Holmdel, NJ – Current Caldwell University undergraduate students presented seven of the independent research projects that they proposed, developed and researched throughout the academic year at the ICUNJ 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium at Bell Works in Holmdel.

Many of the visitors and judges at the event complimented our students on their projects and their presentation skills. Two of these presentations received awards for top presentation at the event. Once again Caldwell students were two of the top three presentations!

Nahal Ahmed
Gluten- and Casein-Derived Peptides Promote Microglial Activation and Inflammatory Responses: Implications for ASD Behaviors
Research Advisor: Lorelei Pratt

Katherine Armas
Restoring p53 Wild Type in Colon Cancer Cells by using Natural Products
Research Advisor: Darryl Aucoin

Monika Chhetri & Joy Guirguis
Fabrication of Superhydrophobic/Superoleophilic Sponges for Oil Spill Cleanup
Research Advisor: Xiaolei Gao
First Place Presentation Award

Brooke Martin
The Effects of LED Light on a New Teeth Whitening Formula that Minimizes Structural Damage of Human Teeth.
Research Advisor: Marjorie Squires

Shrawan Niraula (Chemistry Class of 2026)
Thermo -Responsive Hydrogel System for Efficient Delivery Through Topical Application
Research Advisor: Xiaolei Gao

Frederica Raco (Biology Class of 2025)
Identifying Pain-Sensitive and Pain-Insensitive Strains Using Assays that Measure Pain-Like Behaviors to Uncover Pain Pathways in C. elegans
Research Advisor: Maria Agapito
Third Place Presentation Award

Dinushka Regmi
Effects of Tinospora Cordifolia in SW480, a Colorectal Cancer Cell Line
Research Advisor: Lorelei Pratt

In addition to mentoring our own students, many of the department faculty advisors attended and served as judges at the event, assisting students at other universities to improve their communication skills and giving their own insight into improving their projects. 

Participants are also thankful for use of the campus van, as well as Jeff Camp, for making sure it was full of gas for our early departure this morning. The van allowed the team to give everyone a ride to the event together so that they could relax and ensure everyone got there safely on time.

The Caldwell community is all very proud of all of this year’s independent research students! Thanks to all who supported the student projects through grants and other university aid.