Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems has joined the Undergraduate Research to PhD (UR2PhD) mentorship program, a nationwide initiative from the Computer Research Association’s (CRA) aimed at providing students with support to develop into strong researchers.

The program connects undergraduate students to high-quality research opportunities, pairing them with graduate mentors and faculty to support their development of key computer science research skills. Additionally, the program connects undergraduate students with the experiential learning and research opportunities that can lead to graduate study.

At Pace, UR2PhD will be embedded within the Seidenberg Summer Undergraduate Research (SSUR) program—an annual, hands-on research experience for undergraduate students. This summer’s cohort includes 15 undergraduate students, six graduate student mentors, and eight faculty advisors.

“This is the first year that graduate students will be involved in SSUR,” said Christelle Scharff, PhD, professor of computer science, who has led SSUR for four years and applied for Pace to join UR2PhD. “The program is important for our students and for experiential learning at Pace.”

During the program, undergraduate students will take a research skills course designed to reinforce their understanding of the research process, enhance written and oral communication, promote teamwork and collaboration, and foster a computer science research identity within the broader research community. They will also learn to consider the social, ethical, and cultural impacts of their computer science research projects.

Pace faculty participating in the program include professors Krishna Bathula, Matt Ganis, Carmine Guida, Christelle Scharff, Tom Schmidt, Juan Shan, and Jonathan William. For this summer, the research projects will focus on areas including machine learning, cybersecurity, drones, game development, virtual reality, and human centered design.

Students will receive a stipend to support their participation from the CRA, as well as opportunities to receive funding to present their projects at conferences.

“Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of building a strong academic community,” said Li-Chiou Chen, PhD, dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. “Through this program, our students will have opportunities to develop their research skills and make meaningful contributions to the field, which is more important than ever.”

Faculty/student-curated exhibit features more than 30 artists and four narrative themes exploring joy, integrity, and curiosity.

Pace University Art Gallery is pleased to present Anthology: Contemporary Narrative Art from the Lise Curry Collection, a faculty/student-curated exhibition celebrating the generous bequest of more than 200 works of art from collector Lise Curry. The exhibition opens with a free public reception on Friday, June 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on view through September 13, 2025.

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Created in alignment with Curry’s vision for an academic collection that fosters education and engagement, the exhibition was curated by Pace students Ellis Clay ’25 and Vesper Vargas ’28 under the guidance of gallery director Sarah Cunningham.

“Curating this exhibit has been the highlight of my freshman year,” Vargas said. “As an art major, I gained valuable insight into how exhibitions are created from start to finish.”

With its broad thematic range, the Curry Collection inspired the curatorial team to shape the exhibition around four narrative-driven sections: Strong Women, Relational Pairs, City of Jazz, and Natural Abstraction— viewed as chapters in a larger narrative about living with joy, integrity, and curiosity. The Anthology exhibit features work by more than 30 contemporary artists working in painting, drawing, and photography. As part of the exhibit, the gallery has also commissioned a new site-specific textile installation by artist Rosa Chang, who expands on her existing piece in the collection using traditional Korean indigo and natural dye techniques.

“I am so grateful to Ms. Curry for her remarkable gift, which is already transforming the way we teach and learn here at Pace,” Cunningham said.

Featured artists include Elana Adler, Daphne Arthur, Maya Brodsky, Bri Cirel, Beatrice Coron, Antide de Champagne, Francks Deceus, Rose Deler, Lola Flash, Joseph Franklin, Takao Fujioka, Takao Fujioka, Jocelyne Gaudreau, Nathalie Grenier, Cynthia Hartling, Zach Horn, Laura James, Philippe Lechien, Peter Leitch, Christine Mace, Megan Marlatt, Carolina Martinez, Felicita Maynard, Hibiki Miyazaki, Rebecca Morgan, Rachelle Mozman, Rowan Renee, Sigita Rucinskaite-Praneviciene, Sir Shadow, Joshie South, Natsuki Takauji, Mark Tanabe, Willie Torbert, and Rasa Vaisvilaite.

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The Anthology exhibit, which remains on view through Saturday, September 13, 2025, is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding was received from the Center for Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) at Pace University.

All the gallery’s exhibits and events are free and open to the public. Summer gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Please check the gallery Instagram for the University holiday closures. The gallery is in Lower Manhattan at 41 Park Row.

About the Pace University Art Gallery

Founded with the conviction that art is integral to society, the Pace University Art Gallery is a creative laboratory and exhibition space that supports innovation and exploration for both artists and viewers. Open to students, staff, and faculty from across the Pace campuses and, equally, to the Lower Manhattan community and visitors from around the world, the Art Gallery encourages personal investigation and critical dialogue via thought-provoking contemporary art exhibits and public programming. Enhancing the Art Department's Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, the Art Gallery offers students real-world opportunities to exhibit their own art and to work directly with professional artists to install and promote exhibitions. All exhibits and events are free and open to the public.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

Pace University’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

Nishchay Ingale 

Class of 2027

Pronouns: He/Him

Currently Studying: Bachelor of Science in Business Economics with a Minor in Finance

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business for your minor?

Growing up, I always envisioned myself working on Wall Street. Pace University’s location in the heart of downtown Manhattan—just steps from the New York Stock Exchange—made it the perfect choice. The University’s strong ties to the financial industry and its deep-rooted presence in the city’s business landscape made it the ideal place to study finance and launch my career.

As one of the youngest interns at the New York Stock Exchange, how has this experience shaped your career goals?

I’ve been interested in financial markets since middle school, but joining the New York Stock Exchange helped me grow even more—both personally and professionally. It’s been a strong start to my trading career. I receive valuable advice from my colleagues every day and continue to learn something new at the Exchange, which I know will help me become a great trader in the future.

Can you tell us more about launching Ingale Research? What inspired you to start your own equity research firm, and what are your goals for its future?

This summer, I launched Ingale Research—an independent firm focused on deep dives into company fundamentals and financials. We have analysts covering various sectors to help us understand the full scope of this beautiful market. My goal isn’t to give financial advice, but to provide high-quality, in-depth research reports that allow others to make their own investment decisions. Through this process, I aim to keep growing and evolving as a trader.

To become successful, you don’t need to be talented; you need to be obsessed with winning. Obsession always beats talent.

You recently helped initiate a potential academic partnership between Pace and the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Association. What sparked this initiative, and what do you hope it brings to fellow students?

While working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, I connected with a board member of the CMT Association, who introduced me to the CEO. I then helped connect our dean with the CMT’s leadership. I believe this partnership has great potential—it can help fellow students prepare for the CMT exam and enhance their careers. I also think Pace and the CMT Association can collaborate on research that contributes meaningfully to the trading industry.

What has it been like preparing for financial trading exams at such a young age, and what motivated you to pursue them so early in your career?

Preparing for these exams while attending university and working at the NYSE was incredibly stressful and demanding. But I believe pressure is a privilege—it means people are counting on you to succeed. I come from a very supportive family, and my parents have always believed in me. Their encouragement and the values they instilled in me motivated me to take on these challenges early in my career.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

I’ve really benefited from our networking and advising events, where I’ve had the chance to meet industry professionals and learn directly from them. I think our alumni network at Pace is very strong, and it’s been great connecting with successful graduates and gaining their insight.

How has Lubin supported or enhanced your professional development so far—whether through coursework, faculty, or networking?

Lubin has had a tremendous impact on me. What stands out most is the experience of the faculty—they didn’t just teach from books, they coached me through interviews, real-world scenarios, and how to handle high-pressure situations. Access to seasoned Wall Street professionals who visit campus and share real advice is something truly unique to Lubin.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means excelling both inside and outside the classroom, sharpening my competitive edge, growing personally and professionally, making my family proud, and—most importantly—winning.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

To become successful, you don’t need to be talented; you need to be obsessed with winning. Obsession always beats talent.

Connect with Nishchay:

• Connect with Nishchay on LinkedIn
• Follow Nishchay on Instagram
• Follow Nishchay on TikTok

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Initially, Melis Ozcan ’24 LLM described her main objective in pursuing her LLM as to sit for the New York Bar Exam, however, her educational experience at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University ultimately contributed to her personal growth while also providing her with a high-quality legal education. “When deciding which school to attend, I consulted coworkers who had previously done LLM programs in the United States and Haub Law came highly recommended—I learned of an acquaintance, a Haub Law graduate, who had carved out a very successful career at a globally renowned company,” said Melis. “That truly impressed me. After researching the school further, I found its location and history particularly appealing.”

Once she began her studies at Pace Haub Law, Melis shares that it was a truly unique experience and exactly what she had hoped for. “My classes were comprised of lawyers from all over the world; some were recent graduates, while others were experienced attorneys with a passion for ongoing professional development. Studying and interacting with them in an academic setting, exchanging ideas and learning from each other, was incredible.” The supportive and accessible atmosphere and faculty were equally impressive to Melis. “Everyone was always willing to help. The personalized attention available made it very easy to adapt to a different culture and also a different legal system.”

While Melis enjoyed so many of her LLM classes, she describes her absolute favorite as Civil Procedure with Professor Michael Mushlin. “I am so grateful I took Civil Procedure during my first semester of the LLM program because Professor Mushlin is truly one of the most engaging and effective instructors I’ve ever encountered,” recalls Melis. “I consider him to be one of Pace Haub Law’s greatest assets, and I think everyone should experience taking at least one course with him. I’m convinced that my clear understanding of Civil Procedure played a major role in helping me pass the Bar Exam on my first attempt, saving me a tremendous amount of time and energy during my studies. Professor Mushlin has wonderful and effective teaching methods.” Melis also describes another standout class for her as Advanced Issues in Criminal Law: Sex Crimes with Adjunct Professor Fredric Green. She describes the course as incredibly eye-opening and an unforgettable experience having it taught by a highly experienced and successful prosecutor.

While Melis was an LLM student, one of her biggest pieces of advice for anyone enrolling in an LLM program is to make sure you enroll in at least one course with JD students and interact with them as much as possible. “I don’t believe you can fully experience what it’s like to be a law student in the United States without engaging with local students. While it’s invaluable to connect with your fellow international classmates, building relationships with JD students equally contributes to your academic and personal growth. By attending classes with them and actively participating in class discussions, you’ll gain far more than you might expect—for both your legal knowledge and perspective.”

I hope to continue making a positive impact in many more people’s lives as an immigration lawyer. I would not be able to do this without my LLM degree from Pace Haub Law.

Today, Melis is at Akalan Law Firm, specializing in immigration law. Immigration law has always been an area of interest for Melis. “My home country, Turkey, has hosted many refugees from the Middle East. As a result, immigration, especially human rights and asylum law—has remained a significant focus there. I’m excited to be furthering my career as an immigration attorney here in the United States, now that I’ve completed my LLM and gained a solid understanding of the United States legal system. I find immigration law particularly rewarding; being able to help individuals access more humane living conditions every day is extremely meaningful to me. I hope to continue making a positive impact in many more people’s lives as an immigration lawyer. I would not be able to do this without my LLM degree from Pace Haub Law.”

In her spare time, Melis loves going on nature hikes and exploring upstate New York’s parks, forests, and natural areas. She shares, “I really enjoy discovering these new outdoor spots, especially since this country is still new to me.” She also enjoys the more urban benefits of living in New York – including attending numerous concerts.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is pleased to announce that Imre Szalai, a nationally-known scholar focusing on arbitration and the Federal Arbitration Act, will join the faculty as a full Professor of Law with tenure beginning in Fall 2025. Professor Szalai will teach courses on contracts, commercial arbitration, civil procedure, and legal ethics.

Professor Szalai has served as a commercial arbitrator in numerous cases, and he has written books, book chapters, and dozens of articles about arbitration. He is particularly interested in the historical development of arbitration practices and arbitration law. Working together with his students, he has written several amicus briefs regarding arbitration matters, and his work has been cited by courts of all levels and during Congressional hearings. Most recently, Professor Szalai was the Jones Walker Distinguished Professor at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Prior to that, Professor Szalai practiced antitrust law in New York City, and he then handled complex commercial disputes with a law firm in Miami, Florida, representing clients in connection with court proceedings and arbitration matters across various jurisdictions.

“Professor Szalai’s unique interest in the historical development of arbitration will complement Haub Law’s strong alternative dispute resolution curriculum, which has become an area of prestige at the Law School,” said Dean Horace E. Anderson, Jr. “His impactful scholarship and experience will bolster the student experience and provide additional opportunities for students to explore and develop skills in alternative dispute resolution processes. We look forward to Professor Szalai joining the Haub Law community.” In the most recent U.S. News and World Report rankings of specialty programs, Haub Law was ranked #18 for Dispute Resolution.

“New York is the birthplace and the center of commercial arbitration in the United States – Haub Law’s location and history of excellence in the field of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution is unbeatable,” said Professor Szalai. “The level of student achievement and faculty scholarship at Haub Law is extremely impressive. I look forward to joining the active scholarly community, sharing my passion with students, and helping students explore and engage with the many professional opportunities related to arbitration that the region affords.”

Professor Szalai graduated from Yale University, double majoring in Economics and Classical Civilizations, and he received his law degree from Columbia University, where he was named a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. He is frequently interviewed and quoted in various media outlets, including the New York Times, the Economist, USA Today, the LA Times, NPR’s Marketplace, Forbes, CNN, Money, Time, and many others. Professor Szalai also maintains a blog about arbitration.

Haub Law recently announced the expansion of its faculty with the additions of Professor Lauren Roth, a health law and business law scholar, Professor Kate Skolnick, a seasoned public defender and criminal law scholar, and Professor Gregory Antill, a criminal law and philosophy scholar. The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to have more than 130 legal experts as members of its full-time and adjunct faculty. Faculty members are lawyers with outstanding academic credentials and extensive legal experience. They are student-centered educators who bring their diverse practice experience to the classroom. Through either prior or ongoing active careers as attorneys—whether as litigators, counselors, regulators, legal reformers, policymakers, judges, clerks, or counselors—our faculty have unique perspectives informed by their work in multiple fields of law in the private and public sectors.

On Wednesday, May 22, the Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) hosted its annual Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser at the waterfront Barley Beach House, gathering community leaders, advocates, and supporters to help raise vital funds for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse.

The event, which came at a critical moment as domestic violence cases continue to rise across Westchester County and nationwide federal funding for domestic violence services remains under scrutiny, served as both a celebration of resilience and a call to action. Guests enjoyed an evening of signature cocktails, raffles and auction items, and heartfelt stories that underscored the importance of PWJC’s mission and legal advocacy.

“Our work is more urgent than ever,” said Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director of PWJC. “Survivors in our region are still facing rising rates of violence and abuse, and it is essential that we remain equipped to meet them with legal tools, advocacy, and unwavering support. With the help of our community, we’re proud to serve more than 3,500 clients each year with free, trauma-informed legal services that protect lives and restore hope.”

The evening also featured heartfelt remarks from longtime PWJC ally and advocate Alayne Katz, Esq., whose tireless work to honor the legacy of her sister Gail—tragically murdered by her abuser—continues to drive awareness and change. Gail’s story was the inspiration behind PWJC’s original office, lovingly known as “Gail’s House,” and remains a powerful symbol of the justice PWJC continues to strive for every day.

“In early 2001, the Center memorialized Gail’s life by naming their offices Gail’s House, giving Gail a symbolic resting place,” said Alayne. “The then-Dean explained that the Center’s work with survivors of domestic violence could and would give full meaning to Gail’s too-short life. The Center has made good on that promise. They have become the largest civil legal services provider in this County, specializing in domestic violence and elder abuse. The Center’s services are often the difference between healthy families and broken lives and tragic fatalities.”

Also in attendance were Vedat Gashi, Chairman of Westchester Board of Legislators and Nancy Barr, Chair of the Human Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Families Task Force for the Westchester Board of Legislators.

“What people don’t necessarily understand is that elected officials… don’t necessarily know the subject matter like [PWJC] does… if we really want to understand the subject matter, we have to go to the experts,” said Nancy Barr, Chair of the Human Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Families Task Force for the Westchester Board of Legislators. “[Cindy] has done a fabulous job over the years of explaining why what you do at PWJC is so, so important. We have supported PWJC every year at the County Legislature, and we really believe in the partnership between government and nonprofits. This is a particularly fantastic partnership between a local organization and county government.”

This year’s Cocktails for a Cause raised over $16,000, ensuring that more survivors will gain access to emergency orders of protection, custody and divorce representation, and critical elder justice support.

PWJC thanks its generous sponsors, host committee, and every guest who helped ensure this mission continues.

Waves of Change Sponsor: The ICON Foundation of Keller Williams

Shifting Shores Sponsors: Jane Aoyama; Enea, Scanlan, & Sirignano, LLP; Jacqueline Hattar, Esq.; Law Office of Alayne Katz, P.C.

Ripple Effect Sponsors: Apple Bank; Falcon, Rappaport, & Berkman, LLP; Patricia Hennessy, Esq; Jackson Lewis; Orange Bank & Trust Company; PCSB Community Foundation

Host Committee: Lauren C. Enea, Esq. (Event Co-chair) Sarah DeRise; Jacqueline Hattar, Esq.; Cindy Kanusher, Esq.; Alayne Katz, Esq.; Alyson Kuritzky, Esq.; Stella King, Esq.; Jana Kosberg-Kleidman, Esq.; Samantha A. Lyons, Esq.; Melissa McMonagle; Amanda Rieben, Esq.; Rachel Shehy

Cocktails for a Cause 2025 photos