13 Students Discuss Research Projects at Spring Honors Symposium

Thirteen students presented their honors projects at the 2019 Honors Symposium on May 3.

Cheryl Fencik, assistant coordinator of the Brookdale Honors program and assistant professor in the biology department, told the students how proud she was of them.

She echoed that sentiment in addressing the family and friends of the presenters and members of the Brookdale community in the audience.

“I’m sure that once you hear about all of their accomplishments and see their presentations, you also will be proud,” said Fencik.

Brookdale President David Stout told the students that “you have helped to make Brookdale a better place.”

“In addition to making your family proud of all your accomplishments, you have been and remain great ambassadors for Brookdale Community College,” said President Stout.

The presentations covered a variety of topics, ranging from an argument for wind power to a history of the Jonestown massacre to support for robotic automation.

Presentations included:

• Daniella Veliz delivered a presentation on “Wind Power: An Environmentally Friendly Spin on Energy.” Her advisor was Maryann Smith, associate professor in the biology department.
• Lauren Deinhardt presented “Debunking the Myths of Domestic Terrorism.” Her advisor was Jacquelynn Seely, assistant professor in the criminal justice department.
• Corine Tamayo researched “Constraints of Masculinities: Limiting Emotional Outlets.” Her advisor was Roseanne Alvarez, professor in the English department.
• Dawson Zembricki presented “Finding Home: A Photo Essay on Time, Space, and Human Connection.” His advisor was also Alvarez.
• Victoria Augello contended “The Human Spirit: Revolutions and Revolts in Modern World History.” Her advisor was George Reklaitis, associate professor in the history department.
• Christine Shea discussed “Psychology, Neuroscience, and Addiction: How Drugs Affect the Brain.” Alison Mytnick, adjunct professor in the psychology department, was her advisor.
• Shannon Nutley researched “The Jonestown Massacre.” Her advisor was Howard Miller, professor in the speech communication department.
• Jade Glab presented “This is (Miss) America.” Her advisor was Bettejane Bolan-Kenney, professor in the English department.
• Kevin R. Lewis argued “Let’s Automate: The Case for Robotic Automation.” His advisor was Sarah Leahy, associate professor in the economics department.
• Kylie Monahan presented on “Human Microbe Interaction.” Carey Fox, professor in the biology department, was her advisor.
• Julianna Colonna examined “The Benefits of Assisted Suicide.” Her advisor was Daniel Leyes, professor in the speech department.
• Ryan Gunthner delivered a presentation on “Hot Peace to Cold War: Saudi Arabia and Iran’s Proxy Wars Following the Arab Spring. His advisor was Jonathan Moschberger, coordinator of the Brookdale Honors program and professor in the political science department.
• Brianna Quezada researched “Working Towards a Sustainable Future in the Business World.” Moschberger was her advisor as well.

Photo captions:

1. Cheryl Fencik, assistant coordinator of the Brookdale Honors program, with the students who presented at the 2019 Honors Symposium.
2. Brookdale President David Stout welcomes the audience to the 2019 Honors Symposium.
3. Honors students Christine Shea, Julianna Colonna, Brianna Quezada, and Ryan Gunthner with Cheryl Fencik, assistant coordinator of the Honors at Brookale program.