Image
Students
Pace Students Take Home Biology Awards at William Paterson University Undergraduate Research Symposium
Three Pace University students earned awards for their work at the 17th Annual William Paterson University Undergraduate Research Symposium in late April.
Sam Kurtin ’24, Biology, won a first-place award in the category "Cell and Molecular Biology (Group B)" for his poster "The Role of The Unfolded Protein Response in the Malfunction of a Human PQ-Type Calcium Channel." Kurtin’s research was done under the mentorship of Associate Professor of Biology Zafir Buraei, PhD.
Zoubeida (Zouzou) Fliesen ’24, Biology, also with faculty sponsor Buraei, took home first place in the category "Cell and Molecular Biology (Group C)" for his poster "Optimizing In Vitro Transcription to Study PQ Channel Mutations Implicated in Epilepsy."
Wenkai (Kevin) Huang ’25, Childhood Education (School of Education) won a pair of second-place awards: one in the category "Physiology, Behavior & Toxicology" for his poster "Analysis of Shoot Circumnutation Developmental Profile in Arabidopsis Thaliana" under the mentorship of Associate Professor of Biology Eric Brenner, PhD, and one in the category "Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Science" for his poster "The Bacterial Symbionts of the Parasitic Plant Rafflesia— Microscopic Partners For Conserving The World’s Largest Flowers?" with Sara Musovic and Associate Professor of Biology Jeanmarie Molina, PhD.
Pace University was one of 32 institutions from the Northeast region represented at the symposium, including Princeton, Columbia, Barnard, and Stevens Institute of Technology.
More from Pace
In the Media
Dyson Philosophy Professor James Brusseau speaks to Dazed Magazine on how AI’s rapid integration into everyday life is eroding choice and creativity. Professor Brusseau, whose research explores human-AI interactions, warns of a growing “narcotic of convenience”—where convenience replaces curiosity, and opting out of AI becomes increasingly difficult. He reflects on how past web searches allowed for serendipitous discovery, and cautions that efficiency gains may come at the cost of critical thinking and deeper learning: “Freedom and creativity require work,” he tells Dazed.
In the Media
In an op-ed spotlighting affordable tech in education, Watchmen Daily Journal features insights from Dyson Analytical Chemistry Professor Elmer-Rico Mojica. He encourages students and teachers to use AI tools—free or not—with intention and curiosity. “A tool is only as thoughtful as its user,” Mojica notes, emphasizing that meaningful learning doesn’t require premium subscriptions. His message: resourcefulness and reflection matter more than price tags in today’s tech-driven classrooms.
In the Media
Dyson Political Science Professor Laura Tamman tells Newsday that Mayor Adams’ exit from the mayoral race is “a major shake-up” that redefines the contest. Professor Tamman notes that the race’s new dynamics underscore the importance of coalition-building and voter mobilization.