12:30 PM: Lunch at Faculty and Staff Dining Room (2nd Floor), JJC
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM: Academic Experience Agenda at 9.34NB (Floor 9), JJC
1:30 PM: Welcome Remarks by Dr. Allison Pease, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, JJC
1:45 PM: Institutional Presentations:
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY, by Mr. Vincent Papandrea, Director of Admissions
- LaGuardia Community College, CUNY, by Dr. Linda Chandler, Professor, English Department, Faculty Fellow for Curriculum
- Queensborough Community College, CUNY, by Mr. Frank Gaiso, Associate Director of Recruitment and Outreach
2:30 PM: Student Presentations:
Presentation I (2:30 PM to 2:45 PM)
Presenter: Dinah Mathai from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY
Project: The Master of Public Administration in Public Policy and Administration MPA) with The Master of Science in Protection Management (MS)
Description of the project: The project that I plan to present is based on my ePortfolio, that I had submitted for the 9th Annual ePortfolio Showcase. From my new ePortfolio which is titled as “Dinah Mathai/Department of Fire, Security, and Emergency Management & Department of Public Management”, the link to that new ePortfolio is : https://johnjay.digication.com/dinah-mathai-mpa-in-public-policy-and-administration-with-ms-in-protection-management. Evidence that shows success is revealed through the assignments that I had posted on my ePortfolio on behalf of some of my classes from The Master of Public Administration in Public Policy and Administration (MPA) & The Master of Science in Protection Management (MS). The lessons learned from these assignments identify with pinpointing how security can optimized for healthcare facilities, goals for companies to prevent corruption, and assessing responses to emergency operations that are conducted during catastrophes.
Biography: Hi. My name is Dinah Mathai. I am studying in the dual-degree graduate program in The Master of Public Administration in Public Policy and Administration (MPA) and The Master of Science in Protection Management (MS). I live in Floral Park in Queens County in New York City. In January of 2019, I was awarded with Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, and Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. My employment history consists of working as a Freshmen Mentor and Student Caller on Queens College from 2015 to2016, Debate Instructor for American Debate League from 2017 to 2019, Front Store Associate at CVS Pharmacy in 2022, and Hospital Care Investigator (HCI) from NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue from 2022 to 2023. My research interests are transforming technology such as safety features to revitalize sustainable development policies and upgrading universities with technological assets of hazard prevention to improve policies for safety.
Presentation II (2:45 PM to 3:00 PM)
Presenter: Jayleen L. Montano from University of Houston Downtown
Project: Tensile Stength
Description of the project: Our project involved analyzing and comparing the pull-out strength of two types of reinforcement materials: traditional steel rebar and fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar. Using PROFIS software, we generated theoretical predictions, then conducted physical pullout tests using custom concrete samples embedded with either steel or FRP rebar. The testing process included standard ACI mixing procedures, consistent curing times, and the use of an Enerpac hydraulic plunger to measure displacement and failure loads.
Biography: I am a Senior at the University of Houston Downtown (UHD), with a passion for engineering, education, and community service. Raised in Houston, Texas, by the inspiration of my parents’ hard work and perseverance. Majoring in Structural Analysis/Design in Engineering Technology, I am committed to mastering my field through coursework and hands-on experiences. My dedication extends beyond engineering; I find fulfillment as a college tutor and substitute teacher, empowering students in subjects like science and mathematics. As a first-generation college student, my achievements have earned me recognition among peers and instructors. My diverse experiences, from engineering summer camps to volunteering at food banks, have reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact. I envision a future working for an Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) firm, where I can contribute to innovative infrastructure projects. Ultimately, my journey embodies perseverance, passion, and purpose, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and leave a lasting legacy.
Presentation III (3:00 PM to 3:15 PM)
Presenter: Ana Sofía Salinas Miranda from Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
Project: Semiological Guide: Evaluating to Form, Forming to Evaluate. oriented to the inclusion of people with visual impairment. Adapted edition in Spanish, English and Braille. (This presentation will be in Spanish)
Description of the project: The semiological guide “Evaluating to Form, Forming to Evaluate” arises from the urgent need to eliminate learning barriers and promote truly inclusive psychological practices, focused on the recognition of the diversity of the human being. Therefore, this proposal has a bidirectional approach and is aimed at both students and professionals of psychology, with the intention of fostering academic and clinical environments respectful of individual diversity. In the first context, this guide seeks to provide inclusive learning spaces adjusted to the particularities of people with visual impairment, facilitating the acquisition of knowledge and ensuring an accessible education to knowledge and the appropriation of competencies. This in turn fosters a broad and empathetic perspective that recognizes diversity as a pedagogical resource and challenges stereotypes and prejudices that have historically limited the professional development of population groups. Considering that this proposal is not only intended for its usability in the classroom, it is a resource that extrapolates to real clinical psychology scenarios, specifically during the practical training of future psychologists. Therefore, its use is promoted in the psychological clinic, as a semiological evaluation guide adapted to the needs of visually impaired users. Its use seeks to ensure dignified, ethical and quality care, promoting their autonomy, participation and social integration. Finally, this proposal is based on the differential approach, seeks to reinforce autonomy and promote a fair and inclusive social integration that rejects any form of discrimination in the processes of learning and psychological care.
Biography: I am Ana Sofía Salinas Miranda, a fifth level student of Psychology at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Santa Marta. I consider myself responsible, creative and committed to learning. I have participated as a research, speaker at conferences and academic monitor. I have also been active in the development of research products. I am currently studying at the Universidad Fidélitas in Costa Rica as a beneficiary of the Passport Program, where I represent my university from an intercultural perspective. I aspire to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology and contribute to the development of inclusive and ethical educational projects.
Presentation IV (3:15 PM to 3:30 PM)
Presenters: Mayeli Castro – Gallegos & Jennifer Isita Nunez from California State University, San Bernardino
Project: AI Study Buddy: Enhancing Student Success with AI
Description of the project: AI Study Buddy is a virtual peer tutoring solution that uses the free version of ChatGPT to provide accessible, 24/7 academic support for students. The project was created in response to the limited availability of peer tutors, the rising cost of academic help, and unequal access to platforms like ChatGPT Edu. Through real use cases, we’ve shown that students can get meaningful academic help by using structured prompts and starting a new chat for each subject. For example, one of us used ChatGPT to format APA citations and break down complex math problems, while the other used it to troubleshoot software issues and review assignments. We learned that even without paid features, ChatGPT can provide effective support if students know how to prompt it properly. The key takeaway is that smart use of free technology can bridge the academic support gap without additional cost.
Biographies:
Mayeli Castro-Gallegos is an undergraduate student studying Computer Science at California State University, San Bernardino. She is interested in how technology can support students in both academic and everyday problem-solving. As part of the AI Study Buddy project, she explored how free tools like ChatGPT can be used to break down complex topics, troubleshoot technical issues, and support learning across subjects. Her goal is to help make AI more accessible and useful for students from all backgrounds.
Jennifer Isita Nunez is an undergraduate student majoring in Information Systems and Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity at California State University, San Bernardino. She is passionate about accessible, tech-driven learning and has explored how AI tools like ChatGPT can support academic success. Through this project, she aims to show how students can use free tools to better understand complex topics, stay motivated, and learn independently.
Break: 3:30 PM to 3:45 PM
Presentation V (3:45 PM to 4:00 PM)
Presenter: Ramlix Pabón Vélez from EDP University
Project: The Impact of Technology on my Academic Achievement in Forensic Criminal Investigation
Description of the project: This presentation focuses on the impact of technology on forensic criminal investigation. Demonstrates how technology has revolutionized crime scene and evidence analysis. It addresses innovative techniques such as fingerprinting, DNA analysis, detailed study of blood patterns, forensic photography, database information management, crime scene measurements, forensic ballistics, and virtual pathology. (This presentation will be in Spanish)
Biography:My name is Ramlix Pabón Vélez, I am 19 years old and I am from the town of Las Marías, Puerto Rico. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Science at EDP University, San Sebastian Campus, PR. I am currently in my second academic year.
Presentation VI (4:00 PM to 4:15 PM)
Presenter: Jake Jacobo from Queensborough Community College
Project: Antimicrobial Resistance in Environmental Microbes
Description of the project: As part of the CUNY Research Scholars Program at Queensborough Community College, I’ve been working on a microbiology research project under Dr. Mangala Tawde. Our goal is to isolate and study bacteria from superfund sites and public spaces in NYC to identify strains with potential antimicrobial properties. One isolate we identified showed early signs of antibiotic activity during lab testing, which was a major milestone. Through this project, I’ve strengthened my lab skills, learned how to communicate scientific findings, and gained a deeper appreciation for how research can directly impact public health — especially in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Biography: Jake Jacobo es un orgulloso puertorriqueño y estudiante de enfermería en Queensborough Community College, donde se desempeña como vicepresidente de estudiantes de medio tiempo. Entre 2023 y 2024, llevó a cabo una investigación con el Programa de Becarios de Investigación de CUNY, estudiando bacterias de lugares contaminados para identificar posibles antibióticos nuevos. Este verano, está obteniendo experiencia clínica en enfermería mediante una pasantía en Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Jake también hace voluntariado en la unidad de cuidado intensivo médico de NYU Long Island y quiere ser enfermero anestesista. Como estudiante universitario de primera generación, le apasiona motivar a otros a seguir carreras en STEM y salud.