Smart Takes, Big Stakes: Honors Students Present

The Honors Symposium at Brookdale Community College offered a powerful display of academic curiosity, research, and innovation as Honors students presented their capstone projects to faculty, peers, and family members in a celebratory afternoon that highlighted the best of Brookdale’s Honors Program.

Welcomed by President David M. Stout, Ph.D., and moderated by Professor Jonathan Moschberger, Coordinator of the Honors Program, and Professor Ana Teodorescu, Assistant Coordinator, the event was a culminating experience for students who spent the semester, and in many cases, their entire Brookdale career, honing research questions, building analytical frameworks, and creating presentations that explored real-world issues through interdisciplinary lenses.

“This really is one of the highlights of the year,” said Professor Moschberger in his opening remarks. “It’s not just a presentation—it’s a celebration of our students’ journey, their growth, and their future.”

President Stout, who previously served as Honors Coordinator himself, emphasized the program’s legacy of excellence and its role in preparing students for competitive transfers. “Our Honors students routinely go on to top-tier universities and arrive ready to thrive,” he said. “This program helps shape not only scholars, but engaged citizens.”

Clearing the Air on Teen Vaping

The first presentation of the afternoon was given by Angelina Trinidad, a Business Administration major who is set to transfer to Rutgers Business School. Her project, Clearing the Air: Understanding Adolescent Vaping, explored the motivations behind teen nicotine use, the health risks associated with vaping, and recent trends in adolescent behavior.

Supported by data she analyzed and visualized herself using tools learned in her Honors Statistics course, Trinidad debunked common misconceptions—most notably the belief that youth vaping is on the rise—demonstrating instead a decline thanks to targeted public health campaigns and federal policy. Her advisor, Professor Ana Teodorescu, praised Trinidad’s initiative and ability to merge interdisciplinary learning with statistical analysis.

“This was originally a paper for an English class,” said Teodorescu, “but Angelina saw an opportunity to dig deeper, apply quantitative skills, and generate something truly impactful.”

A Spectrum of Ideas and Inquiry

Trinidad was one of several presenters who impressed the audience with their depth of research, innovative thinking, and confident delivery. Topics ranged from history and psychology to science, technology, ethics, and political discourse:

• Brooke Sheroke, advised by Professor Ashley Zampogna-Krug, tackled historical truth and misinformation in “The Power of Propaganda: Armenian Genocide Denial,” examining how state-sponsored denial reshapes memory and impacts justice.
• Hanna Le, advised by Professor Kevin Squires, showcased her technical and creative skills in “Kitty Krumbs Café: Developing a Java-Based Desktop Game,” presenting a fully designed prototype aimed at casual gamers and aspiring developers.
• Logan Gardner, advised by Professor Brian Oland, took a philosophical and policy-oriented approach in “A Global Examination of Euthanasia,” comparing legal frameworks and ethical implications across nations.
• Jake Annese, advised by Professor Elisabeth Eittreim, delved into social psychology in “The Power of Group Influence: How Friendships Shape Behavior,” demonstrating how peer groups affect identity formation and moral decision-making.
• Steven Annese, advised by Professor Brandon Gramer, addressed one of today’s most urgent questions in “Artificial Intelligence: Job Creator or Job Eliminator?” weighing the economic and ethical consequences of automation.
• Renata Arutiunian, advised by Professor Annmarie Hughes, examined consumer behavior and brand strategy in “The Evaluation of Marketing,” blending theory and market research to analyze what drives purchases.
• Arthur Fumarola, advised by Professor Kevin Squires, brought science into the spotlight with “The Effects of the Solar Eclipse on Radio Waves,” a physics-driven presentation that analyzed solar interference with electromagnetic transmission.
• Alexa Koempel, advised by Professor Roseanne Alvarez, reflected on experiential learning in “Impact of Service Learning,” revealing how volunteerism enhances academic understanding and civic responsibility.
• Dean Machado, advised by Professor Eric Goll, took on geopolitics in “The Real Risks of Nuclear Weapons,” investigating the legacy and continuing threat of nuclear proliferation in a volatile world.
• Montez Swartz, advised by Professor Jess LeVine, merged media studies and political science in “Framing Power: Iconic Presidential Photography in the 21st Century,” unpacking how curated visuals shape public perception of leadership.
• Fernando Camerino, advised by Professor Marlena Frank, offered an uplifting look at mental well-being in “Positive Psychology: The Science Behind Thriving,” grounded in evidence-based techniques for resilience and happiness.
• Giuliana Magliocco , advised by Professor Jonathan Moschberger, delivered a heartfelt personal narrative in “Bent Not Broken,” chronicling her scoliosis journey through the lens of trauma, resilience, and personal growth.
• Juliet Nies, advised by Professor Jonathan Moschberger, closed the evening with “Defeating the One Percent,” an impassioned exploration of wealth inequality and the grassroots movements challenging systemic injustice.

Honors at Brookdale

The Honors Program at Brookdale Community College offers a transformative experience for high-achieving students seeking academic challenge, leadership development, and enhanced transfer opportunities. With an emphasis on global awareness, cultural exploration, and civic engagement, the program cultivates scholars prepared to thrive at elite four-year institutions and beyond.

Program benefits include smaller class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and direct transfer pathways to top universities, including Columbia, Cornell, Georgetown, Rutgers, and many more. Graduates also receive special recognition at Commencement and are eligible for guaranteed admission to Honors Programs at partner institutions such as Monmouth University, Rider University, and Georgian Court University.

“If you’re looking for an experience that pushes your academic potential while preparing you for what’s next, Honors at Brookdale is for you,” said Professor Teodorescu. “It’s a community of thinkers, doers, and future leaders.”

For more information about the Honors Program at Brookdale, visit www.brookdalecc.edu/honors.