Active Research Projects - Apply Today!
George Avirappattu, Ph.D.
Professor
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
AI-Based Frequently Asked Questions System
Our work is to explore the feasibility and usefulness of a Carnegie Classifications Answer Bot, an AI application that provides answers to the questions posed in natural language.
The proposed work primarily involves two steps:
- Build a Q&A system by adapting one of the most used Large Language Model(LLM) bases, such as Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT), and/or Large Language Model Meta AI (Llama 2) to a custom database of questions and answers on Carnegie Classifications.
- Develop Web-based interfaces to deploy the Q&A system
Our team will continue to explore applications similar to this Q&A system, leveraging the growth in AI-related to LLMs beyond the Carnegie Classifications. Students interested in mathematics and computer science and considering careers in machine learning and AI are encouraged to explore opportunities with us. The expectation is a commitment of 10 -15 hours per week, including an hour of in-person meeting.
Consuelo Bonillas, Ph.D.
Professor
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Directory
Bridging the Gap Between Theory, Research & Practice in Public Health Through an Intersectional and Social Justice Lens
The Bonillas Lab aspires to create a paradigm shift on how we research and advocate for health equity in New Jersey. Dr. Bonillas’ research and area of expertise is focused on investigating the impact of social and structural determinants of health and intersecting social identities on various health outcomes (concentrated in sexual/reproductive health) in communities of color in New Jersey.
To advance health equity in New Jersey, the Bonillas Lab has been structured to provide a foundation in a specific research topic and to build the skills needed to achieve their ultimate goal. First the student will choose to specific research topic in either (1) perinatal health (addressing the structural/social determinants of health that impact Black and Latinx maternal health in New Jersey); (2) sexual/reproductive health (identifying gaps in knowledge, support and resources to help inform Kean students or a local community); or (3) women’s and gender studies (identifying gaps in knowledge, support and resources to help inform Kean students or a local community). The student will then select to either (1) build the skills to conduct their own research; (2) learn how to write and submit an external grant proposal; (3) acquire the skills to create, plan and assess an event on campus and/or in local community; or develop the skills to create and deliver impactful presentations.
Depending on the research working group, students will build skills in budgeting, communication (oral and written), data analytics, event planning, grant writing, leadership, public speaking, research, and time management. Students will be mentored by Dr. Bonillas and her graduate research assistant.
Skill Building ▪ End Products
Conducting Research. The students will be expected to participate in Research Day, disseminate their findings a national conference and submit a manuscript for publication in an academic journal.
Grant Writing. The students will be expected to submit an external grant proposal for research and if funded, coordinate the project accordingly.
Event Coordinating/Planning. The students will be expected execute at least one planned event on campus and one planned event in a local community.
Public Speaking. The students will be expected speak at a planned event on campus and one planned event in a local community.
Ngoc Dao, Ph.D. & David Joiner, Ph.D.
Associate Professors
College of Business and Public Management & School of Integrative Science and Technology (IST)
Directory (Dao)
Directory (Joiner)
Economic Conditions and the Gig Economy: Measuring the Impact and Implications for Social Welfare Programs
Background and Motivation: “Gig” (internet-mediated freelance) employment rose substantially over the past two decades; roughly 16% of American adults have ever earned money through an online gig platform. Gig jobs include those that are mediated through smartphone apps and other online platforms to perform tasks such as meal delivery, grocery delivery, and providing rides, and typically do not involve a formal employer-employee relationship. Gig workers are usually not covered by the legal rights and protections enjoyed by traditional employees (apart from the 2020 CARES Act which expanded unemployment benefits to gig workers), but gig jobs may appeal to those who seek flexible hours, self-directed work, and tax contributions.
Aim(s): To our knowledge, no existing study links gig work and social welfare participation among the working-age population. The proposed study will fill these gaps through the following three specific aims: (1) examining how federal welfare receipt and benefits differ for gig workers versus others; (2) examining how economic conditions shape the size of the gig workforce; and (3) exploring how the pandemic affects gig employment as well as the relationship between gig work and federal welfare receipt. The results of this study will help inform policy makers how future changes in the gig economy may affect social welfare. Findings will have important implications for the fiscal status of the social welfare system.
Hypothesis/Research Questions: Our collaborative exploratory interdisciplinary study addresses the following research questions: (1) What is the size of gig employment and its movements overtime? (2) How economic conditions shape the size of gig workers? (3) What are the association between gig work and participation in social welfare programs (food stamps, Medicaid, TANF, and disability benefits)? (4) How did the Pandemic affect gig employment and the relationship between gig work and social welfare income receipts?
Approach: Data will be prepared in STATA. Analysis will be conducted in Python with standard data analytics and machine learning packages (e.g., numpy, pandas, statmodels, linregress, regplot, keras, skelarn, Tensorflow, PyTorch). We will use two data sets to examine our research questions: (1) Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC, 2005-22) and Contingent Worker Supplement (CWS, 2017); and (2) Survey of Household Economics and Decision Making (SHED, 2017-20).
Students will be required to attend two data analytics and visualization workshops each semester, participate in research for a maximum of 10 hours per semester and 30 hours during 8 weeks in the Summer for a total stipend of $5,500.
Iyad Ghanim, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Directory
Hemispheric processing of semantic information in words and sentences
To comprehend language, individuals combine the totality of the utterance they hear with
information from the individual words. This process may be more complicated for bilinguals,
who may have a lesser ability to use context to facilitate comprehension. In his research, Dr.
Ghanim explores how people, especially bilinguals, extract meaning from the language that they
hear and negotiate between sources of information when processing language. One such project
entails comparing the differences in the two cerebral hemispheres with regards to how that
information is extracted, processed, and used to facilitate comprehension. In another related
project, differences between bilingual subgroups are examined and compared. Currently, Dr.
Ghanim is validating existing measures of reading assessments in bilinguals.
Students researchers will work on human subjects recruitment, data collection and experimental
administration in our lab space, and preparation of data files. Students will be mentored by Dr.
Ghanim and graduate assistants.
Irina Gioaba, Ph.D.
Equity In Action Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Marketing, Global Business and Economics
Directory
Ageist language in job ads and its impact on applicant behavior
The past few decades have witnessed a tremendous increase in workforce participation among the older segment of the population. Nevertheless bias and discrimination against older workers remains a pervasive phenomenon. Although the nature of discrimination has changed, with fewer instances of blatant overt discrimination, subtle forms continue to pose challenges for individuals over 50 looking for employment. Recent research has suggested that certain organizational practices may contribute to perpetuate age inequality in the workplace. One such example refers to the wording of job advertisements. Although, employers are no longer allowed to overtly advertise preference for certain groups, however they can nevertheless shape the applicant pool through subtle cues connoting certain group-associated traits and stereotypes ("technologically savvy", "flexibility", etc.). The goal is research is to investigate how applicants respond to such practices by measuring their perceptions of these job ads, the impact of their job seeking behaviors, and intentions to pursue employment.
Keri Giordano, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology
Directory
School/Clinical Psychology Research Project
Dr. Keri Giordano (School/Clinical Psychology) is seeking two undergraduate students to join her lab, which focuses on the mental health needs of the birth to five population. More specifically we pursue three lines of research: 1. enhancing the social emotional competencies of infants and young children, 2. identifying and addressing barriers to mental health services for the birth to five population, and 3. promoting the development of professionals equipped to meet the mental health needs of infants and young children. Student researchers will work alongside doctoral candidates in the development of studies, submission of forms, recruitment, data collection/analysis, and dissemination of results on one of two studies. The first project is examining the goodness of fit between teachers and students and the relationship between this and perceptions of challenging behaviors. The next is looking at the connection between parent and child levels of social emotional skills and predictors of these levels. Note- students need to be available to attend weekly team meetings on Tuesdays 11:40-12:50.
Min Chung Han, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
College of Business and Public Management
Buy Now Pay Later: Smart consumption or simple avoidance of the pain of paying
Dr. Min Chung Han (Marketing) is seeking two undergraduate students to work on her marketing research project, which is supported by Released Time for Research (RTR) program. Student researchers will be mentored by Dr. Han and will participate in several parts of the project, including: research stimuli design, survey questionnaire creation using Qualtrics, data collection, data analysis using SPSS software, and result presentation. A student who contributes to the work will have opportunities to present their work at Kean Research Days and co-authorship on presentation and papers. Students will be expected to work on the research project for 5-10 hours per week and will receive a stipend.
Supratik Kar, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Computer-aided Drug Discover for Zika Virus
The Zika virus (ZV), transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, typically causes mild
symptoms like rash, fever, and joint pain, though many infected individuals remain asymptomatic.
Despite the generally low risk of severe illness, Zika poses significant concerns for pregnant
women, as it can lead to congenital malformations such as microcephaly in infants and is
associated with neurological conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome. The estimated risk of
congenital malformations is between 5–15% in infants born to infected mothers during pregnancy,
and although mortality rates are low, severe complications can arise.
Currently, there are no US FDA-approved treatments or vaccines for ZV, underscoring the
potential for a future pandemic due to the virus's capacity for mutation. Research has identified
five key proteins in ZV's life cycle as targets for drug discovery: NS3 Protease/Helicase, NS5
RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp), NS5 Methyltransferase, Capsid Protein, and Envelope
(E) Protein. The NS5 RdRp, crucial for viral replication and conserved across flaviviruses, is
considered a prime target for drug development efforts. The lack of approved treatments prompts
a focus on repurposing existing FDA-approved small molecules using computational techniques
such as docking, molecular dynamics, machine learning, and ADMET profiling. This approach
aims to streamline the drug discovery process, improving time and cost efficiency while
minimizing late-stage failures. Ultimately, this research could significantly enhance healthcare
quality by providing effective treatments for ZV.
In silico Modeling of Aquatic Toxicity of Organic Chemical to Popular and Rare Fish Species: Mechanistic Study and Ecotoxicity Gap Filling
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to have a detailed report of any chemical that is manufactured or processed as well
as imported in the United States. The TSCA Active Inventory includes about 86,000 chemicals
with hundreds to thousands of new substances added every year. Therefore, having toxicological
data in the means of experimental toxicological study is close to impossible considering the huge
dimension of toxicity endpoints to study. Thus, in silico models like QSAR, read-across, and
machine learning can be employed strategically to support testing prioritization of the chemical
for which no ecotoxicity data are available.
My lab has already created in silico toxicity models for Tilapia, Labeo rohita (Rohu Fish),
trout and salmon. Two of the works have already been published in high-impact factor Q1 journals.
Over the next three years, my lab will develop silico toxicity models for another 10 fishes
employing cheminformatics to fill the toxicity data gaps and risk assessment of industrial
chemicals to these fishes.
Protein Binding Affinity as the Driver for Studying PFAS Mixture Toxicity
The purpose of this project is to use a combination of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo tools to test the overarching hypothesis that the binding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to hemoglobin (Hb) is a physiological signal for predicting the toxicity of PFAS mixtures. Using PFAS concentrations and ratios of mixtures found in surface and drinking water across the USA, we will quantify the binding of single PFAS and their mixtures to hemoglobin. My lab is responsible for the computational part while Prof. Sepulveda’s lab of Purdue University is responsible for in vitro and in vivo part of the research.
Criteria:
- Students should be from Chemistry, Biology, Computer science, or environmental science major or minor.
- During the time of application, students should have 3.0 or higher GPA.
- Students from Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior years are preferred.
- Students will be expected to work on the project for 5 - 10 hours per week and will receive a stipend.
Students who contribute meaningfully to the work will have opportunities for co-authorship on presentations and papers.
Daehan Kwak, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Collaborative Research: CISE-MSI: RCBP-RF: CPS: Socially Informed Traffic Signal Control for Improving Near Roadway Air Quality
Dr. Daehan Kwak (Computer Science) is seeking motivated undergraduate and graduate students to participate in a collaborative NSF-funded research project with Lehigh University, focused on improving air quality near roadways through advanced traffic signal control systems. As part of our team, you will engage in tasks such as developing low-cost air quality sensing systems, implementing machine learning-based traffic sensing models, and designing socially informed traffic signal control strategies. This unique opportunity offers mentorship, hands-on research experience, and the chance to contribute to a project with the potential to enhance air quality and the well-being of communities.
Students from underrepresented groups in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.
Brenna Levine, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Directory
Effects of urbanization on the evolutionary dynamics of invasive species range expansion
Dr. Brenna Levine (Biology) is seeking two motivated undergraduate students to work on her NSF-funded spotted lanternfly evolution project. Student researchers will work on numerous aspects of the project including: DNA extraction, spotted lanternfly rearing, field data collection, analysis, and growing/maintenance of tree-of-heaven plants. Student researchers will be mentored by Dr. Levine and a graduate student and more senior undergraduate in the lab. Student who contribute meaningfully to the work will have opportunities for co-authorship on presentations and papers. Students will be expected to work on the project for 5 - 10 hours per week and will receive a stipend.
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors requested.
Students from underrepresented groups in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.
Sophia M. Manning, D.Litt, MLA
Adjunct Instructor
In Touch with Millennials through Digital Humanities
Digital Humanities (DH), the creative treatment of actuality and as a practical method to impart
knowledge to millennials allows for educators and learners to explore human-technology
interactions. Engaging students in Digital Humanities transform lives, societies and the world.
Generally, Digital Humanities has some basic structure or content to convey to learners, there is
also overlap among concepts, context, and content. However, its structures are compiled by
various steps, including, but not limited to, digital research, use of imagination—idea or deep
thinking, digital storytelling, story mapping, and a confluence of several philosophies,
mythologies, cultural practices, languages, and historical occurrences.
This study illustrates a pragmatic model of facilitating Digital Humanities. It not only explains
the key concepts, but also employs these ideas as practical discourse relevant to academia.
Illustrations reflect a global, contemporary, trans-historical, and transmedia approach to
knowledge and meaning- making. They promote immersive activities that enhance intelligence
and synthesize key issues related to the Humanities.
The objective of this project is to foster a universal perspective of the Humanities, advance
pedagogy at various levels, reach beyond geographic and cultural borders, embark on
unchartered territories, and shape students’ minds to embrace and share in the global academic
community where students connect their original thoughts to learned theory. As a result,
students will experience realistic and interpretive practices, intricacies, and obscurities of being
human in experience and knowledge of the world.
Matthew G. Niepielko, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Directory
Investigating mechanisms that regulate reproductive fitness in Drosophila
A fundamental requirement for animal reproduction is the development and maintenance of the germline, the set of highly specialized cells responsible for passing on genetic material to the following generation. Recent discoveries have revealed that germline function requires the formation of highly conserved ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules called germ granules. Germ granules have essential roles in germline differentiation, proliferation, and post-transcriptional gene regulation. In animals such as Drosophila, germ cell specification occurs through the inheritance of germ granules that reside at a specific location within the egg. In humans, where germline fate is induced through signaling interactions, similar germ granules form de novo after germline differentiation. Regardless of their origin, germ granules contain highly conserved components such as mRNA encoding the translational repressor nanos (nos). Evidence supporting the conserved role of germ granules comes from the effect of mutations that eliminate conserved germ granule components in Drosophila, Xenopus, zebrafish, and mouse, which result in the loss of the germline. In humans, mutations in the nos ortholog, NANOS1, are associated with defects in spermatogenesis that result in a lack of germ cells in the testes, while mutations in NANOS3 are linked to premature ovarian failure. Despite the conserved function of germ granules, it is unclear how fertility may be affected by changes in germ granule composition. Elucidating how granule mRNA content affects fertility and the mechanisms that yield germ granule diversity should provide insight into defects such as infertility and sterility. In the Niepielko Lab, we take advantage of the natural variation of fertility found in Drosophila species to investigate the role germ granules have in reproductive robustness.
Capturing 3D pollen images using confocal micrscopy
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a common inflammatory condition caused by pollen grains released by trees, grasses, weeds, or molds. Many people are affected by the cold-like symptoms caused by these various pollen species. Therefore, streamlining the distribution of real-time pollen conditions is important because it can provide allergy sufferers with useful information to help reduce pollen exposure. AI can be used to automate the process of identifying and quantifying real time pollen conditions. It is hypothesized that confocal microscopy images can serve as sufficient training data for this AI program. Whereas other types of microscopes can only allow the external characteristics of samples to be seen, confocal microscopy allows a sample to be imaged in slices along its z-axis which are then used to create 3D and cross-sectional images. This allows the images to not only display the external morphologies and characteristics that are unique to each pollen species, but also the internal morphologies and characteristics. During this study, several 3D images of various pollen species were captured at various magnifications. The images were able to show and distinguish each pollen species by their distinctive characteristics. The study found that confocal microscopy can be used to produce detailed images of pollen grain species. The next step in this research would be to develop an AI program that can identify and quantify pollen on an unmodified slide of current pollen conditions. This information can then be made public online or added to a pollen database.
Applications are currently not being accepted
Alexander Sepulveda, J.D.
Equity In Action Postdoctoral Fellow
College of Business and Public Management
Directory
Solitary Confinement/Minor Rights
This essay critically examines the complex and controversial relationship between the death penalty and solitary confinement. The death penalty, a form of punishment involving the deliberate taking of a person's life, has long been a subject of intense debate. Similarly, solitary confinement, the practice of isolating prisoners in a small cell for extended periods, has attracted significant attention due to its psychological and ethical implications. By analyzing empirical evidence, legal perspectives, and ethical considerations, this essay explores the impact of solitary confinement on death row inmates, the potential risks and benefits of this practice, and the broader implications for the criminal justice system.
Galia Shokry, Ph.D. & Daehan Kwak, Ph.D.
Equity In Action Postdoctoral Fellow & Assistant Professor
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Directory (Shokry)
Directory (Kwak)
Climate Justice in Action: Addressing Gentrification Impacts of Urban Climate Resilience Planning and Placemaking
Background and Motivation:
As green resilience infrastructure (GRI) becomes increasingly integral to urban planning for climate adaptation, it is highlighted for cost-effectiveness and diverse benefits, such as recreational opportunities, improved health outcomes, stronger social networks, and enhanced property values. However, recent research uncovers potential drawbacks, notably green climate gentrification (GCG), which disproportionately impacts low-income and minoritized communities, potentially leading to their displacement and increased exposure to new climate risks. This compounds existing vulnerabilities, creating a complex intersection of challenges. Despite heightened awareness, environmental action often prioritizes climate urgency and may perceive GCG as a socio-economic issue beyond its purview. A pressing need exists for proactive, collaborative, and inter-sectoral efforts to integrate climate adaptation and social justice goals, recognizing their interconnectedness for the long-term stability, health, and well-being of urban residents.
Aim(s) and Research Questions:
Our study seeks to (1) identify and map compounding social and neighborhood-level factors contributing to communities’ vulnerability to gentrification induced by climate action; (2) assess the effectiveness of communities’ response strategies, distinguishing the most/least supportive external interventions. Two research questions guide our investigation: (1) Which geographies are most vulnerable to GCG, and which social and neighborhood-level factors contribute to the vulnerability of these locations? (2) What strategies do communities employ to adapt to GCG, and under which conditions are these strategies most effective?
Approach:
Our approach combines quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the complex dynamics of GCG impacts in two NJ urban areas. This involves (1) employing geo-visualization tools for spatial analysis and vulnerability mapping to identify susceptible geographies; (2) engaging communities through surveys and interviews to explore socio-economic factors and adaptive strategies; (3) assessing the effectiveness of community response strategies and external interventions. To enhance accessibility and collaboration among civic organizations, local officials, and researchers, we plan to establish an interactive web-based platform, with real-time data sharing, co-mapping, and analysis.
Students will be required to attend two data analytics and visualization workshops each semester, participate in research for a maximum of 10 hours per semester and 30 hours during 8 weeks in the Summer for a total stipend of $5,500.
Pragya Sharma Ghimire, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Directory
Dietary Calcium Intake Analyses and its Relationship With Fitness Components Among College-Aged Young Adults
Dr. Pragya Sharma’s (Exercise Science) lab is currently seeking two motivated undergraduate students to join her lab for a project investigating the impact of dietary calcium intake on muscle performance. While the role of calcium in bone metabolism is well-documented, a significant research gap exists in understanding the relationship between calcium intake and muscle performance, particularly among young adults. Therefore, this study aims to compare Dietary Calcium Intake among young individuals and explore the relationship between cardiovascular and muscular performance. The importance of dietary calcium intake in bone metabolism has been well established; however, it is still less investigated in health-related components that could further help us to gain insight into muscle-bone crosstalk.
Further, Dr. Sharma’s broader research scope looks at the impact of exercise and nutrition on the molecular levels of bone metabolism, a complex sequence of bone turnover, and bone formation. Her research also involves exploring novel markers such as sclerostin, DKK-1, RANKL, and Irisin in response to exercise via signaling cascades, which can delve into the disease prevention aspect of osteoporosis/sarcopenia with exercise performance. A student’s meaningful contribution to the work may present the opportunity to present their work at Kean Research Days and co-authorship on presentations and publications. Students will be expected to work on the research project for 5-10 hours per week and receive a stipend.
Aaron van Klyton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
College of Business and Public Management
Directory
The challenges of digitalising the retail supply chain in East Africa
Dr Aaron van Klyton (Management and Global Business) is seeking one motivated senior undergraduate or graduate student (preferably from Sociology or Communications) to work on an interdisciplinary project on digital transformation and the reconfiguration of service ecosystems. This part of the project focuses on the failure of digital innovations to mitigate supplier debt in the fast-moving consumer goods sector in Kenya– a critical source of market friction. In this qualitative study, the student researcher will work on data management and coding, literature review, and collecting secondary data about market competitiveness. The student will be mentored by Dr van Klyton. The expectation is that the student will be open to exploring the human-technology frontier with particular attention given to the institutional and cultural factors in developing markets that affect technology acceptance. A student’s meaningful contribution to the work may present the opportunity to co-author a paper.
Jared P. Van Ramshorst, Ph.D. & George Avirappattu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & Associate Professor
Center for Interdisciplinary Studies & The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Directory (Van Ramshorst)
From the Border to the Big Apple: Asylum, Immigration, and the Politics of New York City’s Emerging “Humanitarian Crisis”
Background and Motivation:
Since spring 2022, more than 100,000 immigrants have arrived in New York City, most of them from countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America. Many immigrants lack access to food and shelter, and few have local connections and ties to the city. While these families and individuals have petitioned for asylum in the U.S., immigration court backlogs mean the process could take years, thereby stranding immigrants in New York City with little resources to draw upon. Such events have purportedly overwhelmed the city’s capacity to respond to the increase in immigration, with government officials repeatedly declaring a “humanitarian crisis” as local agencies scramble to accommodate immigrants in various spaces scattered throughout New York City’s five boroughs.
Aims:
To date, studies have not yet examined the spatial politics of this so-called “crisis.” We seek to fill this gap through the following aims: (1) Examine the ways in which New York City has responded to recent arrivals of immigrants from the Caribbean and Central and South America (2) Investigate how this response has transformed the landscape of asylum and immigration within and beyond the city (3) Explore the utility of analytical tools such as mapping, Markov Chains, and spatial analysis in the context of asylum and immigration. In doing so, we hope to deepen understandings of asylum, immigration and the politics of reception and settlement.
Hypothesis/Research Questions:
Our proposed study addresses the following research questions: (1) What issues, politics, and tensions have emerged in New York City’s so-called “humanitarian crisis”? (2) How have New York City officials and adjacent nongovernmental organizations responded to recent arrivals of immigrants from the Caribbean and Central and South America? (3) In what ways has this response transformed the landscape of asylum and immigration within and beyond the New York Metropolitan Area? (4) What utility do analytical tools such as mapping, Markov Chains, and spatial analysis hold for better understanding asylum and immigration?
Approach:
We will utilize a mixed-methods approach, including mapping and spatial analysis vis-à-vis Adobe Creative Cloud and geographic information systems (GIS) alongside critical policy analysis to address these research questions. Additionally, we plan to employ analytical tools such as Markov Chains to explore their utility in the context of immigration and the city’s emerging “humanitarian crisis.”
Students will be required to attend two data analytics and visualization workshops each semester, participate in research for a maximum of 10 hours per semester and 30 hours during 8 weeks in the Summer for a total stipend of $5,500.
Rana Zeine, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Directory
The Endocannabinoid System and Mechanisms of Medical Cannabis
The US Department of Health and Human Services has recommended reclassifying cannabis as a schedule III drug, recognizing its medical benefits. Medical cannabis research is needed to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including PTSD, CTE, Alzheimer's and other dementias, multiple sclerosis and other demyelinative diseases, Parkinson's, Huntington's and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cannabis-based medicines are under investigation in cancer clinical trials. Dr. Zeine welcomes students who are motivated to study the physiology of the endocannabinoid system, the cellular mechanisms of action of the various molecules found in cannabis and cannabimimetic plants, and the efficacy of medical cannabis in fighting cancer and neuropsychiatric diseases.