Awards 2025

Undergraduate Student Researcher of the Year: Natural Sciences

My name is Ahad Shabazz-Henry and I am currently a senior majoring in the 5-year Biotechnology BS/MS program in the School of Integrative Science and Technology. I have been working in the Niepielko lab for four years now and have been involved in investigating how genetic mechanisms influence the formation of Primordial Germ Cells (PGC), cells that are essential for animal reproduction, in Drosophila (fruit flies). Through my research, I have been blessed with many accomplishments and opportunities. I have had the opportunity to be a visiting research scientist at Princeton University, where I trained in cell culture within the Gavis Lab in the Department of Molecular Biology. I have had the opportunity to present our research at international conferences while also being a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Finnerty Travel Award from the Genetics Society of America. I am also thankful to be an undergraduate co-author of a published research article in a prestigious journal. All of this could not have been possible without the support of my parents, Dr. Niepielko, and my lovely lab mates and I hope to continue with my love for research by pursuing a PhD.

Cougars Climb Higher!

Undergraduate Student Researcher of the Year: Social Sciences

My name is Nicholas Chatzopoulos and I am a senior in the Michael Graves College, School of Public Architecture at Kean University. I am an extremely eager student who is fascinated by the principle of using architecture as a tool to strengthen and promote growth within communities. I seek to both carry and further explore these principles in my professional career as a future architect as well as an incoming graduate student. Aside from academics, I am a member of various on campus organizations such as AIAS Kean and Phi Kappa Phi.

Undergraduate Student Researcher of the Year: Formal Sciences

As a senior Computer Science student at Kean University, I bring a diverse background in business, technology, and research. Originally from Peru, my technology journey was shaped by exposure to business operations and data visualization, which later evolved into a passion for transforming data through artificial intelligence. I aspire to become a technology innovator, leveraging my knowledge and experience in Computer Science to develop AI-driven solutions that are both efficient and accessible to my community. My goal is to create technologies that enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and bridge gaps in accessibility through AI.

I am eager to explore cutting-edge technologies and develop innovative solutions. My research interests span Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), Big Data, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) frameworks, and sentiment analysis. I am driven by a curiosity to solve complex problems and continuously seek new approaches to improving information retrieval and analysis.

My research journey has allowed me to work on interdisciplinary projects in business and law, applying AI-driven methodologies to tackle real-world challenges. Under the guidance of Dr. Kumar, I have explored multilingual AI systems, data processing techniques, and machine learning applications, contributing to advancements in AI-driven analytics. Kean University has played a crucial role in my development as a researcher by providing infrastructure, mentorship, and opportunities to engage with advanced technologies. The university's research programs and student-led initiatives have encouraged me to deepen my understanding of AI and its applications, as well as collaborate with faculty and peers in meaningful research endeavors.

Publications:

• Kumar, Y., Marchena, J., Awlla, A. H., Li, J. J., & Abdalla, H. B. (2024). The AI-Powered Evolution of Big Data. Applied Sciences, 14(22), 10176.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10176

• ⁠Kumar, Y., Marchena, J., Guzman, S., Kruger, D., & Li, J. J. (2025, March). Comparative Analysis of RAG-based Methods for Multilingual SwarmLexI. In

Proceedings of the 2025 Intelligent Systems Conference (will be presented in August 2025). Cham: Springer International Publishing. (Accepted)

• ⁠Abdalla H.B., Kumar Y., Marchena J., Guzman S., Awlla A., Gheisari M., Cheraghy M (2025) The Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Face of Data Scarcity. In Press.

• Kumar, Y., Kruger, D., Marchena, J., & Li, J. J. (2025, March). Preliminary Results of Emotions Detection with the AMIGO App. In 2025 15th IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC) (accepted, presented on March 15, 2025). IEEE.

Undergraduate Student Researcher of the Year: Natural Sciences - Honorable Mention

Madhu Gayathri is a multidisciplinary researcher, student leader and athlete with experience in ecology, exploring fungal communities in boreal forests via metabarcoding, thermoelectrical generators aspects in physics as well as Exerkine responses in exercise science. She is a sophomore majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology having conducted multiple research environments. Madhu has presented her findings in The Ecological Society of America National Conference 2024 in Long Beach, Kean Research days and other conferences. She has also published papers, dataset on GBIF, google sites, and has another manuscript currently in process of publication. 

In addition to research, she is a dedicated member of the Kean University's track and field and cross-country teams, earning All-American Academic awards for two consecutive years and well as Rookie of the Year award. She also demonstrates strong leadership and community involvement as a member of the Kean Leadership Institute, Treasurer of the Pre-Med/Pre-Dental club and Biology club serving as a mentor to other students as well as president of the South Asian Cultural Appreciation club. Additionally, she is committed to serving the community by volunteering at a local care center. Madhu is also a Research Ambassador at the Center for Undergraduate research and fellowship guiding and mentoring underclassmen getting started with research. 

In the future, Madhu plants to pursue an MD/PhD program, combing her passion for medicine and research to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application. She aims to contribute to medical advances through translational research by integrating an interdisciplinary approach to disease mechanisms, treatment strategies and patient care. 

Undergraduate Student Researcher of the Year: Social Sciences - Honorable Mention

Hi! I’m Yiyang Liu, a junior majoring in Economics with minors in Math at Kean University. I’ve always been curious about how data can explain real-world problems, which led me to explore research topics like trade policy in Africa, freight corridor planning, and the gig economy. I’m currently working on several projects with amazing mentors, and recently got accepted into the Santa Fe Institute’s UCR program for Summer 2025. I love combining coding (Python/R) with economic theory, and my long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. and become a professor someday.

Undergraduate Student Researcher of the Year: Formal Sciences - Honorable Mention

My name is Pedro Henrique Palhano Modolo, 24. I was born and raised in Vitória, Brazil, before moving to Newark, New Jersey at the age of 16. As an international undergraduate student, I am deeply committed to embracing diversity and broadening my perspective. I view life as a continuous pursuit of knowledge, one that is enriched through meaningful experiences and personal growth.

My academic interests lie in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. I believe that if AI is meant to serve all of humanity, then it must be shaped by diverse voices and lived experiences. If I only understand one group of people, how can I build technology that truly benefits everyone?

Masters Student Researcher of the Year

Michelle Manochio is a second-year graduate student at Kean University, where she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Kean University before deciding to take time off from her studies to explore her career options. During this period, Michelle discovered her passion for fitness and became a certified personal trainer, where she is actively working in the field. Her interest in helping others achieve their fitness goals led her to a deeper curiosity about the scientific principles behind exercise physiology, which ultimately motivated her to pursue graduate studies in exercise science.

Currently, Michelle serves as a Graduate Research Assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Pragya Sharma Ghimire in the Department of Health and Human Performance where she is gaining experience assisting with numerous aspects of the research process. She is presently working on her thesis project titled “The Acute Effects of Circuit Training and Traditional Resistance Exercise on Exerkines in Young Adults,” which aims to examine the role of circulating hormones (exerkines) in bone and muscle turnover following different types of exercise. Additionally, Michelle has co-authored one peer reviewed manuscript. She has also presented her research at the American College of Sports Medicine’s national and regional annual conferences, as well as attended a series of presentations on cutting-edge research in the field of exercise science.

Upon completing her graduate studies, Michelle plans to pursue her Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) certification. She aims to work in a clinical setting, focusing on exercise-based interventions to help patients with chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders. Michelle is dedicated to using her expertise to create individualized exercise programs that enhance the quality of life and overall health of her patients.

Masters Student Researcher of the Year - Honorable Mention

Jennifer Banzon is a graduate student in Architecture at Kean University, whose academic journey has been profoundly shaped by her experiences as a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines. Born and raised in Cebu, Philippines, she witnessed firsthand the complex effects of rapid urbanization on the socio-economic and political landscape of her home country. This experience has been central to her academic studies and future aspirations.

Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree in Interior Architecture, gaining hands-on experience working in the commercial, retail, and residential sectors in NY and NJ. However, as she progressed in her career, she began questioning the meaning and purpose of the industry, leading her to pursue a Masters in Architecture. At Kean, she found a community of like-minded individuals at the Michael Graves College School of Public Architecture, with whom she shares a commitment to addressing pressing issues related to modern architecture, urbanization, and their impacts on marginalized communities.

Since joining Kean in 2023, Jennifer’s work has focused on exploring the relationship between urbanization, privatization, and the socio-economic shifts occurring in cities such as in Cebu City, Philippines. Her research critically examines how the privatization of public spaces and patterns of rapid urban growth impact vulnerable communities. In addition to her academic research, Jennifer is an active member of advocacy group "Paglaum sa Sugbu", a group dedicated to addressing social challenges, where she has engaged in conversations with community stakeholders in Cebu. Together, they and her are working to develop projects that offer tangible benefits to marginalized populations.

Jennifer is a graduate researcher with Kean University for a revitalization project in the Coalport neighborhood of Trenton, New Jersey, where she applies her research and critical skills to help develop a plan and vision for the historic site. Through her research and involvement in advocacy work, Jennifer is committed to creating sustainable and equitable solutions that bridge the gap between architecture and social justice. 

Doctoral Student Researcher of the Year

Giana Giorello is a graduating Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student in the Department of Physical Therapy. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with minors in Food Studies and Public Health, from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2022. Giana has presented her work at prominent events, including the 2023 and 2024 Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey Annual Professional Seminars and the 2024 and 2025 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meetings (APTA CSM), where she focused on concussion screening and management. Notably, her poster presented at the 2025 APTA CSM, a national-level event won second place from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.

Her clinical interests are centered on concussion management and dysautonomia, areas she plans to further explore through ongoing academic inquiry and publication. Giana’s passion for research is fueled by her curiosity for evidence-based practice, as well as the mentorship of Dr. Jenna Tucker, whose guidance has encouraged her to ask bold questions, explore correlations, and develop innovative treatment strategies.

Doctoral Student Researcher of the Year - Honorable Mention

Aliza Kurtz is currently a third-year doctoral candidate in Kean University’s Department of Physical Therapy, set to graduate in May 2025. In 2022, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Touro University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. During her graduate education, Aliza lead a research project with her peers that focused on telerehabilitation, aiming to improve health service delivery within the physical therapy profession. Upon graduation, Aliza plans to pursue a career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy focused on the rehabilitation of those living with various neurologic disorders. Her goal is to impact neurological physical rehabilitation and the lives of her patients through passion, clinical experience, and implementation of evidence-based practice.

 Research Days Cover Design Contest

Winner

Honorable Mention