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Acculturation, Acculturative Stress and Psychological Wellbeing Among Black Immigrants

Posted in Psychological Sciences, SPARK! 2026

Author: Samrawit Gebretensay | Psychological Sciences Abstract: The acculturation process significantly impacts the mental health of Black immigrant college students. Yet, limited research explores the interplay between acculturation strategies, acculturative stress, and psychological well-being in this population. In 2022, 46.2 million people living in the United States were born outside the country, including 4.6 million… continue reading

Who Gets the Laugh? Sexual Orientation and Gender Differences in Humor Preferences

Posted in Psychological Sciences, SPARK! 2026

Author: Martina Lewis | Psychological Sciences Abstract: Humor plays an important role in social interaction, attraction, and communication, yet relatively little research has examined how sexual orientation may influence humor preferences. Previous studies suggest that individuals tend to show stronger preferences for humor produced by men; however, these findings appear to be largely driven by… continue reading

Building Community Resilience through Community Capital: A Puerto Rican Case Study of CBOs

Posted in Public Affairs/Community Development, SPARK! 2026

Author: Oluwasegun Oluwole | Public Affairs Abstract: This study takes an exploratory dive into how community-based organizations (CBOs) mobilize and convert local assets or resources within communities into capital to reduce dependency on centralized government interventions and enhance community resilience against natural disasters. With Puerto Rico’s recurring experience with natural hazards and infrastructural vulnerabilities, as… continue reading

Pandemic, Policy, and Persistence: Teachers’ Perceptions of Working Conditions and Retention in Camden, New Jersey

Posted in Public Affairs/Community Development, SPARK! 2026

Author: Giovanna Romero Sarubbi | Public Affairs Abstract: This study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped teachers’ perceptions of their working conditions and influenced their intentions to remain in the profession, with a focus on public school districts in Camden, New Jersey. It asks two central questions: (1) How has the pandemic influenced teachers’… continue reading