Kali Beeloo '25 (Biological Sciences, CLAS)
OUR Supply Award Recipient

Project Mentor: Dr. Jonathan Klassen, Molecular and Cell Biology

Project Title: The Effect of Lipids on Attine Ant Behavior

Lipids are known to be incredibly useful for many different biological systems. My project has focused on understanding how lipids can be used as potential allelochemicals in attine fungus-growing ants. In my project, ants were exposed to different lipid treatments of α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and ethanol. During these experiments, the ants' observable behavior was recorded, analyzed, and visualized to determine significant behavioral phenotypes in relation to the different lipid treatments.

Project Poster: Kali Beeloo Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation:

Danielle Bernard '26 (Sociology, CLAS)
SHARE Virtual Summer Apprenticeship Participant

Project Mentor: Dr. Ingrid Semaan, Sociology

Project Title: Examining UConn Tuition Trends and What They Reveal Societal Perceptions of Higher Education

This project studies the correlation between state appropriation and tuition prices at UConn. Using this data, the project displays how societal perceptions influence the way education is view. The view on education then determines the cost and who has access to continuing their education.

Project Poster: Danielle Bernard Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Melanie Chen '26 (Physiology and Neurobiology, CLAS)
Health Research Program Participant

Project Mentor: Dr. Jessica Costa, Molecular Oncology, UConn Health

Project Title: Cdc73/Parafibromin in Mesenchymal Progenitors and Tumorigenesis

This proposal aims to investigate the photo-induced ionization and subsequent molecular dynamics, including photodissociation and ring opening, of 2-bromothiophene using laser-pump-laser-probe spectroscopy and cold target ion momentum spectroscopy (COLTRIMS) techniques. By comparing the behavior of 2-bromothiophene with similar molecules like iodothiophene, this study seeks to enhance understanding of their molecular dynamics and photodissociation processes. This approach allows for a detailed comparison with previous studies, offering new insights into the mechanisms of molecular transformations under light exposure.

Project Poster:  Melanie Chen Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Liam Cohen '25 (Sociology, CLAS)
OUR Conference Presentation Award Recipient

Project Mentor: Dr. Alaina Brenick, Human Development and Family Sciences

Project Title: More than Policy: Queer Experiences of Non-Inclusive Sexual-Health Education

Adolescence is a critical time for identity exploration (Branje et al., 2021), but non-inclusive sexual-health education can impede this development for gender-minoritized youth (Rise, 2022). These practices, often due to discriminatory legislation targeting transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer (TNG) youth, enshrine the gender binary and are often informed by misinformation (Garg et al., 2021). We surveyed 401 TNG adolescents/emerging adults (Rangeyears=18-28) about their high school sexual-health education (8-items; e.g., trans experiences represented, hetero/cis-normative, sex/gender conflation) and analyzed these ratings by states grouped as having TNG “inclusive,” “neutral,” or “discriminatory/misinformed” (SIECS, 2023) policies and practices. All group means for every item differed significantly (One-sample T-tests; p’s<0.001) from the 7-point-scale midpoint indicating highly cis-/hetero-normative sexual-health education that excluded TNG experiences, conflated sex and gender, and asserted LGBTQ+ identities were unnatural, unacceptable, or a choice. MANOVA results revealed that TNG students in discriminatory/misinformed states reported significantly more heteronormative sexual-health education and were more likely to be taught that being LGBTQ+ is a choice (compared to inclusive states; p<0.01), and unnatural and unacceptable (compared to inclusive and neutral states; p’s<0.001). Ceiling/floor effects muted all other group effects. Results are discussed in terms of the failings of TNG sexual-health education even with inclusive policies in place.

Project Poster: Liam Cohen Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Cecilia Echevarria '25 (American Sign Language Education, ED & American Sign Language Studies, CLAS)
SHARE Virtual Summer Apprenticeship Participant

Project Mentor: Dr. Hannah Dostal, Curriculum and Instruction

Project Title: Teachers' Beliefs About ASL and Its Impact in the Classroom

American Sign Language (ASL) has been taught as a world language in public schools beginning in the late 20th century and continues to gain popularity (Gallaudet University, 2022). World language teachers for all languages work throughout the school year to aid students in gaining and improving their language skills, along with learning about the cultures associated with the languages they teach. ASL teachers hold a unique position because they are actively working to dismantle stereotypes students enter the classroom with, such as ASL being based on the English language (Calton, 2020). This honors thesis explores teachers’ beliefs about ASL and how those beliefs influence teachers’ use of the target language (i.e., ASL) in the classroom. 3 Deaf or Hard of Hearing ASL teachers and 3 hearing ASL teachers, who teach hearing students in public school settings, were interviewed with a focus on the topics of their beliefs about ASL, the influence of deaf culture on their orientation to ASL and ASL-learning, and how their beliefs influence their use of ASL in the classroom with hearing ASL learners.

Project Poster: Cecilia Echevarria Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation:

Eric Elliott '25 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Health Research Program Participant

Project Mentor: Dr. Pedro Miura, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health

Project Title: Investigating SMARCE1 Alternative 3’UTR mRNA Isoform Function in Human ES cells

Over the course of the summer as an HRP student in the Miura lab we studied the APA of SMARCE1. The goal of the project that was assigned was to determine whether or not the CRISPR deletion of the long 3' UTR would lead to a change in protein expression. Although not finding a direct link to change in expression we plan to move forward by testing other forms of knockdown.

Project Poster: Eric Elliott Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Nataly Flores '26 (Psychological Sciences, CLAS)
SHARE Virtual Summer Apprenticeship Participant

Project Mentor: Dr. Sarah Willen, Anthropology

Project Title: Pandemic Voices: Women's Stories

The project highlights the stories of everyday people during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those whose voices are often left out. I worked with the Pandemic Journaling Project and its exhibit, Picturing the Pandemic, to help translate, organize, and present journal entries, images, and reflections. My role included uplifting the voices of immigrant women and helping bring a wide range of experiences to life through a redesigned public website. This work showed how storytelling can connect communities and preserve personal histories.

Project Poster: Nataly Flores Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Justin Guinta '25 (Sociology & Psychological Sciences, CLAS)
OUR Conference Presentation Award Recipient

Project Mentor: Dr. Ryan Talbert, Sociology

Project Title: Public Education and Capital: Pedagogical Applications of Social Control Theory

This project draws on background knowledge from social control theory and theories of diversity, equity, and inclusion to understand the importance of educator diversity and high school funding. After compiling data from 127 public high schools in Connecticut, the data was analyzed to see what factors influence chronic absenteeism, suspension/expulsion rates, and overall school performance. It demonstrates that increasing funding and educator diversity creates less room for juvenile delinquency and maladaptive behavior.

Project Poster: Justin Guinta Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation:

Zachary Halstead '26 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)

Project Mentor: Dr. Steven Chou, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health

Project Title: Isolation of NPR2 and Determination of its Binding Partners

The goal of our experiment is to understand the structural and regulatory dynamics of NPR2 using size exclusion chromatography. An understanding of these mechanisms can provide valuable insights into cellular events related to the dynamic regulations of NPR2, which have broad implications for reproductive health.

Project Poster: Zachary Halstead Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Dora Jerome '26 (Allied Health Sciences, CAHNR)
OUR Conference Presentation Award

Project Mentor: Dr. Lance Munn, Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School

Project Title: Underneath the Sugar Shield: Improving Immunotherapies for Cancer

Our project looks at the protective sugary layer, called the glycocalyx, that surrounds cancer cells and can shield them from the body's immune system. To overcome this defense, we are testing if specific enzymes can be used to break down this layer. By breaking down this barrier, we hope to help the immune system better recognize and attack cancer cells, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments. Initial results suggest that certain enzymes are more effective at breaking down this layer.

Project Poster: Dora Jerome Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation:

Aidan Karpicz '25 (Secondary Social Studies Education, NEAG & History, CLAS)
OUR Supply Award recipient
OUR Research Travel Award recipient

Project Mentor: Dr. Catherine Little, Educational Psychology

Project Title: Teaching Strategies for Twice-Exceptional Children

In this study, we sought to understand what strategies current teachers in 2e programs use to support their 2e students. Such exploration will broaden understanding of effective practices and provide guidance for preparing future teachers who will work with this population. Through interviews with practicing teachers, we examined experiential evidence and explored the relationships between teachers’ classroom experiences and the recommendations in the literature to date.

Project Poster: Aidan Karpicz Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Fatima Khan '26 (Physiology and Neurobiology, CLAS)
Health Research Program Participant

Project Mentor: Dr. Kristyn Zajac, Department of Medicine, UConn Health

Project Title: Associations between Quality of Mother and Father Figure Relationships and Substance Use

My project is about the associations between parental relationship quality and substance use among high-risk emerging adults. We examine these relationships both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. This study has important clinical implications for family-based substance use interventions.

Project Poster: Fatima Khan Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Taylor Koehler '25 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
OUR Supply Award Recipient

Project Mentor: Dr. Nicholas Leadbeater, Chemistry

Project Title: Green Oxidation of Benzylamine to Benzaldehyde

My project focuses on developing a greener way to convert a compound called benzylamine into one called benzaldehyde, an important chemical used in pharmaceutical, fragrance, and food industries. Instead of relying on toxic chemicals, as done in most of the published literature, we are using a molecule designed in our laboratory along with nitric acid and water to drive this two-step reaction. These reagents are all stable on the shelf for long-term storage and cause significantly less harm to the environment when disposed of. Throughout the project, I will be optimizing the reaction conditions to achieve the highest possible amount of the product with the greatest purity.

Project Poster: Taylor Koehler Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Evelyn McDonald '25 (Communication, CLAS)

Project Mentor: Dr. Kirstie Farrar, Communication

Project Title: Violence, Social Aggression, and Gender in Fantasy Shows on Netflix

The most popular programs on Netflix are a part of the Fantasy genre (i.e.: Stranger Things, Wednesday). Fantasy is seen as a tool for escapism, inclusion, and creative world building (Siikilä, 2017). Given its prevalence in media, Fantasy should be recognized as a genre that dominates our culture, especially since fantasy utilizes over the top depictions of violence (Shaikh, 2022). Heavy and repetitive viewing of violence and social aggression in media has been linked to aggressive thoughts and behaviors (Atkin, 1983). As fantasy continues to grow as a genre, so too does fantasy tropes featuring female characters. These female characters are then often depicted on an extreme end of the gender binary spectrum and present hyper-feminine characteristics (Barbini, 2017). This research looks into the frequencies of acts of physical and social aggression, as well as the gender breakdown of the perpetrators and victims within the top fantasy programs on Netflix.

Project Poster: Evelyn McDonald Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Aaliyah Novas '26 (Human Development and Family Sciences & Urban and Community Studies, CLAS)
Share Virtual Summer Apprenticeship Participant

Project Mentor: Dr. Kevin Ferreira van Leer, Human Development and Family Sciences

Project Title: Does State Policy Matter for Social Program Access for Immigrant Families with Young Children? Insights from One Restrictive State

This project explores how low-income immigrant families navigate access to social safety net programs in a restrictive policy environment. Through interviews with key stakeholders, including service providers and community-based organization leaders, we identified major structural barriers, such as transportation, language, and fear of immigration consequences. We also found that organizations are responding with innovative strategies like digital tools, staff training, and cross-sector collaborations. These insights highlight both the persistent challenges and creative solutions shaping immigrant families’ access to essential resources.

Project Poster: Aaliyah Novas Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: 

Vedansh Patel, Dec. '25 (Molecular and Cell Biology, CLAS)
Health Research Program Participant

Project Mentor: Dr. Mayu Inaba-Oguro, Cell Biology, UConn Health

Project Title: Roles of Histone Inheritance in Regeneration and Tumorigenesis

Drosophila testes are maintained through stem cells at the tip of testes called the niche or the hub. The regulation of stem cell division is of great interest to understand more about tumorigenesis. My project investigates how histone modifications and inheritance affects the differentiation of these stem cells in the testes after regeneration.

Project Poster: Vedansh Patel Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation: Link to Recorded Presentation

Vraj Patel '26 (Physiology and Neurobiology, CLAS & Healthcare Management, BUS)
OUR Conference Presentation Award

Project Mentor: Dr. Rajkumar Verma, Neuroscience, UConn Health

Project Title: Modeling Encephalomyosyangiosis After An Ischemic Stroke

In the US, approximately 1 in 6 people deaths from cardiovascular disease are due to stroke. Encephalomyosyangiosis (EMS) is a surgical procedure that we hypothesize to improve blood vessel growth in patients with an ischemic stroke leading to a faster recovery. Using immunohistochemistry experiments, we were able to analyze data taken from mice models.

Project Poster: Vraj Patel Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation:

Amelia Schaefer '25 (Psychological Sciences, CLAS)
Health Research Program Participant & IBACS Undergraduate Research Supply Award Recipient

Project Mentor: Dr. Alice Burghard, Neuroscience, UConn Health

Project Title: Could a Simple Blood Test Detect Tinnitus? Serum Prestin as a Potential Blood Biomarker for Sound Induced Tinnitus

Tinnitus, often described as "ringing in the ears," affects millions worldwide, yet there is currently no objective test or reliable treatment for the condition. This project explores whether levels of a protein called prestin—essential for sound amplification in the ear—differ in the blood serum of mice with tinnitus compared to those without. Through behavioral testing and sound exposure, the study will assess prestin's potential as a blood-based biomarker for tinnitus. If successful, this research could lay the groundwork for a simple, objective blood test to diagnose tinnitus in humans.

Project Poster: Amelia Schaefer Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation:

Matthew Syrotiak '25 (Animal Sciences & Economics of Sustainable Development and Management, CAHNR)
OUR Conference Presentation Award Recipient

Project Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Cushman, Hartford County 4-H Extension Center

Project Title:Assessing and Supporting the Needs of Millennial & Gen Y 4-H Volunteers​

The purpose of this study is to identify the needs of Millennial and Generation Y 4-H volunteers. Making the Best Better: Assessing the Needs of Millennial & Gen Y UConn 4-H Volunteers, will conduct focus groups, analyze the data, and make recommendations to the UConn 4-H team on how to recruit, retain, and support these volunteers.

Project Poster:  Matthew Syrotiak Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation:

Christian Zamora '25 (Communication, CLAS)

Project Mentor: Dr. John Christensen, Communication

Project Title: The Roles of Artificial Intelligence and Algorithm Aversion in Education

A study into the role of AI and algorithm aversion in the field of education. Research that seeks to understand the thought processes and attitudes people have towards AI and its capabilities. Using these attitudes and identifying the relationships between them and certain psychological feelings that could cause this aversion to occur.

Project Poster:  Christian Zamora Frontiers Poster

Recorded Presentation:

About Frontiers in Undergraduate Research 

The Frontiers Poster Exhibition is a multidisciplinary forum showcasing undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative projects at the University of Connecticut. Frontiers 2025 is the twenty-eighth annual Frontiers event sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR). Across modalities, over xxx students are sharing their engagement in experiential learning at Frontiers this year.   

Students’ projects span the disciplines, with some pursued by individuals and others by groups of student collaborators. The projects presented reflect the invaluable contributions of research mentors, including graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and faculty members. We hope you enjoy learning about our students’ innovative projects by viewing the online exhibition. 

About the Office of Undergraduate Research 

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is a resource for students interested in enriching their undergraduate experience through participation in research, scholarship, and creative activity. OUR provides information and advising to assist students in identifying relevant opportunities, as well as several funding programs to support the students and their faculty mentors.  

 Many of the Frontiers presenters have received financial support for their projects; OUR awarded over $650,000 in 2023-24 in support of students’ research and creative endeavors. These awards are funded by OUR with generous support from the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Vice President for Research, the deans of the schools and colleges, and donations from alumni, parents, and other friends of UConn and undergraduate research.