Research Days 2026 Kicks Off at Kean University, Highlighting Excellence in Research
TEDxKean University, a new addition to Research Days, featured talks from members of the Kean community whose ideas challenge assumptions, offer innovative perspectives and reflect interdisciplinary thinking.
Kean University launched Research Days 2026 this week featuring student research, collaborative panels and a TEDx series highlighting the depth of research across the University.
The program began on Monday with a keynote address from Youssef A. Kousa ’05, ’07, M.S., a prenatal and neonatal neurologist at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., who spoke about perseverance and the importance of embracing challenges.
Drawing on his own journey, Kousa encouraged attendees to pursue opportunities that push them beyond their comfort zones, emphasizing resilience and growth through experience.
“If you are ever between two choices and you are not sure what to do, there will be an easy choice and a hard choice,” Kousa said. “Pick the thing that scares you, because even if it doesn’t work out, you learn and adapt and try again.”
Kousa’s message set the tone for a day centered on student innovation and applied research.
Six student teams competed in the Cougar Investigator Shark Tank Competition, presenting their research to a panel of judges. Three teams were awarded $10,000 grants to further develop their projects. The winning concepts were CougarPark, an AI pilot for real-time parking information at Kean; SmartPulse, an AI-driven campus information platform developed by Wenzhou-Kean students; and an AI program for construction and management training.
“We were provided such a great opportunity by the judges and Kean,” said Ted Saget, a sophomore computer science major and a member of the CougarPark team. “We can’t wait to proceed with our project.”
His teammate, senior computer science major Noorul Sama Sahel, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the event.
“Research Days is so interdisciplinary you get to see so many other parts of Kean and its programs,” Sahel said. “It’s helped me make connections with other students and faculty.”
Research Spotlight sessions focused on “AI in Research” and “Community-Engaged Research,” with Brian Standen, director of innovation and partnerships at the New Jersey AI Hub, delivering the keynote.
“This work is about aligning talent to needs and ensuring that the talent developed in New Jersey stays here, building capacity across education and industry,” Standen said.
Monday's program concluded with TEDxKean University, which brought personal stories and thought-provoking research to the stage. Six speakers, including students, faculty and administrators, discussed a range of topics before a crowded STEM Auditorium.
Executive Vice President for Academic and Administrative Operations Michael Salvatore, Ph.D., spoke about understanding your emotional limits as a leader.
“We have to support others while also understanding our own limits,” Salvatore said. “Compassion and empathy allow you to understand others while also recognizing your purpose and value in the work you do.”
Research Days continues Tuesday, April 21, with a wide range of events, including college research showcases featuring Kean’s six colleges as well as New Jersey City University, as the universities prepare to merge this summer, plus a Creative and Visual Arts Exhibition and a Psy.D. Dissertation Symposium.
Undergraduate and graduate students will present their research on Wednesday, April 22, and outstanding contributions will be honored by the Research Days Awards.
The week concludes on Thursday, April 23, with the CS/IT/AI Capstone Project Innovation, closing out a week dedicated to Kean’s academic excellence in research and the hands-on opportunities that prepare students for future careers.