Caldwell, NJ – Caldwell University had its 9th Annual Research and Creative Arts Day on April 22, 2026. This event is an opportunity for students of any major to show case their talents. There were over 200 undergraduate and graduate students participating in 130 projects.

“Everyone did an amazing job and with so any projects to see, it was hard to select just a few top presentations,” says Dr. Darryl Aucoin, Department of Natural Sciences Chair. The Overall Top Two presentations were awarded to Marina Botros for their project, “Can Tet1 Restoration in Glioblastoma Restore Tumor Suppression?,” and Haleigh Fisher for their project, “Examining Factors That Contribute to the Underrepresentation of Women in STEM.”

Awards were also given to the Overall Top Presentation for each of the schools. Jillian Riggio won for The School of Arts & Sciences with their project, “Social Attitudes and Behaviors Among Adults with Autism.” Anshuraj Sedai won for The School of Business & Computer Science with their project, “Astronomy and Existentialism: Capturing the Sublime in Scientific Revelations and Revolutions Across History and Art.” Rezyona Uddin, Aaliyah Mena, Aagya Shree Sharma and
Rianna Sparandero won for The School of Nursing and Health Sciences with their project, “Identifying Hidden Carcinogens in the Contemporary Diet.”

The keynote address was given by Dr. Michael J. Alvatroni, Fairleigh Dickinson University President. He spoke on his life path from studying chemistry to discovering a love for teaching to his current administrative role and how the experimentation process he learned in chemistry can be applied to big life decisions. He encouraged students to embrace uncertainty and surround themselves with intelligent people who challenge them.