Verrazano Student Wins Award at Statewide CSTEP Conference

Angelica Grant, Psychology major in the Verrazano Class of 2013, presented her research at the CSTEP Conference in Lake George, NY and won first place for her presentation. Congratulations, Angelica! 

Please read below for more about Angelica's perspective on her research and her experience participating in the conference.

This past April, I had the chance to attend the 20^th Annual Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Statewide Student Conference, which took place in Lake George, New York and was designed for students in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines from colleges across New York state to gather together and present their research through poster and oral presentations.

The poster I presented, entitled, “Children’s Socio-Cognitive Understanding of Jealousy: The Effects of Age, Gender, and Perspective Taking Ability during Middle Childhood”, took 5 months to complete. I had been conducting the research for the poster with Nicole Kwoka under the supervision of Naomi J. Aldrich and Dr. Patricia J. Brooks.

           

For our research, we had a sample of 30 children (15 boys, 15 girls) between the ages of 5 and 11 give personal narratives about times where they felt jealous and tested them on four different tasks, including tests of emotional comprehension, language development, perspective taking ability and intellectual ability. We examined their narratives for jealousy labels (emotions) and explanation (emotions followed by an explanation) and found that as age increased, children’s emotional understanding, language ability and perspective taking ability increased and girls used more emotion words and talked more about jealousy in their stories than boys did.

           

Angelica Grant (holding trophy) with Doriane Bouobda, Joel Cadet, and Melice Golding
(Verrazano students)

I found out about CSTEP through Dr. Patricia Brooks at the beginning of the Spring 2012 semester. She informed me that this program focuses on supporting underrepresented students who are pursuing careers in the STEM disciplines and provides them with opportunities to present their research at conferences, which made me interested in applying as psychology was included under the STEM umbrella. 

The CSTEP Conference was an amazing experience which allowed me to present my research to other college students and members of the academic world. I enjoyed being around so many like-minded students and faculty who were focused on pursuing their academic goals and becoming professionals in their chosen field. The conference offered workshops and motivational speeches as well, which gave me pointers on how to study effectively, cope with stress, and connect with students from different schools through networking. At the end of second day of the conference, I was extremely happy to have received 1^st place in the Humanities and Social Sciences division for presenting my poster. The CSTEP Conference as a whole changed my outlook on life and reaffirmed my decision to continue on in the field of child development/educational psychology as a graduate student. I will definitely be signing up for next year’s conference!   

Fulfilling a Dream in China

Joanna Irizarry-Zaraza, Verrazano Class of 2013, is a Spring 2012 recipient of a Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship to support her study abroad experience in China during the summer.  This is the first of three posts that Joanna will be contributing about her participation in the study abroad program.
Hello my fellow Verrazano students,

Joanna Irizarry

My name is Joanna Grace Irizarry-Zaraza, and I am 23 hours away from the beginning of my dream coming true - studying abroad in China. All I can hear is my heart thumping extremely quick and loud. I have mixed feelings at this point. As I said, I’m going to China after dreaming about stepping onto that land since my childhood years. I am also extremely sad because it is the first time I will be anywhere without my parents for more than 2 days and also because I am leaving my significant other of 5 ½ years; but I’m thrilled to see the cultural differences of China.  Chinese culture and language has always had a firm grasp on my curiosity.  Perhaps it’s the way the people greet each other or even their different tones of voice and body languages that makes me even more interested in their history.  My interest has led me to decide to minor in Chinese Studies, and I have gone through the process of applying for scholarships and trying to stabilize my emotions for this enrichment opportunity of a lifetime.

I am a high achiever and very ambitious, so I have tried to take advantage of every opportunity that comes in my direction. Throughout my college career, I have reached many significant milestones through skill and practice. I have had experience in mentoring and tutoring with “Strategies for Success” as part of the JCC Beacon program and SEEK program. I have worked with children with disabilities in the Staten Island Mental Health Society. In addition, I had a gratifying experience in accepting the 2009 Senoritas Del Futuro scholarship of $1000 from El Diario for my dedication as a Latina female and achievement in my academic status. I am a member of the Emerging Leaders Program, Chi Alpha Epsilon (XAE) National Honor Society, CSI Dean’s List, CSI SEEK Honors, and also a member of the CSI Swim Team. I have participated in The Model NYS Senate internship, and have been a tutor at the Center of Accessibility at CSI. I have never questioned any of these educational extra-curricular activities. Sadly, I have been attempting to finish my Study Abroad application since 2010, but I have prolonged this trip because of fear and financial dilemmas. I feel blessed, thanks to The Verrazano School and STOCS, for providing me support and a scholarship for me to study abroad and for making my dreams come true.

Studying abroad in China will be a magnificent learning experience that will enable me to reinforce my skills in being an active learner and give me the opportunity  to grow as I have always wished. I have had a profound connection to China’s history and its culture. I know for a fact that by me experiencing a summer in China, I will be developing my language skills by interacting with native speakers and will also understand more about China’s ancient culture. This will allow me to mature and encourage me to reach my full potential in my academic career. By living in China for a month I will get hands-on experience of the culture.  I will have the opportunity to analyze things such as the educational system and music.  With my experience in China, I will be able to learn what is appropriate or disrespectful in the Chinese culture. I hope to one day I will open my own clinic (since I am a psychology major) and consult in three different languages: English, Spanish, and Chinese.

I decided to study abroad in China with Brooklyn College. The reason I choose Brooklyn College is because the program consists of traveling all over China to sightsee and learn about the different environment in each city or area. I will have the honor of going to Beijing (China’s national capital), Xi’an (starting point of the ancient over-land Silk Road), Nanjing (China’s ancient capital), Suzhou (famous scenic city -exquisite gardens and water towns acclaimed), and Shanghai (China’s leading financial center).  I will also have the pleasure of going to Hong Kong, Yellow Mountain, and Yangzhou. I hope I get to experience all these different locations in China thoroughly because I’m extremely excited about traveling all throughout China, but I do fear that it might be rushed.  I hope not; I hope to soak in every second of this adventure!

I honestly hope that my experience will helpful fulfill my curiosity about and passion for Chinese culture.  I hope not to be too home sick and enjoy every event that I can. I know this is a life changing event and I am more prepared than ever. I just pray to get there and home safe and sound and that my family will be safe as well.

Wish me luck in my experience in China!

Announcement of Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship Recipients

The Verrazano School is pleased to announce the Spring 2012 Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship recipients.  Joanna Irizarry-Zaraza, Alicia Jimenez, and Mark Kavanaugh have been awarded scholarships to help support their study abroad experiences in China, France, and Spain during the upcoming summer.  These students will pursue language and cultural studies related to their areas of interest and come back having gained valuable experience and memories to last a lifetime.



Alicia Jimenez, Mark Kavanaugh, and Joanna Irizarry-Zaraza



Joanna Irizarry-Zaraza, Class of 2013, is pursuing a Psychology BA with minors in Chinese and Disability Studies.  She will be spending the summer traveling to various cities in China on a program through Brooklyn College.  Joanna is thrilled about her upcoming experience, saying “I have been dreaming about going to China for many years now but I would use every excuse there was,  such as I can't afford this trip, I don't have enough support, or I'm too scared. Luckily for me I received a scholarship from The Verrazano School that will pay for the entire program, tuition and my flight to China. Thank you Verrazano for eliminating two of my excuses; you have supported me financially and emotionally as well.  Although I am still very nervous to fly on my own and leave my loved ones for one month, for the first time in my life, I am more composed and courageous in having my dream come true!”

Alicia Jimenez, an English Literature major in the Class of 2013, will be participating in a program through Queens College titled “Paris, A Literary Adventure.”  This program is a perfect fit with Alicia’s major, and she can’t wait to explore the winding streets and soak in the Parisian culture during her studies.  Simply put, Alicia is “ incredibly excited for Paris this summer!"

Mark Kavanaugh, Class of 2013, is an English Literature major with a minor in Spanish.  Mark will be spending his summer in Santander, Spain with a program offered through CSI.  Mark has spent many hours outside of the classroom practicing his language skills with Professor Sarah Pollack, and upon learning of his scholarship he commented that, "I'm absolutely thrilled to be studying in Spain, a country with a rich and varied culture. It absolutely could not have been possible without the Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship and I'm very grateful."

All three of these scholarship recipients are active members of the Verrazano community and the broader CSI community and will serve as wonderful ambassadors for study abroad while they are away and after they are back on campus.  Joanna, Alicia, and Mark will be posting blog entries about their experiences before they leave, while they are abroad, and upon their return.  We look forward to hearing more from these students!

Funds are available through an application process help support for Verrazano student participation in study abroad programs.  The deadlines to apply for a Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship are October 1 for winter and spring study abroad and March 1 for summer and fall study abroad.  Awards range from $1000-$5000, and through the scholarship application process, students are encouraged to clearly identify how the proposed study abroad experience supports the pursuit and achievement of their academic and professional goals and how the program would benefit their academic and personal growth.

For more information about the scholarship opportunity, please visit: http://www.csi.cuny.edu/verrazanoschool/study_abroad.html. 

Nicole Wallace Completes NYS Senate Internship

Nicole Wallace, Class of 2013, spent the spring semester as an intern with the New York State Senate in Albany.  This is the final post in her series on her experience in Albany.

The month of April was especially exciting for session assistants up in Albany as we prepared for the 2012 Model Legislative Session.  The Model Legislative Session is a mock session where each session assistant has the opportunity to present their own bill that they have drafted.

The preparations began in mid March when we nominated and then elected our president.  The election was close between CUNY Baruch senior Isis Hollis and SUNY New Paltz senior Nick LaStella, but in the end Nick won by just two votes.  Immediately after that we broke into our party's by random draw.  I was part of the majority party which was entitled the Phoenix Party, and the opposing minority party was named the Vox party.  After selecting party names we nominated leaders.  SUNY Albany senior Javerea Khan was majority leader and I was deputy majority leader.  The minority leaders were Jimmy and Vincent, seniors from SUNY Albany.

The next few weeks were spent analyzing our party bills as well as the minority party's bills.  On April 19, 2012, both parties held a rehearsal in the Senate chamber where we learned the proper rules and procedures of session.  On April 20, session began promptly at 9am. President LaStella opened session with a well presented speech as well as greetings to our friends and family who were attending this exciting event.  Soon after we began presenting of our bills.  I was especially nervous because my bill was second on the calendar.  The first bill, dealing with implementing new traffic light signals, passed unanimously.  Next, I delivered my speech, which mandated a low student to teacher ratio in High School Math classes, and then nervously sat down.  I thought the hard part was over; however, the other party choose my bill to be debated.  This meant my colleagues were going to ask me questions about my bill and try to stump me.  The questions were fierce, but I articulated my answers clearly and with confidence.  In the end my bill was passed by a vote of 14-8. I was excited and glad many of my colleagues supported my bill.  The rest of session was fun and entertaining.  I debated a couple of bills and stood up in support for a few as well.

Nicole Wallace and peers voting at the Model Legislative Session

By the end of session, all but one of the bills had passed.  My friend, SUNY Old Westbury senior Jeremy Brown's bill had not passed.  Jeremy's bill gave all living things the same rights as humans.  Jeremy's intent was to write a bill that would end animal abuse.  However, his language did not specify just animals, but used the term living things, which made cutting trees down, hunting, and fishing all illegal.  Although many of my colleagues did not agree with Jeremy's bill, I voted in the affirmative based on his intent of the bill.  However, in the end the bill was defeated by a vote of 6-16.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Albany at the New York State Senate.  I met a lot of amazing people and learned about the bill process and how bills are passed.  I would definitely recommend the program to anybody thinking about it.  It was a great opportunity.

Verrazano Student Accepted to CUNY Pipeline Program

We are pleased to announce that Christina Terracino, Verrazano Class of 2013, has been named as a CUNY Pipeline Fellow.  Christine will be sharing her experiences in the CUNY Pipeline Program over the next year on the Verrazano Voyager, and below she explains more about the program and her academic interests.

Hi everyone!

My name is Christina Terracino and I’m a fourth year Verrazano School student here at CSI. I’m majoring in English Literature and am looking forward to a long and productive career as a professor. In order to become a full-time professor, a PhD is generally required. I’m excited to move onto graduate school and receive my PhD in English Literature. I’ll be applying for these programs next fall and winter, and I can honestly admit that I’m a bit nervous about the intense application process. However, now that I’ve been accepted into the CUNY Pipeline Program at the CUNY Graduate Center, I’m a bit more confident and infinitely more excited.

The CUNY Pipeline Program is a fellowship which is designed to assist students who wish to pursue careers in research and college teaching. It is specifically for students from underrepresented groups in doctoral studies. I know this seems a bit ambiguous, so I will try to explain. This is not a fellowship simply for minority students. The Office of Educational Opportunity and Diversity Programs at the Graduate Center is looking for students who are diverse, and who are from backgrounds which may or may not be considered a minority in the general sense of the term, but who are underrepresented in the nation’s PhD programs. According to the CUNY website, the following groups are underrepresented: Alaskan Natives, Asians, Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Italian Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders, and Women. (For more information on this, I would check out the diversity policies of CUNY, which can be found on the website at this link: http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/ohrm/diversity/study.html). As an Italian American and a woman, I fit this bill and was able to apply. I would encourage anyone who feels they would bring diversity to doctoral studies to apply to this program. The only people who are specifically discouraged from applying are those who wish to pursue medicine or law.

The CUNY Pipeline is a program which includes a summer institute at the Graduate Center in Manhattan, and various colloquia throughout the academic year. It is a one-year program for those entering into their final year of undergraduate studies. The Summer Institute includes courses on graduate research as well as GRE preparation. A senior thesis is required, which fellows may present at the annual CUNY Pipeline conference. The program also includes assistance with many of the aspects of graduate school applications, such as the letter of intent. I am looking forward to receiving a level of structure from this program during what I’m sure can be a very stressful process. I’m also thrilled at the chance at attending a graduate seminar to get a first-hand idea of what it is really like to take a graduate course. I’m hoping that this program will give me a better overview of what professional conferences are like, since they are a large part of careers in research. My field is Renaissance literature, which I hope to learn much more about during the time I work on my Pipeline thesis. I’m working on developing a research thesis topic for the start of the Summer Institute.

This program is a great opportunity for anyone who knows they plan to pursue doctoral studies, I hope many other Verrazano students will apply in the future, and I’m looking forward to the great benefits I know I will receive from being a Pipeline fellow.