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USJ Research Opportunities Database
- Researching the Effective Benefits of Simulation & Gamification in Skills DevelopmentEducation and Computer Science students interested in a cutting edge research opportunity should visit to learn more about my current research project. In this project my team will be working closely with VRSim (a USJ cooperative learning partner) to gauge the effectiveness of their virtual reality simulation products (specifically EMS training and Paint Sprayer training) as compared to standard training course on the same types of training. We are expecting over 200 subjects for each product set and training will be conducted by professional trainers and members of the VRSim staff.
Student Role: observation, data collection and analysis
Student Benefits: Hands on experience, opportunity to write sections of the reports at the end of the experimental phase and be listed as contributors to the final work
Location: In Person
Type: Volunteer Position
Faculty Mentor: Tom Calabrese
Title: Associate Professor
Department: Mathematics & Computer Science
School: SASBE
How to Apply: Contact Dr. Tom Calabrese at [email protected] - Smart Biodegradable/ Dissolvable MicroneedlesDrug delivery systems (DDS) are formulations or devices that enable the introduction of a therapeutic into the body and its delivery to its target site, potentially enhancing its efficacy and safety. This project, “Smart biodegradable/dissolvable microneedles for efficient transdermal delivery of anticancer drug,” aims to deliver anticancer drugs to the dermal layer of the skin using biodegradable/dissolvable microneedles. This can be achieved by combining novel techniques such as active targeting, nanotechnology and microneedles. You will get the opportunity to formulate a dosage form, characterize it and analyze the results.
Student Role: Research assistant, bench work, and manuscript writing
Student Benefits: Hands-on experience in drug delivery research, scientific writing skills, critical thinking, and publications (needed for residency)
Project Duration: 1-2 years, 2-3 hours per week (flexible)
Minimum Requirements: Biology, chemistry, or previous experience with conducting research in general
Location: In Person
Type: Volunteer Position
Anticipated Start Date: 9/1/2024
Faculty Mentor: Heba Eassa
Title: Assistant Professor
Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences
School: Pharmacy & PA Studies
How to Apply: Email Dr. Heba Eassa at [email protected] - Chemistry ResearchIn my research group, we make chemical compounds that are colored or possess a “glow.” A change in color or “glow” is evidenced when these compounds are added to a sample containing the substances of interest. We are interested in detecting anions, cations and small molecules. These have wide-ranging applications in environmental and medicinal arenas as well as in forensics.
There are opportunities for you to make compounds, help with data analysis using statistical software and to develop laboratory experiments for courses. You will be involved in all aspects of the research from design to dissemination of results.
Student Role: Conducting literature searches, performing lab experiments, and analyzing data
Student Benefits: You will gain hands-on experience in chemical research. This will be a major asset for those pursuing careers in the natural or health sciences.
Project Duration: Fall 2024 Semester and/or Spring 2025 Semester
Minimum Requirements: Completion or enrollment in CHEM 175 or CHEM 170
Location: In Person
Type: Academic Credit Granting Position
Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2024
Faculty Mentor: Nicola Edwards
Title: Associate Professor
Department: Chemistry
School: SASBE
How to Apply: Email Dr. Nicola Edwards at [email protected] - Microbiology ResearchI work with multiple students across differing projects in the realm of microbiology. I almost always have a need for one student to be working on an environmental bacteriology project, where we interrogate and monitor the bacterial communities in the Scantic River. Additionally, I have worked with students on a number of virology-based topics, ranging from using FTIR to detect viral infection in cells, examining the entry of human papillomavirus into cells, the epigenetic impacts of coronavirus infection, and more. I am always open to discussing potential ideas that students have for projects. If they fit under the broad umbrella of microbiology (or even if they don’t! I have worked with students on education-related research as well).
Student Role: Students will be involved in all aspects of the research, from project design, selection of methodology, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results.
Student Benefits: Students will gain research experience to support progression towards careers or graduate programs, and build skills in problem-solving and critical thinking
Project Duration: Ideally at least a full academic year (Fall and Spring Semester). Time commitment varies based on the project, but a student can generally plan on 5-10 hours per week.
Location: In Person
Type: Academic Credit Granting Position
Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2024 Semester
Faculty Mentor: Derek Dube
Title: Associate Professor
Department: Biology
School: SASBE
How to Apply: Contact Dr. Derek Dube at [email protected] - Drosphila Melanogaster ResearchMy lab is currently exploring how larval experiences can influence adult behaviors and preferences in Drosphila Melanogaster (fruit flies). There are also opportunities to design new experiments assessing how prior experience and learning influences future behaviors (foraging, reproductive, etc.).
Student Role: Student will take a major role in growing and taking care of the study species, carrying out the experimental trials, and analyzing the data.
Student Benefits: You will gain skills in animal husbandry, experimental design, and data analysis. These projects will allow you to develop scientific as well a critical thinking and creativity skills.
Project Duration: Project can last for 1 or 2 semesters, depending on student interest. For BIOL 495 credit, student should expect to spend 5-10 hours per week.
Minimum Requirements: Should be at least a sophomore who has previously taken introductory Biology courses
Location: In Person
Type: Academic Credit Granting Position
Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2024 Semester
Faculty Mentor: Jesse Balaban-Feld
Title: Assistant Professor
Department: Biology
School: SASBE
How to Apply: Contact Dr. Jesse Balaban-Feld at [email protected] - Education ResearchEnriching Teacher Candidates’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Reading and Math through School-based Coaching. I will bring students to a local elementary school that has a long-term partnership with USJ to observe and directly teach students. During after school hours, I will bring students to the elementary school to tutor students with needs in reading and math.
Student Role: They will observe me (the reading professor at USJ) and a math professor at USJ teaching students with learning disabilities and students will teach after we demonstrate.
Student Benefits: They will improve their content and pedagogical content knowledge in math and reading by directing teaching elementary school students in a school setting. They will be interviewed by me and the math professor on how this experience improves their knowledge in reading and math.
Project Duration: 4-12 hours per week
Minimum Requirements: The student must show strong disposition skills and dedication to helping students who struggle with reading and math. I care more on the disposition side than on the current knowledge when recruiting students for research.
Location: In Person
Type: Volunteer Position (no pay or academic credit)
Anticipated Start Date: 08/07/2024
Faculty Mentor: Shuai Zhang
Title: Assistant Professor
Department: Education
School: SASBE
How to Apply: Email Dr. Shuai Zhang at [email protected] - Diabetes ResearchThe sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor class demonstrates efficacy in reducing cardiovascular (CV) risks in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. With the rising prevalence of T2DM, there’s a demand for innovative treatments. We are investigating 10 novel compounds for their glucose transportation inhibition akin to empagliflozin, their potential in reducing ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiac injury, and the mechanisms involved in their cardiac protection.
Student Role: Research assistant, bench work, and manuscript writing
Student Benefits: Critical thinking, writing skill, and looks good on CV
Minimum Requirements: Biology, chemistry, or previous experience with cell culture preferred
Project Duration: 2-3 years, 2-3 hrs per week
Location: In Person
Type: Academic Credit Granting Position or Volunteer Position
Anticipated Start Date: 9/1/2024
Faculty Mentor: Zhao Li
Title: Associate Professor
Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences
School: Pharmacy & PA Studies
How to Apply: Email Dr. Zhao Li at [email protected] - Education ResearchIn my current research, I explore teachers’ conceptualization of elementary students’ prior knowledge as students engage in high-level mathematics problems in elementary classrooms. Another study that I am currently working on is newly certified elementary school teachers’ adaptation of reform-aligned instructional practices at the beginning of teaching, and learning opportunities emerge as they engage in activities that revolve around the task of teaching (e.g., classroom interactions). In addition to classrooms being envisioned as rich learning environments for students, my research is centralized around the idea of how the same classrooms can afford rich learning experiences for teachers.
Student Role: They will engage in identifying research questions in educational settings, reviewing the relevant literature, collecting data, analyzing data by using qualitative methods, and potentially presenting work at local conferences (e.g., ATOMIC please see the website: https://atomicmath.org/)
Student Benefits: You will engage in educational research starting from identifying a research question to presenting work at local conferences. You will have opportunities to connect and collaborate with teachers, teacher educators, and researchers throughout this experience.
Project Duration: Fall 2024 and/or Spring 2025, 4-10 hours per week.
Minimum Requirements: You need to be intellectually curious about how to improve mathematics instruction in classrooms, especially with a focus on elementary grades. I expect you to be open to challenging your previous views of what it means to learn and teach mathematics and engage in educational research.
Location: In Person
Type: Volunteer Position
Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2024
Faculty Mentor: Sebnem Atabas
Title: Assistant Professor
Department: Education
School: SASBE
How to Apply: Email Dr. Sebnem Atabas at [email protected]
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