12:30 PM: Lunch at East Academic Complex, C-Building, Room 391, Hostos CC
1:15 PM to 2:30 PM: Academic Experience Agenda
1:15 PM: Welcome Remarks by Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, President, Hostos CC
1:30 PM: Institutional Presentation:
- Hostos CC by Dr. Babette Audant, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, and Mr. Ivano Leoncavallo, Director of Communications
1:45 PM: Student Presentations:
Presentation I (1:45 PM to 2:00 PM)
Presenters: Dainma Martinez & Jasmin Sanchez from Hostos Community College, CUNY
Project: Why Cry, We have AI
Description of the project: We’re excited to bring a new level of learning to our community college students by integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into our science labs. This project is all about making education more engaging and interactive. Imagine students being able to do virtual dissections or explore historical events in 3D, all from the comfort of their classroom. These immersive experiences will not only make learning more fun but also help students grasp complex concepts more easily. This project collates those insights, other cases and models, relevant literature, and first-hand observations to frame a pathway forward for Hostos and other institutions to engage with AR and VR curricular utilization best practices as a solution. Students can practice lab experiments virtually before performing them in real life, enhancing their preparedness and confidence. Students using AR simulations in chemistry reported higher retention rates and a better grasp of abstract concepts.
Biographies:
Dainma Martínez is a Hostos student majoring in forensic science She is the 2023-2024/2024-2025 Student Government Association (SGA) President and actively participates in the Student Leadership Academy, University Student Senate Delegate, Model Senate, and is the former President of the Black Student Union. Dainma is a First Gen, Afro Latinx from the Bronx who aspires to be a forensic pathologist and, through this work, wants to give families the knowledge of the special circumstances that may have led to the death of their loved ones. Her commitment to service is also reflected in her involvement in community outreach and advocacy for underrepresented groups. Eventually, she hopes to own a funeral home to provide families with the closure and peace they deserve, combining her scientific expertise with compassionate care. Dainma’s dedication to her studies and her community underscores her determination to make a meaningful impact in her field and beyond.
Jasmin Sanchez is an Hostos student majoring in Liberal Science to further her education in Pre Med. She is the 2023-2024/2024- 2025 Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President and University Student Senate Delegate, Jasmin has participated in many events in Hostos as-well as Hostos student symposium, CRSP symposium and LSAMP symposium, where she presented researcher based on effects of herbaceous aromatic plants on ADHD. Jasmin is a Firs Gen, Mexican – American from New York who want to purse her career in the medical field, Jasmin is committed to breaking barriers and inspiring others in the medical field.
Presentation II (2:00 PM to 2:15 PM)
Presenter: Yaimelisse Rosario Romero from EDP University
Project: Growing as a leader for Student Council at EDP University of Puerto Rico
Description of the project: This presentation is about how the student council has helped me become a better leader and how I have been able to improve as a person and as a leader.
Biography: I’m Yaimelisse Rosario Romero, a third-year nursing student committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based nursing care. With a solid academic background and developing clinical experience, I am dedicated to patient care and contributing to nursing practice. I stand out for my empathy, professionalism, and leadership in every setting in which I participate.
Presentation III (2:15 PM to 2:30 PM)
Presenter: Stiven Traore from the University of Houston Downtown
Project: Study of transition metal interaction with aromatic amino acids
Description of the project: The goal of my research project was to investigate how transition metal ions interact with aromatic amino acids, using UV-Vis spectroscopy as a tool to monitor these interactions. Aromatic amino acids—specifically tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine—were chosen because of their strong UV absorbance due to their conjugated ring structures, which allow for distinct π–π* and n–π* electronic transitions. Transition metals such as Cu(II), Fe(III), and Ni(II) were selected based on their biological relevance and their well-characterized d–d and charge transfer transitions in the visible spectrum. The success of the experiment was evident in the clear spectral shifts observed when these amino acids formed complexes with metal ions. For example, tryptophan exhibited a bathochromic shift and increased absorbance intensity upon binding with Cu(II), indicating strong coordination likely involving its indole ring. These measurable changes confirmed that complex formation occurred and varied with different metal–amino acid pairs. One of the key lessons learned was the importance of pH control: varying pH altered the protonation state of the amino acids, significantly influencing binding strength and coordination geometry. Additionally, I learned that even minor structural differences in amino acids can lead to distinct spectral responses, reinforcing the importance of molecular structure in coordination chemistry. This foundational study not only demonstrated successful application of UV-Vis spectroscopy in characterizing biomolecular interactions but also laid the groundwork for more complex investigations involving mixed ligands or biologically relevant conditions.
Biography: Stiven Traore is a Junior Pre‑Med Biology major at the University of Houston–Downtown conducting DoDE‑MSEIP–funded research on aromatic amino acids via fluorescence and UV‑Vis spectrophotometry, investigating pH, concentration, and metal‑ion interactions. His goal is to become medical doctor. As Pre‑Med Club president and NSBE officer, he participated at academic workshops and presented findings at regional conferences. He is completing EMT‑B certification to enrich clinical perspectives.