Interdisciplinary Research Think Tank

Think Tank mini-grants support both theoretical and applied faculty-student research projects in all fields. Such projects seek to enhance local, national, and global well-being while exploring diverse research agendas and in many cases lead to conference presentations.

Behavioral Science

Jennings, Adrienne, PhD, BCBA-D

  • Pam LaMountain ‘23: An Intervention to Decrease Vocal Perseverations in a Child with Autism
    • Poster presented at the NYS Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Conference, Oct 4–6, 2023 in Albany as “Functional Analysis and Intervention of Verbal Perseverations in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Comorbidities”

Natural Sciences

D’Amore, Domenic, PhD

  • Charsie Yox ‘24: Paravian Jaw Muscles in Relation to Tooth Reduction

Edsberg, Laura, PhD

  • Christie Kurdziel ‘25: Adipose Tissue Migration in Deep Tissue Pressure Injuries

Ramos, Diane, PhD (with Donna Russel, Program Director, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center)

  • Ellina Chen ‘24 : A Brain Teaser: Olfactory Neuroblastoma (Esthesioneuroblastoma) - A Rare Tumor 
    • Poster presented at the American Society for Cytotechnology Conference, May 17–18, 2024 in San Diego
  • Puja Lad ‘24: Thyroid Tango: An Unexpected Pleural Dance
    • Poster presented at the American Society for Cytotechnology Conference, May 17–18, 2024 in San Diego

Sirianni, Dominic, PhD

  • Nicolas Buksic ‘25: Computational Study of Ruthenium-Based Intercalators of DNA
    • Poster presented at the MERCURY Conference for undergraduate computational chemistry, Jul 17–19, 2024 at the University of California Merced as “On the Nose: Exploring the Noncovalent Driving Forces of DNA Intercalation for Ru-Based Chemotherapeutic Agents”
  • Niya A. Enser ‘26: Could Optimal Intramolecular Interactions Drive the Bergman Cyclization for Anti-Tumor Applications? 
    • Poster presented at the MERCURY Conference for undergraduate computational chemistry, Jul 17–19, 2024 at the University of California Merced

Whorley, Sarah, PhD 

  • Sage Sellers ‘25: Identification of Algae and Chronic Effects of Road Salt on Freshwater Ecosystems
    • Poster presented at the Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting, Jun 3–6, 2024 in Philadelphia as “Interannual Variation in Streams Impacted by Road Salt”

Young, Brenda, PhD

  • Tyler Meyer ‘24: Detecting Glyphosate Residues Inside Food Samples

Conference Presentations

Behavioral Science

New York State Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Conference, Oct 4–6, 2023. Albany, NY:

M.S. capstone research project, faculty advisor Deborah Napolitano

  • Isabella Chrzanowski ‘23: “Survey of Staff Preference for Physical Restraint vs Blocking Techniques Utilized for Crisis Intervention at a School for Children with Developmental Disabilities.” Poster

Physical Therapy

Annual Physical Therapy Education Leadership Conference, Oct 12–14, 2023. Philadelphia, PA:

Faculty advisors Michael Seils and Margaret Mazzone

  • Ryan Beck ‘24, Jaden Gillette ‘24, Alexander Kazmierczak ‘24, Amal Kurian ‘24, Anthony Laquitara ‘24: “Perceptions of Leadership Training in Professional Phase Doctor of Physical Therapy Students.” Poster

American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, May 28–31, 2024. Boston, MA:

Faculty advisor Kira Eimiller:

  • Emma Stoddard ‘24, Mason Smith ‘24, Briana Janes ‘24, Andrew Vincek ‘24: “Reliability Of Goniometric Techniques For Measuring Hip Flexor Length Using The Modified Thomas Test.” Poster

Faculty advisor Jennifer Scheid:

  • Dustin Kowalik ‘24, Amanda Lenau ‘24, Amanda Roberts ‘24, Emily Young ‘24: “The Male and Female Athlete Triad Are Associated with Anxiety in Collegiate Athletes.” Poster