Felician University Hosts Annual Undergraduate Research Conference that Recognizes Scholarly Excellence
RUTHERFORD, NJ – Felician University hosted its Annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) on Saturday, April 20, at Ray’s Place on the Rutherford campus. Mayor Scott Luna of Lodi was the keynote speaker at the event organized by Dr. Lavina Sequeira, Associate Dean of Humanities in the School of Arts & Sciences. Mayor Luna spoke enthusiastically of the town’s support for the university and its students.
Dr. Mildred A. Mihlon, Felician University President, opened the conference with remarks emphasizing the importance of research at Felician. “Research,” Dr. Mihlon stressed, “is central to Felician’s mission, providing the opportunity to empower students to become the changemakers we need. It’s a true commitment to excellence and a promise to make a meaningful impact on the world around us.” Dr. Michael Markowitz, Vice President for Academic Affairs, also spoke at the conference.
The Felician University URC is a testament to the university’s commitment to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in any field of study related to “caring for our common home,” a reflection of the university’s Felician Franciscan values. This event, grounded in innovation and advocacy, was not only an opportunity to engage and explore interdisciplinary perspectives, but also a platform where students, faculty, and potential collaborators can come together – from the Arts, Humanities, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Business, and Behavioral Sciences.
Felician University students Kristin Bombel (left) and Alanii Rodriguez (right)
The highlight of the event was the Undergraduate Research Conference Committee’s recognition of the exceptional scholarly work and dedication of Felician’s undergraduate students.
Alanii Rodriguez, guided by mentor Dr. Stathene Varvisotis from the School of Education, clinched first place for her oral presentation on Global Awareness which discussed adaptable curriculum materials for students with special needs. Kristin Bombel, mentored by Dr. Victoria Simon from the School of Arts and Sciences, was a close runner-up, exploring generational perspectives on technology.
Filisa Mohabir, Touro University (left), and Elizabeth Raimondo-Kensek, Felician University (right)
Elizabeth Raimondo-Kensek and mentor Dr. Patricia Munno from the School of Nursing secured first place for their poster presentation entitled “Improving Nurse Working Confidence and the Perioperative Experience for Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Educational Approach.” Their work addressed the importance of healthcare training for better communication and care tactics for individuals with ASD. Filisa Mohabir and mentor Dr. Jill Ordynans from Touro University presented the runner-up topic, “Empowering Paraprofessionals: Developing Agency and Voice through Collaborative Critical Reflection,” which explored the role of critical reflection in empowering paraprofessionals.
The conference featured 19 poster presentations, seven oral presentations, and two panels featuring undergraduate and graduate students.
Conference Committee members include Dr. Lavina Sequeira, Chair; Dr. Alfredo Castro, Associate Professor of Chemistry & Physical Sciences; Dr. Jose Montalvo, Associate Professor of Natural Sciences & Mathematics; Dr. Stathene Varvisotis, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education & Pedagogy; and Dr. Warren Reich, Associate Professor of Psychology.
To learn more about the Undergraduate Research Conference, contact urc@felician.edu.
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About Felician University
Felician University is more than just an institute of higher learning. It is a community that inspires and engages over 2,100 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students through programs in the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education. Our commitment to our students’ success is evident in our rankings and recognitions. Over the past five years, Felician University has consistently ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and has been recognized as the #1 Safest College Campus in New Jersey according to niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the thirteenth year, a testament to our strong support for Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, is a reflection of our inclusive and supporting environment. With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, the Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.
