April 10, 2023

Event showcases in-depth research and professional experiences conducted by students, alongside faculty researchers who are experts in their fields 

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, April 7, 2023—Centenary University showcased outstanding research and professional experiences by 19 students at its annual Academic Symposium on Thursday, April 6. At Centenary, student researchers and interns are mentored by faculty who are experts in their fields.

“Independent research and professional experiences are hallmarks of the Centenary University academic experience,” explained David Dauwalder, Ph.D., interim vice president for academic affairs. “Working alongside faculty members, Centenary students develop important career skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, statistical analysis, and presentation. Smaller universities like Centenary offer unique research opportunities that aren’t often available to undergraduates at larger universities. That sets our graduates apart on applications for graduate and veterinary school, as well as employers.”

Centenary students presenting at this year’s Academic Symposium include:

NEW JERSEY

Burlington County

Marlton—Hannah Kent, senior, “Disruption of the Equilibrium Influences Swim Patterns of Danio rerio

Monmouth County

Howell—Victoria Schirripa, senior, “Researching Empathy Between Dogs and Human Social Situations: Analyzing Sex and Age”

Morris County

Lake Hiawatha—Haley Brown, junior, “Internship at Mount Olive High School”

Rockaway—Joseph Porretta, junior, “Disruption of the Equilibrium Influences Swim Patterns of Danio rerio

Passaic County

Newfoundland—Olivia Marion, senior, “Disruption of the Equilibrium Influences Swim Patterns of Danio rerio

Passaic—Carmen Escano, senior, “Events Internship”

Sussex County

Andover—Ashley Buchman, senior, “The Sound of Gunfire”

Hopatcong—Kyle O’Brien, senior, “Internship”

Newton—Kyle Szuszkowski, senior, “Centenary University Baseball: Assistant Coach & Student Internship”

Sparta—Joseph Liotta, junior, “Disruption of the Equilibrium Influences Swim Patterns of Danio rerio

Warren County

Great Meadows—Thomas Morris, senior, “Behavior of Mussels Burrowing in Two Different Substrates”

CONNECTICUT

East Hartford—Olivia Serrano, senior, “Behavior of Mussels Burrowing in Two Different Substrates”

Torrington—Kylie Dailey, senior, “Effect of Leg Wraps on Skin Temperature in Exercising Horses”

MARYLAND

Perry Hall—Michael Rash, sophomore, “Behavioral Effect of Sound Exposure on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)”

NEW YORK

Cicero—Melinda Bara, senior, “Is Breed a Factor in Canine Empathy?”

PENNSYLVANIA

Columbus—Adrianna Strait, senior, “Evaluation of Effectiveness of Three Common Equine Thrush Treatments”

Hughesville—Hunter Wentzel, senior, “Laboratory Synthesis of Methylglyoxal”

Muncy—Hailey Armstrong, senior, “Rapid Change in Fecal pH in Horses Fed Either a Mixed Diet or Pasture”

Tamiment—Brianna Soule, senior, “Voluntary Water Intake of Flavored Water in Horses”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY                                                                                                     

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.