Students’ Summer Research Addresses Veterans’ Health, Refugee Access to Higher Education and Career Pathways, and the Benefits of Community Gardening

Seven Russell Sage College students pursued research related to their health science and social science degrees during Sage’s eighth annual CSTEP summer research program. 

CSTEP — an acronym for Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program — is a grant-funded program sponsored by the New York State Department of Education. 

It provides mentoring and academic support; paid internship and research experiences; prep for standardized exams like the Medical College Admission Test or the NCLEX nursing licensing exam; and more to underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in science majors or professional programs.

During the eight-week, paid and credit-bearing summer research program, students worked with a faculty member or other mentor from the sciences, health sciences, or other professional discipline. 

On July 7, the students presented their work and fielded questions about their methods and potential future research directions at Sage’s 2023 CSTEP Summer Research Symposium, held on the Troy campus.

“These incredible summer research projects highlight how Russell Sage students take what they learn in college and use it to improve the world around them,” said Andrea Rehn, Ph.D., undergraduate dean. “It is a high-impact experience that benefits the students and the community.”  

The following students and mentors collaborated on CSTEP-supported summer research in 2023:

— Nutrition Science major Maayt Clark presented  “Community Gardens and Dietary Options for College Students.” Clark determined that a community garden has potential to benefit students’ mental and physical health and food security and could also increase the amount of fresh produce available through the campus food pantry.               

Faculty mentor: Sandra Penny, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics

— Nursing major Abigail Hunter presented “Toxic Exposure and Asthma Among Veterans.”  The purpose of Hunter’s research was to assist veterans and their families, as well as healthcare professionals and organizations that serve veterans, to better understand conditions related to veterans’ previous deployments. 

Faculty mentor: Glenda Kelman, Ph.D., RN, ACNP-BC, professor of nursing

— Expressive Arts in Mental Health and Psychology major Raylynne Kuhn presented “From Soil to Soul: The Health Benefits of Gardening.” Kuhn’s research focused on the benefits people receive from gardening, especially as they relate to the emotional, physical, financial, environmental, social, spiritual, occupational, and intellectual dimensions of wellness.                       

Faculty mentor: Sandra Penny, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics

— Nursing major Katana Nunnally presented “Toxic Exposure and PTSD Among Veterans.” The purpose of Nunnally’s research was to assist Patriot Hills of New York to better understand the relationship between toxin exposures, PTSD, and physiological symptoms. Patriot Hills is a nonprofit organization that provides resources for veterans with presumed or reported exposure to toxins.

Faculty mentor: Glenda Kelman, Ph.D., RN, ACNP-BC, professor of nursing

— Nursing major Alyrah Pettiway presented “Enhancing Community Integration and Empowerment within Healthcare Professions.” Pettiway’s research examined community-based efforts to promote professional development to refugees seeking careers in healthcare and emphasizes the importance of empowering refugees through skill development programs and education.  

Faculty mentor: Ali Schaeffing, Ph.D., assistant professor of geography and director of service learning and community engagement

— Psychology and Sociology major Sita Sako presented “Belonging and Inclusion for Successful Integration: Effective Social Support for Young Adult Newcomers.” Sako’s study reveals the ways that inclusive and supportive environments can have a positive impact on refugees and immigrants as they pursue education and careers.                             

Faculty mentor: Ali Schaeffing, Ph.D., assistant professor of geography and director of service learning and community engagement

— Nursing major Aina Mohamadou Salifou presented “Life After War, But at What Cost?” Salifou researched veterans’ knowledge of and access to VA benefits and resources, to assist Patriot Hills of New York in its mission to provide support services for veterans.                  

Faculty mentor: Glenda Kelman, Ph.D., RN, ACNP-BC, professor of nursing

 Learn more about CSTEP at Russell Sage College