Research Recruits Program (RRP)

Program Description

The Research Recruits program is a two-semester undergraduate research or creative experience with a Kean faculty member. This is an opportunity to learn about research at the discovery and inquiry level by joining a student-faculty research team. It is an entry-level position, with no prior research experience required. Interested sophomores, juniors, and first-semester transfer students are especially encouraged to apply.

Research Recruits are matched with CURF Research Ambassadors (CRAs) who are upper-level undergraduate students with significant research experience. CRAs serve as guides for the Research Recruits and liaisons with the faculty research mentors.

Research Recruit applicants must possess good written and oral communication skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work in teams. Students are expected to work a minimum of 8-10 hours per week on their projects. Students who complete their research experiences will be expected to participate in Kean Research Days in April, with the opportunity to present their findings to the Kean University community.

For more information regarding Research Recruits, you can email us at curf@kean.edu.

Eligibility

A Sophomore or a rising Junior
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Able to spend 8 -10 hours per week on the project committed to participate in the program for 2 semesters (fall and spring)
All majors are welcome

Application Links

Research Recruits Student Application (At this time, we are no longer accepting applications)

Research Recruits Faculty Advisor Application (At this time, we are no longer accepting applications)

2024 Research Recruits Program (RRP) Students

Student Projects

Briana Dejesus

Project Tittle: “La Via Campesina: How Farmer’s Protests Take Root in Democracy"

Brianna DeJesus is currently a Senior with a major in Communication Studies and Minor in Philosophy. She is very involved with her on campus community as well as outside of her academic endeavors. For example, being the Founder/President of the Kean Debate Club and being a Wellness Mentor for Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds LLC. Ms.DeJesus looks forward to applying to grad school and pursuing research as part of her future endeavors. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies.

Dan Li

Project Title: “Acute Effects of Circuit Training and Traditional Resistance Exercise on Exerkines in Young Adults ”

I am currently a third-year Mathematics major student at Kean University, with a strong focus on Data Analysis and Machine Learning. I originally majored in accounting, where I gained foundational business knowledge. However, after realizing the importance of data analysis skills, I switched to Mathematics (Data Analysis option) to learn more about techniques and methods in data analysis and machine learning. I am passionate about using statistical methods and computational tools to solve real-world problems. I have a strong interest in applying data analysis and machine learning skills to quantitative financial analysis, which led me to join Dr. Shirvani's project, “Optimizing Financial Sector Portfolios: A Quantitative Analysis of S&P 500 Financial Companies.” Throughout my academic journey, I have participated in research projects related to social network analysis, machine learning bias detection, and large-scale data visualization. Hope I can gain more in this research process and try to change the world!

Zach Lowary

Project Title: “Acute Effects of Circuit Training and Traditional Resistance Exercise on Exerkines in Young Adults"

I chose to become a Research Assistant for Dr. Sharma because it aligns with my passion for understanding the physiological effects of exercise on the body. Studying exerkines provides an exciting opportunity to investigate the body's molecular response to circuit training and traditional resistance exercise. Exploring how various training methods influence bone growth and metabolism, I aim to gain valuable insights that can improve exercise programming and therapeutic interventions. After graduation, I hope to continue working as a research assistant while pursuing my education in Physical Therapy school and residency.

Madhu Gayathri

Project Title: “Acute Effects of Circuit Training and Traditional Resistance Exercise on Exerkines in Young Adults“

Madhu Gayathri is a cell and molecular biology student and aspires to be a physician. She has worked on multiple research projects, including investigating impacts of physical exercise on exerkine levels, prototyping a thermoelectric power generator and assessment of diversity of fungal communities. With a passion for advancing healthcare, she actively participates in community health outreach programs and volunteers in clinical settings.

Jose Marchena

Project Title: “Latent Semantic Analysis of Financial Documents: Transforming Data into Refining Insights and Advanced Analytics"

I am an international student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Kean University. With a strong foundation in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and software development, I am passionate about exploring the intersection of AI technologies and their impact on societal and economic structures, particularly in education and business. Throughout my academic journey, I have been actively involved in research, focusing on the real world applications of AI. My current research explores the evolution of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their interaction with big data. I have been developing innovative AI-powered solutions for data analysis through the AI-Powered Big Data Analyzer for Efficient Data Processing and Insight Generation, in collaboration with professors Yulia Kumar and Jenny Li. My work includes advanced document analysis techniques and the implementation of deep learning models for large-scale data processing. I am proficient in Python, Java, and machine learning libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Sklearn, as well as PostgreSQL. I regularly contribute to collaborative projects on GitHub. My dedication to research and my proactive approach to problem-solving drive my contributions to the research center's initiatives focused on AI and its applications in emerging fields. I aim to leverage my skills to support research that drives educational and technological advancement, contributing to a more inclusive and AI-integrated future.

Nefertit Nzameyo

Project Title: “Between Speech And Silence: how the silencing of Stephanie Clifford was rooted in systemic misogyny”

I’m a PR major at Kean University and this is my Senior year. Research has always interested me throughout my academic career and to be a part of something like this; drives me to strive for more. My name is Nefertiti Nzameyo. I am conducting research with Dr. Guitar on child sex abuse in the Larry Nassar and Jerry Sandusky scandals. The title of the project is From Sport to Sexual Assault. I am interested in how people's perceptions are shaped by the media and understanding the underlying ideologies that keep certain groups powerful and others powerless.

Bryan Ocas

Project Title: “The Abstruction of Julian Assange“

I’m a PR major at Kean University and this is my Senior year. Research has always interested me throughout my academic career and to be a part of something like this; drives me to strive for more.

Nataly Artica

Project Title: “The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Effects on Food Insecurity: A Comparison of Data Analyzing How Populations with Socioeconomic Challenges Have Been Affected From 2019 to Now“

My name is Nataly Artica, and I am a sophomore majoring in Management and Entrepreneurship at Kean University. I am in the Supera program. I work as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for the ACCT 2200 course, where I am dedicated to helping students understand complex accounting concepts and achieve success in their studies. In addition to my academic commitments, I am an enthusiastic member of the Kean Dance Club, where I enjoy expressing my creativity through dance. I also volunteer with the Jumpstart community, where we facilitate the teaching of the next generation, fostering their growth and love for learning.

Yaritza Cabrera

Project Title: “Benefits of Medical Cannabis for Skin Disorders”

I am an international student who is a persevering and committed person, demonstrating excellence in multitasking and strategic thinking. My ability to organize data efficiently, combined with my flexibility and adaptability allows me to navigate challenges effectively. My bilingualism, coupled with strong active listening skills, make me a strong communicator and valuable asset in diverse settings. Also, I completed an the entire course of 140 hours and became part of the Ecuadorian Red Cross.

Jeffrey Chavez Luna

Project Title: “Benefits of Medical Cannabis for Skin Disorders“

Hello! My name is Jeffrey Chavez Luna, and I am a 19-year-old sophomore at Kean University, where I’m pursuing my passion for science as a Cell and Molecular Biology major. Born and raised in the rich cultural heritage of Ecuador, I carry with me not only the vibrant spirit of my homeland but also a deep curiosity about the natural world.

Lori Graziosi

Project Title: “Determination of Synthetic Cannabinoids from Wastewater Samples”

Hi, my name is Lori Graziosi. I am a senior at Kean University and I am graduating in the Spring of 2025. I am working with Dr. Mingjing Sun in an independent research study on synthetic cannabinoid determination from wastewater samples. We chose this project to research because wastewater is contaminated with many things including illicit drugs, which can be harmful to the environment and public health. The abused drugs can be excreted through the sewer system and so they could be existing in the wastewater. We aim to extract the synthetic cannabinoids from wastewater and determine what kind of synthetic cannabinoid is present. The RRP program is interesting for us to participate in because of the variety of opportunities this program can hold for us. We hope that this program can help further our understanding of research through academic guidance and collaboration. This program can provide us collaboration with faculty members and help grow my skills as a researcher. This will help prepare me for my career as a doctor in forensic psychiatry.

Bernice Torres

Project Title: “Does the J-Curve Effect Apply to Mexico's Trade Balance?”

My name is Bernice Torres, and I’m a junior at Kean University, majoring in Global Business with a minor in Marketing. I’m particularly interested in this research project as it allows me to explore the economic dynamics of my heritage. As a Mexican American, I often heard discussions in my family about Mexico's economy and the exchange rate of the peso, but I never fully understood the implications. This project offers me the opportunity to dive deeper into the complexities of Mexico’s trade and exchange rates, and how global business factors influence its economic stability.

James Mardi

Project Title: ““Navigating AI Security: Adversarial Testing of LLMs in Less Common Languages to Test and Analyze Vulnerabilities in ChatGPT and Gemini”

My name is James W. Mardi, and I am currently in my third year of college pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Information Systems Option. I have become very interested in artificial intelligence (AI) because of my academic path, particularly its applications, security, and ethical implications. My curiosity has led me to explore not only how AI operates but also how secure these systems are in real-world scenarios. The reason I’m interested in the CURF Research Program is that it provides a valuable opportunity to extend my understanding of the field I am currently studying, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a rapidly evolving technology with a lot of potential but also raises important questions and security concerns. I’m eager to explore its application, challenges, and future developments. This research program will allow me to work closely with professors who are experts in AI, helping me further develop my skills and contribute in a meaningful way to this dynamic field. As AI systems like ChatGPT and Gemini become more integrated into daily life, ensuring their security across all languages is critical. While much research has focused on adversarial attacks in widely spoken languages, less attention has been given to vulnerabilities in less common languages. My interest in this area stems from my familiarity with Spanish and French and the possibility that these languages could present unique challenges or gaps in AI model security. Through this research, I aim to test whether current AI models are as robust in these languages as they are in more commonly studied ones and to explore whether adversarial testing can expose security flaws that could lead to potential exploits, such as jailbreaking.

Amaillya Joseph

Project Title: “Vicarious Responsibility of Investing”

My name is Aamillya Joseph and I am a first-semester sophomore at Kean University. I am a Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation double major. I am pursuing a career in the field of rehabilitation psychology, with hopes to truly make a difference in the lives of those who need it. I am deeply interested in research and seeing how one variable can influence or have a full impact on another variable. I also have a keen interest in social psychology and the impacts of societal factors on individualistic behaviors.

Sofiia Korotka

Project Title: “Use of Interactive Recipes to Improve Nutrition Self-Efficacy Among College Students”

My name is Sofiia Korotka. I am a Sophomore majoring in Biotechnology/Molecular Biology at Kean University. I was interested in the Research Recruits Program to engage myself in the opportunity to gain experience of performing authentic research and explore potential areas of interest, in addition to learning valuable skills that will support me further on my career journey.

Alejandro Chaves Mayoral

Project Title: “ RFID-based Breath Monitoring System for Health Monitoring"

I have an interest in the RRP program because I am passionate about research and the challenges that it brings. My project topic is also directly aligned with my interests since it combines signal processing, coding, and healthcare

Shion Mabuchi

Project Title: “Literature Review on Consumer Behavior in Online Queues”

I'm interested in finding creative and data-driven strategies to attract customers. My goal, in the end, is to enhance people's lives by making each purchase meaningful while also maximizing the profit. Currently, I'm involved in research on consumer behavior in waiting lines. Through this, I want to discover the factors by which consumers are encouraged to make purchases. As a brief introduction, I have grown my skills in leadership and field study over the last five years while serving as a Student Director at the International Student Community in both the Philippines and New Jersey. Besides academic pursuits, I enjoy playing baseball and cycling.

Holly Van Ness

Project Title: “Between Speech And Silence: how the silencing of Stephanie Clifford was rooted insystemic misogyny”

I am a junior at Kean University as a Public Relations major! Outside of my academics, I’m a photographer and specialize in live music, sports, and portraits! I’m super excited to work beside Dr. Guitar and my fellow researchers to find out some answers to some real-world issues that affect our everyday lives!

Aditya Pareka

Project Title: "Enhancing Navigation Systems with Real-Time Traffic Camera Data"

Hi! I am an undergraduate computer science student and researcher that is deeply passionate about generative AI, smart cities technologies, and their potential to transform the future. My academic journey has been shaped by a strong curiosity for solving real-world problems through innovation, particularly at the intersection of artificial intelligence and user-centered design. One of my key research projects, "Enhancing Navigation Systems with Real-Time Traffic Camera Data," focuses on integrating live traffic imagery and computer vision techniques to improve route decision-making. This work highlights my dedication to leveraging real-time data to create smarter, more adaptive navigation systems that prioritize user experience and informed decision-making. Beyond my research, I am interested in the broader applications of generative AI, especially its ability to develop creative, efficient, and scalable solutions across industries. Whether it's optimizing processes or enabling new forms of human-computer interaction, I am excited by its transformative possibilities. With a strong technical foundation in Java, Python, C, and SQL, I enjoy designing and implementing innovative, data-driven systems that address complex challenges. My goal is to contribute to the advancement of AI and create impactful technologies that seamlessly blend efficiency with usability.

Jose Aceituno Marquez

Project Title: “Cybersecurity Resistance & Small Businesses”

I am a junior at Kean University pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Global Business. Before transferring here, I earned my Associate’s degree in International Business from Raritan Valley Community College. My academic and professional journey so far has solidified my passion for International and Global Business, and I am eager to further expand my knowledge and skills through this program. This past summer, I had the privilege of participating in the Global Practicum, where I collaborated with an international team to conduct market research for Heinz Glas, a renowned German glass-making company. This experience deepened my understanding of global markets and taught me the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and innovative thinking in addressing business challenges. Following the practicum, I worked alongside Dr. van Klyton in the Full STeAM Ahead Summer Program at Kean, where I taught International Business concepts to middle and high school students. This role not only reinforced my passion for the subject but also allowed me to share my knowledge and inspire the next generation of global thinkers. My interest in this program stems from a strong desire to conduct research in International Business and further develop the analytical, strategic, and cross-cultural competencies needed to excel in this field. I hope to build on my prior experiences, contribute meaningfully to the program, and emerge as a well-rounded global business leader who can make a lasting impact on the international stage.

Sakshi Patel

Project Title: “Consumers’ responses to application of Artificial Intelligence in three levels of business: Ideation, Operation, and Promotion”

I am an international student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Global Business with a minor in marketing. I am deeply interested in exploring how consumers respond to the use of Artificial Intelligence across various business stages: ideation, operation, and promotion. This research reflects a passion for understanding the intersection of technology, consumer behavior, and business innovation, with the goal of uncovering insights that can guide businesses in effectively using AI while maintaining consumer trust and satisfaction, aligning perfectly with my academic and professional interests in global business trends.

Salma Absallah

Project Title: “Computer-Aided Drug Discovery for Zika Virus (ZIKV)“

My name is Salma, and I am a junior majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology. I chose to participate in the Kean University Research Recruits Program (RRP) because of my interest in biological and chemical research. I enjoy learning about genetics, pathology, and pharmacology, and this program offered me an avenue to explore those fields at a professional level. Through the RRP, I was granted the opportunity to work with Kean faculty member Dr. Supratik Kar. By participating in Dr. Kar’s research project, I hope to further my knowledge of molecular biology and chemistry and hone my skills in data analysis and molecular modeling.