Spring Research Conference
Innovative Solutions to Contemporary Challenges: Scholarly Creativity in the Service of Humanity
May 8, 2025 | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
In a world increasingly shaped by complex global challenges—ranging from political turmoil and war to natural and human-made disasters—there is a pressing need for innovative and creative solutions. This conference will explore the vital role that science, art, and creativity play in addressing these challenges, with a focus on promoting justice, equity, and inclusion on a global scale. Held at Pace University’s downtown campus near the World Trade Center, this event will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading thinkers, scholars, and practitioners from diverse fields as we delve into globalization and the perspectives of the majority world—those regions often underrepresented in global discourse. Join us as we explore how science and art can work hand in hand to craft innovative solutions that benefit humanity.
Conference Objectives
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars, practitioners, and creative professionals across various disciplines to promote innovative approaches to addressing contemporary challenges
- Promote research and innovation at Pace University by facilitating a space where faculty and graduate students can present their research and get inspired by the work being done within the university
- Engage in critical discussions on globalization, equity, and contemporary social challenges and explore how various fields can be leveraged to create more equitable solutions that benefit the majority world
Conference Tracks
- Community Engagement (Co-chairs: Rebecca Tekula and Garrett FitzGerald)
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration (Chair: Erica Johnson)
- Pedagogy and Creativity (Chair: Julia Eisenberg)
- Health and Healthcare Innovations (Co-Chairs: John Damiao and Joshua Mendelsohn)
- Technology and Humanity (Chair: Jessica Magaldi)
- Graduate Student Submission (Chair: Christopher-John Godfrey and Sharon Wexler)
Conference Timeline
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast & Opening Remarks (Bianco Room, 15 Beekman)
10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.
Presentations (1 Pace Plaza and 15 Beekman)
11:00 a.m. –11:50 a.m.
Presentations (1 Pace Plaza and 15 Beekman)
12:00 p.m.–1:20 p.m.
Lunch and Keynote Presentation (Bianco Room)
1:30 p.m.–2:20 p.m.
Presentations (1 Pace Plaza and 15 Beekman)
2:30 p.m.–3:20 p.m.
Presentations and Poster Session (1 Pace Plaza and 15 Beekman)
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Networking Reception, Book Display, and Poster Viewing (Bianco Room)
Book Display
If you have published a book within the last five years (2020–2025), the Office of Research and Graduate Education is excited to celebrate your accomplishment at the Research Conference. We will feature a book display including a book cover, a short blurb about the book (150 words max), a short bio (150 words max), and a link to purchase your book.
Additionally, we warmly invite all authors to attend the Networking Reception from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. in the Bianco Room, 15 Beekman Street for an opportunity to engage with colleagues and discuss your publication. (You are welcome to bring a copy of your book, though please note that we cannot assume responsibility for it.)
To participate, please fill out this form by April 4, 2025.
Please reach out to Anna Beskin, PhD at abeskin@pace.edu with any questions or concerns about the conference.
Planning Committee Members (in alphabetical order):
David Paul Benjamin, PhD (Seidenberg, NYC), Anna Beskin, PhD (Office of Research and Graduate Education, NYC and Pleasantville), Sean Coughlin (Public Affairs, NYC), John Damiao, PhD (CHP, Pleasantville), Sally Dickerson, PhD (Dyson, NYC), Julia Eisenberg, PhD (Lubin, Pleasantville), Dan Farkas, PhD (Seidenberg, Pleasantville), Garrett FitzGerald, PhD (Dyson, NYC), Christopher Godfrey, PhD (Dyson, NYC), Paul Griffin, PhD (Dyson, Pleasantville), Maria Iacullo-Bird, PhD (Office of Research and Graduate Education; Dyson, NYC), Erica Johnson, PhD (Dyson, NYC), Adrienne Kapstein, MFA (Sands, NYC), Kelley Kreitz, PhD (Dyson, NYC), Jessica Magaldi, JD (Lubin, NYC), Patrick McGuigan, DPS (Lubin, Pleasantville), Joshua Mendelsohn, PhD (CHP, NYC), Adrian Rivero (Wilson Center), Jason Slyer, FNP-DNP (College of Health Professions, Pleasantville), Sonia Suchday, PhD (Office of Research and Graduate Education, NYC and Pleasantville; Dyson, NYC), Rebecca Tekula, PhD (Wilson Center; Dyson, NYC), Sharon Wexler, PhD (College of Health Professions, Pleasantville), Michele Zaccario, PhD (Dyson, NYC)