2026 Student Researcher Awardees

Award Winners

Dylan Cumella
Dylan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy student in Kean University’s Class of 2026 and a recipient of the Kean DPT Academic Excellence Award. As a Doctoral Assistant to Dr. Jenna Tucker, he has contributed to peer-reviewed research in concussion rehabilitation and presented at both national and state conferences. Dylan is also an active member of the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey and has a strong interest in neurologic physical therapy.

Nicolas Largotta
Nicolas Largotta is a Master of Science in Biotechnology candidate at Kean University, where he conducts research under Dr. Brenna Levine. His work includes genomics research on rattlesnake hybridization and the invasion genetics of the spotted lanternfly. His research uses high-performance computing, variant detection pipelines, and field-collected samples to study evolutionary biology and genomics. He is broadly interested in bioinformatics, evolution, and multiomics, and he also mentors undergraduate and fellow graduate students in lab techniques and bioinformatic troubleshooting. After completing his degree, he plans to pursue a career in the life sciences industry.

Noorul Sama Sahel
Noorul Sama Sahel is a senior at Kean University majoring in Computer Science, with strong interests in applied research in AI, healthcare, and robotics. As a Research Ambassador, she encourages students to view research as accessible and curiosity-driven. She has worked on breast cancer diagnostic tools using deep learning and has also conducted robotics research at Princeton. She is especially passionate about supporting first-generation students and helping others begin their research journey with confidence.

Amber Ruiz
Amber Ruiz is a graphic designer and visual storyteller completing her senior year at Kean University. She contributed to Kean Research Days as a Graphic Designer and won the 2026 cover design competition, while also serving as a photography sponsor for Creative Mornings Montclair. As a first-generation college student, she is driven by determination and independence. Amber is pursuing a Global MBA at Kean University to expand her skills in business and leadership, with the goal of becoming a Creative Director.

Angelina Spricigo
Angelina Spricigo is a graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at Kean University and a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Early Childhood Education under Dr. Jennifer Chen. Her work focuses on early childhood development, including co-authoring a 2026 article on prosocial and antisocial behaviors in preschool children. She also serves as a clinician at the Kean University Center for Communication Disorders, where she applies evidence-based practices to support clients. Balancing research and clinical work has strengthened her expertise and deepened her interest in communication, education, and emerging technology.
Dahana Moz Ruiz
Dahana Moz Ruiz is a graduate Computer Science student at Kean University and a Graduate Research Assistant on the NSF-funded Pathways Project, where she analyzes student engagement data to improve academic and career outcomes in computing. She also worked as an AI Researcher for a CPC Integrated Health project, developing LLM-based systems for healthcare applications. Her experience spans machine learning, NLP, and inclusive design, and she is a co-author on multiple research publications.

Lu Li
Lu Li is a senior Molecular and Cell Biology major at Kean University conducting interdisciplinary research in computational chemistry, toxicology, and drug discovery under Dr. Supratik Kar. She has co-authored five peer-reviewed publications, including four in top-tier journals. She has earned over $100,000 in scholarships and received M.S. offers from institutions including Johns Hopkins, Columbia, and Weill Cornell, reflecting her strong research ability and academic excellence.
Katia Olhovsky
Katia Olhovsky is a junior at Kean University studying Interior Design. Her research focuses on salutogenic and trauma-informed design, exploring how spaces can support mental well-being and healing. She has conducted research on chronic illness and trauma survivors, translating those insights into human-centered design solutions, and also has experience in luxury residential design.
Angeryca Concepcion
Angeryca R. Concepcion is a senior at Kean University majoring in Business Management Analytics with a minor in Marketing. She is active in student leadership, serves as a Microsoft Excel Student Ambassador, and participated in the L’Oréal Brandstorm 2026 competition. Her research focuses on STEM performance, analytics, and consumer behavior. After graduation, she plans to pursue an MBS at Rutgers University and hopes to apply IT and consumer insights toward launching her own business.