CUNY Research 2026 Scholar Profiles

I chose to participate in CRSP to learn more about how to properly conduct research. I am working with my mentor Dr. Polizzotto on zircon geochronology and this experience allowed me to learn how to schedule and execute a project independently, as well as how to ask the right questions as a scientist.

Future Major: Biology

Anticipated Career: Physician

Anticipated Future College: Brooklyn College

• C-STEP Research Student
• Work-study Student
• Future College: Hunter College or Brooklyn College
• Future Major: Biology
• Anticipated Career: Healthcare

I am a Biology major with a strong interest in human biology and molecular science, and I hope to pursue a career in healthcare, possibly in medicine or dentistry. The more I study biology, the more I realize how much there is still to learn, and that constant discovery keeps me motivated to learn more. I chose to participate in CRSP because I want to deepen my understanding of research and build skills that will support my future in the health sciences.

My first research experience was through the CSTEP program, and it encouraged me to participate in further research activities as well. I’ve found that I really enjoy exploring scientific ideas and working in an academic research environment. CRSP gives me another opportunity to grow and learn how to organize, write, and present a research project.

Working with my mentor has also been a meaningful part of this experience. I took Biology 1400 with him and his teaching style always kept me motivated. Being able to continue learning from him through CRSP makes this opportunity even more valuable to me. Having him as my mentor gives me the chance to keep learning from him in a new way, and I’m grateful to work with him beyond the classroom.

As a Surgical Technology major at Kingsborough Community College, I have developed a strong foundation in both the academic and clinical aspects of healthcare. My coursework has equipped me with essential knowledge of anatomy, aseptic technique, surgical instrumentation, and perioperative procedures. Beyond the classroom, I have gained hands-on clinical experience at Lenox Hill Hospital, where I assist in surgical procedures spanning multiple specialties, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, and otolaryngology. These experiences have offered a front-row view into the precision, collaboration, and critical thinking required in the operating room, and they have solidified my passion for surgical care and patient advocacy.

Why I Participated in CRSP:
The CRSP program has been a pivotal experience in my academic journey. It has challenged me to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and engage in research that extends beyond the scope of traditional coursework. Under the guidance of a dedicated faculty mentor, I have been able to explore scientific inquiry in greater depth, enhance my problem-solving abilities, and connect research with real-world applications. The opportunity to actively participate in research has given me a broader perspective on healthcare and a deeper appreciation for the role of innovation and evidence-based practice in improving patient outcomes.

Honors, Scholarships, and Involvement at KBCC:
At KBCC, I am an active member of the Honors Community and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). I have been recognized on the Dean’s List for academic excellence and continue to pursue opportunities for leadership and growth. I am also a participant in the NASA H2O program, where I engage in interdisciplinary learning focused on environmental science and space exploration. As part of this initiative, I am preparing to present my research at the upcoming Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston an exciting opportunity to contribute to a broader scientific dialogue.

Future Academic Plans:
After graduating from KBCC, I plan to transfer to the City College of New York to continue my studies in a program that will prepare me for graduate-level education and expand my scientific and clinical knowledge base.

Career Goals:
My long-term goal is to become a Physician Assistant (PA), combining my passion for medicine, my surgical background, and my desire to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. The training I have received at KBCC, both in the classroom and the operating room has instilled in me the confidence, compassion, and skillset necessary to succeed in this next phase of my journey. I look forward to building on this foundation as I continue to grow as a healthcare professional and scholar.

Elizabeth Cacioppo Nobel is an Engineering student who plans to explore robotics and mechanical engineering when attending her next university. Liz joined CRSP with the hopes of honing her interdisciplinary research skills while combining the hard and soft sciences to find solutions not just to science-based problems, but societal-based problems as well. Liz is an Honors student, Phi Theta Kappa member, and participant in the Equity in STEM and H2O programs. She holds a BA in Political Science and Asian Studies from SUNY New Paltz, and worked professionally in product research and development within the toy industry. In her free time, she enjoys political debate, ufology, and writing science-fiction.

My name is Muhammad Faiq Dilshad, and I'm a Biology major at Kingsborough Community College (KCC). My main goal is to get into medical school. My time at KCC has been focused on building a strong science background, and that preparation is what led me to apply for the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP). I joined the CRSP because I need to do more than just read textbooks; I need to practice the systematic, rigorous thinking that real science—and eventually medicine—requires.

Currently, I'm working with Dr. Craig Hinkley on a project on the SOX9 gene in Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica). We're trying to figure out if this gene plays a key part in how the oyster determines its sex and why oysters change their sex. This research experience is crucial for me. It forces me to learn advanced skills like bioinformatics and handle actual data. This hands-on work is exactly the competitive edge I need to stand out when applying to a strong four-year university for my transfer and, most importantly, during the medical school admission process.

I have always been interested in how people learn and how technology influences our way of thinking. Through the CUNY Research Scholars Program, my project, The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Students, explores how AI is changing the way students’ study, engage, and build confidence in their learning. I want to understand how these tools shape motivation and education in today’s world. My path began in sociology and grew into design, where I learned to study how people interact with systems and information. Now, as a UX Design student at Kingsborough Community College, I combine creativity and research to understand human behavior and improve systems that help people learn and connect. I plan to continue my studies in Criminal Justice at John Jay College, focusing on forensic and international justice, where I can apply my research and design skills to support fairness, truth, and human rights. For me, technology and justice are deeply connected. I want to help build a future where innovation supports understanding, equality, and integrity.

Why I chose to participate/Benefits of CRSP:
As a pre-med student, I believe that medicine is not only about treating patients but also about understanding the science behind each disease and cure. I joined CRSP to engage in scientific research, enhance my research experience, and apply my learning to address real-world health challenges. This program will allow me to polish my lab skills, gain mentorship, and present my findings at an academic conference. Through CRSP, I plan to grow both as a scientist and a future healthcare professional to improve healthcare outcomes.

Accolades/Clubs/etc.:

1. President & Founder of Girls Who Code College Loop (KCC Chapter), November 2025- Present
2. CSTEP Researcher; Presented findings of Coliform Bacteria and other Bacterial Contaminants in Brooklyn Beach water using microbiological techniques in the 58^th Annual MACUB Conference, June 2025-October 2025
3. Volunteer Research Assistant at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing; Lead author in a qualitative research study examining caregiving experiences among the South Asian elderly population within faith-based community settings, September 2024-Present
4. Leadership Council Member in the American Pakistan Foundation (APF), June 2025-Present
5. PTK Honor Society Member, March 2025-Present
6. Secretary in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) College Project “Project Wi-Fi”, June 2025-Present
7. Research Administrative Intern at NYU Langone, July 2025-August 2025
8. Dean's List Recipient- Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025
9. Active Member & Volunteer in the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), February 2024-Present
10. Recipient of the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Honorable Mention award February 2024

Future Major: Biology & Public Policy

Anticipated Career: Pediatrician & Researcher

I have always been curious about how people learn and what keeps them motivated to grow. Through the CUNY Research Scholars Program, my work explores how artificial intelligence is changing education, both in how students’ study and in how they think about effort, understanding, and success. My project, The Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Education, examines how students use AI, why they use it, and what this means for their engagement, sense of agency, and self-confidence as learners. I like to consider myself a lifelong learner fascinated by both the human mind and technology. As a self-taught software engineer, I build tools and applications that help companies improve their processes and overall user experiences. As an engineer, thinker, and father, I care deeply about how systems are designed to help improve our lives and create better futures for our children. For me, technology is not only about innovating, it's about how we can enhance the human experience and the impact of our growth and connection. My goal for the future is to contribute to the world in a meaningful way that enriches the lives of many.

Kemra Riggins Fleshman is a recent graduate with a bachelors in arts in Human Biology from CUNY Hunter College. He is returning to Kingsborough Community College to finish his Associates of Science degree in Biotechnology. He is currently a member of the Biotechnology club at Kingsborough Community College and has participated in other REUs such as Columbia University Secondary Schoolfield Research Program. He is a returning CRSP scholar interested in continuing in order to enhance his knowledge in biotechnology and environmental sustainability. He wants to improve his lab skills, science communication skills, and experience working with microplastics. I want to pursue a graduate degree in microbiology or ecology. I want to work in the field of environmental health and conservation solving problems related to climate change and human interference.

Paola Guerini is a second year Chemistry major with an interest in planetary science. Paola has held an interest in science since she was young and appreciates the opportunity that Kingsborough Community College has given her to explore and further that interest into a potential career. After graduation, Paola is intending to continue her undergraduate studies in the field of Astro geochemistry and astrobiology in hopes to one day attain a PhD. She would like to thank CRSP for the chance to not only connect with skilled mentors but also to conduct research that aligns with the field of study she intends to pursue. Paola would recommend CRSP to any who is determined, focused, and interested in the academic rigor of research.

Hello my name is Isui Hernandez and I am student I’m Kingsborough and currently majoring in forensic science. I am a participant in the program CRSP, and I decided to join this program because I found myself being interested and willing to participate in research. I honestly found that surprising, once actually going my 1st meeting it was a very surreal experience because I had always found science boring and never paid mind to anything slightly related. I’ve also never been good at math either so anything that required me doing math I just never paid any mind to it. Then I met my current Biology professor Dr. Tamari; he made Biology so much more interesting and fun! So, when I was presented with the opportunity to do research on my own time, I went for it. Meeting my fellow researching peers gave me a welcoming feeling and somewhere I can fit in.

Benefits of CRSP/ Why I chose to participate in CRSP:
I chose to participate in CRSP to gain valuable research experience and improve my presentation skills. As an aspiring physician scientist, I believe CRSP will help me develop the confidence and ability to present my research to other scientist in the future. Being a first generation and international student, it can be challenging to navigate college resources, but through CRSP. I will be exposed to new opportunities and guidance by mentors that will enrich my college experience.

KCC Accolades, Scholarships, Clubs:

• Vice Chair for International Student Affairs, USS CUNY
• Vice President for Legislative Affairs
• President for African Student Union
• Secretary for international Student Union
• CSTEP Scholar
• Honors Program Scholar
• Dean’s List recipient
• USS Delegate
• CUNY Career Launch Intern Spring 2025
• Southpole scholarship recipient Spring 2025
• Carroll and Milton Petrie Emergency grant recipient Fall 2025

Future Major: Molecular Biology and International relations

Anticipated Career: Pediatrician-scientist

I am Urwa Faraz Malik, a third-semester Engineering Science student at Kingsborough Community College. Since starting at KBCC, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, made the Dean’s List, and received the Louise and Riggio Scholarship ($4,500), which fully covered my tuition. I am also an Honors’ student and a work-study at the STEM Advisement Academy.

Beyond academics, I serve as President of my Phi Theta Kappa chapter project, leading efforts to improve campus Wi-Fi access, and recently gave the closing remarks at the 2025 Earth Day event. I currently intern at Senator Stephen Chan’s office through the CUNY Caucus Scholars Program, earning a $3,000 stipend while engaging in community outreach and public events.

I plan to pursue a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, focusing on innovation, and design, and later pursue a master’s in aerospace engineering. My ultimate goal is to work at NASA, designing and developing spacecraft and advanced technologies that push the boundaries of human exploration.

When it comes to passion, I aspire to make my own mark in science, especially in the field of physics. I want my discoveries and research to inspire others and be remembered in the scientific community. Participating in the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) is an important step toward that dream allowing me to develop research skills, gain hands-on experience, and explore how research can create real-world impact. Through CRSP, I aim to grow into a well-rounded engineer and future scientist, bridging innovation, and exploration.

My academic journey represents the intersection of science, creativity, and environmental commitment. As a Biology major at Kingsborough Community College, I am deeply interested in understanding how molecular mechanisms connect to larger ecological systems. The CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) has provided me with the opportunity to combine research, innovation, and purpose, strengthening my identity as a scientist and environmental advocate.

My current research, Characterization of Genomic Insertion Site in Chlamydomonas Mutants, under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Dmitry Y. Brogun, explores DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and genomic mapping in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This experience has not only improved my laboratory and analytical skills but has also helped me understand the importance of molecular genetics in biodiversity conservation and biotechnology.

I chose to participate in CRSP because I see research as a bridge between science and community impact. Understanding genetic mechanisms enables us to develop sustainable solutions for environmental problems, a vision that inspires both my academic pursuits and my entrepreneurial endeavors. Beyond the lab, I am the founder of Moro Moda, an environmental education and clothing initiative that merges art and science to raise awareness about endangered wildlife. Through this initiative, I merge scientific awareness with creative outreach, turning education into action.

In the future, I plan to transfer to a four-year CUNY institution to complete my Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a focus on genetics, molecular ecology, and environmental biotechnology. My long-term goal is to contribute to research projects that protect ecosystems and endangered species, while inspiring the next generation to view biology as a means to create positive change.

CRSP has given me not only technical competence but also the vision to integrate science, art, and sustainability, showing that biology is not just a discipline, but a commitment to life itself.

Kawther Saadi is an engineering science student at Kingsborough Community College with strong interests in renewable energy, sustainability, and scientific research. She is currently pursuing coursework in physics, chemistry, and math while actively participating in campus programs that support academic excellence and community engagement. Kawther has been a Student Ambassador at KCC, a Vice President for a Phi Theta Kappa project aimed at improving campus WIFI accessibility, a volunteer in campus events such as Earth Day, and she was also a club officer of the international students’ club. She is also doing an Honor project and is part of a CRSP research group focusing on conodonts and sample preparation techniques. Kawther joined the CUNY Research Scholars Program to deepen her hands-on research experience, strengthen her scientific skills, and explore how laboratory work connects to real-world environmental challenges. Through CRSP, she hopes to build a strong foundation in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific communication—skills that will support her long-term academic and career goals. In the future, Kawther aims to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, with a particular focus energy-related field. Her goal is to contribute to innovative solutions in sustainable energy—such as green hydrogen and solar technologies—and eventually build her own renewable energy company. She hopes to use her education, research experience, and leadership skills to help create a cleaner and more sustainable world.

My name is Shaniqua J. Simmons, and I am a Criminal Justice major at Kingsborough Community College with a deep passion for understanding the human mind and behavior. I am a proud member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi) and participated in the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) in 2024, where I received recognition for my project “Fractured Foundations: Exploring the Impact of Childhood Experiences.”

I have been accepted into John Jay College of Criminal Justice for the year 2026, where I plan to continue my studies toward becoming a forensic psychologist. My ultimate goal is to serve as a research scientist, exploring how early life experiences shape human behavior and emotional development.

I chose to join CRSP because it offered a glimpse into the real-world work of a research scientist—allowing me to gain hands-on experience while also giving me a platform to share my story, connect with others, and contribute to meaningful scientific conversations.

My name is Jaren Tasnim, and I am majoring in Biology at Kingsborough Community College (KBCC). I am a hardworking, passionate, and determined student who believes that success comes from persistence and purpose. My lifelong curiosity about how the human body works and how science can improve lives has inspired my dream to become a doctor — someone who not only heals but also inspires others through compassion and dedication.

I am taking part in the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) because I want to challenge myself, expand my knowledge, and strengthen my research abilities. I see CRSP as an opportunity to grow as both a student and a future scientist. Through this program, I hope to develop strong laboratory skills, explore biological research, and better understand how scientific discovery connects to solving global problems. I am eager to learn from mentors, collaborate with peers, and contribute meaningful work to the scientific community.

At Kingsborough, I have proven my commitment to academic excellence and growth. I earned a place on the Dean’s List (Spring 2025) and am part of the Honors Program. In Spring 25, I was proud to be recognized as the Winner of the James C. Goetz Endowed Photography Essay Competition (2025), an achievement that allowed me to combine creativity with critical thinking.

Before joining KBCC, I was honored with the Gold Medal in the National Science & Technology Competition (2022) for developing AI-powered goggles that help visually impaired individuals by identifying objects and converting them into speech in Bangladesh. This innovative project taught me how powerful creativity and science can be when used to make people’s lives easier.

Looking ahead, I plan to transfer to a four-year university, to complete my bachelor's degree in biology before pursuing medical school. My goal is to become a compassionate and skilled doctor who brings together science, empathy, and innovation to help others.

For me, science is more than a subject — it is a way to understand, heal, and uplift humanity. Through CRSP, I hope to take the next step in my journey toward becoming a compassionate doctor and a dedicated researcher who strives to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

My journey at Kingsborough began after an extended break from formal education, during which I struggled with self-discovery and figuring out my path in life. After deciding to pursue a college education, I finally found my passion for the Earth sciences.

Through the CRSP program I am able to explore my interests in planetary science and gain invaluable hands-on experience conducting research under the guidance of an incredible mentor. In the process, I will also improve my public speaking, presentation and scientific writing skills, which will help me succeed in my education and future career.

After completing my associates at Kingsborough, I plan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the Earth Sciences, whether that be geology, marine science, planetary science, or some combination of the three. I am positive that my experience in the CRSP program will give me the confidence to pursue more research opportunities in the future, and help me achieve my dream of becoming a scientist and researcher, studying topics that will further our understanding of the Earth and our Solar System.

KCC Accolades:

• Dean’s List Student
• Honors Program Student
• Phi Theta Kappa Member

Benefits of CRSP or Why I choose to participate:To explore how genetics influence individual responses to diet and nutrition, and how this knowledge can improve health outcomes. CRSP offers a unique chance to dive deeper into the field of nutrigenetics, combining my passion for biology with the desire to contribute to personalized healthcare. Through my research, I aim to help create more effective, customized dietary strategies that can aid in weight management and disease prevention.

KCC Accolades/Scholarships:

• Dean’s List recipient
• Honors Program Student
• Ponce Scholarship Recipient
• Riggio Scholarship Recipient
• CRSP Researcher

Future Major: Nursing

Anticipated Career: Surgeon, APRN

My name is Sasha Yavna. I am currently majoring in Biology, driven by a long-term goal of becoming a doctor. That goal is what first pulled me into the sciences, but as I’ve continued studying, I’ve also discovered a strong interest in research. In particular, I’ve become interested in molecular biology and biochemistry, and I’m now considering pursuing a master’s degree in biochemistry and staying in the research field.

One important step in that direction has been joining CRISPR-related research under my professor’s guidance. My professor encouraged me to get involved in the lab so I could build real hands-on experience, not just classroom knowledge. Being part of this project has helped me understand how research is actually done — how you ask a scientific question, design an experiment, and generate data that might matter.

Academically, my next goal is to transfer to a four-year college to continue my education. I want to keep building a strong foundation in biology, improve my lab skills, and prepare for advanced study, whether that means medical school or graduate research. Overall, I’m motivated by curiosity, by problem-solving, and by the idea of doing work that can help people — either through medicine or through science.