Health Disparities in Colon Cancer Among African Americans

Aneena Panicker, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Nursing 

My capstone discusses health disparities that impact colorectal cancer screening among African Americans. Colon cancer is one the top leading cancers in the United States, yet it is one of the most treatable types of cancer when discovered and detected in early stages of the disease. Despite advanced technology and medical advancements, many marginalized populations such as African Americans are still suffering with the highest rates of late stage CRC diagnosis and succumbing to the disease compared to other racial/ethnic groups. This issue tends to raise the question of how to improve preventative healthcare measures such as screenings to address this gap and further reduce mortality rates. It is important to analyze these barriers that prevent or inhibit this population from receiving adequate care and seek solutions to combat it. Nurses are forefront leaders in creating change and can drastically improve the well-being of individuals who are neglected and underserved by the healthcare system. Further research and analysis led to the conclusion that socioeconomic barriers, perceived mindsets regarding screenings, and access to care all played a major role in reduced colon cancer screenings among African Americans, especially for men. However, there are many ways to further improve this initiative as nurses can increase education, enhance community engagement, and empower individuals to take health seeking behaviors.

The disparity difference in this population sparked my interest in researching this topic, in addition to learning more about the increase of colon cancer diagnoses among young individuals. This concerned me and I wanted to learn more about which populations may be most impacted. I expected the capstone to be a straightforward research process but in reality, it required the ability to navigate complex journal articles to draw conclusions and formulate an organized structure. The capstone encouraged critical thinking and enabled me to deep dive into complex ideas and concepts that further enhanced my understanding compared to my previous baseline comprehension of the topic. It was challenging trying to uncover the various issues that led to screening disparities, and interconnecting the issues was difficult, however statistical data was able to provide straightforward results which made it easier to synthesize into main ideas. What surprised me most about the literature reviews was how deep medical mistrust is among the African American community, which remains to this day. To further expand this research, I would conduct personalized interviews among individuals from this population to further understand their experiences which can further support statistical data and design culturally sensitive interventions.

I learned to comprehensively analyze patients and understand that there are multifactorial components that can impact a person's well-being and quality of life. From this research experience, I'm motivated and committed to utilizing this knowledge into the clinical setting and nursing practice. I hope to advocate for policies and programs that help bring equitable care to vulnerable patient populations and dismantle systemic bias that is present in the healthcare system.

Understanding Relationship Dynamics of Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder

Victoria Wallace, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Psychology

My research objective was to examine individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder and how they act and maintain familial, friendship, romantic, and occupational relationships. In essence, family relationships would often face high amounts of stress and emotional pain due to the individual with BPD's symptoms. Friendships are likely to be unstable, with periodic conflict and problems setting and respecting one's boundaries. Romantic relationships are rooted with insecurity, recurring arguments, and attachment problems. In the workplace, people with BPD may struggle with facing stigma, handling tasks, meeting performance expectations, and managing tense relationships with coworkers and bosses. Effective treatment requires understanding these relational struggles and using encompassing support systems, like family education and workplace interventions, to improve emotional regulation and communication.

What motivated me the most in writing and exploring BPD and its relational dynamics is mainly because of my family. One of my closest cousins, who is like another sister to me, had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder about ten years back. Growing up, I always wondered why my cousin would bicker, argue, and yell so much with almost every person she met, as well as witness the impulsive behaviors and instability within her friendships, relationships, and interactions with public acquaintances like cashiers. After researching this field, I now see and empathize with my cousin on a different level of understanding.

I personally thought that the capstone project would be simple, as if it were any 12-page paper that had to be written for a course, but the more I sat down to work on my project, the more difficult it became. It was challenging to articulate my words into what I wanted my paper to say, but upon reflection, I feel that I put my best foot forward and dedicated much time into creating and perfecting my paper.

Throughout this capstone experience, not only have I learned how to compose a graduate-level paper, but I also learned the value of time, effort and dedication. Some days I would come home from work and go right on to school whether online or in person, and get to work on my capstone, because I felt a sense of urgency to complete it in a timely manner, as well as dedication to seeing the project through to the end. Being able to balance working full time, attending class and completing classwork and assignments, and the requirements of this capstone required strong time management and perseverance. The experience taught me the importance of pushing through and staying committed to my end goal, even on the most difficult days.

The most important takeaway from this research project in my opinion is to never judge a person, because behind the scenes, you do not know what is going on in that person's life. That person may be an individual with BPD, or a loved one to that individual, and you never know what obstacles they face on a day to day basis. Always treat others with kindness and respect.

 

The Inter-relationship of Human Anatomy and Gene Inheritance

Aliyah Deonarayan, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completing major in Nursing

Throughout my time completing my research paper, I learned so much about the human body and its capabilities. The research idea first blossomed in my Human Anatomy and Physiology lab led by Professor Antonella Guadagnino, who became my mentor. In her class, I learned to understand anatomy with an open mind.

Growing up and adoring my culture played a huge part in accepting my body. To understand that our bodies can adapt in such significant ways to better our chances at survival makes it a fascinating fact that we unknowingly have. So much of my life was having a sense of belonging and connecting with groups of people with the same ethnic background as me. On my grandfather’s side there are so many different ethnicities such as Brazilian, Australian, and even English. I’ve known my whole life that I am ethnically Indian, but learning about my grandfather made me excited to learn more about other cultures and characteristics. It made me realize how different we all look yet are all the same.

After taking the Human Anatomy and Physiology course, I became curious as to why there are so many variations for one general body part. Such as, why do we have different colored hair, why do we have such unique noses, why do we have different bone structures? I took the same theory Charles Darwin had proven to be known as survival of the fittest, and placed it towards humans with different backgrounds. We all know certain groups of people tend to have similar qualities, but what it boils down to is, what do they have in common ethnically?

Our environment influences our bodies, which I used to brush over as, “Oh that’s just how I am”, but never considered why. For example, I never understood why I grew up so skinny and was taunted for it, but after deep research that is further discussed in my paper, I learned that it is in fact related to my Indian heritage. Learning about what makes my body react a certain way was very interesting and even helped me to know what the best diet routine to follow to improve my physique. History lies deep within us providing a world of curiosity, which we can always find.

By the Eyes of Primo Levi

Jennifer De Litteris, Verrazzano class of 2024, completed major in English Literature and Italian Studies (7-12)

Primo Levi's "Survival in Auschwitz" is not simply about his journey and endurance within the concentration camp, but portrays the unforgettable dehumanization of the Jewish prisoners. Through my research, I embarked on a journey that challenged my understanding of the meaning of dehumanization. Levi wanted readers to understand through his way of writing the impact the Nazis had on the way the prisoners lived their lives. He allowed me to think about the depths of human cruelty and suffering and this exploration left a profound impact, not only on my perspective of the Holocaust but also on the importance of preserving these narratives.

Levi's account conveys how the prisoners' identities were ripped away. From arrival, their names are replaced with numbers, clothing is confiscated, and individuality is erased. This was the Nazi's way to abolish a population of people and through his stories he allows us to understand the dehumanization process. As a reader, I was forced to confront and understand the meaning of dehumanization by taking a step back in comprehending how each prisoner can be ripped off their humanity and life. Levi gives us a clear picture of the loss of personal possessions and lives of many family members. For example, a comb, a photograph – these seemingly trivial objects holding the reminder of a life before the camp. With all of that, scholars pay close attention to how memory and language play an important role in how the prisoners survived. Despite the relentless brutality, through memory and language he records important details like the names of fellow inmates, the camp's structure, even the routines of daily life. This act becomes a reclamation of self, a refusal to be erased completely.

Furthermore, Levi's experiences raise critical questions about the ethics of survival. The book hints at the moral compromises some prisoners were forced to make to survive. Exploring these choices through additional survivor accounts and historical analysis would offer a nuanced perspective on the complexities of surviving such an ordeal. "Survival in Auschwitz" serves not only as a historical document but also as a cautionary tale. Dehumanization, in various forms, continues to plague our world. Recognizing the tactics used in Auschwitz can equip us to identify and resist similar tactics employed in modern conflicts and societal divisions.

By continuing to study and share Levi's work, we honor the memory of those who perished and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. His words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

This exploration of Levi's work has been a deeply personal and transformative experience. While the subject matter is harrowing, the act of reading and reflecting has fostered a deeper appreciation for the human capacity for resilience and the necessity of preserving these narratives for future generations.

 

Medieval and Early Modern Cultures Reflection

Rolla Khass, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completing major in SLS  

Rolla working on Tatreez tapestry

The SLS 302 course on Medieval and Early Modern Cultures, is filled with medieval writings based on women's rights, chivalric behavior, religious morals, love, war, and beautiful imagery for the seasons of the year that demonstrate an appreciation for nature and much more.

Of all of the historical stories we have read, one that stayed with me was Chaucer's Wife of Bath, which reveals a complicated worldview about the power relationship between men and women. The Wife of Bath, Alison, shares her experiences with marriage and her opinion of the role women play while maintaining her independence. I wanted to compare the connection between historical context and the present perspectives on gender roles and education.

This work speaks to me because it sheds light on the complicated issues of women's current lives and voices in the past. During Chaucer's era, women were usually seen as inferior to men, mainly destined to household duties. However, Alison identifies herself by being bold, assertive, and openly expressive about her desires and experiences. The story of The Wife of Bath explores power relations in marriage and the larger social implications of women's freedom.

In my life, the progress toward gender equality in education and careers has been notable, but obstacles still exist. There are women today who stand on their own disregarding any traditional and cultural views of where and how women should be, through the lens of men.

Thinking about the character’s story, I noticed similarities with the ongoing fight for women's rights and representation. Her story emphasizes the value of speaking up, and how education can empower people to question traditional norms. This has helped women today to stand up for our values of self-empowerment, by challenging societal standards and working hard to get themselves to the top.

Alison’s emphasis on human experiences as sources of learning is fascinating. She prioritizes her life’s lessons over traditional academic education, which reflects on my belief in practical knowledge and wisdom. There is a rising respect for different learning experiences and their benefits in today's schools.

The “Wife of Bath” is varied with layers of personalities demonstrating both the limitations placed on women and their abilities to flourish within those limitations, especially on someone like me, as a Muslim Arab.

However, these limitations are not meant to limit me, but to keep me safe as a Muslim, and I am content with it in many ways. I can picture Chaucer's character Alison with how things are now. As a woman, I can say I am able to flourish within the cultural limitations placed on me, where I can balance work life as an Islamic teacher and college student. I have an independent life with a busy work schedule and a home life where I assist with cooking, cleaning and much more. I have an old soul many say, who loves the old ways where women stay home and bake, cook, care for others, yet doesn't limit them from being a successful self-built woman.

My Palestinian identity ties in with this, where Palestinian women are taught to stay at home, enjoy their hobbies, and spend their days at the beach in Palestine, which is what both of my parents were taught, being raised in Gaza. This is where the cultural limitations and stereotypes of women staying at home come from and one my mom had to break so that her children could flourish, enjoying their road to success in the outside world.

That being said, because we were able to do what we wanted outside of the house, I became more interested in doing things at home. I learned the hobbies that my Palestinian ancestral grandmothers did at home, called Tatreez. Tatreez is Palestinian embroidery, and not only have I loved to stay at home and do embroidery, but I’ve taken what I’ve learned and created a business from this.

I’ve reached a stage where I know I can balance my at-home life with a successful life on the outside world. Chaucer's “Wife of Bath” supports this view where Alison has strength with what she wants and with no care about how she is judged. It was the era of women discovering their worth, where male authors shared the literature of strong women making their mark. Overall, I found this course to be very relatable with the present world in many aspects.

Reflecting on My Capstone: Alliances and Disease as Decisive Factors in the Siege of Tenochtitlan (1520-1521)

Luan Draga, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in History

I found my capstone project enjoyable; stressful at times, but very fun to do. I love history and my topic was very interesting to me which made the process much easier, especially with my mentor, Dr. Wing, who was incredibly helpful. He’s an expert in this field and supported me in what books to look into, apart from ideas on how to expand my research. There were many long days reading and long nights typing, but in the end, I’ve felt incredibly satisfied with my final product. In my entire academic career, this is the longest work I have ever completed, reaching 35 pages and sourcing more than 10 books. Actually, I purchased all of the books that I sourced and as a result my library at home has expanded, some of which I’m happy to put on display.

I also want to add that I loved presenting this research. It was really enjoyable to share with people this important topic of why Tenochtitlan fell, because often times important perspectives in history are overlooked or completely ignored. I had to speak in front of many people and discuss in detail the events that occurred, followed up by many of their questions, and it made me realize that I also enjoy teaching. Another aspect that made this process fun was creating the poster because I was able to express my creativity and create a nice, neat, and colorful poster to get my point across.

Doing the research was tough at times, but it was also interesting because I was able to find new sources to investigate and branch off of to continue more research. I made use of primary sources of both Spanish and Indigenous perspectives while writing my honors thesis to get a better grasp of the overall event. The research was the difficult part because it was very time-consuming and often exhausting, but it made my understanding of my topic and of the overall history of the topic very rich.

I am thankful for the immense help, guidance, and encouragement Dr. Wing gave me, and I will always be grateful for it. I don’t think I could have asked for a better mentor to oversee this honors thesis. I also want to thank Dr. Kimball for the revisions on the essay that were very helpful in adding the final touches.

I highly recommend students to pick a mentor they are comfortable with and get along with to do this huge project and to be very careful with their time management. As long as you do these two things, you will be successful and the process will be much easier.

Investigating Impact of Differential Metabolic Gene Expressions on a Panel of Cancers

Rachel Tbeile Mann, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology and minor in Biology

I have always enjoyed researching topics that interest me, and this project was no different. I had decided to graduate earlier than I expected to, so I was working on a shorter timeline but still enjoyed the process of researching and developing this thesis.

After taking radiation biology with Dr. Liu-Sullivan, I knew that I wanted to explore this topic further and reached out to her at the end of the semester about doing research. Initially, the focus of the research was going to be an investigation of drinking water quality of zip codes that are near the now closed Fresh Kills Landfill. However, the project had to be redesigned.

The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) water quality database is only based on one water sample for all of New York, making a comparison of different zip codes impossible. As I had been a part of a research group, we decided to base our project instead on studying five types of cancers that are unusually prevalent among the Staten Island population. We each studied one of those cancers (I studied pancreatic cancer) and how varying levels of gene expression of three genes impact patient prognostics and overall survival.

To analyze the impact of gene expression on patient prognostics and overall survival, I used the KAPLAN-MEIER PLOTTER, which is a comprehensive database that provides information on differential gene expressions using Affimetrix, RNAseq, and DNA sets. This website provides figures that can then be analyzed to gain insight on differential gene expression.

The three genes I studied were: leptin, insulin, and insulin-growth factor. Insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas, controls blood sugar levels to maintain homeostasis. A regulatory protein called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) controls growth hormones and stimulates the formation of new bones and tissues. Leptin is a protein hormone that is secreted by adipocytes and is vital to the body's energy balance. Leptin stimulates the growth of cancer cells, motility, and metastasis when a malignant tumor appears, although it is not always a cause of cancer.

It is interesting to note that while I expected differential levels of gene expression to have significant impacts on patient prognostic and survival in pancreatic cancer, that was not the case for all of the genes I had studied. Since my results weren’t what I expected, I feel like I gained even more insight on this topic than anticipated.

Through this thesis, I gained a better understanding of how research is conducted in the science world and learned that it doesn’t always go as expected. I also improved my collaboration and data analysis skills. Overall, I am grateful for this experience and especially for the unwavering guidance and support of my mentor throughout this process.

Reflections on SLS 303 Modern Cultures Course

Bayan Khalil, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in SLS Early Childhood

When I reflect on the materials from the SLS 303 Modern Cultures course alongside my own time and culture, I notice the striking parallels that shed light on contemporary issues that are all around us. Exploring modernist literature like Virginia Woolf's works reveals profound insights into the human consciousness and societal expectations that are put upon us. Characters like Clarissa Dalloway and Septimus Warren Smith mirror struggles that are still faced by individuals today, such as isolation, identity, and pressure to conform. These themes resonate deeply in our world which is dominated by social media and the superficial connections that we seek.

Woolf advocated for the right of women's education and empowerment and this is part of ongoing discussions on gender equality in our current society. She challenged a society that often marginalized women's voices to show the importance of education and empowerment and she succeeded. These are seen as pillars of progress and change.

Freud's psychoanalytic theories offer valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior. While Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" reveals insights into the human consciousness and our societal expectations, with Freud's theories being applied we see just how much human behavior is affected through childhood. People often view his ideas critically today, but his emphasis on the unconscious and early childhood experiences still influences contemporary psychology and is still used today. When reading his work, you can instantly feel a connection to our lives in the present day. I see parallels between Freud's concepts with how people deal with individual struggles with their unresolved issues and traumas, while they are often unaware of their underlying motivations.

When you look at art and literature from the modernist period through the work of artists like Picasso and writers like Woolf, it is obvious that there is a shared spirit of rebellion against societal norms they faced. Picasso's cubism and Woolf's stream-of-consciousness writing were groundbreaking in their era, and are reminiscent of today's movements advocating for diversity and breaking down barriers. Modernism pushed boundaries and challenged traditions, aligning with today's cultural landscape. The modernist movement reminds us of the importance of artistic expression and innovation in shaping society.

Overall, the materials from SLS 303 provided me with valuable insights that remain prevalent in my own time and society. Engaging with Woolf, Freud, Kafka and other modernist figures deepens my understanding of the human experience and their enduring impact on navigating contemporary life.

Scratch, The Beginning of Coding for Young Children

Bayan Khalil, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in SLS Early Childhood

Through my research, I gained a profound understanding of the significance of digital literacy and computational thinking. Initially, when introduced to Scratch, I harbored little interest. However, collaborating closely with my mentor Dr. Ting Yuan enlightened me to its potential to revolutionize the landscape of computer science.

When looking at today's job market it is revealed that the most high-paying and sought-after positions involve some form of coding. With no prior coding experience, I wondered how individuals could grasp such concepts, especially later in life, when we could introduce this process at a younger age to ensure accessibility for all students. Not only would students acquire fundamental skills essential for future employment, but they would also develop a deeper comprehension of the digital realm, enabling them to navigate it more adeptly than ever before.

The integration of computational thinking into school curriculum is pivotal for children's development, fostering problem-solving skills and enabling them to discern its real-life applications. This structured problem-solving approach proves invaluable not only in coding but also in real-world scenarios.

My journey with Scratch opened my eyes to how a children's digital platform could revolutionize STEM education in schools. It stands out as an exceptional introductory tool, presenting a block-based interface that allows them to develop both technical and creative skills. My research underscores its superior engagement compared to traditional teaching methods. Students are naturally drawn to its interactive nature, fostering an environment where they can experiment and take control of their learning, potentially reaching a level of proficiency sought after by high-tech industries while still in school.

Scratch transcends barriers, fostering inclusivity and accessibility, particularly for students with disabilities. It not only facilitates communication but also encourages creative exploration and bridges language gaps. Most importantly, teachers play a pivotal role in facilitating this learning journey. They serve as guides, ensuring a smooth learning process tailored to individual needs. As I prepare to embark on my career as an early childhood educator, I recognize how this shift in teaching methodologies emphasizes the importance of understanding students' preferences and leveraging technology to enhance their educational experience.

My collaboration with Dr. Yuan has fundamentally altered my perspective on teaching, enriching my understanding of how to become a more effective educator. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an exceptional professor and eagerly anticipate future collaborations. Even as I graduate from college, my journey with Scratch is only just beginning.

Mechanisms of Sleep

Zakary Blyth, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology

Working on my capstone project was an academically fulfilling experience, full of challenges and triumphs. With the help of Dr. Batmanian, I put together a literature review consisting of all of the significant research and discoveries revolving around sleep within the last decade.

The past decade has been a fruitful period for sleep research, with studies attempting to solidify what the ideal conditions are for the perfect night’s sleep, and studies that take a deeper look into what goes on within the body during the deep sleeping hours. This also includes new discoveries about what the potential consequences are for the body when one is sleep deprived for an elongated period of time (usually consistently for years). Using these studies, I combined the information from all three sections to isolate the perfect conditions for optimal productivity and cognitive output.

The experience of this was challenging at times, as there was no shortage of brand new research. With all of these articles to choose from, choosing the ones that were most relevant, and which tied together with the other articles from each section was quite the task. By the end of the project, I ended up using 19 different studies, all of which have ideas that are interwoven within the others. There were a few rewrites as well, to make sure I got what I needed from each article. Although this proved to be challenging at the beginning, the amount of new information I learned by the end was well worth it. I got the chance to really use the skills I learned about writing APA research papers, and got the opportunity to write a full-length review of my own, which was a great experience. Dr. Batmanian was extremely helpful in helping me to edit my work, and helped keep my ideas on track, along with giving several helpful suggestions that helped the paper flow better.

The other component of the project, the poster board, was a wonderful learning experience as well. Having to pinpoint a select few talking points from the paper that effectively summarized the main ideas of the work was interesting, and designing the poster itself was pretty fun, because there were so many options. I was excited to share my work at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

Overall, my experience completing my capstone project was a great one. I got the opportunity to learn a lot about sleep (and there is so much more to know that has not been discovered yet), and present it as comprehensively as I could. I was able to use the skills I learned throughout my time at CSI, and complete a project that I am proud of. I could not wait to present this work, and to see the amazing work of my peers.

Emphasis in Speech: The Individual’s Perspective

Thikra Mohammad, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in English Linguistics and minor in Speech Language Pathology

My independent study research class has been one of the most beneficial and challenging courses I have ever taken in my college career. The research stood out with a lot of practical tools and concepts I learned over the past year. I worked on a group project all semester with other college students, trying our absolute best to gather data, with our English Linguistics professor alongside us helping us every step of the way.

When this research first began, I didn't know what to expect. I had never taken an independent study before, and I worked with a professor on researching empathy and how it intertwines with our ability to perceive and comprehend the emotions conveyed through speech.

It was so interesting to investigate how our tendency to hear or distinguish between how people emphasize words during speech may be related to particular character traits. As time passed and we reached our maximum number of participants to volunteer to take the study in our research lab, it was a surreal feeling. I remember telling my parents how it was a very different feeling than completing most of my classes after finalizing the research. It was a feeling like no other, knowing that you worked so hard, trying to find participants that fit the criteria of only native English-speaking individuals and having a total of 100 volunteers. I had accomplished something I never saw myself doing the last 3 years or even back when I was in high school.

This research was so cool to see the intriguing relationship between empathy and speech perception, but it mainly focused on how individual differences in perspective-taking abilities shape the sensitivity to vocal emphasis. It took a lot of time and effort to make this research successful and possible for all of us to present at the undergraduate conference.

The purpose of this capstone was to show compelling insights into the interplay between empathy and speech perception. The positive correlation observed between perspective-taking abilities and sensitivity to vocal emphasis underscores the pivotal role of empathy in facilitating accurate interpretation of what are called prosodic cues.

In the present study, we tested for a relationship between empathy; an aspect of personality, and cognitive processing style and emphasis. We found that individual differences in empathy were predictive in the perception of emphasis. It was estimated using measures of emotion recognition, and emphasis was operationalized as the height of pitch levels on words, in what is known as Words with Sentenced Stress. This shows that empathy may be an important source of individual differences in perceiving and understanding spoken language.

This research project was a major turning point in my undergraduate experience and was both demanding and enlightening. Working with classmates and a dedicated professor brought richness to the experience, and as a capstone course, it offered an environment for putting learned principles into practice. Investigating the relationship between speech perception and empathy provided exciting new insights into the dynamics of human communication. The results of participant recruitment, study design, and data analysis demonstrated how important empathy is in influencing how we interpret spoken language. This study reflects my progress and perseverance during my time in college and adds to the academic conversation as well as being a personal accomplishment.

Building a Free Code Assistant

Prince Addo, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Computer Science and minor in Mathematics

For my capstone I worked on a free and open-source AI(Artificial Intelligence) code assistant. More specifically, I built a free and open-source neovim plugin called ollama-pilot.nvim that uses the ollama framework for open-source model integration. Although AI code assistant’s tools have quickly become popular amongst programmers, their close-source nature has been contentious. My project is novel in that it is the first implementation of a completely open-source code assistant.

I’ve had a real interest in hacking ever since taking computer science seriously after graduating high school. The idea of creating clever tools to break into systems piqued my interest; it was a mixture of technology and art, which I was exploring at the time. In order to successfully break into a system, like a true hacker, you must first understand the ins-and-outs of a system; only then can you creatively break it—like Picasso once said, “learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” Although I was never able to fully pursue hacking, this interest led to me learning about software development, Linux, and most importantly, open-source.

To me, open-source is a positive and peaceful place; there exists bad actors and people with ulterior motives, but similar to capitalism or blockchain algorithms, unless the majority of the system consists of bad actors, the system will function as intended. In computer systems, the source-code is the truth, therefore if someone hides or obfuscates the source-code then they might be lying—and one can argue that they probably are. As the name implies, open-source is about making the source-code open to the public to view, therefore it is the ultimate expression of honesty that can be made. If the source-code is available, and you want to know whether a program is not doing anything malicious, you can just read the code. If it’s not available, you have to operate on the trust-me-bro principle, which is infamous for being precarious in the computer industry.

Open-source is also a place to share and collaborate on projects with like-minded people. This builds confidence and a sense of community, which is important since the practice of programming is often isolating. I’ve met some of my closest friends working on open-source projects. Open-source can be taken further by making it free; the term free is not free as in price, all open-source projects are by nature free, but as in the freedom for anybody to modify the source-code in whichever way they want. If any security concern was introduced, instead of being only able to detect it, they would be able to remove it.

I came across Vim, a free and open-source project, really early in my programming journey. Once you’re in the realm of Linux, Vim is bound to come across your radar. It took me a while to appreciate it, but as I got more proficient, I gained more respect for it. It always felt a little too difficult, so I was never able to fully dive into it until NeoVim came out. NeoVim takes Vim and adds more features to, features which for one, make it more accessible to new programmers. On top of that, package managers like lazy.nvim that recently came out have made the experience of plugin management a lot easier and intuitive.

After the release of ChatGPT and the subsequent release of all things AI related, I started exploring AI and AI tools and began using my first code assistant called Codeium. I loved using it because it simplified the development process, but I couldn’t really trust it. I knew that my data was being sent to the Codeium servers and the code for those servers are not open-source, therefore who knows what they are doing with it. I had to shut it off and I eventually just stopped using it. I looked for some solution, but there was none, so I endeavored to build one, which is where this project comes in. Open-source AI is at its infancy and has several problems. One is that it requires an expensive computer to run it in a reasonable amount of time—or sometimes run at all. Another problem is that it is difficult to host. The latter problem was solved once I found the ollama framework, which is essentially a framework that allows you to host open-source models. The former problem is much harder, but will probably be fixed in the coming years. Once the major roadblocks were gone all that was left to do was architect and write the code. This proved to be very difficult as the learning curve was steep, but I committed myself to breaking the project into components and tackling each component in the development process. As of this writing, I have not completed the project, but I plan on getting at least an alpha or beta version out there.

Should Vocational Education be Included in Secondary Education?

Lauren Cardieri, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Mathematics (7-12) and minors in ASL and Business

Before I began my research, I had a strong belief that vocational training was needed in secondary schools and should be reimplemented. I developed this belief from my own experience in schooling growing up, as I only ever received classes that were heavily based on academics.

I used to hear stories from my relatives about their experiences in vocational classes, such as crafting furniture or rewiring a light switch, and truly I felt overlooked in my educational pursuit. While they all learned life skills that they still utilize to this day, I only learned how to properly write essays and how to multiply matrices, which may help me in higher education courses, but never in real-life, everyday experiences. I found myself wishing that I had some classes that would teach me skills that could be transferred to my outside life other than academics, hence, becoming a strong supporter of vocational education.

However, once I truly looked into the history and ideology behind vocational education, I quickly realized that this would not be the best course for secondary education institutions to go down. Instead of opening opportunities for students like I had envisioned, it instead limited students immensely, discriminated against certain people, and only had the intention of benefiting the economy rather than the students themselves.

For example, only poor, minority students would be primarily placed in these vocational classes, while the more privileged students would be placed in academic courses that could lead to higher education paths. The students left in these vocational classes would then be bound to the specific career type with little to no ability to move to another career type or chance of obtaining a high-paying job.

Because of this, I now became opposed to reestablishing vocational education in high schools and understood why there was such a movement to remove it from secondary schools.

On the other hand, Career and Technical Education (CTE) quickly caught my eye. It is the perfect balance of academic education and vocational education, as students are expected to take basic academics that will give them the opportunity to attend a higher educational facility, but it also expects students to learn specific skills. Instead of these skills being non-transferable, students in CTE education learn skills that pertain to a specific career cluster, meaning they have a multitude of career path options when exiting college. Students who participate in this type of education also receive certifications in many fields that will allow them to obtain a job straight out of high school if they wish.

The project could be developed further by finding students that received each type of education, academic, vocational, and CTE, and collect research on them. It would be interesting to see what opportunities each student received after high school, what skills they left with, how much money they receive from their jobs, if they attended a higher education, what their opinions are, and much more. With this information, I would be able to either solidify my belief that CTE is the best education type, or possibly even be thrown for another loop in my beliefs.

Event Management and Student Engagement in Higher Education

Emily Jimenez, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Business Management 

For my capstone project, I researched how the different functions of management affect event planning in higher education, and how campus activities departments and student programming boards can leverage their skills and knowledge during the event planning process in order to increase student engagement within their events. My interest in doing research on this topic came about as a result of my involvement with CSI’s Campus Activities Board (CAB), which is a programming board that plans a wide variety of events for CSI students. I served as the Chairperson of the Board, leading our team in planning and organizing these events as well as managing our budget.

Because of my own involvement with CAB, I was particularly interested in studying how effective event planning and evaluation methods could create a better experience for the students attending events on campus, thus creating higher levels of engagement that extend far beyond the events the student attends.

To begin working on my project, I first sought to gain a deeper understanding of the idea of student engagement. I learned that student engagement is a multifaceted concept, encompassing students’ academic pursuits, social interactions, and overall sense of belonging within their institution and campus community. It refers to the level of investment students have both in their classroom learning and in their overall college experience. Students who are highly engaged with their broader college experience outside of the classroom tend to have stronger positive outcomes.

After researching the concept of student engagement, I then began learning about event management, and how effective event management can lead to increased student engagement. I split my research on event management into three different sections: (1) design and planning, (2) implementation and logistics, and (3) assessment and evaluation. In this portion of my research, I learned how campus activities departments and student programming boards could consider student interests and encourage participation in the events that they plan, utilizing quantitative and qualitative assessment methods to evaluate their progress. Event organizers can utilize the feedback they receive to identify the strengths and weaknesses associated with their past events. Throughout my research, I related what I was learning to my own experience with CAB. This allowed me to provide anecdotal evidence, using some of CAB’s events and initiatives as examples in my work.

After graduating, I will continue with school to pursue a graduate degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Working on this capstone project helped me to solidify my decision to enroll in my graduate program. I found the research very interesting, especially since I will be working as a Graduate Assistant in Campus Activities. I would definitely like to continue learning more about event management and student engagement as a graduate student. I would love to learn more about the impact of technology in student engagement, especially as it relates to events. More specifically, I would like to explore the most effective ways to use technology for creating more engaging and accessible events.

Advanced Nanoengineering for Glucose Sensing and Drug Delivery Systems

Sakina Saeed, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Biology

Collaborating in the laboratory with my mentor Dr. Shuiqin Zhou, her doctoral graduate Koushik Bhattacharya, and Dr. Prashun Roy, has been an immensely transformative experience that goes beyond academic pursuits. I had the privilege of being instructed in an Organic Chemistry I lab by Professor Prashun Roy prior to my research experience, and gained a comprehensive understanding of his methodologies and approaches to addressing particular challenges, which set a strong foundation for my subsequent research endeavors.

During our research, our collective efforts were focused on exploring innovative solutions for managing diabetes, specifically investigating the integration of fluorescent systems for glucose sensing and insulin delivery. The primary aspects encountered in this experience on a personal level were growth as an individual, challenges faced, and meaningful insights gained from this research journey.

Embarking on a collaborative research journey with experts in diverse fields such as synthetic chemistry, polymerization techniques, and biomedical applications was truly enlightening. Dr. Zhou’s mentorship not only expanded my technical knowledge but also nurtured critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Working as a team taught me the value of effective communication, collaboration, and leveraging collective expertise to drive meaningful research outcomes. Moreover, this collaborative environment allowed me to build strong professional relationships and learn from the unique perspectives of each team member.

Our research project centered around addressing the challenges faced by individuals with Type 1 diabetes, with a keen focus on the seamless integration of continuous glucose monitoring and precise insulin delivery. Delving into the potential of fluorescent systems for dual functionality not only broadened our horizons but also paved the way for innovative approaches in healthcare. This hands-on experience not only deepened my understanding but also reignited my fervor for contributing to advancements that have a direct and tangible impact on the well-being and quality of life of patients. It was fulfilling to see how our research could potentially transform healthcare practices and improve patient outcomes.

One of the most exhilarating aspects of this research journey was the exposure to advanced machines and tools that revolutionized our approach to scientific inquiry. The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) were not just instruments in a lab but gateways to a deeper understanding of molecular structures and material properties. The hands-on experience with these technologies not only expanded my technical proficiency but also fostered a deeper appreciation for material characterization techniques and their significance in biomedical applications.

Reflecting on my time in the lab with Dr. Zhou, Koushik, and Dr. Roy, I am grateful for the invaluable experiences, mentorship, and personal growth that this journey has provided. Collaborative research, coupled with exposure to advanced machines and tools, not only expanded my scientific knowledge but also nurtured essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. This experience has deepened my passion for contributing to meaningful research endeavors and has prepared me for future challenges and opportunities in the field of biomedical engineering. While I am passionate about becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) and directly contributing to patient care, this research experience has ignited another found passion for research in a laboratory setting. I envision combining my clinical skills as a PA with continued research in biomedical engineering, aiming to bridge the gap between innovative research and practical healthcare applications. This dual approach will not only enhance my capabilities as a healthcare professional but also contribute significantly to advancing healthcare practices and patient outcomes.