The Importance of Sustainability in Various Business Driven Sectors

Christian Morales, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completed major in Business Finance

I was able to identify my research project by reflecting on my short-term business experience. Prior to writing my project, I completed two internship opportunities. Both previous summers I spent two months each working as an intern. My first internship being with Vornado Realty Trust, a REIT primarily located in as well as arguably dominating the real-estate market in New York City. I worked in their back office out of Paramus, NJ but had taken several trips to visit the properties in the city. It was here where I first acquired the “genesis” of what would become my Capstone. Vornado focuses heavily on managing their properties with a foundation built on sustainable principles. It was seen across their entire portfolio which fit well with their modern design. I learned there just how important sustainability was not just to their company, but to the world. What I was essentially witnessing was the beginnings of the future. After my internship, I noticed how other companies were also either beginning or continuing the adoption of sustainable practices. The more I recognized sustainability, the harder it was to separate the idea of success from sustainability.

At my second internship with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., I was able to see the numbers behind Sustainability. Working in Operations allowed me to see how the companies that were attracting the most investors were the faces of their respective industries. But why? How is it that a brand can have such a large general consensus that agrees on it being the best in its field? What makes society so accepting of a company?

It didn’t take longer than a google search for any company that can be thought of before I came across one simple answer. The innovation of efficiency. Essentially the textbook effect of Sustainability. A practice which focuses on the long-term standing of the company that integrates it. It does not only lift up the company, but the society around it as well. The footprint of sustainability works as the by-product of a firm conducting business with a consumer. Pushing a company to its best with advanced technology, cleaner energy and systems. It was seen in the financial statements of companies. Their 10-Q’s and 10-K’s were irrefutable proof of this. The companies within those same industries that perform poorly can be explained by their lack or even zero incorporation of sustainable practices.

That understanding made it easy for me to pursue the research. Initially, when I was tasked with the capstone, I essentially had to find a problem within the Business World, and I was stumped. It was only when I reflected on my experience as an intern and even a consumer where the idea became real to me.

If I were to expand on my research, I would pick a company and see what sustainable advancements the company could make to enhance their performance. Often, companies shy away from Sustainability because of its substantial price task that is demanded upfront. The companies that do are only focused on the small picture. It is better to take a hit now to benefit greatly in the future as opposed to being stubborn to evolution now and to not even exist much less be remembered in the future. Sustainability can be applied to all areas of business. Waste Management. Product Distribution. Supply Chains. Energy Efficiency. Wherever innovation can take place within a business, will lie an opportunity for the adoption of Sustainable practices. It isn’t about being green. Nor is it about making money. It is about doing what’s morally just and right. Not just for the modern day, but also for the future.

Coach-Athlete Relationships: Impacts, Motivation, Coach Mental Health

Ryan Healey, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completed major in Psychology

As someone who enjoys keeping up with sports, I chose to research this topic because I have seen so many careers ruined due to poor relationships between the athlete and coach. In addition to their careers falling apart, players and coaches’ mental health can be negatively impacted from these relationships.

My expectations for the capstone was for it to be difficult because research for this subject is limited, as it is something that has really only become popular after the 2010’s. Mental health was an overlooked factor in sports before that time, and if you had a problem with a coach and/or were underperforming you were dropped, no questions asked. However, it was surprising to find that there was new research from the coach’s perspective on said relationships with athletes and how they too are affected. I was originally going into this project only focusing on athletes, but after seeing this additional research, I changed course a bit.

After completing my capstone, I am satisfied with what I found because it gives me hope. In recent years there has been evidence of support for coaches and athletes going through issues like this and they are no longer completely on their own. I do believe though that more can be done in the future to further accommodate people in situations with mental health. An example could be sports organizations as a whole taking accountability for the athletes and coaches that represent them. They could do this by making required training regimens for all members who are involved in the organization about the concern for safety not just physically, but mentally.

The Gut Microbiome's Influence on Cancer Progression and Treatment Outcomes Through the Gut-Brain Axis

Menatalla Aboukhalia, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completed major in Biology

My research explored how the tiny organisms living in our digestive systems called the gut microbiome affect the development and treatment of cancer through a communication system known as the gut-brain axis. This axis is the way our gut and brain send messages to each other using nerves, hormones, and immune signals.

Scientists have recently discovered that the health and balance of these gut microbes may not only affect our digestion and mental health but also influence cancer growth, response to therapy, and even survival rates. I focused on several types of cancer, including gastrointestinal, brain, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. I analyzed over 100 studies to understand how disruptions in the gut microbiome (known as dysbiosis) are linked to tumor development. For example, harmful bacteria can produce toxins that promote inflammation and tumor growth, while helpful bacteria may boost the body’s immune response or improve the effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. One of the most exciting findings was that personalized treatment tailored to a patient’s specific microbiome could lead to better results in fighting cancer. In other words, understanding a patient’s gut microbiota might help doctors choose the most effective treatments. Some studies even showed that modifying the gut microbiome with probiotics, diet, or fecal transplants could improve treatment success.

I’ve always been fascinated by the connections between the body’s systems especially how something as "small" as bacteria could influence something as serious as cancer. I was drawn to this topic because it bridges biology, medicine, and even mental health. The more I read about the gut-brain axis and the microbiome, the more I realized how central this topic is to understanding modern disease. I also have a personal motivation: several family members have battled cancer, and I wanted to contribute to an area that might help improve care and outcomes in the future.

At first, I thought the capstone would mostly involve summarizing articles and writing a long paper. I underestimated the amount of critical thinking it required—especially when comparing studies with different methods or drawing conclusions from conflicting results. It wasn’t just about collecting information; it was about understanding patterns, questioning assumptions, and synthesizing new insights. That part was more difficult than I expected but also more rewarding.

The most challenging part was narrowing down the scope. The gut microbiome is connected to almost every part of health, and cancer is already such a complex disease. It was easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of research. Creating a structured methodology and sticking to my inclusion/exclusion criteria helped me stay focused. One of the easier (and more enjoyable) parts was presenting the material visually, designing charts and thematic summaries. I found that these visuals helped clarify patterns and communicate my findings more effectively. I was surprised by how fast this field is evolving. Some studies I found were already outdated after just a few years, replaced by newer, more advanced research using artificial intelligence to predict patient responses based on their microbiomes.

In the future, I’d like to explore how diet and lifestyle changes can be used alongside medical treatments to optimize the gut microbiome for cancer patients. I’m also curious about how the microbiome affects pediatric cancer and survivorship. Another promising area is the integration of machine learning to predict treatment outcomes based on a person’s microbiome profile. These tools could one day help doctors create highly personalized cancer therapies.

This research taught me how to critically evaluate scientific evidence and stay organized when working with a large number of sources. More importantly, it showed me that science is never static it’s a living conversation with new voices and discoveries all the time. I now feel more confident in my ability to take on complex problems and contribute to ongoing scientific questions. I’m leaving this experience with a deeper understanding of how biology, medicine, and technology come together and with a renewed motivation to pursue graduate studies in the health sciences.

Animated Farewells: How Children's Cartoons Help Young Audiences Understand Death and Grief

Dalia Omar, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completed major in Psychology and minors in Arabic and Biology

My research examined how children's cartoons portray death and grief, and how these portrayals help young viewers understand emotional experiences they may not have language for yet. I focused on four well-known animated movies and shows like The Lion King, Bluey, Up, and Coco, and analyzed how each one introduces loss in a way children can grasp. Using concepts from developmental psychology, I focused on how children at different ages understand death, and how visual storytelling, character reactions, and symbolic moments in animation can teach them some emotional learning. My main conclusion is that children's cartoons do far more emotional work than people realize. When watched thoughtfully, they give children safe ways to experience sadness, ask questions, and understand that grief is a natural part of life.

I chose this topic because I took the Death and Dying course with Professor Weiser over the spring semester, and the class completely opened my eyes to how rarely we talk about death, even though it affects everyone. I was initially very nervous to take this class but I thought I'd take the challenge. We discussed how difficult it is for adults to have conversations about loss, especially with children. The class made me think about how kids learn about death at all, and whether the media they watch might be doing some of the teaching. From there, I noticed more children's shows were including emotional episodes, and I wanted to understand the psychology behind it. I wanted to combine what I learned in Professor Weiser's class with my interest in psychology and storytelling.

I expected the capstone to be a long research paper, but I didn't expect how much time I would spend rewatching scenes, analyzing emotional cues, and connecting them with theory. I do love watching movies and shows but having to rewatch them over and over just to look back to see anything I missed was a bit tedious. I thought it would be more straightforward, but I found myself going even deeper into the films than I expected. The work was definitely challenging because I needed to also balance academic research with emotional content. Writing about grief requires a lot of sensitivity and I found it emotionally draining at times. The main goal I had was to make sure I represented both the psychology and the storytelling accurately. The easiest part was writing about the films themselves. Animation especially is something I've always enjoyed, so analyzing those scenes led me to catch something new whenever I replayed them. What surprised me most was how intentional children's media really is. I noticed these emotional moments were not just written for only the plot but with the true purpose of teaching about grief.

If I had more time to expand this project, I would explore how different cultures teach children about death through media. My favorite movie to write about on this list was Coco. Coco showed me how powerful cultural traditions can be when explaining loss, and I would be interested in comparing international films or shows to see how different societies support children emotionally. Another direction would be studying how parents use these films in real-life conversations, whether watching them leads to discussions at home, and how children respond afterward.

The biggest thing I'm taking away from this experience is confidence in my ability to handle a sensitive topic academically. I learned how to build a research question, gather sources, and create a structured argument, but I also learned how important emotional education is. Children's cartoons may seem simple, but they teach lessons that stay with us for life. I feel that till this day we still reference most of these movies which reflects the impact they have on us watching them. This project reminded me that the media we show children matters, and that emotional development should be taken seriously. Completing this capstone also made me appreciate the value of the Death and Dying class even more and it shaped my thinking, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and ultimately inspired a topic that helped me grow both academically and personally.

Cross-Cultural Comparison of Focused Attention in Infants from Tajikistan and the United States

Abrar Alzandani, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completed major in Psychology and minor in Biology 

For my capstone project, I explored the development of Tajik infants in comparison to Western infants under the mentorship of Drs. Berger and Karasik. I was interested in understanding how culturally specific childrearing practices impact the information processing capabilities of infants.

Tajikistan, located in Central Asia, is an underrepresented area in child development research. This motivated my exploration into the developmental pattern of Tajik infants. I was also interested in the cultural significance of gahvora cradling, a practice I later discovered was common in several other countries as well. Through a review of articles and studies, I found out that Tajik infants have later motor onsets compared to Western infants, further piquing my interest in the topic.

Initially, I expected that doing an honors thesis would feel like a rigid academic task. However, it became a more personal and creative process. This project began in the fall of 2023, when I first joined the Child Development Lab at CSI. I was assigned to develop a research question and study design. After doing literature reviews and compiling a bibliography, I started to feel as though I was contributing a significant discourse to this area of research.

One of my biggest challenges was narrowing down my focus for the study. There were many directions this study could have gone with the amount of information from the compiled bibliography. Many times, the aims and hypotheses of the study were revised, making it difficult to know what information needed to be kept and what had to be eliminated. There were also times when my findings felt contradictory, making it difficult to remain confident in my ability to finish this study. Support from my advisors helped me most during these times, with discussions that helped clarify my thoughts and the process.

What surprised me most was how quick the writing phase for the thesis was. Before completing my thesis, I believed that the writing process would be the most time-consuming part. However, since I had completed each section of the study throughout my time in the lab, when it came to writing, I compiled all my notes and explained them more thoroughly. Although the writing process still involved a lot of feedback and revision, it unfolded more swiftly than I had anticipated.

To further expand on this research, I would address some limitations, specifically the use of samples derived from an archival data set. The original procedural design of the study was not structured as a formal focused attention task, which caused variability between the Tajik and Western samples. In future research, I would use a Tajik sample that has undergone the original focused attention task to increase the validity of the findings.

From this experience, I am not only taking away a deeper knowledge of my topic, but also stronger research and communication skills. During my time at the lab, I learned how to code using applications such as Datavyu and became experienced with using other applications like Databrary and Visme. Weekly lab meetings created a collaborative environment, allowing for discussions to take place, and taught me how to provide useful feedback to others. I’ve learned how to ask better questions, evaluate sources critically, and explain complex ideas in a clear way. Overall, this research experience has helped me grow as a thinker, writer, and problem-solver, which are important skills I will use beyond my academic journey.

Exploring the Role of Collagen Genes in Head/Neck Cancer Tumor Micro-environment

Haneen Makki, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biology

The capstone process was a rewarding and challenging experience. At first, I was somewhat anxious and overwhelmed about taking on such a complex subject, but I also had tremendous hopes.
My project examined the function of collagen genes (COL4A1, COL5A1, and COL6A1) in the tumor microenvironment of head and neck cancer. I was initially concerned about understanding the methods used in computational biology and the extent of the required research. However, as I delved deeper, I became fascinated by collagen's intricate role in cancer development. Each new piece of information reinforced my determination to tackle the challenges and expand my field knowledge.
During the study, I learned a lot about head and neck cancer, particularly about the role that tumor form plays in medication resistance. Desmoplasia, the tumor's protective environment, is produced by collagen fibers and reduces the efficacy of treatments. Understanding how different collagen genes impact this structure could result in more effective treatments.
My team and I utilized computational biology techniques to analyze gene expression data and assess the influence of collagen genes on patient outcomes and overall survival rates. Witnessing how biological data could be converted into valuable insights regarding cancer treatment was remarkable.
The discovery of the connections between various kinds of cancer was one of the biggest surprises of this procedure. Our research was a component of a broader investigation that looked into collagen expression in skin, lung, breast, brain, and head and neck malignancies. This helped me understand the wider ramifications of our findings and how studies conducted in one medical sector might influence others. I was also taken aback by the degree of cooperation required for study. I felt a sense of purpose and saw the importance of teamwork in the research field while working with other teams and contributing to a more significant scientific endeavor.
My capstone project aided in my personal development in unexpected ways. I became more confident in my ability to address challenging scientific problems and realized that it is more effective to rise to the challenge than to retreat. As I witnessed the results of my efforts, my initial anxiety and self-doubt slowly transformed into enthusiasm. Due to this experience, my interest in cancer research has grown, reaffirming the value of tenacity, teamwork, and critical thinking in scientific research.

Analysis of EGFR/RAS Isoforms in Melanoma and Effects of PKI-166 on EGFR

Abedalfattah Twam, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biology 

My research goal was to look into melanoma and how expression levels of different oncogenes can impact patient prognostics. The oncogenes I chose for this study were EGFR and the isoforms of RAS which consist of Kras, Hras and Nras. Using the Kaplan Meier database, I found that higher expression levels from EGFR and Hras were associated with shorter survival times in patients with melanoma whereas Kras and Nras expression levels were found to have no significant impact. Additionally, I also researched PKI-166. PKI-166 was a drug which had inhibitory effects on EGFR reducing its activities, however it had many adverse effects leading to it being discontinued.

I chose this area of research because I strive to become a future healthcare provider. I believe the knowledge I learned from taking on this research and also the skills I've developed throughout will help me as a future provider. Reading through a variety of publications and using resources like Google Scholars to find relevant information was a major challenge and at times very exhausting, and it taught me just how challenging researching can be and the amount of patience needed.

If I were to ever go back and add to my research, I would like to study which oncogenes are found to impact melanoma patient prognostics, how common these oncogenes are, and possible treatment options.

Overall, this experience was challenging but very rewarding!

PKI-166 Structure

The Impacts of Climate Change on Malaria Transmission on Sub-Saharan Africa

Malak Alkiswani, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completing major in Biology

My research explored how climate change is affecting malaria transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are creating more favorable conditions for mosquitoes, which are vectors of the protist disease malaria. I reviewed 13 peer-reviewed studies and found that warmer climates led to faster mosquito breeding and malaria spread, particularly in areas like the East African highlands where cooler temperatures used to keep mosquito populations at bay. I also found that while rainfall can increase mosquito breeding grounds, its effects vary by region. Importantly, the research showed that social factors, such as conflict and healthcare access, also play a major role. In areas experiencing war or lacking medical resources, malaria rates rise even more. Overall, the study shows that fighting malaria will require both climate awareness and strong public health strategies.

I became interested in this topic after learning how climate change impacts even the smallest organisms, including mosquitoes. That made me realize how connected the environment is to human health. I expected the capstone to be very difficult, but it turned out to be easier and more enjoyable than I thought. This was mostly because the project was one I was genuinely interested in and my faculty advisor was incredibly supportive. The most challenging part was reading through so many research papers filled with complex vocabulary, unfamiliar statistical tests, and complex result graphs. But once I took the time to understand those concepts, the rest of the project came together smoothly. I was surprised by how well all the information aligned in the end and how meaningful the findings felt.

If I were to expand this research, I’d focus on holding certain variables constant, expanding the geographic scope, or exploring how improving access to healthcare might decrease malaria despite rising temperatures. What I’m taking away from this experience is that climate change affects every living organism, including us humans. Seeing how environmental shifts directly impact public health gave me a deeper appreciation for the urgency and complexity of climate issues.

Post-translational Modifications of H3 Nucleosomal Histone Tails

Mohammad Moussa, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biochemistry and minor in Psychology

Presenting my capstone research on histone acetylation and nucleosome dynamics stands out as one of the most rewarding moments of my undergraduate journey. After two years in Dr. Loverde's molecular dynamics lab, I was excited to share how our computational approach revealed how chemical modifications alter chromatin structure at the atomic level.

As I began my presentation, I focused on making complex biophysical concepts accessible. I used clear visuals of the nucleosome structure and dynamic simulations to show how acetylating specific lysine residues reduced histone-DNA interactions. When I displayed our key finding—the acetylated nucleosome's broader radius of gyration distribution compared to the compact wild-type. I saw audience members nodding in understanding. This moment validated the months I'd spent troubleshooting simulations and refining analyses.

The capstone was an amazing experience. Faculty members as well as fellow students asked insightful questions about connecting our simulations to biological systems and about the therapeutic implications for cancer. I found myself synthesizing information from papers I'd read months earlier, realizing how deeply this project had shaped my scientific thinking. What surprised me most was my own transformation throughout this journey.

Advanced Fitness Metrics: Smart Barbell Attachment

Kevin Zabrowski, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Electrical Engineering and minor in Mathematics

My senior design project focused on creating a device that measures advanced exercise metrics such as barbell velocity, acceleration, and tilt. These are important for optimizing strength training and rehabilitation but are not captured by traditional methods. To solve this, I developed a smart barbell attachment: a lightweight, wireless sensor system that uses an accelerometer and gyroscope connected to a microcontroller. This system records real-time motion data, which is then processed using algorithms to provide detailed feedback on lifting performance. Through testing, the device successfully distinguished between light and heavy lifts, detected points where lifters tend to struggle, and identified barbell tilts that may indicate muscle imbalances or technique flaws. These results validated that the system could provide athletes, coaches, and physical therapists with useful, actionable data that normally goes unseen during workouts.

I became interested in this research area because of my background in powerlifting and my desire to explore ways to measure lifting performance more precisely. I was motivated by the idea that deeper, more accurate measurements could not only improve athletic outcomes but also prevent injury by identifying poor form early. During my initial research, I reviewed several commercial products and found that while some measured bar velocity, none offered comprehensive tilt angle tracking or gave users access to raw sensor data for deeper analysis. That realization made me confident there was a meaningful opportunity for innovation.

Going into the project, I expected the capstone to be centered on building hardware and running some tests to demonstrate it worked. In reality, the experience was much richer and more complex. It required me to study and apply advanced techniques like sensor fusion through Kalman filtering, coordinate transformations using rotation matrices, and digital signal processing in MATLAB to clean up noisy data. The project became an interdisciplinary challenge, bringing together hardware design, embedded programming, algorithm development, and biomechanical analysis.

One of the hardest challenges I encountered was dealing with sensor imperfections. Accelerometers tend to suffer from noise, while gyroscopes are prone to drift, making raw measurements unreliable. Combining these two sources through sensor fusion to get stable, accurate readings turned out to be a detailed and technical process. Another major challenge was designing an algorithm to detect exercise repetitions based on velocity data. Lifting movements in real life are inconsistent. Pauses, varying tempos, and small deviations made simple threshold detection unreliable. I had to build a finite state machine (FSM) that could adapt to these irregularities without miscounting repetitions. On the other hand, some aspects went more smoothly. Designing and assembling the physical prototype, including the 3D-printed case, was relatively straightforward and satisfying. I was also surprised by how much trial and error went into tuning filters. Extracting clean velocity signals required carefully balancing filter settings to reduce noise without removing valid movement data.

If I were to continue this work, I would first add Bluetooth capability to the device.
Currently, the prototype logs data onto a micro-SD card, which means users have to manually transfer the data for analysis. Wireless streaming to a mobile app would make the system much more convenient and practical. This would also open the door to real-time feedback, such as audio or visual cues when a user’s form begins to break down during a set. Another area for expansion would be adapting the data analysis algorithms to run directly on the device or in the app, so that lifters receive instant feedback rather than having to review reports afterward.

Finally, I would test the device with a broader group of users with different body types and lifting styles to make the repetition detection algorithm more robust and adaptable to diverse patterns. The most important takeaway from this project is a deeper appreciation for the challenge of capturing and analyzing human movement in a reliable way. I developed confidence in building systems from start to finish, from the idea stage through hardware assembly and software programming to producing useful feedback for users. This process also taught me how to comprehensively document my designs and create professional-quality figures and schematics that clearly communicate technical ideas.

Understanding Children's Mental Health

Mahjazee Ruiz, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Psychology and minor in Dance

For my capstone, I wanted to focus on an area that really aligned with my passions and interests, something I felt very strongly about. I've always been motivated to work with children and adolescents in my future career, and I have also always been a big advocate for mental health awareness in our society and communities. Focusing on the minimal attention that children's mental health receives would be very suited and important research for me.

My expectations for this capstone experience were pretty high, as I had never written or done this much research on my own, and that reality was a little daunting and overwhelming when I realized how big the project actually was. I think the hardest part for me was structuring all my information in the most relevant order and in a way that cohesively flowed, because there was so much information I had gathered.

At times, when working with my mentor, I found it hard to take out things I had written or edit and change them, because I believed every piece of information was important. Some things made more sense than others when developing the idea and structure for my research, so I had to make sure I was purposeful with the information I included to keep the goal of my research clear.

Finding the specific sub-topics I would include about children's mental health research was also quite challenging since many areas of children’s mental health didn't necessarily have that much research done on them, especially in terms of early diagnosis and interventions.

Not having a sufficient amount of research made the process take longer than I wanted and was a little frustrating. But the easiest thing for me about this entire project was writing it. It came so naturally to me to talk about something I would genuinely advocate for. When you speak from your heart, the words flow effortlessly, and that was one of the things that I most enjoyed from this research.

As someone who has struggled with mental health since a young age, this capstone hit close to home. I could relate to the need for identifying mental health needs in children, because when I was a kid having someone there and different outlets of expression helped me through a lot of difficult times.

As a child, it’s challenging to understand your emotions, especially if they are due to some sort of mental challenge. The environment that you come from can be evident in the way a child copes with their emotions and feelings. It was important for me to highlight the basis that there is not being enough care for specific groups, with emphasis on underdeveloped and marginalized communities.

One thing we fight for in this world is equality on all fronts. But how often is the need for children’s mental health advertised? Upon the completion of my capstone, I’ve noticed I have become much more aware of what society should do to navigate a healthier and more emotionally stable world for our children. Awareness and knowledge are where the growth begins, to help and nurture the minds of children for happier and more stable lives.

Understanding Prosody in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Kayla Poggi, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in English Linguistics and minor in ASL

Throughout the completion of my capstone project, I learned things that will be beneficial to my future career as a Speech Language Pathologist, and learned more about Autism Spectrum.
For example, understanding prosody, which refers to the rhythm, pitch, volume, and intonation of speech, and plays an essential role in how we convey meaning, emotion, and intent in communication. In autism, prosody can be affected in various ways, which may lead to differences in how speech sounds to others. Many individuals with autism experience differences in prosody, such as monotone speech, which is a lack of variation in pitch, atypical speech rhythm, or inappropriate stress on words. These differences can sometimes make it harder for others to interpret their emotional state, intentions, or level of engagement.
This research taught me how social communication can have its challenges for someone with autism. The differences in prosody in individuals with autism may contribute to challenges in social communication. For instance, their speech might not align with social expectations of tone, such as speaking too loudly or softly, which can affect social interactions and lead to misunderstandings.
Prosody in autism could be due to difficulties in both producing and perceiving prosodic cues. Research could focus on whether individuals with autism struggle more with prosodic production (e.g., monotone speech) or perception (e.g., difficulty recognizing emotional tones in speech).
In addition to learning about prosody and how it impacts individuals with autism, I also learned a great deal about writing an in-depth research paper. I learned about writing structure, paying attention to details and making sure what I am writing aligns with my evidence. I learned how to do research on certain databases, handling citations, and how best to utilize my sources.
If I continued research on this topic, I think it could be further developed by observing people with autism in a social setting and focusing on expressive and receptive language.

Capricorn AI: An Automated Deep Learning Approach for Histopathological Tissue Classification

Moshe Newman, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Molecular & Cellular Biology

I identified my research topic at the intersection of oncology, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence, motivated by my longstanding passion for cancer research and precision medicine. My goal was to contribute toward improving the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of cancer detection, ultimately aiming to benefit patient outcomes. The idea of utilizing advanced technology like deep learning to tackle histopathological classification inspired me, especially since the method holds potential for significant clinical impact.

Early on, I had expected the capstone to be straightforward training and testing of deep learning models. Instead, it turned out to be far more complicated and involved frequent troubleshooting and optimization. The capstone required heavy preprocessing, model architecture exploration, and close attention to model outputs. The complexity of converting results into clinical understanding was deeper than anticipated but ultimately more rewarding.

Among the greatest challenges was handling dataset imbalances and hyperparameter tuning of the neural network to avoid overfitting, and it took a lot of experimenting and statistical exploration. In contrast, understanding the theoretical background of deep learning was relatively easier to me given my background in bioinformatics as well as programming. What was most surprising to me was the complexity involved in adequately visualizing and representing the model output predictions, which necessitated creativity and more statistical expertise than expected.

To further expand this work, I plan to incorporate patient metadata and clinical history to enhance the predictive capability of Capricorn AI, effectively making it a more detailed diagnostic and prognostic tool. Exploring real-time imaging and adaptive training techniques could significantly improve clinical utility and specificity of the model. Lastly, conducting larger validation studies with more varied datasets will be necessary to facilitate generalizability.

Through this experience, I am developed a greater appreciation of the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary research. It reinforced my passion for bioinformatics and oncology and expanded my expertise in machine learning, particularly the importance of meticulous data handling, model verification, and successive experimentation. Professionally, it established my analytical skills, research endurance, and ability to present sophisticated scientific outcomes succinctly and persuasively to different audiences.

Exploring the Effects of Abnormal Tau Protein Expression in the Brain, Kidney, and Testes

Sethara Karunatilake, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biology and minor in Humanities Honors

My research focused on studying how abnormal forms of a protein called Taurine affect different parts of the body: the brain, the kidneys, and the testes. Tau proteins are mainly known for their role in Alzheimer’s disease, where they form harmful clumps inside brain cells. However, we wanted to explore if these abnormal proteins might also cause problems in other organs, not just the brain. Using lab techniques like immunostaining and confocal microscopy, we observed where Tau proteins were located in tissue samples and how they interacted with other important cellular components.

In the brain, we found that abnormal Tau disrupted key receptor systems, especially in areas that are important for memory and learning. In the kidneys, we saw that Tau affected receptors involved in blood pressure control. In the testes, abnormal Tau appeared to interfere with structures important for sperm production. These results suggest that when Tau goes wrong, it may have broader impacts on the body than previously thought, raising important questions about how therapies aimed at Tau in the brain might unintentionally affect other organs.

I first came across this research area while taking a six-hour lab with Dr. Alonso. I liked the fact that everything in her research area was backed up by what was visible by confocal images. If we knew what antibodies we’re using and which part of the cell they were targeting, we could make an analysis on how the proteins interacted with the tissue samples. I’ve always been interested in participating in a research project and since I already had background knowledge from the 6-hour lab, it was easier to apply it to my own project. When I learned that Tau proteins are found in other tissues, not just the brain, questions like “why were they there, and could they cause harm outside the brain too?”, were raised. With the help and guidance from my mentor, this motivated me to explore the topic further through my independent study project.

Before starting my capstone, I expected the project to feel very structured and straightforward, a lot like following a detailed lab manual. In reality, it was much more open ended. I had to troubleshoot unexpected problems, like weaker staining signals or inconsistent tissue samples. Research turned out to be less about following a recipe and more about constantly adapting and thinking critically. This was both exciting and a little overwhelming at times.

One of the biggest challenges was learning to be patient with slow progress. Sometimes it took days to get one good result. It was also challenging to interpret complex patterns in the data where it wasn’t always obvious what the findings meant, especially since this was my first time working on an independent study like this. On the other hand, once I got the hang of the lab techniques, the actual hands-on work became easier. It was surprising to me how much time and effort goes into obtaining even a single clear image. I remember spending hours at the confocal imaging facility; however, in the end it was all worth it.

If I were to expand this research, I would want to see if there are variations or differences in the effects of mice that might be of different sexes and ages. For example, do mice that are younger show less or more impacts of tau than those that may be more mature, and do female mice react differently to these abnormal proteins than male mice, because maybe not all abnormal Tau proteins behave the same way.

Overall, this research experience taught me how unpredictable science can be and how important creativity and critical thinking skills are when things don’t go according to plan. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for how interconnected the body’s systems are. I’m leaving this project not just with technical skills, but with an open mind about biology and disease. I’m excited to carry this experience forward into my future experiences. 

Echoes of Understanding: Exploring Schizophrenia's Ripple Effect on Relationships: A Literature Review

Jordan Pernice, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Psychology 

My research area was inspired by a deep interest in understanding the correlation between mental health and human relationships. As a psychology major, I’ve always been fascinated by how mental health disorders affect interpersonal connections. Schizophrenia stood out as particularly misunderstood, profoundly impacting to those who have it. My motivation stemmed from a desire to bridge the gap between clinical understanding and human empathy.

Initially, I thought the capstone would be a straightforward academic exercise. In reality, it was much more. It became a journey of discovery, pushing me to question stereotypes, connect with the emotional narratives behind the data, and explore the societal implications of stigma. It was intellectually challenging, but also deeply personal. By the end, I felt like I had not just written a literature review, but had also contributed to promoting understanding and compassion for those impacted by schizophrenia.

I found that confronting the depth of stigma and misinformation surrounding schizophrenia to be deeply challenging. Sifting through dense research articles was tough, but even harder was digesting the emotional toll the disorder takes on individuals and their relationships. At times, the statistics and stories felt overwhelming. However, what came naturally was my passion for the topic. I never doubted my commitment to shedding light on this important issue.

What surprised me the most was how interconnected everything was. This project proved that addressing mental health is not just about discussing treatment, but also about promoting societal change.

This research is only the beginning. I’d love to explore interventions that improve relationship dynamics for individuals with schizophrenia, particularly focusing on romantic relationships, which are often overlooked. Expanding the study to include personal narratives and interviews with individuals and their families could provide richer, more human perspectives. Additionally, exploring cross-cultural differences in how schizophrenia is perceived and managed could highlight areas for global improvement in mental health care and societal support systems.

This experience has been incredibly personal for me. My stepfather’s struggle with schizophrenia was my first glimpse into how this disorder affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. Witnessing his journey, the challenges he faced in maintaining relationships, and the misconceptions he has endured gave me a unique perspective and a deep empathy for those living with mental illness.

Through this research, I’ve come to appreciate the resilience of individuals like my stepfather and their families. I’m walking away with a renewed sense of purpose to advocate for mental health awareness and a commitment to fostering understanding in both my personal and professional life as I continue my journey in psychology.

Researching the Advancements of Women in the Workplace from the Early 2000’s – 2024

Allura Surat, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in History and minor in Psychology

When thinking about my capstone, I looked back at two different papers I had written in classes I enjoyed which lead me to my research topic. The first paper was about the gender pay gap in the sports industry and the second paper was with an interview with my mother, and dealt with the impacts of being a nurse during COVID-19.

My mother is my motivation. When thinking about working and what I want to do with my life I always look back at what she had to go through to get to the position she is in now. This heavily influenced my research as I wanted to find out more about not only women in the workplace but nursing specifically.

When I first started my capstone, I was nervous about everything that I was going to have to get done and it felt overwhelming at first. I did not have an idea where I really wanted to start and all of the aspects that I wanted to include. I felt like I had so much information that was not specific enough so I needed to figure out a way in which I could narrow my research but still make it relevant to the broadness of the topic.

Working throughout the process I understood the importance of time management, and I became proud of the work I was doing. All of the hard work I put in was worth it in the end when everything came together.  

I was quite surprised about some new information I was researching, especially in Staten Island since I grew up here. There is so much nursing history in Staten Island that I never really paid too much attention to until I had started doing this research.

I would really like to explore this topic more in the future by not only focusing on Staten Island but other areas or maybe even countries. I could also focus on hospitals in Staten Island and see how things are currently, since there have been new units added, different nursing staff, and improvements on technology.

I was able to obtain a lot of new and useful information when doing this research. It was really an eye opener to see the ways that nursing and women in the work field have made improvements despite there still being many challenges to this day. I was able to look at a profession other than my own and see how others may be impacted compared to myself. I recognized how hard nurses have always worked despite any conditions that they were put in to help their patients to the best of their ability. All in all, this research was an enjoyable learning experience.

The Role of Serotonin 1A Receptors in Neurogenesis in Neonatal Mouse Hippocampus via PKCε Mediated Signaling

Deena Mohsen, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Psychology and minors in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry

One of my earliest memories from this research project was being in the lab, standing over a plate of tiny wells, trying to find the brain sections at the bottom. They were so thin and delicate I couldn't even tell if anything was there. We were starting the staining process, which meant gently washing the tissue with different solutions, carefully pipetting the liquid out, and repeating that multiple times. I remember being so nervous that I would accidentally suction up the section. Everything had to be done slowly and precisely. That was my first glimpse into how careful this research would have to be.

My project focused on how serotonin 1A receptors influence neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons in the brain. I studied the dentate gyrus (DG), a region in the hippocampus involved in memory and emotion. In neonatal mice, the DG is still actively producing new neurons. I wanted to understand whether serotonin 1A receptor signaling plays a role in this process, and whether it's connected to a protein called protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), which supports early brain development.

We used fluorescent staining to label specific cell types. Hoechst stained all nuclei blue, Ki67 labeled dividing cells in red, and DCX highlighted immature neurons in green. Using a confocal microscope, I scanned through the depth of the tissue from top to bottom to capture z-stacks, which allowed us to build 3D images of the DG. The goal was to visualize patterns of neurogenesis and determine how these molecular signals might be involved.

While I could recognize the DG in the tissue fairly quickly, interpreting the imaging was much harder. The microscope produced detailed images full of blue, red, and green-stained cells, but figuring out what those meant, whether cells were dividing, immature, or overlapping, took a lot of trial and error. It wasn't just about getting a picture. It was about understanding what I was looking at and what it revealed about neurogenesis in the brain.

At first, the idea of doing a capstone like this was intimidating. I didn't know how I was going to manage something with so many unfamiliar steps like staining, imaging, and data analysis. But once I started and focused on one step at a time, it became easier. The repetition helped me build confidence, and every small success made the next part less scary. I learned to troubleshoot, stay patient, and adapt when things didn't go as planned.

What I appreciated most about this project was how it brought together all the areas I've studied. I've always been interested in how brain development relates to behavior. This project gave me the chance to explore that connection from a molecular perspective while gaining real lab experience that challenged me in ways I wasn't expecting.

One of the most rewarding parts was seeing a clean, focused image of the DG with clearly stained cells in blue, red, and green, each one representing a piece of the story. After all the hours spent preparing, staining, imaging, and redoing steps, those moments felt like a payoff.

I'm especially grateful to Josie, who worked closely with me in the lab and taught me every step of the process, helping me feel more confident over time. And thank you to my mentor, Dr. Banerjee, for the opportunity to work on this research and for supporting the project throughout the year.

This capstone reminded me that growth doesn't happen all at once. It happens through small steps, constant problem-solving, and showing up even when you're unsure. It taught me how to stay focused, work carefully, and recognize how much I was growing along the way. It's an experience I'll always carry with me.

Pill Recognition using Discrete Cosine Transform Technology

Eslam Hussein, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Electrical Engineering

My research project focused on solving a common but serious problem: helping Alzheimer’s patients take their medicine correctly. People with Alzheimer’s often forget when or how much medication to take, which can lead to health problems, hospital visits, or even dangerous situations. To help fix this, we developed a smart pill dispenser that uses a special computer vision technique called the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) to recognize pills based on their shape and size.

I chose this research topic because I’ve always wanted to build something that makes a real difference in people’s lives. I’ve seen how hard it is for elderly patients to manage their medications, particularly when memory loss is involved. The idea of using technology, especially computer vision, to solve this problem felt meaningful and exciting.

At first, I thought the capstone would mostly be about building hardware, but it turned out to be more about analyzing data and writing code to process images. That shift surprised me, but it helped me grow a lot as a student. I had to teach myself new concepts in signal processing and image analysis, which was challenging but also rewarding.

The hardest part was working with image data. It wasn’t always easy to get clear images of pills or extract the right features using DCT. Small things like lighting or camera angle could affect the results. On the other hand, once we figured out the right steps, the actual coding and testing went more smoothly than I expected. I also found that writing about the results and explaining them in simple terms helped me understand the work better.

In the future, I’d love to expand this project by connecting the dispenser to a mobile app for caregivers. The app could give updates, track missed doses, or even show live camera feedback. I’d also like to train the system to recognize more types of pills and work under different lighting conditions.

What I learned from this project is the importance of persistence and creativity. Research doesn’t always go the way you expect, and sometimes what seems like a small discovery—like a data pattern—can lead to a big improvement. I also learned how powerful it is when engineering and healthcare come together. This capstone taught me not just how to build a smart device, but how to think deeply about the people who will use it.

The Implication of INO80 Acetylation in Transcriptional Activation

Anusha Haris, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biology

My capstone project was a dive into the fascinating field of gene regulation. Gene regulation is the process by which the information encoded in our DNA is translated into the diverse characteristics that make us who we are. My research specifically focused on the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex and its role in this complicated process.
The question that drove my work was identifying the exact lysine residue within the INO80 complex that undergoes acetylation, a modification known to play a key role in influencing gene expression.
Looking back on the experience, my initial interest in gene regulation stemmed from classes like the Biology of Disease and Genetics. These classes opened my eyes to how cells coordinate gene expression and how disruptions can lead to the diseases and conditions we see in our everyday lives.
Though I was very excited to tackle my project when it first began, and I started with a clear framework, my work also involved navigating unexpected challenges. Without a doubt, the most difficult aspects of the research were fine-tuning the PCR conditions. Achieving the correct annealing temperatures for primer binding and troubleshooting inconsistent results required persistence and analytical thinking. In contrast, the earlier stages of sample preparation were relatively straightforward.
One of the most surprising things for me was the sheer amount of troubleshooting characteristics in molecular biology research. I learned that scientific progress often involves overcoming obstacles and adapting experimental strategies. My experiences in the lab were also very different from what I expected. Long hours were spent running tests and waiting for results. However, all the benchwork I performed helped me gain much experience in the kind of tests performed in the field of genomics.
Several different routes could be taken in terms of future research directions with my project. Investigating the specific enzymes responsible for INO80 acetylation would provide valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms at play. Furthermore, it would be interesting to examine how this acetylation is influenced by various cellular signals and map out the protein-protein interactions mediated by the identified lysine residue.
The capstone experience has been enriching, providing me with invaluable skills and insights. I've honed my abilities in molecular biology techniques, developed my problem-solving skills, and cultivated a deeper appreciation for the scientific process. Beyond the technical expertise, this research has reinforced my passion for scientific inquiry and its potential to make meaningful contributions to advancing human health. As someone pursuing a BS/ MS in Biology on the Pre-med track, this project allowed me to explore the foundational science that supports human health and disease. As I progress in my pre-med track, I am eager to integrate this research foundation with my clinical experiences to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge care to future patients.

Color Psychology in the Context of Advertising

Mariam Ibrahim, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Business Marketing   

My capstone project explores how colors affect consumer emotions, perceptions, and decision-making, and how businesses use these effects in their marketing strategies. This topic brings together ideas from psychology, branding, and culture to better understand how something as simple as a color choice can shape a brand’s identity and influence buyer behavior.

I first became interested in this area through my MKT 211 class where we had to do a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of Budweiser. My role in this group project was so analyze the brand’s most recent add, analyzing the color psychology of the brand’s newest item and what each color represented, and give suggestions to the brand on how they could improve their advertising campaigns.

As someone who also runs a small online makeup resale business, I’ve always paid attention to product packaging and branding, especially how certain colors grab attention or suggest particular qualities like luxury, freshness, or eco-friendliness. That curiosity led me to research deeper theories behind color usage in advertising.

Going into the capstone, I expected the process to feel like an extension of my usual class research, but more in-depth. In reality, it was much more immersive than I imagined. One of the most challenging parts was finding accessible and reliable academic resources. Many scholarly articles were behind paywalls, so I had to spend time searching for open-access versions or request help from my professors and library resources. The literature review and theoretical foundation section also required a lot of discipline because it involved connecting abstract theories, like associative learning or semiotics, to practical marketing examples.

The easiest part was visualizing the ideas for my research poster. Since color is such a visual topic, creating the layout felt natural. I enjoyed transforming dense research into something engaging and visually appealing for a broader audience. I was also pleasantly surprised by how many everyday examples I could pull from—like Coca-Cola’s use of red or Facebook’s blue, to show color’s power in real life.

Overall, this journey has confirmed my passion for branding and advertising. I now feel more confident in analyzing why brands make the visual choices they do, and I’m excited to continue exploring how marketing can tap into our subconscious perceptions in meaningful and ethical ways.