Caldwell, NJ – The Caldwell University Department of Natural Sciences had a busy weekend. Several students presented their research projects at the 19th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Biological and Chemical Sciences at William Paterson University on Saturday, April 18. The next day, April 19, 2026, Caldwell University’s Department of Natural Sciences and Science Club hosted the 2026 National Chemistry Olympiad competition, in collaboration with the North Jersey American Chemical Society.

At the Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Biological and Chemical Sciences, Kamil Nogajczyk, student, received 1st place in Physiology, Behavior, and Toxicology for his presentation, “Identifying Nociceptive VS Non-Nociceptive Strains of C. Elegans to Evaluate Adaptations That Occur Across Generations,” in collaboration with Dr. Maria Agapito.

Caldwell University was well represented with faculty member, Dr. Lorelei Pratt, acting as a judge and several other students in attendance and presenting their projects.

The next day, Caldwell University hosted the 2026 National Chemistry Olympiad competition. This competition brings together 17 high school students who have been selected from the local Chemistry Olympiad Exam to compete in an all-day event for a chance to represent the United States at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad.

Of the students participating in the National Exam at Caldwell University and all over the country, the 20 top-scoring students spend two weeks at a Study Camp where they train and compete to be chosen as one of the top four students who go on to represent the United States at the International Chemistry Olympiad.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Caldwell University has welcomed outstanding young talent to our beautiful campus and successfully hosted the competition.