Meet our Research Ambassadors

Ijeoma Akpu

akpui@kean.edu

M.S. Biotechnology

I am currently a graduate student in the STEM Biotechnology program.  I work as a graduate assistant within the Office of Transfer Admissions. I began my college journey at Union County College where I had my first research experience at New Jersey City University. While at Kean, I joined both the McNair program and LSAMP program so I could engage in more research opportunities. Being a part of these programs has allowed me to conduct research abroad in Wuhan, China.  My research mainly focused on soil science and soil restoration, which I have presented at the American Chemical Society in Florida and at the 1st annual McNair Symposium. As an undergraduate, I also had the opportunity to work as a CURF peer research mentor where I helped and guided other undergraduate students, with their research projects and papers. As a research ambassador, I hope to enlighten undergraduate students about the importance of research and show that research has no limits.

Jeremy Gusset

gussetj@kean.edu

Architecture

Jeremy Gusset is a 4th-year Architecture student. He has conducted two research projects with the support of LSAMP and the McNair Scholars program. Under the guidance of his faculty advisor Craig Konyk, Jeremy has been able to research projects he is passionate about. His first research project was the study of prefabrication and modularity. During this study, he visited Kean Wenzhou to study Chinese Joinery. His second research project inspired by his time studying abroad in Rome focused on the restoration of cemeteries and how the cemetery itself can become a space that is used by both the dead and the living. Jeremy has served on the E-Board of Kean Hillel, and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). He has participated in two Kean alternative spring breaks where has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. He has also visited Costa Rica and Puerto Rico with Kean on humanitarian trips. Jeremy is currently interning for Facilities and Campus Planning. Upon graduation, he hopes to attend graduate school and receive an M-Arch Degree. His ultimate goal is to start his own business.