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.

The Realities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Kelliann D’Ambrosio, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in English Literature and Writing, and minor in Italian

My capstone was broken into two parts. One of these parts was a collection of poems centered around my experience with OCD, dissociation, and anxiety. This includes, but is not limited to, my day-to-day struggles with intrusive thoughts and verbal tics. My research portion was centered around the argument that there needs to be a shift in the way OCD is viewed within society and within the way it is treated, as there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding surrounding what OCD actually entails.

In order to support this, I looked for research on different treatments, the symptoms associated with OCD, the likelihood of those with OCD to develop a different mental illness, and the experiences of family members for individuals who have OCD.

I identified these areas for my research and poetry because I suffer from OCD myself. I wanted to provide a creative exploration of my personal experience while also including a research component that explored experiences with OCD at large.

I expected this capstone to be difficult and, in that aspect,, I was correct. However, I was unaware how much I was going to learn from this capstone. When writing my poems, I had this idea in mind that I knew exactly what I was going to write and how I was going to write it. Instead, I ended up surprising myself by expressing my experiences with mental illness in ways I had never considered before, whether that be through my language or through the forms I employed.

Regarding my research component, I was surprised that I was truly able to learn about OCD outside the confines of my own experiences. For instance, I was able to find research that supports the effectiveness of family-inclusive therapy. I was also able to learn that those who have OCD can be highly likely to also develop some other type of mental illness, such as depression and anxiety.

If I were to further to expand on this topic within my poetry, I would like to become more experimental and allow myself to further explore forms that I have not worked with before. To further expand on my research component, I would be interested in exploring different methods of OCD treatment. Overall, this research experience has left me with a sounder confidence in my abilities as a poet as well as a desire to explore OCD from a more research-based perspective.

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.

Investigating c-Fos as a Marker of Neural Activity in Planarians

Matthew Dodge, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biology (7-12) and minor in ASL

My research investigated a common model organism known as planaria, a freshwater flatworm known for its regenerative ability and unique structure. It is similar to vertebrates, or organisms with backbones, which is evident through the conserved neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine that is found in humans and planaria. This makes it a viable model organism for researchers to use in their laboratories.

However, little research has been done on the expression of a specific protein in planaria, known as c-Fos. It is produced by an Immediate Early Gene (IEG), meaning it has a rapid and transient production. In science, it is a known neural marker, meaning once the neuron is activated, the c-Fos protein is expressed and is visible under a confocal microscope for specific period of time. This information could be useful for a variety of reasons, including learning and memory research, mental health research, biomedicine, and specifically epilepsy, where neurons are activated and firing uncontrollably. By verifying the presence of c-Fos in planaria, we open the door for laboratories to expand epilepsy research and overcome financial burdens that come with vertebrate research.

Our research began by causing seizures in 20 worms using kainic acid, which activates neurons and causes synchronous, high-frequency firing. At 0 minutes, we killed 5 worms, then fixed them on a microscope slide. At 30, 120, and 240 minutes we repeated these steps. Once all the worms were fixed, we then observed the worms under a confocal microscope. It works similar to an MRI. It takes photos on individual planes of axis to create a high-resolution image that is unblurred by light coming from other angles. For instance, instead of taking a photo of an uncut cucumber, the confocal microscope would cut a thin slice out from the middle, then lay the slice flat and take a photo of it. The microscope will not only show us a 3D visual of the entire Planaria inside out, it will show us the fluorescence of the c-Fos protein. It shows up bright red in photos when present, and darker where it is not as present.

Each photo was analyzed on a software called ImageJ, which allowed me to calculate the amount of fluorescence specifically in the head and body of the flatworm. Once this data was collected, I created two line graphs to visualize the data over the course of 240 minutes. The data showed a temporal expression similar to that of vertebrates in the head. While not perfect, the repetition of this procedure with guidelines and protocols for confocal imaging will help us in the future. However, our data is promising and provides a foundation for the potential use of planaria as a model organism in neuroscience.

I expected this research to be trickier than it was, due to the first attempt being a little less than pleasant. We ran this experiment before measuring c-Fos expression using a Western Blot. This did not turn out as nicely as intended, leading to insufficient data to support our hypothesis. Having repeated the experiment again using a different approach, I am satisfied with the results, and happy with the work I put in.

This research can definitely be improved and implemented to build a strong foundation for the use of planaria as a model organism for neuroscience research. The validation of the presence of c-Fos would eliminate financial burdens caused by vertebrate research and allow for more accessible data. Further research can be done to evaluate the nervous system of planaria and map the areas of the brain firing under different stressors including seizures, chemical exposures, memorization, etc.

Our hypothesis was supported by the presence of a c-Fos-like temporal expression over the course of 240 minutes, specifically peaking at 30 minutes in the head of the planaria. While more research can be done to validate the presence of c-Fos, this lays the groundwork for further neuroscience research using a cheaper, small, and easier to handle model organism. Further research can be done to validate the presence of c-Fos and produce a nicer temporal expression.

This research experience granted me one of a kind access to equipment many students are unable to access. My favorite experience was using the confocal microscope, a one of a kind piece of equipment that takes beautiful images of planaria samples. Working in these settings invigorated my passion for learning. What also motivated me was the history of our school grounds and the Willowbrook State School. As a future New York City school teacher, being aware of the different learning disabilities that may impact your students and responding appropriately is necessary to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.

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.

Analyzing Malware Safely: A Virtual Lab for Cybersecurity Research

Evan Brown, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Computer Science 

For my capstone I created a virtual malware analysis lab, with the objective of having a fully functional and safe environment to run and analyze malware without any risk of causing real damage. Cybersecurity is my passion, and it is a vast and changing field. On my journey, I realized I had yet to uncover the world of malware analysis, which sparked my curiosity. I used to watch YouTube videos of detonation of malware, but now I could do it myself.

Malware and cyber threats continue to evolve, which makes it so important to have analysis in order to develop the proper counter measures and awareness. I had some general knowledge of how I would go about setting this kind of lab up beforehand. I knew I would need virtual machines, which are software computers inside your actual computer, to keep the effects of the malware isolated. I also knew there were a lot of safety precautions I would have to take and thoroughly familiarize myself with.

 

Once I chose the virtual machines I would be using, the setup process turned out to be long and challenging. Many of the tools I needed were sensitive downloads which led to many things going wrong. Any issue in a single download could lead to hours of troubleshooting. Many things did not download properly, were outdated, or were not available anymore entirely. These problems were frustrating, but I didn’t let it deter me and I eventually was able to set up everything that I wanted, or made compromises when I had to. That was the least fun part of the project, and I was glad to get it out of the way early.

 

The rest of the setup dealt with setting up a private network for the virtual machines, which didn’t cause too many problems. Surprisingly, once everything was set up, the rest of the safety precautions were easy to put in place and remember, relieving me slightly of the stress of beginning to run real world malware. I didn’t detonate my first piece of malware until I was absolutely sure it was properly isolated and safe. Despite my confidence and triple-checks that everything was ready, the first time was extremely nerve-wracking. After that however, it became easier and easier. Thankfully there have been no accidents so far.

 

The next major step was to learn how to analyze this malware I could now safely run. This was a very fun process to learn the techniques, and then immediately put them into use on my own desktop, which was incredibly rewarding.

 

The greatest part about this capstone is that there is no end to the techniques I can learn, and malware I can analyze. I may have the fundamentals down, but there is so much more to explore. With my lab fully operational, I can now focus entirely on expanding my knowledge. Overall this was an extremely insightful project opening a brand-new door to cybersecurity and a potential career field. My use of this lab is far from over, as I continue to expand my expertise in this field.

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.

Preparation and Characterization of Multi-Responsive Microgels for Controlled Drug Release

Hadi Abbas, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biochemistry and minor in Chemistry

For my capstone project, I investigated the preparation and characterization of multi-responsive microgels designed for controlled drug release. The main objective was to create a biocompatible, intelligent drug delivery system that could respond to environmental stimuli—specifically temperature and pH changes—to release therapeutics precisely at diseased sites while minimizing off-target effects.

Using oligo (ethylene glycol)-based polymers, I synthesized microgels crosslinked with dynamic boronate ester bonds. These microgels shrank in response to increased temperature and swelled in acidic environments, which simulated conditions like inflammation or tumors. The results demonstrated that drug release could be finely tuned by adjusting environmental conditions and crosslinker density, confirming the potential of these systems for targeted therapeutic delivery across a broad range of diseases.

I initially identified this research area by reading literature about smart biomaterials and their applications in personalized medicine. My primary motivation came from a desire to bridge materials science with healthcare innovation. Having seen firsthand, through volunteering in hospitals, how systemic side effects from cancer treatments affect patients, I became interested in how drug delivery could be made safer and more localized.

At the start, I expected the capstone to mostly involve straightforward lab work: synthesizing polymers, testing drug release, and gathering data. In reality, it was much more iterative and creative. Designing the polymer system required frequent adjustments, from tweaking monomer ratios to troubleshooting purification methods. It wasn't just about following a recipe — it was about understanding the behavior of materials and learning to adapt.

One major challenge was mastering the synthesis conditions. Small variations in temperature, stirring rates, or initiator concentrations drastically affected the size and uniformity of the microgels. Another challenge was learning to interpret dynamic light scattering data; the patterns were sometimes noisy and required careful calibration. On the easier side, preparing buffer solutions and conducting fluorescence measurements for drug loading were relatively straightforward tasks, as these were familiar techniques from previous coursework. A surprising aspect was how sensitive the microgels were to minor pH changes; even slight variations outside of expected ranges caused significant differences in swelling and drug release, underscoring how critical precise control is for real-world applications.

If I were to continue this research, I would explore integrating a third stimulus-responsiveness, such as redox-sensitivity, to make the system even more specific to cellular micro-environments. Redox-responsive bonds could trigger drug release inside cells that have high glutathione concentrations, such as tumor cells, adding another layer of precision. I would also test the microgels in more biologically relevant conditions, like serum-containing media, to understand how proteins might affect their behavior.

What I am taking away from this experience is the realization that research is both meticulous and imaginative. Success doesn't come just from technical skill—it comes from asking the right questions, designing clever experiments, and embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn. Working independently also built my confidence in experimental design and critical analysis. Finally, I developed a deeper appreciation for interdisciplinary research, as this project combined polymer chemistry, biomedical engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences. These lessons will stay with me as I pursue future opportunities in biomedical innovation.

Traits Associated with Range Sizes and Driver of Individual Species Diversity of American Birds

Morgan Novello, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biology, and minor in Italian

I did not know where to begin when it came to my capstone research. Luckily, I had just taken Professor Manne's biology statistics class and she was looking for students for an independent study. I responded right away to see what it was about. During out first meeting she mentioned that we would be studying birds and their traits, and I knew that this would be right for me. My grandad and I used to watch birds in the park when I was younger. He passed a little before the meeting and it gave me another chance to connect with him.

Research with Dr. Manne began by using the most significant traits of birds to see how they related to range size. When you think of birds you may assume that small birds move further because they have less weight to fly around. For instance, a larger body size may directly expand their range due to interactions with resources and environment, but having a larger body species leads to having lower reproductive rates.

So many different traits could mean so many things and we wanted to look into it further. There are many more traits that go into it such as habitat, diet, clutch size, dispersal ability, and fecundity. We took data from three parts of the US: Eastern, Western, and Spanning (meaning the area from east to west). Determining the importance of these traits would allow us to analyze multiple factors.

For the results, the direct relationship between range size and migratory behavior was positive and only significant in the western and eastern areas. Body size was positive everywhere but the east. This meant that in the east smaller body size meant bigger range size.

The next part we wanted to understand was the relationship between the number of individuals and the number of species in an area. In this study, we wanted to see which bird species drive changes in this relationship over time. We used long term (30 years) of bird abundance data. We also used the jackknife regression technique, which was so cool to me. We took one bird to see how the slope changed. By using this, we saw which species whose removal caused bigger changes in this relationship. It showed us patterns of biodiversity. The number of years that a species caused this change varied a lot and this suggested that not all species contributed equally to community structure. Range size was very significant in both the first and second parts of our research.

I expected this capstone to be challenging and it sure was. Writing this paper and reflecting on these past two years took a lot of effort and time. There was so much that went into it. It was not just about writing a paper. I had to research each of these birds and also use a coding platform (R studio). It took a lot of time but I feel very accomplished. What I am taking away from this research experience is my love for birds is renewed. It was so interesting learning all these things about them and doing all this research, and the statistical side of it and learning and using what I learned in class was a great application.

 

The Impact of Seasonality on Infant Motor Development

Lia Ohana, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Psychology

Within my first week after joining the research lab with Dr. Sarah Berger, I knew I wanted to be part of the Nanit project, which explores how infant sleep is affected around the time of motor skill onset. While collecting data, I began noticing differences in the ages at which babies were reaching milestones, which made me wonder what might be causing these variations. As I continued working, I read more about motor development and came across an article discussing how season of birth might influence the timing of milestone achievement. That idea interested me, and it ultimately inspired me to focus my honors thesis on the potential effects of seasonality and sleepwear on motor milestone timing.

My research provided a new perspective by monitoring infants over several nights and considering sleepwear patterns, which could affect how future studies interpret the effects of seasonality on motor development. Even though I didn't find conclusive evidence that season or sleepwear delays motor milestones, the project helped me understand how environmental factors like weather and clothing, could interact with motor development.

Through this experience I learned that research is not just about data, rather interpretation, building on previous studies, and continuously learning throughout the process. Additionally, I learned that not finding significant results still provides valuable insights.

While my research revealed no significant seasonal variations in milestone timing or sleepwear use, it did show how caregiver routines, such as regularly using sleep sacks, may lessen seasonal variation. To better understand how seasonal clothing patterns may affect infants' opportunities for movement and motor development, future research should expand on this study by examining clothing worn during the day in addition to sleepwear.

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 expanded 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.

Impact of Night Shift on the Mental Health of Nurses

Melanie Akilova, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Nursing 

After conducting research and trying to find the perfect topic to develop a capstone on, I landed on mental health and the impact it holds on nurses who work the night shift. I was inspired by reading blogs and listening to stories on how some nurses do not enjoy working the night shift due to the impact it has on their mental and physical well-being.

I learned a lot while developing the paper and the poster and I would like to share this experience with others to prepare them for their capstone as a Verrazzano student.

Originally, I was lost on how to begin my research, what websites to look for, which articles to apply, and how to narrow down my search. I reached out to my mentor, Professor Hunton, in the Nursing department. She helped me tremendously in making this capstone come to life. My biggest advice to anyone starting their capstone is, do not wait until the last minute and research something you are interested in and passionate about!

My capstone highlights how disruption of sleep patterns can significantly impact a nurses’ wellbeing, causing them to feel burnout, increase the likelihood of making mistakes, and possibly struggle with mental health issues. I discovered that young and less experienced nurses are the most vulnerable population within nursing, which applies to me. To help minimize these effects for me as a new graduate nurse, I have learned that I need to have a consistent sleeping routine, even on days off, and practice relaxation techniques to ease the mind and body.

With all this information at hand, I had to sit down and put everything on paper which seemed easier said than done. After sorting out and trying to cut down bits and pieces of data, I found myself having a hard time meeting the 12-page count requirement, even when I thought this topic would be detail heavy enough to write continuously.

Throughout my capstone experience I learned the importance of mental health, which is a topic that is not discussed as openly as it should be. Devoting every single hour of my day to develop my paper showed me how dedicated I was in voicing this idea to the nursing community.

The most important takeaway is, always advocate for yourself and put your well-being before others. Feeling burnt out as a nurse is more likely to do harm than good and can put patients at risk. Taking a mental health day, learning how to say no, and going to sleep a few hours earlier on days of work can tremendously play a role in improving mental health.

The Impacts of Cyanobacteria on the Mammalian Microbiome

Richard Verdi, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completing majors in Biology and Psychology, and minor in Geography

I identified my research area by trying to find a commonality between my mentor, Dr. Efting, and my own interests. I am a double major in psychology and biology, I wanted to try to incorporate both of these aspects into my capstone project. Dr. Efting is interested in cyanobacteria, one of the oldest organisms on Earth, so I attempted to find an association of her topic of interest with another subject that intrigued me.

I found that there are not only cyanobacteria in our environment, but that it’s on our skin, in our oral cavity, and in our gut. These three locations are the primary microbiomes on the human body that inhabit a variety of bacterial groups and aid in maintaining homeostasis, with cyanobacteria making up a very small portion of each.

My capstone project aligned our research interests and came up with the question of how the cyanobacteria in our microbiome could affect mammals in several ways. I found that it plays a role in certain diseases, as the number of cyanobacteria fluctuate in one of the microbial sites on the body, resulting in a dysbiotic, or unbalanced state of bacteria. This state reduces homeostasis and has many negative effects on the human body.

I was happy to be able to relate the overarching question to the field of psychology as well, because cyanobacteria produce certain toxins called neurotoxins that deplete neurons in the body. This realization helped me connect diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS, diseases that cause neuron depletion, to the cyanobacteria producing toxins in the environment.

I was motivated to determine if cyanobacteria within our microbiome specifically can create toxins in our bodies, resulting in the development of a certain disease. This question has never been explored nor answered, so I took advantage of this opportunity to complete my capstone on this topic and tried to find out if the claim was truly possible.

Exposure to cyanobacteria, especially for people who live near contaminated lakes, is an issue in society that should be more known due to the many negative effects that this exposure can cause.

After finalizing my capstone, I was not able to determine any definitive results that toxins can be produced in the human microbiome itself. However, I have confirmed that cyanobacteria and its toxins can enter the mammalian body in a variety of ways, resulting in the development of certain diseases. The type of disease can impact the number of cyanobacteria in our microbiome including breast cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and many neurodegenerative diseases.

I would further expand on the topic by looking deeper into the features of cyanobacteria in our microbiome to determine if there is any way that they can produce toxins there without the connection to the external environment around us.

I expected this capstone to be very literature based, which it was since it would be a health hazard to make direct contact with cyanobacteria contaminated lakes and would be nearly impossible to get samples from individuals to determine the cyanobacteria in the microbiomes. Organizing the information gathered and finding the articles to record the necessary information was the most difficult part of the project, while putting together the essay itself was the easiest part since I organized my evidence properly.

The aspect of the project that surprised me the most was how in-depth it was and how many references I used, as I did not expect to find over 500 articles for references. I am glad to have acquired knowledge about a biological topic and that I was able to incorporate a few psychology aspects into the project. I am also grateful to have worked with Dr. Efting over the past year as well. She has made me a better writer in the process and dedicated her time to assisting me with this project. Overall, I am proud of this research and learned a lot of information. It was a great and productive experience.

Have You Ever Thought About the Second Person?

Gianna Liantonio, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in English Writing and minors in ASL and Italian

I wrote a critical analysis on the creative nonfiction essay, "You Are the Second Person" by Kiese Laymon, with Professor Cate Marvin as my mentor. We explored the different themes of the essay such as racism, prejudice, family, health and revelation.

Kiese Laymon wrote about his experience working under a toxic editor for five years to gain his approval, but realized in the end he was not going to get his book published. He decided to put himself first and write what he wanted to write, publishing many books and essays.

He is a strong advocate for Black writers and is authentic in his work, never filtering what he knows is important to be said. He writes from the heart and if it’s not real, it has no business getting published. He wants to be able to stand by his work years later, but said there is no shame in revising over and over. He has revised works that seemed perfect at the time, but wanted to make them even better. He is a hard-working writer who, from this experience, learned the types of books he wants to write and would not let anyone dictate the topics he includes.

I read the essay in Professor Marvin’s creative writing class, and appreciated Laymon’s realistic view of the publishing world that you normally would not hear about. I enjoyed reading and learning about Laymon and his experience and identified with this piece because I hope to one day work in publishing and editing.

I knew I wanted to do a creative writing project of some kind for my capstone and felt Professor Marvin would be the perfect mentor. I enjoyed her class immensely and learned a lot to help me become a better writer.

The capstone was a summary of the essay and delved into different themes we discovered as I was writing. I realized I had more I could write about than I initially thought, gaining new insights each time I read the essay.

The biggest challenge was the page count and being able to write new ideas without repeating myself, and I was surprised with how many pages I ended up with at the end. I did enjoy writing this paper as it helped me interpret the essay in different ways and discover more themes than I initially saw. The easy part was that I enjoyed reading the essay over and over, analyzing different parts, and seeing details I may have missed the first time.

Once I had a steady outline I was able to write a lot, with new ideas blossoming every second. When I did get stuck, Professor Marvin helped me find more aspects of the essay to write about, and that helped me finish it.

Even though Laymon's essay had the same amount of words each time I read it, I gained a new perspective each time. For example, he wrote about a man he observed outside his window. Each time I read it, I thought of different reasons why he included that in this piece.

I could expand this piece with in-depth writing on his other essays and novels, or how there are two sides to the publishing world, one of which is rarely heard about.

What I take away from this research experience is that I feel like I know Kiese Laymon by reading through his words and eyes. The essay was in second person, which had us walk in his shoes during his experience and helped the reader to empathize and understand his situation.

I enjoy analyzing works of literature and finding the deeper meanings behind a line or paragraph. I enjoyed writing this paper and even though it was challenging at times, I had fun delving into different themes and aspects. I want to read more of Laymon’s works and see similarities and differences in his writing. He is a talented writer who writes what he believes no matter what anyone says. 

 

Exploring the Role of Collagens (COL13A1, 14A1, 15A1) in Head and Neck Cancer

 Aisha Yousaf, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biology

Conducting my research project on the role of collagen genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been an incredibly rewarding academic and personal journey. When I first began this project, I had a general interest in head and neck cancer biology and the roles of the collagen gene family and the extracellular matrix. I didn’t fully realize how much the tumor’s surrounding structure could impact patient survival, treatment outcomes, and even the future of personalized medicine. Through months of literature review, data analysis, and discussions with my mentor, Dr. Nancy Liu-Sullivan, I’ve come to appreciate how complex and dynamic the tumor microenvironment really is.

One of the most important things I learned throughout this process is that cancer research isn’t just about targeting the tumor itself but it’s also about understanding the complex environment in which it exists. I had always thought of collagen as a structural support protein, but through my research, I discovered that different types of collagen can either promote or suppress tumor progression. Investigating COL13A1, COL14A1, and COL15A1 helped me see how even small differences in gene expression can impact overall survival for patients with HNSCC. It was both eye opening and empowering to work with real world RNA-seq data and generate Kaplan-Meier survival plots to draw meaningful conclusions about cancer outcomes.

Beyond the science, this project taught me the importance of staying curious, being persistent, and learning from mentors. The support I received helped me think more clearly, ask better questions, and solve problems in a more thoughtful way. I now feel more confident reading scientific articles, working with data, and talking about cancer biology and treatment. Most importantly, this research has motivated me to keep studying how diseases work at the molecular level and explore how discoveries in the lab/research studies can improve patient care.

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, 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