CRSP 2025 Symposium

Three students received accolades

Dr. Steven Jaret, Faruq Anjorin and Solomon Asotie

KCC’s Future Scientists Take the Spotlight at the 2025 CRSP Symposium

Sixteen KCC student researchers wrapped up a year of intensive faculty-mentored research by presenting their findings through oral and visual presentations at the CUNY-wide 2025 CRSP/CIRE Symposium at LaGuardia Community College on July 8 and 9. They competed for top awards alongside their community college counterparts and juniors and seniors from eleven CUNY four-year colleges who participated through the CUNY Immersive Research Experience (CIRE).

The CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) funds year-long research experiences for associate degree students at all seven CUNY community colleges and three comprehensive schools. The goal of the program is to encourage undergraduate participation in authentic research and to increase persistence in STEM disciplines.

Three students received accolades this year:

  • Surgical technology major Faruq Anjorin was awarded best feature speaker and best visual presentation. His research, titled “Micro-Raman Imaging of High-Pressure Phases in Gujba Meteorite: Insight into Shock Metamorphism,” studied a rare meteorite called Gujba to better understand massive collisions that shaped the early solar system. He and his mentor, Dr. Steven Jaret, a professor of physical sciences, used a scanning technique known as micro-Raman spectroscopy to map the changes in minerals under intense heat and pressure, similar to what happens during a planetary-scale impact. His research provided insights into the formation and evolution of planets by revealing novel mineral formations and demonstrating the microscopic variations in shock impacts.
  • Solomon Asotie, also a surgical technology major, was awarded best visual presentation for his poster on “Assessing the Effectiveness of N95 and Surgical Masks in Filtering Surgical Smoke with and without Smoke Evacuators.” Under the guidance of his mentor, surgical technology professor Roxanne West, he researched how to better protect healthcare workers from surgical smoke—a harmful byproduct of procedures that use lasers or electrocautery tools. He found that N95 masks are far more effective than surgical masks, especially when combined with smoke evacuators, which can greatly reduce the risk of inhaling toxic particles. His study demonstrates the need for increased education and stricter regulations to guarantee the safety of operating room personnel.
  • Working with mentor, biology professor and KCC CRSP director Dr. Farshad Tamari, William Smith set out to measure the protein content of different types of fish sold in a Brooklyn market. The psychology major discovered that Chilean sea bass had the lowest protein concentration and Scottish salmon the highest using a laboratory method known as the Bradford assay. His research helps fill a gap in nutritional information for unpackaged fish and may inform healthier food choices for consumers. His poster, succinctly titled “Comparison of Protein Content of Fish Available in New York Markets,” was also awarded best visual presentation.

In addition to the opportunity to participate in the CUNY-wide research event, CRSP students receive 400 hours of mentoring from faculty members; biweekly workshops, including sessions on ethical research conduct, public speaking, and poster preparation; and stipends for their participation. Anjorin shared, “The program has helped me bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, equipping me with skills that will benefit my future studies and career.”

More information about the program and a list of last year’s faculty mentors can be found at www.kbcc.cuny.edu/CRSP. Faculty members interested in becoming mentors should contact Frances Samuel or Farshad Tamari. Students who would like to join the 2026 cohort should submit an interest form, available on the CRSP homepage or directly at bit.ly/kcc-crsp.

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