresca plans to travel and pursue fulfilling work that applies her knowledge and experience in economics to the fields of sustainability and geography.

Faculty Mentor: Soojin Kim
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Abstract

Video games can transport players into fantastical worlds but creating those virtual worlds relies on the destruction of our own world. Gaming consoles and personal computers rely on electronic components that contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. These materials are extracted from mines and purified in refineries across the world which disrupts natural habitats and pollutes air, water, and soil at an unprecedented level. Online gaming relies on internet infrastructure and data centers, which consume vast amounts of electricity derived from fossil fuels. Technological innovation drives rapid obsolescence, generating e-waste at an increasing rate where it contaminates soil and water. This VR project depicts four interactive 3D environments: a copper mine, a semiconductor plant, a data center, and an e-waste station, showcasing the video game industry's environmental impact. The viewer can immerse themselves into these worlds and experience the heavy industry that powers the gaming industry.
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Ian Valeta, from West Haven, Connecticut, is majoring in Computer Science with minors in Studio Art and Mathematics. He is participating in Eastern's Honors Program where he utilizes his technical knowledge and creativity to create an undergraduate research backed virtual reality (VR) project; his plan for after graduation is to work as a software developer in the sustainable energy sector and to pursue a master's degree.

Faculty Mentor: Paul Fowler
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Abstract

Adobe is an eco-friendly material, comprised of nothing but clay, sand, and a binder such as straw. It is sun dried, typically on site, using very little energy in its production. With Professor Paul Fowler, I researched and constructed an adobe hut on Keene State College’s campus. The research has produced a methodology in testing the thermos-hydrometrical properties of the adobe bricks. This will allow us to determine how much energy is needed to remove excess moisture from the space within the structure as well as the interior side bricks before heating to comfort levels is possible. We began testing different soils from various gravel yards to find a combination suitable for brick making. We then made 500 adobe bricks, 478 of which made it into the final project. The next stage of the project was installing the probes which will be monitored over the next year.
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Zachary Punch is a senior Architecture major from Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. He plans to pursue a Master of Architecture post-graduation.

Faculty Mentor: David Braden-Johnson
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Abstract

My presentation will explore Plato’s depiction of Socrates’ social and political views and their implications for pacifism and socialism. I will draw on specific examples from the Socratic dialogues that best reflect features of his view that satirize critics of democracy while still upholding certain hierarchical assumptions; assumptions, moreover, that undermine his efforts to democratize knowledge in Athens. In the process, I will introduce elements of socialism, anarchism, and the non-aggression principle inconsistent with Plato's ideal republic.
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Starly Donati is an English and Philosophy double major with a minor in Art. They infuse their creative pursuits with philosophical ideas.

Faculty Mentor: Satarupta Dasgupta
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Abstract

The present study investigates the theory that individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) are more likely to be faced with issues related to lack of confidence and bullying. These attributes can have a negative mental toll on people with CLPs. Participants took a survey that proved that college-age students are highly uneducated about cleft lip and palates, which can contribute to individuals with CLP being bullied. The bullying can be attributed to the idea that cleft lip and palates do not align with the traditional concept of beauty. The social cognitive theory and theory of planned behavior will demonstrate different perspectives and assist in predicting behavior and educating people about CLPs. The overall goal is to challenge society's construct of beauty and increase college students' awareness of CLPs.
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Alyssa Curto resides in Staten Island, New York and majors in Global Communication and Media with a minor in Marketing. After graduating from college in May of 2025 she will be traveling to Ireland to play lacrosse and will pursue a career in marketing.

Faculty Mentor: Mansokku Lee
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Abstract

Throughout most of recent history, the elderly population has increased gradually across many countries, particularly the United States. The old age dependency ratio (OADR), defined as the ratio of the elderly population (aged 65 and older) to the young, working population (aged 15 to 64), has also increased along with the elderly population ratio. It is dangerous for the OADR to rise too quickly, especially when the youth population isn’t increasing at a steady rate, since funds for other government programs may be shifted to elderly programs to support the increasing population. By comparing the trends in the OADR to economic variables such as birth rate, government healthcare and social service spending, and the labor force participation rate via a level-level and level-log regression model, we hope to demonstrate how these variables could affect the old age dependency ratio.
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Matthew Hoch is a senior economics major. He is from Buffalo and plans to pursue a career related to data analytics after graduation.

Faculty Mentor: Sara Carroll
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Abstract

The West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District aims to enhance community health through environmental, health, and educational services. In collaboration with the lead epidemiologist, I analyzed quantitative data, investigated state resources, and engaged with community partners to address cancer screening gaps identified in the 2022 Community Health Assessment. The assessment revealed that 51.04% of Bloomfield and 37.24% of West Hartford adults had not undergone cancer screening in the past year. In response, I developed and executed an educational intervention focusing on prostate and breast cancer. This included partnering with Hartford Healthcare, AccessCT, and Clearinghouse, and organizing a Mammography Mobile to offer free screenings. Held at the Bloomfield Community Center, the event targeted uninsured and low-income individuals. Surveys and discussions indicated that the intervention effectively increased cancer prevention awareness. The initiative has been endorsed by the Health District for future implementation, providing valuable insights into community health improvement.
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Brianna Feliz, from Brookfield, Connecticut, is majoring in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health and a minor in Health Management. On campus, she is a Senior Resident Assistant, Co-President of Pre-Health Society, and Teaching Assistant of Research Methods for Health Sciences; her goal is to get her MPH and DrPH in Global Health.

Faculty Mentor: Sanghamitra Padhy
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Abstract

My research explores the implicit racial bias in child welfare removal practices and its disproportionate impact on Black families, with a focus on the long term psychological, emotional, and developmental harm inflicted on children. Through a narrative analysis of historical and contemporary policies, I investigate why systemic biases have led to child welfare's over reliance on removals. Using a mixed-method approach, including case studies and statistical data from various child welfare agencies, this project examines the role of race in shaping child welfare outcomes. The findings suggest that racial disparities in family removals are deeply embedded in both policy and practice, contributing to a cycle of marginalization. This research aims to shed light on the need for reform within child welfare systems to promote equity and minimize harm done to families.
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Olivia Cole is from Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society with minors in Psychology and Crime and Justice Studies. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work and continue her research on child welfare and systemic inequities.