NJIT's Honors College Scholars Present Research at Interdisciplinary Forum

Over 100 Albert Dorman Honors College (ADHC) scholars showcased their semester's research at the Honors Interdisciplinary Research Forum, featuring work from three foundational courses: Introduction to Research Writing, Introduction to Research Methods and — new for this semester — Introduction to Entrepreneurship.

Students in Honors Introduction to Research Writing showcased interdisciplinary projects inspired by trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, blending arts, sciences and engineering. Honors Introduction to Research Methods students featured faculty-mentored summer research proposals, while those in the debut of Honors Introduction to Entrepreneurship focused on team-based entrepreneurial projects. Together, these courses exemplify NJIT’s dedication to fostering creativity and experiential learning.

“This forum is more than a showcase. It’s a celebration of what’s possible when students, faculty and our wider community come together around the pursuit of knowledge,” said John A. Pelesko, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

Faculty and staff served as judges for the event, carefully evaluating each presentation before determining the winners.

"Dorman Scholars are a vital part of the research enterprise at NJIT in labs across campus,” said Louis I. Hamilton, dean of ADHC. “HIRF highlights the exceptional training we are able to provide through honors coursework that begins in the first semester that prepares them for advanced research.

“We are so grateful for the Honors Affiliated Faculty who offer creative, interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as the dozens of faculty, lecturers, and administrators with whom the honors college team collaborates as research mentors and judges."

Winners (by section)

ENGL-102 - Introduction to Research Writing

3rd Place: Carlin Verano, Computer Science

"Assessing the Efficacy and Practicality of Implementing Immersive Virtual Reality in University-Level Education at NJIT and Beyond"

Verano’s project evaluated the benefits and challenges of immersive VR in education, providing insights and guidelines for its effective integration. With NJIT's recent investments in extended reality, including the XR Lab and Spring 2025 faculty initiatives, this research is both timely and impactful. Using studies published after 2010, Verano analyzed the effects of immersive VR, finding that it enhances students' sense of presence and motivation, potentially improving learning outcomes. However, she also noted that high immersion levels can distract learners and increase cognitive load, which may hinder performance. Verano emphasized the importance of applying effective learning design principles, such as pairing visuals with narration to reduce cognitive strain.

The findings also highlighted practical concerns like cybersickness, which is more common in immersive VR. To address this, she suggests that educators could incorporate rest periods or provide non-immersive alternatives. Verano's work underscores the need for careful planning to maximize VR's educational benefits while mitigating its challenges.

“I found that immersive VR is specifically effective in certain situations. It shows promise particularly when course content requires spatial understanding, expensive or dangerous training, high engagement and motivation in students, or collaboration between geographically separated students,” Verano said.

2nd Place: Khushi Dengale, Biology

"Empowering Student Health and Equity: A Comprehensive Case for Free Emergency Contraceptive Access at NJIT”

Dengale’s impactful project addressed a pressing issue in college health: improving access to emergency contraceptives (ECs). Dengale’s research sheds light on the profound educational and economic effects of unintended pregnancies for students, while identifying financial, logistical and educational barriers that limit access to ECs. Her proposed solution — installing wellness vending machines at NJIT stocked with affordable ECs, condoms, and pregnancy tests — offers a practical, stigma-free way to empower students in managing their reproductive health. The initiative stands out as a proactive approach to breaking down systemic inequities and supporting students' educational success.

Dengale synthesized data from national surveys, NJIT statistics and case studies from peer institutions to highlight the critical need for accessible EC options. Dengale’s proposed wellness vending machines offer a transformative solution to these challenges, ensuring affordable, private and timely access to reproductive health resources. Her project underscores the role of health equity in safeguarding students’ academic and economic futures, presenting a compelling case for NJIT to lead the way in addressing this critical need.

“This project was an opportunity to address significant barriers to access for students, and being recognized for it is incredibly meaningful,” said Dengale. “I hope it helps push for real changes to support equitable healthcare access on campus and I’m excited to see how initiatives like this could positively impact the NJIT community and beyond.”

1st Place (tie): Rachel Lindeblad, Computer Science and Applied Mathematics

"A Proposal for a Comprehensive App-Based Treatment for Hyperacusis"

Lindeblad’s project addresses a major gap in auditory health by proposing ways to add Hyperacusis treatment to existing Tinnitus apps like ReSound Relief. Hyperacusis, a condition where normal sounds cause discomfort or pain, often coexists with Tinnitus but is overlooked in digital health tools. Her plan involves adapting the Loudness Discomfort Level (LDL) test for app use, adding psychoeducational content, sound therapy, and a noise isolation mode to help users manage sound exposure safely. Future features, such as voice amplification and tailored notifications, could enhance usability after successful testing.

Unlike Misophonia, which triggers emotional reactions to specific sounds, Hyperacusis results in heightened sensitivity to normal noise levels. It shares a physiological connection with Tinnitus, as both stem from disruptions in how the brain adjusts to auditory nerve activity. These conditions frequently overlap, with about 50% of Tinnitus patients also experiencing Hyperacusis, and 90% of Hyperacusis patients reporting Tinnitus. 

To develop her proposal, Lindeblad conducted a focused review of recent research on clinical Hyperacusis treatments and explored how they could be adapted for mobile apps. By integrating proven methods into existing platforms, her project offers a practical solution to improve the lives of those living with these challenging auditory conditions.

“I'd like to thank my instructor Johanna Deane, and while I'm honored to have received first place it feels like I'm just scratching the surface of my topic,” Lindeblad said.

1st Place (tie): Alvin Mathew, Electrical Engineering

"Contribution of EVs to Pollution and Carbon Emissions"

Mathew earned first place for his compelling research on the environmental impact of electric vehicles (EVs) and their potential to reduce carbon emissions. His project focused on lithium-ion battery construction, market trends, and government policies, revealing both the promise and challenges of EV adoption. Through a detailed literature review, Mathew highlighted the environmental costs of battery production, particularly mining processes, but found that EVs significantly lower carbon emissions compared to gas-powered cars. He emphasized that improvements in recycling raw materials and shifting to cleaner energy sources are crucial to amplifying EVs’ positive impact.

Mathew also explored the role of policy and infrastructure in accelerating EV adoption. While EVs are driving down emissions, challenges such as sustainable energy for charging and manufacturing impacts persist. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among individuals, corporations, and governments to ensure a meaningful transition to greener transportation. His research provides actionable insights into maximizing the benefits of EVs while addressing their environmental trade-offs.

“I am so grateful to receive this award, and this is a reflection of my hard-work that went into this research paper,” said Mathew. “I hope that my research can change the way that you look at EVs and work to make a difference in the world.”

STS205 - Introduction to Research Methods

1st Place (tie): Diya Pottangadi - Computer Science

“Investigating Body Function through Skeleton Plots”

Pottangadi’s project explored enabling patients to perform physical therapy at home affordably with professional oversight. Through research aimed to develop a low-cost, VR-compatible system, Pottangadi looked at leveraging kinetic skeletons and machine learning to assess motor impairments, specifically in stroke patients with limb mobility issues. 

Using Python, Pottangadi visualized and analyzed patients' skeletal movements to better understand data related to limb immobility. This data holds promise for training machine learning models to predict outcomes and optimize treatment plans. Challenges included abnormalities in the dataset, such as irregular bone lengths, highlighting the need for careful dataset verification. Despite these hurdles, the project demonstrates significant potential for clinical applications, including identifying bimanual movements, tracking recovery progress and supporting remote stroke rehabilitation.

“Taking [Introduction to Research Methods] was a great opportunity to delve into the world of research and get my foot in the door,” Pottangadi said. “I'm honored to receive this recognition at the research forum, and I truly learned a lot this semester about how interesting research is and the impact we can have as researchers.”

1st Place (tie): Nikolas Stoikovski - Electrical Engineering

"Applying Nanotechnology to Robotic Self-Assembly"

Nikolas Stoikovski’s research explores the future potential of nanotechnology in swarm robotics, specifically focusing on robotic self-assembly. While working on an infrared communications device in Assistant Professor Petras Swissler’s lab, he observed the device’s size and theorized that downsizing through nanophotonics could enhance its functionality.

The goal is to make self-assembling robots more accessible and efficient by leveraging nanomaterials, nanocircuitry and nanophotonics. Stoikovski reviewed existing research in these fields to identify their potential roles within robotic systems. For example, nanomaterials could improve durability, nanocircuitry could reduce size and energy consumption and nanophotonics might enhance communication between robots. These applications face challenges such as the complexity and scalability of current nanotechnology manufacturing processes. With continued advancements, this field could unlock new capabilities in robotics, enabling scalable, efficient systems for a wide range of applications.

“I greatly appreciate the recognition I received for my proposal and I am excited to pursue more research related to nanotechnology in the future,” Stoikovski said.

ENTR 210 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship

1st Place: Blend’d Beauty

Shreya Palejwala, Business (concentration in Finance)
Ananya Raghunath, Computer Science
Valerie Kate Sanglay, Human-Computer Interaction

This entrepreneurial team took home first place for their innovative solution to a common challenge in the beauty industry: the overwhelming choice and decision fatigue faced by customers. Their project, Blend’d Beauty, proposes a user-friendly app that provides personalized beauty product recommendations based on a facial scan and user preferences like skin type and budget.

The concept app offers a free version and a premium subscription connecting users to human beauty consultants, while generating additional revenue through advertising and affiliate marketing. Designed to appeal to tech-savvy teenage girls, Blend’d Beauty stands out in an oversaturated market with its advanced algorithms and tailored user experience, differentiating itself from competitors like Sephora’s virtual try-ons and generic online reviews.

The team’s thorough business analysis showcased the app’s potential to disrupt the beauty industry. Judges praised the team for their strategic approach, including financial planning and marketing foresight, as well as their ability to develop such a comprehensive plan in just one semester. The project highlights not only their entrepreneurial vision but also their technical and business acumen. To explore their detailed business plan, visit this link.

In addition to the section winners, Jasmine Mudhar and Myron Paes earned Honorable Mention awards, while the group consisting of Mitchel Elusanmi, Samiya Khan and Andrew Mathews earned the Peer Award.