Skip to main content

Kean University

Apply
Visit

Language selection

Exclamation_Point_2_x2C__Caution_2_x2C__Warning_2 Created with Sketch.

Impending Winter Storm

Due to the impending storm, all classes and activities at Kean’s main campus in Union, Kean Ocean and Kean Skylands will operate remotely on Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26. 

The University will observe a Winter Wellness Day on Tuesday, January 27, following the storm. Classes and activities will not run, and employees are not expected to work. 

Due to ongoing power problems at the Kean Ocean Gateway Building, all classes and activities at Kean Ocean will also be conducted remotely on Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24. This only applies to Kean Ocean. 

Only essential personnel should report to work as scheduled during the remote period or on Tuesday. Employees with questions about their status should consult their supervisor. 

Keanu’s Kitchen will remain open for residential students on the Union campus from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday. 

All vehicles parked on the Union campus must be relocated to the Vaughn-Eames overnight parking lot by 6 p.m. on Saturday to allow for storm cleanup. Vehicles parked elsewhere on campus are subject to relocation. 

Kean Student Researcher Angel Ihie, Studying the Science of Stress

Feb 20, 2024
Student researcher Angel Ihie

Angel Ihie is a junior majoring in cell and molecular biology in The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology at Kean University. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, now living in Galloway, New Jersey, she is a first-generation student who chose Kean because it is both affordable and research-oriented. Ihie’s faculty mentor is Kean Assistant Professor Subasinghe Ashini Dias, Ph.D.

Q. Why is your research innovative? 

I have worked with Dr. Dias on research to understand academic stress in college students during exams, by assessing participants’ levels of Cortisol, Alpha Amylase, and Immunoglobulin A using saliva samples. Our goal is to provide insights that advance knowledge of issues associated with stress, such as anxiety, depression and decreased immune response. Ultimately we hope our research leads to identifying healthier ways for college students to manage stress.

Q. How does your work differ from that of your principal investigator’s?

I am responsible for recruiting participants and sample collection since the principal investigator (PI) cannot be in the room during the collection of samples. Sample storage, data analysis and manuscript writing are also among my responsibilities. Since my PI has extensive experience in this field of research, I have had the opportunity to learn with someone who isn’t only passionate about the topic but wants to impact real change. 

Q. What else have you done to carry out your research?

Working with other research students, we came up with ideas to help the study progress smoothly. Finding new ways to ease the process of communicating, whether by email or virtual meet-up, has been one of my roles.

I’ve also been mentoring other undergraduate students throughout my research internship at Kean’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF). 

Q. What are the major issues in your research area? 

The subject of mental health is broad, complex and multifaceted. Addressing these issues requires interdisciplinary collaboration, increased funding and a dedication to reducing the global burden of mental health disorders in young adults. 

Q. Kean works to serve the wider community. Does your research have that potential? 

Definitely! My research caters to college students and is conducted by college students. We students will become working members of society, so what better time to advocate for ourselves than now? We have the power to speak up for our well-being, and this research provides a great opportunity.

We have completed the primary research and are compiling our findings to be published in the near future, and I am excited to share the findings this summer at Yale's 2024 Research Symposium.

Q. What are your professional goals?

My research journey keeps evolving, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. I hope to continue exploring research during my gap year before pursuing my M.D. degree in medical school. Long term, I intend to pursue a career in medicine and have my own practice. 

Q. How will this research experience help you achieve your career plans? 

Research opportunities can significantly contribute to the journey toward becoming a physician, because engaging in research develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Research also offers exposure to other researchers, clinicians and mentors who can provide guidance, support and valuable connections, all of which I intend to utilize. 

This experience grants me a competitive advantage in medical school admissions. Many medical schools value applicants with research experience; it sets one apart from other candidates and demonstrates dedication to scientific inquiry. 

Q. How do you balance your time between research and class work? 

I plan and prioritize what is important by creating a monthly schedule. I have days on my calendar dedicated to just research. I also serve as co-chair of the Kean President’s Advisory Council, vice president of the Medical Student Support Organization (MSSO) and junior class treasurer of the Student Government Association. Other days are for classes, studying and self-care – to ensure I maintain my mental and physical health.

Tagged