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.

 

 

Impact of Emotional Intelligence and Managing Mental Health in the Workplace

Emily Albano, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Business Management, and minors in Finance and Marketing

In my spring semester I had the opportunity to take MGT 320 as an honors course, led by Dr. Holly Bonner. When I proposed my capstone idea to her at the beginning of the semester, she welcomed me with open arms and was ecstatic to allow me to join her in all parts of her work. Dr. Bonner is a well-known figure in the community, both academically and culturally. The number of accolades she has is far too many to list; I knew I had chosen a professor who would be able to add to my college experience far beyond any I had before.

In the Organizational Behavior honors course, I able to gain new experiences in all sectors of the world, each tying back into the curriculum. Dr. Bonner had me shadow her in her preparation for this year's social work conference that took place on March 24th, 2024. Dr. Bonner allowed me to help her prepare her speech, and do interactive preparation for public speaking, along with reviewing her research to make sure it would appeal and be understandable to the public.

A core ideal in Organizational Behavior is addressing the work place, and how to get higher ups to properly communicate with their employees while avoiding noise. Dr. Bonner allowed me to have firsthand experiences in the method, something the ordinaries of the textbook could never give me.

Another important concept that is heavily emphasized in Organizational Behavior in DEIA. This acronym breaks down into Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Diversity encompasses the range of human differences, including race, gender, ability, and more, while equity seeks fair treatment and access to resources for all individuals. Inclusion promotes embracing people of diverse backgrounds, and accessibility ensures equal access to information and services, creating environments that are welcoming and equitable for everyone. Dr. Bonner’s entire teaching style resembles this concept and she is constantly trying to get her students and the community involved with one another.

Along with the numerous informative lectures on the topic, Dr. Bonner allowed a group of students and me to help in this year’s Beeping Egg Hunt held at the Lavelle School for the Blind. This event is for people of all abilities; however, it specially caters to the visually impaired, the blind and disabled. The eggs beep, allowing everyone to participate and be engaged in a tradition that children with disabilities may miss out on. My classmates and I made candy filled eggs to circle the beeping eggs for children to find. This was just another hands-on experience that Dr. Bonner provided to help amplify the classroom.

My experience in MGT 320 with Dr. Holly Bonner was enriching and impactful. Through her guidance, I gained valuable insights into Organizational Behavior and learned about the importance of DEIA principles in fostering inclusive and accessible environments. Dr. Bonner's teaching style, coupled with hands-on experiences like the beeping egg hunt, provided a practical understanding of these concepts and their real-world applications. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a respected figure in academia and the community, and I'm confident that the lessons I've gained will continue to influence my personal and professional growth in the future.

The Interplay Between Anxiety and Anesthesia

Nicole Gelfand, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Nursing

Reflecting on my capstone experience, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and growth. I worked alongside Professor Danielle Hunton from the Nursing department, and learned about the relationships between anxiety and anesthesia. This project helped me unravel their complexities, and explore the pivotal role of nursing in mitigating anxiety effects so patients have a better experience with anesthesia. This exploration holds immense significance for me as I aspire to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

My journey commenced with a curiosity and desire to deepen my understanding of the physiological and psychological dynamics at play when anxiety meets anesthesia. I embarked on extensive reviews of literature to grasp the nuances of this interplay. From my knowledge learned through my nursing school journey as well as the information presented from my research, I gathered information regarding the types and levels of anxiety, the proper ways to assess them, and the effect it has on anesthesia administration and recovery, as well as what nurses can do to help relieve a patient’s feelings of anxiety.

Through this process, I not only enriched my knowledge but also cultivated a critical lens through which to analyze clinical scenarios. Moreover, my capstone experience illuminated the indispensable role of nurses in one's surgical journey, especially when experiencing anxiety. Nurses help serve as advocates for patient-centered care and are in a unique position to help assess, intervene, and support patients throughout the anesthesia process. Whether this is done through therapeutic communication, pharmacological intervention, or relaxation techniques, nurses play an important role in alleviating anxiety and promoting positive surgical outcomes.

As I conclude my capstone reflection, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunities and insight I gathered throughout this journey. My exploration of the interplay between anxiety and anesthesia has not only deepened my passion for anesthesia nursing but also reinforced my commitment to education for patient well-being and safety. With this newfound knowledge, I am able to embark on the next chapter of my journey toward becoming a CRNA, equipped to navigate the complexities of anesthesia practice with compassion, competence, and integrity.

Creation of Pokémon World Champion Edition

Michael Aurilia, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Computer Science

This project has been a journey filled with challenges, creativity, and growth. As I reflect on the development process, I am inspired by the amount of work I was able to complete in a short time span. While there were portions of the project that had to be omitted due to time constraints, I am satisfied with the current version of the project.

At the outset, my vision was clear: to develop a Java-based application that would replicate the experience of 6V6 Pokémon battles. However, as I worked on the project, I realized the intricacies involved in translating the rich mechanics of Pokémon games into a digital simulation. From designing the battle engine to implementing move sets, each aspect demanded careful consideration and attention to detail.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was finding a balance between authenticity and accessibility. While I wanted to stay true to the core mechanics of the Pokémon games, I also recognized the need to streamline certain aspects, such as accuracy and status effects that make the player lose a turn to ensure a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Another challenge I experienced during the creation of this project was translating the code for Java to C# for Unity integration. As I attempted to make this change, I realized that it would be too complex for the time I had remaining, so I made the choice to leave it out of this version of the project. Finishing this translation would have meant better visuals for the project such as a background scene, music, animations, etc. so while it would have been nice to have, the project is still functional on its own.

I plan to evolve and improve this platform to provide the best possible experience for the users. In the future, I would like to add in the previously mentioned scrapped features so that it more closely resembles the mainline Pokémon games that the code simulates. I would also like to add more Pokémon for the user to choose from to provide a different gameplay experience for each user.

In closing, the creation of the Pokémon World Champion Edition project taught me a great deal about the creation of object-oriented projects. I learned time management skills that will also help me in future coding endeavors. While the project didn’t turn out perfectly, over all I am still pleased with how I was able to create this program for others to enjoy.