Pursuing Undergraduate Research Starts Students on a Path to Success
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) experience provides undergraduate students experience in designing and conducting a research project of their own, while working under the guidance of a faculty mentor and participating in an extended learning community that includes current and past SURF scholars.
“What is especially valuable is the opportunity SURF affords students to learn outside of the traditional course structure and to cross disciplinary boundaries to pursue research under the guidance of mentors from a variety of disciplines, within a collaborative and multidisciplinary community that supports creativity and innovation,” said Judy Randi, Ed.D., director of the SURF program.
"SURF promotes undergraduate research in an innovative, interdisciplinary environment,” said Judy Randi, Ed.D., director of the SURF program.
For more information on SURF and the application process, please click the button below.
For more information on Student Fellowships and Research, please click the button below.
Contact
Judy Randi, Ed.D.
Director of Undergraduate Student Research
JRandi@newhaven.edu
Lynne Resnick
Coordinator
Maxcy Hall, Office 210H
(203) 931-2990
LResnick@newhaven.edu
Felicia DeMatteo
Administrative Secretary
Gatehouse, Office 104A
(203) 932-7205
FDdematteo@newhaven.edu
Current SURF Projects
With the guidance of their faculty mentors, students work on research projects in a wide range of areas, including the social sciences, the natural sciences, and arts and humanities.
Once their research is complete, students participate in a Research Poster Presentation Day during which they present their findings to fellow students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University of New Haven.
Seminars are held in the beginning and end of the program (June tp August) to provide students with even more opportunities to learn and grow through networking, sharing their experiences, and learning about their colleagues' areas of interest. Guest speakers also attend the seminars to discuss their own research and professional accomplishments. These activities offer students a unique, educational, and professional experience that helps them attain their academic and professional goals now and in the future.
Collaborators:
Student: Ashton Brunell ’22, Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: Eric Dieckman
Project: "Detection and Classification of Drones Using Analog Devices"
Collaborators:
Student: Joey Edmonds ’22, Genetics & Biotechnology
Mentor: Ali Senejani
Project: "Lyme Bacteria and PolB Gene Isoform Expression"
Collaborators:
Student: Anna Albraccio ’21, Forensic Science
Mentor: Peter Massey
Project: "The use of food based powders to enhance latent fingerprints"
Collaborators:
Student: Thomas Almeida ’21, English
Mentor: Mary Isbell
Project: "The Effects of Populare Culture by Tactics Between the Lines"
Collaborators:
Student: Allison Antcliff ’21, Health Sciences
Mentor: Glenn McGee
Project: "Psychosis: Gray Areas of Medical and Legal Consent"
Collaborators:
Student: April Bowen ’21, Mechanical Engineering
Mentors: Marie-Isabel Carnasciali and Brooke Kammrath
Project: "Physical Properties of Additive Manufacturing to Combat Illicit Use of 3D Printing
Technology"
Collaborators:
Student: Trevor Dykas ’21, National Security
Mentor: Jeff Treistman
Project: "Terrorist Ideologies and Dataset Creation"
Collaborators:
Student: Halie Flores ’21, Marine Biology
Mentor: Jean-Paul Simjouw
Project: "Using Stable Isotope Signatures to Identify Possible Anthropogenic Nutrient Sources"
Collaborators:
Student: Michael Lanzaro ’21, Psychology
Mentor: Jeffrey Debies-Carl
Project: "Undergraduate Major as a predictor of generalized anxiety disorder"
Collaborators:
Student: Micaela O'Shea ’21, National Security
Mentor: Patrick Gourley
Project: "The effect the Arab Spring had on Female Labor Force Participation Rates in Middle
East and North Africa"
Collaborator: Student: NikkiAnn Ryan ’21, Criminal Justice
Project: "Public Perception of Law Enforcement Training in Connecticut"
Collaborators:
Student: Noah Scarpelli ’21, Forensic Science
Mentor: Virginia Maxwell
Project: "The use of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for the identification of
bullet holes"
Collaborators:
Student: Keryne Skead ’21, Forensic Science
Mentor: David San Pietro
Projects: "A preliminary assessment of Prostate Specific Antigen in transfers under various
conditions"
Collaborators:
Student: Michaela Takac ’21, Communication
Mentors: Danielle Cooper and Yevgeniya Rivers
Project: "Mindsets and beliefs of Incoming College Freshman on Math"
Collaborators:
Student: Grace Taylor ’21, Marine Biology
Mentors: Jean-Paul Simjouw and Gail Hartnett
Project: "Academic field guide of the algae invertebrates and vertebrates found in the New
Haven Harbor"
Collaborators:
Student: Reah Thomas-Hill ’21, Psychology
Mentors: Kristine Horvat and Judy Randi
Project: "Increasing STEM Understanding and Engagement Through Engineering Learning Activities"
Collaborators:
Student: Anna Tran ’21 Forensic Science
Mentor: Alyssa Marsico
Project: "Investigating the Differences in the Elemental Composition of Pollen from Common
Houseplants Under Different Growing Conditions Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy"
Collaborators:
Student: Ryan Vynalek ’21, Forensic Science
Mentor: Josep De Alcaraz-Fossoul
Project: "A blind study on latent fingerprint morphometrics: validation of data on a population
of donors"
Collaborators:
Student: Kiara Acevedo ’20, Marine Biology
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: "Assessing successional dynamics of macroalgae and corals on patch reefs in San Salvador
Island, Bahamas"
Collaborators:
Student: Moriah Anthony ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: Dequan Xiao
Project: "Study of the Interaction between Tet protein and Vitamin C using 2-D NMR"
Collaborators:
Student: Krystina Braid ’20, Marine Biology
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: "Fish community structure following disturbance on patch reefs in San Salvador, Bahamas"
Collaborators:
Student: Megan Chetner ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: Robert Powers
Project: "Invertebrate Interactions as Primary Decomposers of Terrestrial Remains"
Collaborators:
Student: Emily Dean ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: Josep De Alcaraz-Fossoul
Project: "Analysis of Color Contrast Between Ridges and Furrows of Latent Fingermarks Within
a Small Population"
Collaborators:
Student: Jessica Deer ’20, Psychology
Mentor: Kendell Coker
Project: "Using the Annual Survey of Refugees Questionnaire to Identify Pre and Post-Migration
Stressors and the Relationship with Effectiveness of Refugee Assistance Programs for
Refugees that Entered the United States Between 2011 and 2015"
Collaborators:
Student: Alexandria Drewes ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: Alyssa Marsico
Project: "The Analysis of Various Burnt and Unburnt Accelerants Using Laser Induced Breakdown
Spectroscopy"
Collaborators:
Student: Rachel Graziano ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: Claire Glynn
Project: "DNA Methylation Patterns to Determine Donor Age"
Collaborators:
Student: Crystal Harris ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: Ali Senejani
Project: "An Examination of Epigenetic Changes in Gene Expressions of Neuron Cells That Are
Infected by Lyme causing Bacteria B. bugdorferi"
Collaborators:
Student: Bethany Hoschar ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: R. Chistopher O'Brien
Project: "Necrophagic Entomological Guilds on Two Climatically Disparate Atlantic Islands"
Collaborators:
Student: Anna Mariano ’20, Marine Biology
Mentor: Amy Carlile
Project: "Molecular and morphological analysis of Sargassum species from San Salvador, the
Bahamas"
Collaborators:
Student: Courtney Newberry ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: R. Christopher O'Brien
Project: "Terrestrial and Marine Decomposition and Scavenging in Temperate and Tropical Environments"
Collaborators:
Student: Malorie Nitz ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: Claire Glynn
Project: "Investigating DNA Methylation Analysis for the Individualization of Monozygotic
Twins"
Collaborators:
Student: Laura Nolterieke ’20, Criminal Justice
Mentor: Kevin Barnes-Ceeney
Project: "Developing an Understanding of Juvenile Delinquency in St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and
Nevis"
Collaborators:
Student: Brynn Slicer ’20, National Security
Mentor: Brian Marks
Project: "A Cross Country Analysis: Using and assessing ARIMA as a forecasting technique on
the economic impact of terrorist attacks"
Collaborators:
Student: Alyssa Tuccinardi ’20, Forensic Science
Mentor: Angela Ambers
Project: "Bleach Decontamination in the Forensic Laboratory and at the Crime Scene: Investigating
the Efficacy of DNA Damage in Native versus Naked Templates"
Collaborators:
Student: Ryan Zdenek ’20, Forensic Science
Mentors: Brooke Kammrath Maria-Isabel Carnasciali
Project: "Forensic Analysis of 3D Printed Polymers Pre- and Post- Manufacturing"
Past SURF Projects
Collaborators:
Student: Benjamin Atwater
Mentor: Armando Rodriguez
Project: Forecasting Film Box Office Performance Using Naïve Bayes Analysis in R Studios
Collaborators:
Student: Danielle Belskis
Mentor: Chong Qui
Project: Collection of Micrometeorite at the University of New Haven
Collaborators:
Student: Shaina Bernard
Mentor: Patricia Miranda
Project: The Politics and Processes of Patronage in the Renaissance
Collaborators:
Student: David Berube
Mentor: Can Aktas
Project: Innovative Applications of Piezoelectric generators: Analyzing efficacy and feasibility
Collaborators:
Student: Kelsey Bettex
Mentor: Claire Glynn
Project: Investigating the potential negative impact of antioxidants on the chemiluminescent
detection of blood stains at crime scenes
Collaborators:
Student: Kellie Bundschuh
Mentor: Kento Yasuhara
Project: Protocol Assessment of Community Solutions Inc. Alternative in the Community Programs
Collaborators:
Student: Stephanie Coffey
Mentor: Yelizaveta Masalimova
Project: Chemistry of Glazes at Different Temperatures
Collaborators:
Student: Julianna DeGenova
Mentor: Tarsila Seara
Project: Bridging the Gap between Local Fishery Culture and Management Strategies in Puerto
Rico
Collaborators:
Student: Valeriay Dion
Mentor: John Kelly
Project: Detection of Alanine by Salt Marsh Species of New Haven Harbor Estuary, CT
Collaborators:
Student: Charles Dow
Mentor: Dequan Xiao
Project: Converting Cellulosic Biomass to Liquid Fuels using Sulfur Doped Titanium Dioxide
Photocatalyst in Aqueous Solutions
Collaborators:
Student: Amber Fearnley
Mentor: Eva Sapi
Project: Effect of Dapsone and its Antimicrobial Combinations on Borrelia burgdorferi Biofilms
Collaborators:
Student: Lina Guindy
Mentor: Alyssa Marsico
Project: The analysis of semen stains using Raman spectroscopy and the investigation into
the spectral differences based on protein degradation over time
Collaborators:
Student: Brianna Hill
Mentor: Christopher R. O'Brien
Project: Microscopic Analysis of dissolved keratinized and calcified tissues in nitric acid
Collaborators:
Student: Asia Hutchins
Mentor: Kendell Coker & Melissa Whitson
Project: Barriers to Barriers: Interviews with Local Agencies on Experiences Working with
Asian Survivors of Domestic Violence
Collaborators:
Student: Adam Jakubowski
Mentor: Byungik Chang
Project: Structural Response of Truss Bridges Under Fire Loading
Collaborators:
Student: Ethan Johnson
Mentor: Gail Hartnett
Project: Immunological response of the ribbed mussel (Geukensia demissa) to ocean acidification
Collaborators:
Student: Evgenia Kvitko
Mentor: Melanie Eldridge
Project: Effect of toxic heavy metals on the marine amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis: Are its
glutathione-S transferase genes regulated by heavy metals?
Collaborators:
Student: Dory Lieblein
Mentor: Brooke Kammrath & Peter Massey
Project: A comparison of portable infrared spectrometers and the Nik Field Test for the on-scene
Analysis of Cocaine
Collaborators:
Student: Patrick McAuliffe
Mentor: Jing Li
Project: Fire Investigation of Residential Electrical Cables Flammability
Collaborators:
Student: Syria McCullough
Mentor: Ali Senejani
Project: Evaluating cell survival and DNA damage of cells that are deficient in a DNA repair
gene exposed to disinfectant chlorine dioxide
Collaborators:
Student: Marissa Mehlrose
Mentor: Amy Carlile
Project: Taxonomic update of historic nori specimens using molecular methods
Collaborators:
Student: Brandon Miller
Mentor: Pier F. Cirillo
Project: Total Synthesis of Spiromastixone J
Collaborators:
Student: Gabrielle Montlouis
Mentor: Melanie Eldridge
Project: Detection and Tracking Estrogenic and Toxic Substances in the Quinnipiac River
Collaborators:
Student: Kayla Moquin
Mentor: Brooke Kammrath
Project: An evaluation of sorbent pens for the extraction and analysis of ignitable liquid
residues
Collaborators:
Student: Yo Ng
Mentor: Chong Qiu
Project: Monitor Ozone Concentrations at University of New Haven
Collaborators:
Student: Justin Ortiz
Mentor: Shira Avidor
Project: Old Masters, New Light
Collaborators:
Student: Tina Padavano
Mentor: Jonathan A. Kringen
Project: Analysis of the Spatial Relationship Between Crime and Non-Owner-Occupied Housing
in the Newhallville Neighborhood of New Haven
Collaborators:
Student: Igor Panchenko
Mentor: Kagya Amoako
Project: Catheter Fabrication and Nitric Oxide Release
Collaborators:
Student: Justin Pantano
Mentor: Pier F. Cirillo
Project: Templated Synthesis of Usnic Acid
Collaborators:
Student: Jonathan Ramirez
Mentor: Amir Esmailpour
Project: Software Defined Networks
Collaborators:
Student: Andrea Silva
Mentor: Christina Zito
Project: Molecular mechanisms by which HPV negative cervical cancer cells cycle and cause
an increased cell growth
Collaborators:
Student: Rebekah Stafford
Mentor: Melissa Whitson
Project: Parental and Peer Attachment, Adjustment, and Mental Health in First-Year College
Students
Collaborators:
Student: Raeghan Steelberg
Mentor: David San Pietro
Project: A Comparison of Quantitative Efficiencies of the ABI 7500 SDS (Real-Time PCR) versus
Nanodrop Instrumentation
Collaborators:
Student: Mark Verrilli
Mentor: David San Pietro
Project: DNA Transfer Assessment
Collaborators:
Student: Alicia Wagner
Mentor: Virginia Maxwell
Project: Sequencing Strokes in a Crossed-Line Intersection Using UV-Vis MSP
Collaborators:
Student: Mackenzie Whiting
Mentor: Claire Glynn
Project: Qualitative and Quantitative analysis of minute levels of saliva in expirated blood
The 2016 program saw a number of changes implemented in the set up of the research period. From weekly meetings, to two part seminars spanning six days total, the program offered more time for the students to research continuously throughout the week. This was also the ten year of our program, a celebratory anniversary which saw the return of SURF Alumni for our poster day! Check the SURF Alumni page for more information about what Alumni have been up to.
Collaborators:
Student: Niuska Alvarez Fuenmayor
Mentor: Ali Senejani
Project: Evaluating Human Cell Survival and DNA Damage after Exposure to Various Amounts of
Chlorine Dioxide
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Emily Barkley
Mentor: Christina Zito
Project: The Effects of Extracellular Exosomes on the Growth of HPV Negative Cervical Cancer
Cells
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Cameron Brouillard
Mentor: Kagya Amoako
Project: A Mechanical Platform Designed to Study Sports-Related Head Injury
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Shakoyah Brown
Mentor: Patrick Rivers
Project: Breathing with No Air: Black Orality and the Music Industry during Protest Movements
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Louis G Cavaliere
Mentor: Jean-Paul Simjouw
Project: Endocrine Disruptors in Sediment at the Quinnipiac River
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: William Ciccone
Mentor: Meryl Sole
Project: Music and the Toddler: A Study on how Toddlers use Music at night through Crib Songs
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Glen Craig
Mentor: Byungik Chang
Project: Analysis of Material Properties with Recycled Concrete and Masonry
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Edwin David
Mentor: Amanda Simson
Project: Carbon Dioxide to Renewable Energy
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Nicole Deck
Mentor: Gail Harnett
Project: Study of Salt Marsh Restoration Success in Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserve, Stonington,
CT
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Tatiana Dominiguez
Mentor: Nancy Savage
Project: Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Molybdenum Oxide
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Timothy Earley
Mentor: Roman Zajac & Amy Carlile
Project: Genetic Variablity of Melampuus Bidentatus Populations in Connecticut
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Samantha Eldredge
Mentor: Margaret Savilonis
Project: Women in the Apocalypse: Power and Gender in Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven and Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Cassidy Haigh
Mentor: Anne Kringen
Project: Assessing Police Perceptions of Mental Illness
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Gabrielle A Hartley
Mentor: Claire Glynn
Project: A Comparative Analysis of Protein and Peroxidase Stains for Blood Detection on Laundred
Clothing
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Owen Johnson
Mentor: Amanda Simson & Gokhan Egilmez
Project: A Sustainability Assessment of Rare Earth and Precious Metals in the CT Region
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Phylicia M Kidd
Mentor: Melanie Eldridge
Project: The Distribution of Benthic Marcotauna in the Quinnipiac River
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Nicole Langlois
Mentor: Pier Cirillo
Project: Intramolecular Oxidative Cyclizations toward the Synthesis of Cadiolides
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Marianna Liang
Mentor: Dequan Xiao
Project: Substitution Group Effect on the Inhabitation of Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolases
for Parkinson's Disease: Synthesis and Computational Analysis
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Vincent M Madar
Mentor: Paulette Pepin & April Yoder
Project: A Historical Investigation into the Purpose and uses of Fort Terry on Plum Island,
New York, in the Spanish-American War, 1898-1902
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Anna M Mercaldi
Mentor: Kagya Amoako
Project: Nitric Oxide Reactor for Conjugating Nitric Oxide to Polymeric Materials
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Nicholaus Miller
Mentor: Jonathan Kringen
Project: The Fluidity of Crime Borders: Social Disorganization in New Haven's Neighborhoods
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Victor N Miller
Mentor: Cheryl Li
Project: Developing and Integrating a Control Program for a Remotely Operated Vehicle
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Lillian C Mitsakos
Mentor: Roman Zajac & Jean-Paul Simjouw
Project: Assessment of Nitrogen Dynamics in a Connecticut Salt Marsh
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Kelli Mosca
Mentor: John Kelly
Project: Osmoregulation and smolt physiology of sea-run brown trout
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Erin Murdoch
Mentor: Pauline Schwartz & Carl Barratt
Project: Computation Models of the Transmission of Chirality: The Chemical Evolution of Homochirality,
a Biosignature of Life
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Damani Piper
Mentor: Patrick Rivers
Project: Technology vs Live Instrumentation; An Analysis of the Creative Process Behind Hip
Hop Music
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Zachary T Polston
Mentor: Heather Coyle
Project: Determining the Potential Application of Graflex Extraction Buffer for Forensic Science
Involving Salivary DNA Extraction
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Nicholas Rodo
Mentor: Amanda Simson & Gokhan Egilmez
Project: Economic Impacts of Rare Earth Metals Located in Connecticut
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Victoria V Ruderman
Mentor: Virginia Maxwell
Project: Development of Printed Ion-Selective Electrodes for the Measurement of Calcium in
Bovine Blood
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Robert G Ruiz
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: Responses of Nekton to Climate and Anthropogenic Related Changes in Long Island
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Tyler J Schlagetter
Mentor: Claire Glynn
Project: The Analysis of Blood Stains and their Enhancing Reagents using Ramen Spectroscopy
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Robert Schmicker
Mentor: Ibrahim Baggili & Frank Breitinger
Project: Android Malware Feature Extraction and Representation
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Sean E Smith
Mentor: Robert Rattner & Roman Zajac
Project: Assessing Photographic Techniques for Quantifying Fouling Community Development and
Biodiversity
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Michelle M Stephens
Mentor: John Roy
Project: Optimum Stocking Density of the Eastern Oyster in Upwellers at the Sound School Regional
Aquaculture Center
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Eric Sychampanakhone
Mentor: Randy Melick & Liza Masalimova
Project: Feminarum: Investigations of the Consciousness of Gender in Sculptural Ecorche
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Arielle Telesmanic
Mentor: Nancy Savage
Project: Redesign, Construction and Validation of a Sensor Testing Apparatus
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Austin Thomas
Mentor: Joseph Levert
Project: Using Tribology to Optimize a Commercial Polishing Process
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Kayla V Waites
Mentor: Melanie Eldridge
Project: Regulation of Detoxitication Genes as a way to measure toxitity of heavy metals in
other compounds
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Victoria R White
Mentor: Chris Haynes
Project: Framing the 2016 Election: The Consequences of Donald Trump's Abnormal Rhetoric
Poster | Abstract
Collaborators:
Student: Tong Zhou
Mentor: Junhui Zhao
Project: Distributed Management Platform based Charging Station for Plug-In Electric Vehicles
in Distribution Networks
Poster | Abstract
The 2015 program again saw a record number of participants and a very successful Research Day Poster Presentation event. Posters and papers can be reviewed by clicking the links under participant names. Be sure to check the SURF Alumni page for more news.
Collaborators:
Student: Jason An
Mentor: Dequan Xiao
Project: Investigating the Binding Interactions between Inhibitors and Ubiquitin C-terminal
Hydrolases for Parkinson Disease Research
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Elvia Baca
Mentor: Byungik Chang
Project: Computer-aided numerical modeling for a structure on the Moon
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Andrew Belanger
Mentor: Kagya Amoako
Project: A Simple Flow Cell System for Evaluating the Stability of non-Fouling Medical Coatings
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Brittany Carver
Mentor: Donna Rhoads-Frost
Project: An Observation of the Exoproducts in Media of Uropathogenic E. coli
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Brian Cherrington
Mentor: Maria-Isabel Carnasciali
Project: Building and Validating a Rotational Viscometer
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Brandon Cruz
Mentor: Melanie Eldridge
Project: The effect of heavy metal exposure on Parhyale hawaiensis
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Chengde Cui
Mentor: Junhui Zhao
Project: Steady-State and Dynamic Study of PV Systems University of New Haven: Towards to a
Green and Secure Campus
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Jessica Damon
Mentor: Dequan Xiao
Project: Fabrication of Photo-Deformable Polymer Nanosphere Using Bicompatible Molecules
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Andre DeCarmine
Mentor: Amy Carlile & Jean-Paul Simjouw
Project: A Simple Flow Cell System for Evaluating the Stability of non-Fouling Medical Coatings
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Kayla Delano
Mentor: Amy Carlile & Jean-Paul Simjouw
Project: Analysis of ulvoid blooms in New Haven Harbor using molecular tools
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Daniel Delgado
Mentor: Nikodem Poplawski
Project: Can linear motors revolutionize electric trains operating on the Northeast Corridor?
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Antonio Di Vita
Mentor: Maria-Isabel Carnasciali & Nikodem Poplawski
Project: A More Efficient Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Lauren Ebersol
Mentor: Robert Powers
Project: Investigation on ethanol-mediated inhibition of transferrin sialyltransferase
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Ema Graham
Mentor: Michael Adamowicz
Project: Effects of Different Types of Water on the Degradation Rate of Human DNA in Bone and
Tissue
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Robert Granoth Jr.
Mentor: Chris Haynes
Project: How Online Socialization Moderates Polarization's Effect on Political Reasoning
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Kylie Henderson
Mentor: Kylie Henderson
Project: The Auditory Evaluation of Chemical Spectra and its Application in Exploring an Alternative
User Interface
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Mark Herde
Mentor: Jon Aktas
Project: Extracting Water and Energy from the Air: A Quantitative Study
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Ashlee Junier
Mentor: Charles Vigue
Project: Alzheimer's Disease - Detection of Mutations psen2 Gene
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Jenni Kantor
Mentor: Eddie Luzik
Project: The Effect of Solvent on Lithium Halogen Exchange and Preparation of Ketone
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Kyla Kelly
Mentor: Amy Carlile
Project: Quantification of the Filtering Activities of Hard Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Phylicia Kidd
Mentor: Melanie Eldridge
Project: Detection of estrogenic compounds in the Quinnipiac River
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Amina Kunovac
Mentor: R. Christopher O'Brien
Project: Morphological Classification of Dorsal Fins and its Application to Forensic Science
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Dylan Landry
Mentor: Saion Sinha
Project: Development of a Graphene-based DNA Hybridization Sensor
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Nathan Lanning
Mentor: Jean-Paul Simjouw & Amy Carlile
Project: Dynamics of Ulvoid Blooms in New Haven Harbor
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Jongsung Lee
Mentor: Byungik Chang
Project: Feasibility of Solar Power Systems Installation on the University of New Haven Buildings
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Stephen Longbook
Mentor: Donna Rhoads-Frost
Project: Increasing the Rate of Ethyl Alcohol Production
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Manette Macias
Mentor: Art Gow
Project: Gmic-SAFT Equation of State Development for Aqueous Nonionic Suractant Systems
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Krystopher Maingrette
Mentor: Jean-Paul Simjouw
Project: Estrogenic Compounds in the West River
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Gaitlyn Malone
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: Effects of Habitat Size and Temperature on Success and Growth of Larval Horeshoe Crabs
(Limulus polyphemus)
Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Sarah Markland
Mentor: Claire Glynn
Project: Investigating Simultaneous Extraction of RNA and DNA from Forensically Relevant Body
Fluids
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Anthony Mastromarino
Mentor: Saion Sinha
Project: Development of a Graphene-based DNA Hybridization Sensor
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Teresa Navarro
Mentor: Mary Isbell
Project: Prejudice Within a Microcosm: Tackling Key Sociological Questions by Transcribing
The Young Idea
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Christopher Ong
Mentor: Maria-Isabel Carnasciali
Project: Airfoil Design at Low Reynolds Number
Poster | Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Charles Peterson
Mentor: Nikodem Poplawski & Chris Haynes
Project: Was our Universe Created by a black hole?
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Nicole Richard
Mentor: Peter Massey
Project: Metal detector vs. thermographic imaging in the search of shell casings
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Stephanie Rosbach
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: Identification and Description of "Square Objects" from Bear Gulch Limestone
Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Robert Rousseau
Mentor: Dr. John Roberts
Project: Patient Perceptions of an Adult Sickle Cell Program
Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Jack Rothstein
Mentor: Maria-Isabel Carnasciali
Project: Building and Validating a Rotational Viscometer
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Katelyn Sahagian
Mentor: Mary Isbell
Project: Who Wrote What? Discovering the Writers of The Young Idea
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Anthony Saitta
Mentor: Peter Valentin
Project: Touch DNA recovery from fired and unified shotgun shells
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Tyler Schlagetter
Mentor: Claire Glynn
Project: The interpretation of body fluid mixtures using Raman Spectroscopy in forensic investigations
Poster | PaperPaper
Collaborators:
Student: Navjot Singh
Mentor: Brian Marks
Project: The Effectiveness of Advertising in Positioning a Politician
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Briana Smith
Mentor: R. Christopher O'Brien
Project: Applicability of Isoelectric Focusing in Wildlife Forensics
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Antonietta Sollazzo
Mentor: Melissa Whitson
Project: The Relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Academic Self-Efficacy, Academic
Motivation, and Performance in Veteran College Students
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Jonathan Spiegel
Mentor: Judi Randi & Maria-Isabel Carnasciali
Project: Promoting Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Angela Tharp
Mentor: Randall Horton
Project: A Critical and Creative Discourse Regarding the Gender Spectrum Theory
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Torres Pagan Bronte
Mentor: Kendell Coker
Project: Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 5th Edition to Identify Prevalence
Rates of Psychiatric Disroders in a National Sample of US Adolescents
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Yinle Wu
Mentor: Jing Li
Project: A Computational Model Study of Fire Accident and Evacuation Plan in Buckman Hall
@ the University of New Haven
Collaborators:
Student: Kayla Wyant
Mentor: Kendell Coker
Project: Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 5th Edition to Identify Prevalence
Rates of Psychiatric Disorders in a National Sample of US Adolescents
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Yilan Zhu
Mentor: Andrew Fish
Project: Matlab Simulation Model on Chaotic Asynchronous Transmitter and Receiver
Poster | Paper
The SURF 2014 program wrapped up its eighth year with a record number of 36 undergraduate students who worked on research projects in a wide range of areas, including the social sciences, the natural sciences, and arts and humanities.
The Weekly Seminars where a new component of the program in 2014 that gave students the opportunity to network, share their experiences, talk about their areas of interest, and hear guest speakers discuss their own research and professional accomplishments.
SURF students conducted research both in the lab and out in the field. Click here to check out some photos of what they did, and to see what it's like to be part of the SURF program.
Once their research was complete, students participated in Research Day, where they presented posters and other forms of media to display their work to faculty, staff and guests.
Collaborators:
Student: Joe Adams
Mentor: Robert Rattner
Project: Video Documentation of the Natural History of the Island of San Salvador, Bahamas
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Gregory Aliaga
Mentor: Byungik Chang
Project: Application of Piezoelectric Material in Roads To Harvest Energy
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Rebecca Andreucci
Mentor: Can (Jon) Aktas
Project: The Issues with the National Organic Program
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Avery Appleton
Mentor: R. Christopher O’Brien
Project: The Effects of Particulate-Laden Water on Skeletal Trauma
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Kassondra Bertulis
Mentor: Kento Yashura
Project: False Confession Identification Accuracy in Groups of College Students
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Simon Bishop
Mentor: Jean-Paul Simjouw
Project: Effects of nutrients on the abundance of Spartina alterniflora in Sandy Point Saltmarsh
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Matthew Bodnar
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: Larval substrate preference and the effects of food availability in the invasive tunicate
Styela clava
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Jennifer Corwin
Mentor: R. Christopher O’Brien & Peter Massey
Project: Characterization of Shark Fin Collagen Fiber for Species Identification
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Joseph Daou
Mentor: Dequan Xiao
Project: Understanding Protein-RNA Interactions for Alternative Splicing During Gene Expression
Using Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Ema Graham
Mentor: Michael Adamowicz
Project: Effects of Different Types of Water on the Degradation Rate of Human DNA in Bone and
Tissue
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Eric Grigg
Mentor: Donna Rhoads-Frost
Project: Investigation into Rising VibrioPopulations in Eastern Coast Oysters
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Dylan Haenel
Mentor: Eva Sapi
Project: Antimicrobial effects of lactoferrin and cannabidiol onBorrelia burgdorferi
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Andrew Hearn
Mentor: Maria-Isabel Carnasciali & Sam Daniels
Project: Integration of Sensors on the University of New Haven Wind Turbine
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Elizabeth Jaikes
Mentor: Armando Rodriguez
Project: An analysis of the properties of a potential replacement of the four-fifths rule
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Alaina Kaiser
Mentor: Michael Rossi & Christina Zito
Project: Investigating the Relationship Between Cadherin Expression and Invasiveness in Breast
Poster | Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Kaitlynn Kofsuske
Mentor: Melanie Eldridge & Jean-Paul Simjouw
Project: Estrogenic Compounds in New Haven Harbor
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Lawrence Lam
Mentor: Donna Rhoads-Frost
Project: Temperature and Oxygen Abuse of Crassostrea virginica And its Effect on Vibrio Bacteria
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Ostap Lisowitch
Mentor: Byungik Chang
Project: Development of Aerodynamic Coefficients for Multisided Cylinders
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Ethan Makuck
Mentor: Maria-Isabel Carnasciali
Project: Observation and Analysis of Particle Image Velocimetry
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Christina Martins
Mentor: Michael Adamowicz
Project: A Forensic Validation Study on the Effectiveness of the Streck Philisa® High-Speed
Thermocycler
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Anthony Mastromarino
Mentor: Maria-Isabel Carnasciali
Project: Aerodynamic Study of a Ballute Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Samuel Nicosia
Mentor: Chris Haynes
Project: The Effects of Priming and Framing on the Minimum Wage
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Anna O’Malley
Mentor: Art Gow
Project: An Efficient Equation of State for Screening Polymer Melts and Solutions
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Andy Perez
Mentor: Christopher Martinez
Project: Table Top Computer Interface Using A Depth Sensor
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Kyle Pickard
Mentor: Erica Haskell
Project: Creating a Radio Documentary About Music’s Influence On Mood
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Jenna Rabadi
Mentor: Pier Cirillo & Dequan Xiao
Project: Synthesis of Polymer Nanospheres for Drug Delivery
Poster | Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Katie Seggerman
Mentor: Christopher Martinez
Project: Table Top Computer Interface Using A Depth Sensor
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Matthew Serio
Mentor: Chris Haynes
Project: The Effect of Issue Framing on Public Support for Obamacare
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Jonathan Smolen
Mentor: Art Gow
Project: An Efficient Equation of State for Screening Polymer Melts and Solutions
Poster | Poster
Collaborators:
Student: Timothy Stankye
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: The effects of herbivory by Sesarma reticulatum on salt marsh plants and food preference
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Jamie Wakeman
Mentor: R. Christopher O’Brien & Peter Massey
Project: Characterization of Shark Fin Collagen Fiber for Species Identification
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Emily Walsh
Mentor: Virginia Maxwell
Project: The Detection of Date Rape Drug Residues Using X-Ray Diffraction
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Nicholas Wereszczak
Mentor: Alice Fischer
Project: Virtual Reality Visualization with the Oculus Rift
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Alissa Wynne
Mentor: Charles Vigue
Project: Detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Beta-Hemoglobin Gene of Sickle
Cell DNA
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Stephen Zambrzyski
Mentor: Eddie Luzik
Project: Extracting Oils and Fermenting Carbohydrates from the Same Seed Source to Maximize
Biofuel Yields
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Kelly Zhao
Mentor: Peter Massey
Project: Detecting DNA in Magnetic Fingerprinting Powder
Poster | Paper
Collaborators:
Student: Jessica Zielinski
Mentor: Can (Jon) Aktas
Project: University of New Haven Stormwater Research – Green Infrastructure Adaptations to
Intensifying Rainfall
Poster | Paper
The 2013 projects represent Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Forensic Science, Marine Biology, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Pre-Med, and System Engineering.
Collaborator:
Student: A. Spiewak
Project: A Life Cycle Approach to Chemistry Laboratories at the University of New Haven
Paper | Poster
Collaborator:
Student: K. Cargill
Project: The Identification of Controlled Substances by TLC-SERS
Paper | Poster
Collaborator:
Student: S. Alpizar
Project: Investigation of Metal Ions as Polymerase Chain Reaction Inhibitors in Indoor Carpet
Backing Samples for Forensic DNA Analysis
Paper | Poster
Collaborator:
Student: T. Cowan
Project: Development of a Modular Multi-Task ROV for Marine Biology Education Paper | Poster
Collaborator:
Student: M. Mierzejewski
Project: Proposal for Investigating the Antimicrobial Properties of Propolis, Royal Jelly
and Honey Against Bacteria of Clinical Significance and Comparing Their Effectiveness
to that of Common Antibiotics
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: M. Dorrico
Project: An Investigation on Plastic Pollution in New Haven Harbor
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: S. Li
Project: Total Laboratory Synthesis of Cadioloides
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: L. Kircher
Project: The Effects of High Tidal Distribution on the Circatidal Behavior of Atlantic Fiddler
Crab
Poster
Collaborators:
Student: C. Ruiz / M. Ciarletto
Project: The Feeling of Sound: A Study of the Interaction Between Audio and Haptic Technology
Paper | Poster
Collaborator:
Student: K. Fowble
Project: Bullet Comparison and Identification Through Castings
Paper | Poster
Collaborator:
Student: S. Gurr
Project: Assessment of High Marsh Occupation by Populations of the Fiddler Crab Uca pugnax
Across Salt Marsh System on the CT Shore
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: D. Perry
Project: Climate Change and Its Effect on the Reproduction of the Salt Marsh Snail Melampus
bidenatatus
Paper | Poster
Collaborator:
Student: C. Kling
Project: The Effect of Novel Antimicrobials on Borellia burgdorferi
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: J. Pinder
Project: Capability Testing of the University of New Haven uPrint® Rapid Prototyping Machine
(3-D Printer)
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: J. M. Kubala
Project: Amplification of Homochirality in Prebiotic Chemical Systems: Computation Models
of Thermal Cycling
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: J. Norstog
Project: The Metabolic Costs of Osmoregulation in a Curyhaline Fish
Paper | Poster
Collaborator:
Student: R. Willick
Project: University of New Haven Building Energy Benchmarking Campus Buildings
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: J. Zielinski
Project: University of New Haven On-Campus Waste Programs Research, Assessment, and Engagement
Paper | Poster
Collaborator:
Student: W. Putnam
Project: Expanding the Overall Efficiency of Tomorrow's Data Centers Through Processor Optimization
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: J. Imperato
Project: Detection of Mutations in the PAH, NF-1, and BRCA1 Genes
Paper
The 2012 projects represent Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Marine Biology, Physics, Music, Sound Recording, Forensic Science, English, Mechanical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Pre-Med, English Literature, Writing, Psychology, and Environmental Science.
Collaborator:
Student: Alyssa Abraham
Project: Inhibition of Biofilm Formation with Electrospun Titanium Dioxide Films
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Colin Bassett
Project: High-marsh pool use by the fiddler crab, Uca pugnax, in a New England salt marsh
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Gregory Bode
Project: Quantitative Analysis of Questioned Documents Using an Atomic Force Microscope
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Kevin Boettger
Project: Using Impulse Response Technology to Recreate the Sonic Characteristics of Analog
Microphone Preamps and Acoustic Spaces
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Deanna Calabrese
Project: Detection and Characterization of the DNA Inhibitory Agent Found in Carpet Backing
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Derrick Chelikowsky Jr.
Project: The Microalga Pavlova contains an Analog for the Hormone Ecdysone that Promotes Metamorphosis
of Larval Bay Scallops (Argopecten irradians irradians)
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: John Faugno
Project: The Effect of 9/11 on Political Satire in the United States
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Abigail Freyer
Project: Thin Layer Chromatography with Electrospun Silica
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Sam Gurr
Project: The effects of ocean acidification and dissolved nitrogen sources on the growth and
elemental stoichiometry of the marine diatoms Thalassiosira pseudonana and Thalassiosira
weissflogii
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: John Hamilla
Project: CFD Simulations of Flow over Airfoils: An Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade Aerodynamics
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Christina Kling
Project: Isolation of Mycobacteriophage from Local Soil
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Christina Machinski
Project: An Illustrated Field Guide for the Local Flora and Fauna of the Long Island Sound
(Greater New Haven Region)
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Brandy Marneau and Jaclyn Kubala
Project: Kinetic Characterization of a Chemical Model System with Chiral Symmetry Breaking
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Bryan Neumann
Project: Effects of Exemestane on Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional T47D Breast Cancer
Cell Cultures
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Martha Perez
Project: Optimizing Rearing Protocols for Limulus polyphemus Larvae and Juveniles – The Effects
of Tank Conditions on Oxygen Metabolism
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Cara Petitti
Project: The Application and Adaptation of the Writing Process in Edith Wharton’s The Age
of Innocence
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Sean Pickett
Project: Extracting and Characterizing Cannabinoids From FTA Cards: A Convenient Sampling
Method for Marijuana Samples
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Taylor Scarpone
Project: The Importance of Early Substance Use to Mental Health Treatment Completion
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Shawnee Sullivan
Project: Gunshot Residue Nanoparticle Spray Pattern Analysis Using an Atomic Force Microscope
Paper
Collaborator:
Student: Ashley Winward
Project: Investigation of Parachute Vortex Shedding using CFD
Paper
The 2011 projects represent Marine Biology, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Med, System Engineering, Hotel and Restaurant Management, English Literature, Political Science, and Management.
Collaborators:
Student: Erin Kelly
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: How Changes in Salt Marshes Caused by Sea Level Rise and Global Warming may be Affecting
Populations of the Salt Marsh Snail, Melampus Bidentatus
Collaborators:
Student: Gerald W. McDoom
Mentor: Pier F. Cirillo
Project: Molecular Engineering: Design and Synthesis of Metal Free Dyes Bearing Double Acceptor
Groups for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC's)
Collaborators:
Student: Laura McLoughlin
Mentor: Juline Mills
Project: Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite: An Analysis of Proactive Pest Control Practices in the
Lodging Industry
Collaborators:
Student: Lucia Moreno
Mentor: Pier F. Cirillo
Project: Progress Towards the Synthesis of Indolizidine via the Borrowing Hydrogen-Methodology
Collaborators:
Students: Brandy N. Morneau & Jaclyn M. Kubala
Mentors: Pauline Schwartz & Carl Barratt
Project: A Signature of Life: Evolution of Homochirality in a Chemical Model System
Collaborators:
Student: Kristine Olli
Mentor: Rosemary Whelan
Project: Effect of Temperature and Hypoxia on HSP70 expression in Long Island Sound Shrimp
Collaborators:
Student: Jane Schwab
Mentor: Maria Carnasciali
Project: Validation of CFD Simulation: Flow Over a Cylinder
Collaborators:
Student: Adam D. Sipperly
Mentor: Maria Carnasciali
Project: Integration of System Engineering Tools that Support Design and Development Activities
Collaborators:
Student: Michael G. Smircich
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: Interactions between Invasive Shore Crabs,Hemigrapsus Sanguineus, and Blue Crabs,Callinctes
Sapidus, and Implications for Nearshore Ecology
Collaborators:
Student: Emily Sobestanovich & Dominique Stasulli
Mentor: Michael Adamowicz
Project: Optimizing Retrieval Techniques for DNA Extractions in Trace Evidence
Collaborators:
Student: Patrick R. Vogt
Mentor: John Kelly
Project: Physiological Effects of Recreational Catch and Release Angling on Summer Flounder
(Paralichthys Dentatus) in Long Island Sound
Collaborators:
Student: Amy Havens
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: The Effects of Temperature on Respiration and the Resting Metabolic Rate of Early
Life Stages of Atlantic Horseshoe Crab (Limulus Polyphemus)
Collaborators:
Student: Amanda L. DeBiase
Mentor: Howard Harris
Project: Use of Ink Jet Printing for the Preparation of Latent Fingerprint Standards on Paper
and Plastic
The 2010 projects represent Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Applied Math, Marine Biology, Biochemistry, Civil Engineering, and Environmental Science.
Collaborators:
Student: Nicole Reardon
Mentor: Shannon Ciston
Project: Marine Biofilms in the Long Island Sound
Collaborators:
Student: Stephanie Lechen
Mentor: Nancy Savage
Project: Tungsten Trioxide-Polypyrrole Sensing Films
Collaborators:
Student: Joseph Hawthorne
Mentor: Saion Sinha & Jason White
Project: Accumulation of Engineered Nanoparticles to Agricultural Crops
Collaborators:
Student: Stephan Braye
Mentor: Howard Harris
Project: Use of Tannin to Characterize Wood and Soil Debris
Collaborators:
Student: Peter Shindler
Mentor: Saion Sinha
Project: Using Monte Carlo Simulation to Improve the Accuracy of Nanotechnology-Based Detection
of Lyme Disease-Causing Bacteria
Collaborators:
Student: Lucia Moreno
Mentor: Pier Cirillo
Project: Efficient and Environmentally Benign Synthesis of Complex Aromatic Heterocycles
Collaborators:
Student: Nicholas Brunetti
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: Thermal Tolerance of the Larvae of the Invasive Tunicate Styela clava
Collaborators:
Student: Danielle Gorka
Mentor: Nancy Savage
Project: Electrospinning of Molybdenum Oxide-Polypyrrole Composites
Collaborators:
Student: Gloria Frankson
Mentor: Eva Sapi
Project: Investigation of allicin as an effective treatment for Lyme Disease
Collaborators:
Student: Dante Lepore
Mentor: Pauline Schwartz & Carl Barratt
Project: Models of Non-enzymatic, Autocatalytic eplication of dsRNA under Pre-biotic Conditions
using Thermal Cycling
Collaborators:
Student: Amanda Scalza
Mentor: W. David Harding
Project: Nanomaterials: Synthesizing and Characterizing Superconductive Nanotubes
Collaborators:
Student: Kristin Savoie
Mentor: Charles Vigue
Project: Mutations In the BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes
Collaborators:
Student: Matthew Altonji
Mentor: Amy Thompson
Project: Finalization and Public Delivery of the University of New Haven Carbon Emissions
Footprint/Inventory
Collaborators:
Student: Kathleen Sandin
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: Investigating the Relationship Between Sulfide Release from Marine Sediments and
the Formation of Hypoxia in Smithtown Bay, New York
Collaborators:
Student: Michael Camardella
Mentor: John Kelly
Project: Investigating the Influence of Hypoxia on the Sub-Lethal Stress Response of Marine
Invertebrates in Smithtown Bay, NY
Collaborators:
Student: Jason Beauregard
Project: The Music Industry Circa 2010/The State of the Music Industry: An Analysis
Collaborators:
Student: Stephen Klepner
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: Response of fiddler crabs Uca spp. In salt marshes to changing habitat structure
on salt marshes and relationships to seal-level rise.
The 2009 projects represent Psychology, Criminal Justice, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Biotechnology, Marine Biology, Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemistry, and Hospitality and Tourism.
Collaborators:
Student: Andrew Mahoney
Mentor: Alex Guzman
Project: The Effect of the Belief in Free Will on the Interpretation of Others' Moral Behavior
Collaborators:
Student: Matt Cherubini
Mentor: Pauline Schwartz & Carl Barrett
Project: Chemical Systems and Thermal Cycling; Development of Computational Models for the
Design of Micro-Reactors
Collaborators:
Student: Dante Lepore
Mentor: Pauline Schwartz & Carl Barrett
Project: Computational Models of Chemical Evolution: The Role of Thermal Cycling in Breaking
Chiral Symmetry with Application to Pre-biotic Chemistry
Collaborators:
Student: Chuong Nguyen
Mentor: Michael Rossi
Project: Green Fluorescent Protein Constructs
Collaborators:
Student: Ivana Espinosa
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: Population Structure of the Snail Melamupus Bidenatatus ion Relation to Sea-Level
rise Effects on Salt Marshes
Collaborators:
Student: Jamie Maziarz
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: Development of Genetic Markers for Polydora Cornuta (Annelida: Polychaeta) for Population
Ecology Studies - Phase II
Collaborators:
Student: Michael Taylor
Mentor: Saion Sinha
Project: Exploring a Material's Heat Transfer Capabilities in Order to Improve the Computing
Power of a Personal Computer
Collaborators:
Student: Colton Murphy
Mentor: Christopher Martinez
Project: Creating Swarm Intelligence for Robotic Coordinated Movement
Collaborators:
Student: Kyrle Luth
Mentor: Eva Sapi
Project: Novel Genetic Markers for Borrelia burgdorferi Biofilm Formation
Collaborators:
Student: Samantha Davidson
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: Styela Clava as a Micro-Community
Collaborators:
Student: Katherine Oren
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: Aquaculture of Limulus Polyphemus, a biomedically Important Organism: Captive Spawning
& Larval Grow-Out
Collaborators:
Student: Robert Harvey III
Mentor: Saion Sinh
Project: Determining the Caliber of a Weapon by Studying Nanoparticles of Gunshot Residue
Collaborators:
Student: Andrew Myruski
Mentor: David Schroeder
Project: Bias and the Homicide Investigation: Does Victim Race Affect Detective Decision Making?
Collaborators:
Student: Dipti Gawankar & Jai Rathore
Mentor: Juline Mills
Project: Exploring Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry: An Examination of Current go
Green Practices among the Top Fifty U.S. Hotels
Collaborators:
Student: Stacey McMillin
Mentor: Mario Gaboury & Christopher Sedelmaier
Project: Exploring the Relationship between Economics and Human Trafficking: Can Economic
Policy Improve Victims' Lives?
The 2008 projects represent Marine Biology, Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pre-Med, Mechanical Engineering, Forensic Science, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Music, Sound Recording, and Biology.
Collaborators:
Student: Jaime Miller
Mentor: Eva Sapi
Project: Microfilarial Nematodes as Potential Tick-borne Pathogens
Collaborators:
Student: Courtney Jones
Mentor: Charles Vigue
Project: Mutation Detection in Pantothenate Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration
Collaborators:
Student: Katherine Carpenter
Mentor: Eva Sapi
Project: Study of the Development of Biofilm Formation of Borrelia Burgdorferi
Collaborators:
Student: Kelli Sladick
Mentor: Howard A. Harris
Project: Examination of Cocaine Base and Cocaine Hydrochloride Mixtures
Collaborators:
Student: Leah Pandiscia
Mentor: Nancy Savage
Project: Preparation of Tungsten Trioxide and Polypyrrole Films for Electrochromic Composites
Collaborators:
Student: Jeremy Esposito
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: Aquaculture of Limulus Polyphemus, a Biomedically Important Organism
Collaborators:
Student: Jessica Emerson
Mentor: Joseph Smolinski
Project: From Virtual to Real: Computer Aided Sculpture
Collaborators:
Student: Michael Cicero
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: Development of Genetic Markers for Polydora Cornuta (Annelida: Polychaeta) for Population
Ecology Studies
Collaborators:
Student: Julie Hull
Mentor: Virginia Maxwell
Project: You are What and Where You Eat: An Investigation of the Link between Environment
and Mineral Composition in Bone Tissue
Collaborators:
Student: Daniel C. Osipovitch & Alice Coppock
Mentor: Pauline Schwartz
Project: Systems Chemistry and Parrondo's Paradox: Computational Models of Thermal Cycling
Collaborators:
Student: Brian Vogel
Mentor: Joseph Smolinksi
Project: From Virtual to Real: Computer-Aided Sculpture
The 2007 projects represent Psychology, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Accounting, Criminal Justice, Finance, Music, Forensic Science, Biochemistry, Marine Biology, and History.
Collaborators:
Student: Jeremy J. Esposito and Kimberly Perrelli
Mentor: Carmela Cuomo
Project: Aquaculture of Limulus polyphemus, a biomedically important organism: Captive Spawning
and Larval Grow-Out
Collaborators:
Student: Jessica Emerson and Brian Vogel
Mentor: Joseph Smolinski
Project: From virtual to real: Explorations in computer aided sculpture
Collaborators:
Student: Katherine Carpenter
Mentor: Eva Sapi
Project: Establishment of an in bitro systemto study Borrelia burgdorferi biofilm formation
Collaborators:
Student: Brian Francisco
Mentor: Saion Sinha
Project: Unlocking the material sensing abilities of the Atomic force microscope at the University
of New Haven
Collaborators:
Student: Mike Cicero
Mentor: Roman Zajac
Project: Development of genetic markers for polydora cornuta (Annelida: Polychaeta) for population
ecology studies
Collaborators:
Student: Courtney Jones
Mentor: Charles Vigue
Project: Mutation Detection: Pantothenate Kinase associated nurodegeneration
Collaborators:
Student: Julie A. Hull
Mentor: Virginia Maxwell
Project: You are what and where you eat: An investigation of the link between environment
and mineral composition in bone tissue
Collaborators:
Student: Alice Coppock
Mentor: Pauline Schwartz
Project: Computational Chemistry of Parrondo’s Paradox
Collaborators:
Student: Leah Pandiscia
Mentor: Nancy Savage
Project: Electrochromic behavior of layered WO3-Polypyrrole films
Collaborators:
Student: Daniel Osipovitch
Mentor: Pauline Schwartz
Project: Optimization and Validation of a Computational model of two-temperature PCR
Collaborators:
Student: Kelli Sladick
Mentor: Howard A. Harris
Project: Examination of cocaine base/cocaine hydrochloride mixtures
Collaborators:
Student: Western Zickefoose
Mentor: David Harding
Project: Initiating bioengineering at the University of New Haven: The bioreactor demonstration
project
Collaborators:
Student: Brandon Bujnowski
Mentor: Bradley Woodworth
Project: Human aesthetic response to music and film
Collaborators:
Student: Jaime Miller
Mentor: Eva Sapi
Project: Microfilarial Nematodes as Potential Tick-Borne Pathogens
Spotlights
Researched expression levels of different forms of a DNA repair gene called Polymerase Beta. He ran qualitative polymerase chain reaction assays (analysis), which showed the difference in the regulation of the gene of interest.
The SURF program enabled her to combine her interests in the historical and cultural norms of the Middle East and the advancement of women to pursue an interesting project.
She analyzed video footage that she collected at Dump Reef, and she examined the impact that changes in the coral reefs had on the reef's fish community structure.