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.

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 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.

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.

The Impact of Vision Impairment on Development and Daily Life in Young Adults & Children

Merna Mikhail, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Psychology

For my capstone project, I chose to research a topic that deeply interests me and aligns with my career goals. I aimed to combine my psychology major with my goal of becoming an optometrist by exploring vision impairment and its impact on the development and daily life in children and young adults. The objective of my research was to gain a deeper understanding of how adolescents and children with vision impairments navigate their daily lives, including the challenges and limitations they may face whether in school, social relationships, or personal development. Additionally, I wanted to explore how vision impairment influences self-esteem and confidence, which can have broader effects on various aspects of life.

During my literature review, I came across some unexpected findings. For instance, one study revealed that adolescents with severe vision impairments reported the highest sense of school belonging compared to their sighted peers and those with milder visual impairments. This was surprising because one might assume that greater vision impairment would correlate with increased struggles in social integration.

However, this study challenged that assumption, highlighting the complexity of individual experiences. One of the most significant takeaways from my research is that no two cases are the same; there is no universal standard for how vision impairment affects a person’s life. Each individual experiences and copes with their impairment differently. Some grow up in supportive environments that encourage independence, while others may not have access to the same resources or support, leading to greater feelings of limitation. Through my research, I also discovered various tools, such as assistive apps, that help individuals with vision impairments navigate daily challenges.

Pursuing a career in optometry means that I will work with a diverse range of patients, including children and adolescents with varying degrees of vision impairment. This research has provided me with valuable insight into their experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms. Additionally, it has broadened my perspective on how society can better support individuals with vision impairments.

Initially, I expected my capstone to be just another project, something to complete and move on from. However, it turned out to be a profoundly eye-opening experience that provided me with new perspectives and meaningful knowledge. One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding the right sources, as locating relevant and credible studies required extensive research. Fortunately meeting with my mentor, Professor Louis Rotondo, helped me refine my focus and identify key areas to explore.

Looking ahead, I would love to expand this research by shifting the focus to adults with vision impairments. Understanding how they manage daily life, their self-perceptions, and their coping strategies could provide even more valuable insight into the lifelong impact of vision impairment.

Ultimately, this experience has reinforced the importance of being open to learning and embracing the unexpected. I now understand that research is not just about finding answers but about uncovering new perspectives that challenge assumptions. This project has been both enlightening and rewarding, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned in my future career.

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, yet profoundly impactful 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 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.

Understanding Relationship Dynamics of Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Researching Therapeutic Interventions in Alzheimer's Care

Mennah Hegazi, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology

In my undergraduate research study, Unlocking Hope: The Efficacy of Therapeutic Interventions in Alzheimer's Care, I had the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of Alzheimer's disease and explore potential non-pharmacological therapies. The study provided a unique lens through which I could understand the limitations of traditional pharmacological approaches and the emerging need for alternative therapies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by this complex condition.

The research process began with an in-depth systematic review of peer-reviewed articles, allowing me to examine various non-pharmacological therapies such as art therapy, reminiscence therapy, physical exercises, cognitive stimulation, and music therapy. This comprehensive analysis highlighted how these interventions can significantly enhance the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients, promoting better daily living activities, cognitive functions, and emotional well-being.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this study was discovering the positive impact of non-pharmacological therapies on both patients and their caregivers. These therapies offer a holistic approach that goes beyond merely managing symptoms; they focus on enhancing the overall well-being of individuals and supporting their emotional and psychological needs. Observing the growing acceptance and implementation of these alternative therapies within the healthcare community was both inspiring and encouraging.

As I progressed through the research, I became more aware of the gaps in existing literature and the need for further evaluations to fully comprehend the complexity of therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease. This experience underscored the importance of continued research and innovation in this field to develop comprehensive care strategies.

Ultimately, this study reinforced my belief in the potential of non-pharmacological therapies as an effective and affordable approach to optimizing Alzheimer's treatment. It also instilled in me a sense of responsibility to contribute to the ongoing exploration and development of alternative therapies. The experience was not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply meaningful, as it shed light on the potential to unlock hope for Alzheimer's patients and their loved ones.

Capstone: The Art of Creating a Film

Robert Lenza, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed majors in Cinema Studies Production and Psychology 

When I was accepted into Verrazzano Honors at the College of Staten Island, I had no clue what I was going to do for my senior capstone project and what I was going to present at the Undergraduate Research conference (URC). I knew I had interests in film, psychology, and history, but couldn’t put together the picture of what I’d be presenting yet. Throughout my college years taking film classes, I was inspired to create many stories that I wanted to tell through the big screen.

One of those stories was Will, which tells the story of young man suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) coming face-to-face with his disorder. What I love so much about Will is that it takes a commonly referred to and discussed psychological disorder and tells the story of the inner struggle of the sufferer in a unique way. The OCD is represented as a character within the film through an exact lookalike of the main character.

Being a cinema production major, I chose to have Will be the film for my senior thesis project. It was an ambitious, complex project, so I thought it was the right move in making it my thesis. I had the opportunity to work on new filmmaking techniques and methods, such as the dolly zoom, Dutch angles, voice-over, musical score, as well as lighting and editing experimentation that helped bring my story to life.

Once I decided on Will being the film for my film production thesis, it wasn’t long before I realized using it for my capstone project would be a great idea as well. Not only would it be a good experience for me to present at the URC, but it would also allow a wider population of people to experience a new take on expressing mental health through film.

What separates this project from the other projects I have worked on is just how many people were involved. Prior to this project, I had mainly worked on my films alone or with one or two people. With this project, the list goes on with the number of people that helped out, even if it was just for a limited time.

With that, however, came some struggles. Having many people involved in a celebrative project such as this, it can often be a challenge to stay organized, make schedules, and have a clear, full-focused mind on the goals in the distance. The reality of it all is that filmmaking is not easy, but it’s the experience you get from it that makes it worth it. Yes, there were some low-points, but I learned as much if not more from the low-points as I did the many high-points during the production. This project served as an eye-opener to what it may be like to do this kind of thing as a job one day.

Overall, I can confidently say that this project has better prepared me for the next project that I work on, and I think that is incredibly important because filmmaking is a craft, and there’s always room for improvement. I am grateful that I got to work with so many people, some of whom I had never met before until working on this project. I am really glad I got to make a film that means a lot to me, while also learning new methods and techniques of filmmaking through my technical film production goals.

Afto-Latinx Youth: A review of Literature and Clinical Recommendations

Kelly Calixto, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology

For my final project, I wanted to choose a topic that I was passionate about. Being a Latina of immigrant parents, I knew the hardships Latinos face from society which made me want to shed light on the Afro-Latinx immigrant youth community. My project was a literature review that focused on how discrimination affects the mental health of Afro-Latinx Immigrant Youth Community.

While researching this topic I learned that this community is not only ignored by society, but also in the psychological world. While looking for articles I saw how not many research studies are done on this specific community. Many research studies focus on either Latinos in general or immigrant Latinos, but rarely focus on the Afro Latinx immigrant youth community and how they are affected.

Another thing I learned was how not only discrimination against their race, ethnicity, and legal status affects them, but how the sense of cultural homelessness made this group feel isolated. Many Afro Latinx immigrants suffer from cultural homelessness because of the sense of not belonging. These individuals go through questioning their belonging to their Latin American culture and African culture, as well as adapting to the United States culture.

In this literature review, I created a research suggestion that would assist in identifying how discrimination plays a significant role on mental health for the Afro Latinx immigrant youth community. I also recommended clinical practices such as cross-cultural training and suggesting research outputs in schools for immigrant youth.

This capstone not only educated me on Afro Latinx immigrant community but encouraged me to learn about my growth as a student. When I first began the Verrazzano Honors program and heard of the capstone, I was intimidated and thought that successfully completing the department’s requirements would be unattainable. I realize now that completing the capstone allows me to recognize my growth.

I would like to thank Professor Roger-Sirens for being an amazing mentor throughout this journey. She inspired me to complete my capstone, and shed light on this community after taking her class in the spring semester of 2023. She  continued to push and motivate me throughout this process.

I now aspire to work in minority communities and be the therapist that individuals can feel comfortable relying on.

Meta-Analysis on Emotion Regulation and Language

Nicole Damiani, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology and minor in ASL

I began my capstone during the fall 2022 semester, and familiarized myself with Dr. Patricia Brook’s research lab. I worked as a research assistant, helping graduate students with their studies either by via Zoom and with in-person sessions. I continued in spring 2023 in the lab for independent study credit, and continued working until I found a subject I was interested in. I worked one-on-one with a graduate student, Elizabeth Che, and the topic of our research was investigating the role that developmental language disorder (DLD) has on emotion recognition, understanding, and regulation within both DLD and non-DLD children. We decided to conduct a meta-analysis, a huge combination of research papers all analyzed and extracted into one paper. We extracted data from each study to obtain raw numbers for our figures.

I began writing my honors thesis in fall 2023, meeting with Liz and/or Patty every Monday via Zoom or in-person. We would set goals for the week which kept me on track, and I would spend hours every weekend on my paper. At the end of March 2024, my thesis was approved so I could obtain honors in the major of Psychology. The journey was not finished yet, as I also began my poster for the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) on May 2^nd.

My paper will eventually be submitted for publication, which means that I am still updating my work. Overall, I am grateful I have experienced working on an honors thesis. I believe that this was a major reason I have been accepted into one of CSI’s very selective graduate programs. While I do not plan on pursuing research in the future, my experience has been a rewarding and unique opportunity.

The Happiness of Chinese Immigration in the United States: Past, Present, and Future

Giselle Chen, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology & Philosophy

As a child of immigrant parents, I often find myself wondering if my parents are satisfied and content with their lives. My father immigrated to the United States of America long before I was born. He had to temporarily say goodbye to my mother and older sister who were living back home in a small village called Taishan of Guangdong, China. Eventually, my mother and older sister joined my father in the U.S., and then I was born. When I was born, my family had to take me back to China so my uncle and aunt could take care of me while my family worked hard to be financially stable.

Growing up, we lived in a cramped basement. I was often ashamed of the living conditions and envied my classmates that lived in single-family private homes. In order to make a bit more money, my mom and I would collect cans and recycle them for five cents each. I always found myself embarrassed to be seen in public by my classmates. I would be embarrassed to bring dumplings to elementary school because my classmates found it stinky. While my older sister had to learn English at 11-years-old, I was trying to retain my parents’ native language, Taishanese.

Now at 22 years old, I understand that my parents were doing their best to always ensure that my siblings and I had a roof over our heads, full stomachs, clothes to wear, and resilience—even if it meant detracting from their own happiness. At 22 years old, I still see Chinese elders rummaging through the trash cans of Chinatown to collect recycling cans.

Professor Stephen Morris’ senior seminar course on the nature of happiness inspired me to develop my capstone on the experience of Chinese immigrants in the U.S., and how immigration has impacted their happiness and life-satisfaction. It is established that a high level of life-satisfaction is positively correlated to education and income. Typically, on average, Asian Americans tend to have higher levels of education and income. Therefore, they should also have higher life-satisfaction and be happier. But this was not the case, and I was very interested and determined to investigate why this was the case.

During my research, a consistent finding in over 33 studies was that Asian Americans significantly score lower on life-satisfaction when compared to European Americans, but did not significantly differ to Asian populations. This was due to a combination of both cultural values and a myriad of factors due to immigration. These factors included income, education, discrimination, acculturation stress, collectivism, and acculturation gaps between different generations.

Moving forward, immigration itself (no matter the nationality or ethnicity) is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, with a long and rich history. Regardless of one’s political or personal beliefs, it is important to remember that immigrants too are human beings. To understand and to heal is to see beyond what we have experienced and what we have known throughout our lives.

 

 

 

           

 

A Reflection on The Miseducation of Cameron Post and the Harms of Conversion Therapy

Hunter Guttenplan, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology and minors in English Literature and Political Science

My capstone project was about the negative effects of conversion therapy and how it is portrayed in The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth, as well as research on how the portrayal of conversion therapy in the novel relates to conversion therapy in the United States.

I learned a lot about conversion therapy with the assistance of my former English Professor, Harry Thorne. I took his Coming of Age Narratives class, and we read a book called The Miseducation of Cameron Post. The novel immediately captivated me. Reading a young adult novel about mental health and psychotherapy was very enjoyable, especially as a Psychology major. The novel was so enjoyable that I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do for my capstone project. I could combine two of my academic interests, English and Psychology.

The results I found in the research were actually exactly as I expected. The representation of the oppression of people with queer identities in The Miseducation of Cameron Post was supported by real-world statistics. I learned a lot about Gender Dysphoria, therapeutic interventions in relation to conversion therapy, the fact that people in the LGBTQIA+ community are eight times more likely to report having attempted suicide, almost six times more likely to report high levels of depression, more than three times as likely to use illegal drugs, and are three times more likely to be at high risk of HIV and other STDs. I also learned about the public opinion in the United States regarding conversion therapy, and the influence of negative beliefs and clinical competence on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual individuals.

One of the most interesting parts in my opinion was the high economic burden of conversion therapy. To be more precise, that economic burden is about nine billion dollars, which is outrageous.

If I were to continue developing this project, I would research the difference in conversion therapy throughout the years, as well as look at countries other than the United States. That way I can broaden my research on the issue since it doesn’t just apply to our country. I would also look at the difference in how conversion therapy was done throughout the decades. For example, I assume that conversion therapy was done differently in 1975 than it is now, especially due to the fact that homosexuality was not as socially acceptable back then as it is now.

It was a pleasure to work on this project under the guidance of Professor Thorne, and it was a rewarding experience doing this capstone project for the Verrazzano Honors Program.

 

Perspective Shifts: Understanding Both Sides of Growth with Psychology

 Food Taang Zheng Gimenez, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Psychology and minor in Spanish

Throughout the challenging journey of completing my capstone, I held onto the expectation of a seamless and timely conclusion, balancing the myriad responsibilities associated with graduation, my job, and other commitments. Navigating this intricate web of tasks not only taught me time management but also instilled in me the importance of resilience. Juggling these responsibilities compelled me to master the art of not just meeting deadlines but doing so with a keen sense of quality and precision. In terms of personal growth, I learned effective time management and discovered the invaluable skill of recognizing when to pause and recharge during moments of saturation. As I worked on this project alongside my mentor, the depth of my academic exploration expanded.

The journey was not just about completing a capstone; it was a transformative process where I acquired my ability to sift through vast amounts of information, distinguishing between what was essential and what was not. The effort that I set not only improved the solidity of my papers but also elevated my approach to academic research, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of the materials vital for my education and my capstone. This journey showed me that challenges are not just hurdles but opportunities for growth and refinement.

My capstone revolves around the topic of bullying. Initially, I attempted to focus on the victims, but considering the abundance of research in that area, I decided to take a different approach and shifted my focus to explore the perspective of the bully.

To be honest, I harbored negative feelings towards bullies, influenced by my proximity to individuals who were victims of those situations. However, as I researched for this capstone, my perspective underwent a complete transformation. I now see this as a significant personal growth journey. The title of my Capstone is, “Bullying, Factors and Rehabilitation: The Perspective from the Bully and the Factors that Can Contribute to Bullying”.

With my major of Psychology, I aspire to become a School Counselor, and this capstone has immensely broadened my understanding, emphasizing the importance of considering both sides of the bullying dynamic. It has become a valuable addition to my knowledge base, providing insights that will undoubtedly shape my future role in guiding and supporting individuals.

Collaborating with Professor Valkiria Duran-Narucki, I not only gained the skills to analyze data, construct more precise arguments, and critically examine academic articles, but also discovered the transformative impact of mentorship. Professor Narucki's guidance extended beyond the technicalities of my capstone, providing insights into the broader landscape of academic and professional growth. The mentor-student dynamic was not just about receiving instructions; it became a dialogue that enriched my perspectives and fostered intellectual curiosity.

This experience underscored the crucial role that mentorship plays in shaping not only academic endeavors but also personal and professional development. It reaffirmed the belief that having a mentor like her is an investment in one's journey, offering not just guidance but a supportive partnership that propels you toward your goals.

Studying Verbal Development with Tajik Children

 Nada Haikel, Verrazzano Class of 2023, completed major in Psychology & minor in Biology

 As a psychology student, I have always had an interest in child development. When I first came across the flyer for Dr. Karasik’s research lab, I figured it would be an interesting addition to my curriculum during my final year of undergraduate studies. Not only was it an intriguing culture and development research lab, but it also meant I wouldn’t have to take an extra class to complete my degree.

As I joined the lab and learned about the several ongoing projects Dr. Karasik had been working on, I quickly found myself interested in one regarding Tajik infants interacting with a novel toy in a longitudinal study. Working with several graduate and undergraduate students, we coded and discussed data until we completed the project in a matter of weeks.

Although I spent a majority of the first semester of my final year working on this project, it’s not what I decided to use for my capstone. Using the same data set, we developed more questions including the ones used for my capstone. Rather than looking at the development of Tajik children, we looked at the verbal information given by the mothers of the infants during this particularly challenging task.

When the time came to submit my capstone abstract, I remember panicking and not knowing what to write for a one-page double-spaced abstract on a project I had been working on for nearly two semesters. With a few encouraging words from Cheryl, I pushed through and finally submitted my abstract.

Looking back, it really shouldn’t have been that hard to write. After all, psychology majors don’t write 10-page papers to then get stuck on writing just one page. I am grateful for the experiences that I’ve had doing research with an incredible group of people and the having the best moral support system.

Effectiveness of Medications on Affective Disorders

Krystle Chapple, Verrazzano Honors Class of 2023, completed major in Medical Laboratory Science, with minors in ASL, Biochemistry, and Psychology

My capstone idea began when I took a spring 2018 class, Cognitive Psychology, taught by Dr. Daniel Kaplin. It was interesting and informative, and was and still is one of my favorite classes.
The timing happened to be at a crossroads when my partner was dealing with depression. He had been given many medications, but none of them worked. He wasn’t the only one. Many people I knew who took antidepressants shared with me how ineffective they were. I thought that was interesting as this happened to be one of the topics in my class at the time, and something clicked for me after learning the material. I mentioned it to my professor who was very excited by my idea and urged me to explore it.
With his help, I did some digging and we found that this idea had merit. I came up with a possible reason why antidepressants are not effective for so many people and my professor suggested it might make for a good research review. I held onto that idea for years and I was so glad that I got to do it for my capstone.
I learned so much about what goes into writing a research review, which involves a lot of reading. I must have read well over one hundred research papers. As a consequence, I learned a lot more about the topic I was writing about. It was very exciting to find that after all of my reading, my idea still held up.
I think one of the most valuable things my mentor taught me was how to organize. There were so many papers and so much information. They gave me a base to work off of and I also developed my own methods for keeping all the information organized. I used an Excel spreadsheet to track my papers and did the citations right away so that at the end I didn't have to go crazy hunting and creating citations. This was the best decision I could have made. This paper had more citations than any paper I’ve ever written but it took me the least amount of time.
My experience writing this research review has been an invaluable experience. One thing I’ve taken away from CSI is that I enjoy research and I want to continue doing research in my career. This was a great step in teaching me what goes into writing formal academic papers for this field and the skills I’ve learned here will continue to serve me.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health

Kyle Hapuarachchi, Verrazzano Class of 2023, completed major in Biology Health Science Science 

When thinking about my capstone, I knew I wanted to work with Psychology and how the mental health in the U.S. differs to the mental health of third world countries. With some adaptation and the help of my mentor Professor Sukhram, we came up with the idea of the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of both college students and frontline healthcare workers (FHCWs).

My purpose in doing this research was to ensure that the mental health issues that arose during the pandemic would be mitigated in the case of another mental health crisis.

In order to do this narrative review in a structured way, I looked at four different studies. Two of the studies dealt with CUNY students that had mental health issues, while the other two studies were about frontline healthcare workers and their struggles with mental health during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

I think recognizing the areas that make for poor mental health is important to understand. As a CUNY student and someone who wants to work in the healthcare field, it is important to understand the potential mental health crises I may be working in.

With the help of Professor Sukhram and the Writing Center, I was able to write an insightful narrative review that explained the importance of looking at mental health issues due to COVID-19. My mentor assisted me with similar peer-reviewed articles to read since I had been unsure on what to do and how to format my paper. This allowed me to get used to another version of writing reports; it was a completely new ballgame. Understanding the difference between facts and opinion was something that I had to get accustomed to. 

Overall, working on this project showed me that although things are tough in the beginning there is a light at the end of the tunnel in which you will find success. 

 

The Inside Coming Out: The History of Psychology Through Art Movements

 Lorianna Fernandez, Verrazzano Class of 2022, completed major in Art and minor in Psychology 

 

The time creating my capstone was filled with long days, long nights, self-doubt, short bursts where I felt confident in my work, and a very hard lesson in the utilization of proper ventilation using oil paints and solvents.

This process really made it pertinent that I had to get into the mindset of an artist of a certain movement. It had to go a step beyond simply imitating, to get the structure and elements across. It helped me as an artist figure out my own personal style and see my commonalities among the paintings, as well as things I felt uncomfortable with or would not do in my own work. I also gained an even deeper understanding of how psychology affects art and how the two are so similar.

In my psychology and art classes, I am always shocked at the polarizing amount of people who are involved in studying both avenues, some in hopes to combine them as a career, so it was charming to see that they have always been closely tied to each other.

If this topic was going to be further researched, there could definitely be more art movements incorporated. There are thousands of niche art movements dating from the Renaissance to now, and a lot of significant events in the realm of psychology that could be discussed. There could be a much lengthier introspection of artists in each movement and investigating their own personal lives and how their art movement reflects that as well as the significant trends in psychology at their time. I feel like this would be a very interesting look into the artists that we are familiar with but also ones we have not heard of yet. This was overall a really interesting and personally stimulating project and I am happy about everything I could take away from it.

 

Researching Infants Developmental Abilities

 Haley Essig, Verrazzano Class of 2022, completed major in Psychology and minor in ASL 

I've always been interested in research as a Psychology major. During my junior year, I worked as a research assistant in the Child Development Lab with Dr. Berger, who supported and guided me throughout my journey. With my interest in psychology and desire to work with children, I thought this would be ideal. We were curious to see if and how an infants' ability to sit affected their ability to focus their attention because they mastered both abilities throughout the second half of their first year.

To accomplish this, we observed multiple 6–8-month old infants as they explored toys, either supported (in a high-chair) or independently (while sitting on the floor). This study was carried out online, with parents using a webcam or phone camera to record their children's focused attention and sitting ability. We instructed the parent to give three toys to the infant for 90 seconds at a time and observe how they explored. 

For the first two semesters, we collected data and coded it for interpretation. During the third semester, I collaborated with graduate students on the manuscript and worked on my capstone project. This project was difficult at times, but I believe the payoff was well worth it. I'd previously studied motor development in my psychology classes but becoming a participant in that study was a whole different experience. I thought it would be a good idea to include these ideas into my capstone project, as I was already drafting the manuscript alongside a fellow graduate student. 

Finding a means to explain the facts and make it understandable to an outside audience was the most challenging aspect of the capstone, and I am grateful for the increased knowledge and experience I gained. My mentors and classmates were supportive and helpful in the process of guiding me through my research and writing my capstone. I had many moments of doubt, worry, and fear about whether I would be able to complete this task. Despite all these difficult emotions, this project is one of the things I am most proud of from my undergraduate years. It piqued my interest and curiosity, taught me perseverance, and helped me gain knowledge in the fields of psychology and motor development.