Graduate Student
Research & Creative Works
As students enter master’s and doctoral programs, they are guided by faculty scholars who foster a spirit of investigation and exploration. Our students actively contribute to their fields by publishing their work, presenting at conferences, and participating in esteemed events such as the Research Week Symposium. We take great pride in celebrating their achievements and supporting their impactful projects through research
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Student Spotlights
Nidhi Sheth, a doctoral student in Computational and Integrative Biology, drives advancements in forensic science through her research.
Fostering Positive Spaces in Camden
Childhood Studies alumna, Elaysel Germán, an award-winning educator, returns to Camden to foster positive learning experiences in the community.
Alumni Spotlight: Prentiss Dantzler
Prentiss Dantzler, a Public Affairs Ph.D. graduate, investigates housing insecurity, driven by personal experiences and community struggles during the 2008 recession.
ALUM’S NOVEL EARNS ACCOLADES
Isaac Blum, a Creative Writing Alum, released “The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen,” earning accolades, including the William C. Morris Award.
Recent Journal Publications by Students
Our graduate students are actively encouraged and guided to publish their research in leading academic journals, both during their time in the program and as alumni. We believe in the importance of providing students with opportunities to engage in scholarly discourse from an early stage in their academic journey, fostering their growth and future success. We invite you to explore these journals to discover the valuable insights and perspectives offered by our current graduate students and alumni alike.
Reduction of Promiscuous Peptides-Enzyme Inhibition and Aggregation by Negatively Charged Biopolymers
Authors: Jinglin Fu and Kaitlyn Nguyen
Journal: ACS Applied Bio Materials 2022
Kaitlyn Nguyen, a Chemistry M.S. student, made contributions to a study on peptide inhibition of β-gal. Her research unveiled noncompetitive enzyme kinetics, aggregation mechanisms, and the critical role of positively charged residues. Additionally, the study explored the potential use of negatively charged biopolymers in high-throughput screening assays to minimize peptide-protein aggregation.
“What is the Community Going to Get from It?” Abolitionist Ethics and the Praxis of Responding to Reciprocal Community Requests
Authors: Stephen Danley, Kathryn Jackson, Melissa A. Thompson
Journal: Public Integrity, 2023
Public Affairs and current student Melissa A. Thompson contribute to an article highlighting the often-overlooked concept of reciprocal community requests in fieldwork. The piece draws from fieldwork experiences in various locations and emphasizes the significance of these requests, offering a framework based on participatory partnership, shared values, and shared risk.
Can Smaller Powers Have Grand Strategies? The Case of Rwanda
Authors: Daniel Assamah, Shaoyu Yuan
Journal: Insight on Africa, 2023
Public Affairs Ph.D. student Daniel Assamah challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding grand strategy, asserting that smaller states, like Rwanda, can possess distinctive grand strategies shaped by historical memory. Assamah delves into Rwanda’s approach to external challenges, national pathologies, and instruments used in its grand strategy, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shared cis-regulatory modules control expression of the tandem paralogs midline and H15 in the follicular epithelium
Authors: CA Stevens, HL Stott, SV Desai, N Yakoby
Journal: Development, 2023
Helen Stott, Ph.D. student in Computational and Integrative Biology, plays a pivotal role in Nir Yakoby’s research on follicular epithelium patterning. Together, they uncover the intricate regulation of MID and its paralog H15, unveiling the shared control of these genes in posterior fate determination. Helen’s contributions help unveil the fascinating world of coordinated gene regulation in the follicular epithelium.
“A Complete Struggle”: Zion Building and Women Connected to the Mormon Battalion
Authors: Laura K. Anderson, Robert Swanson
Journal: Journal of Mormon History, 2022
History student Robert Swanson investigates the experiences of women linked to the Mormon Battalion during the period of Zion building. His research explores the unique challenges and roles these women encountered within this historical context, shedding light on their contributions and struggles.
Recent Books by Students & Alumni
Our students have recently published a diverse range of books that cover various genres and themes. These works include thought-provoking essays, captivating novels, and explorations of topics like identity, social justice, and history. Their literary contributions showcase their talent and dedication to their craft while adding valuable perspectives to the world of literature. We are proud of their achievements and eagerly anticipate their future endeavors in the realm of publishing.
Oz and the Musical: Performing the American Fairy Tale
By Ryan Bunch, Childhood Studies Alumnus
Ryan Bunch, a scholar with a background in historical musicology, immerses himself in musical theater, children’s music, media, literature, and performance cultures. An active International Wizard of Oz Club member, Bunch explores L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” history from the 1902 stage production to the beloved 1939 MGM film and later musical adaptations like “The Wiz” (1975) and “Wicked” (2003). Drawing on his passion for Oz, he scrutinizes how this “American fairy tale” lens reveals American identity, touching on race, gender, sexuality, age, and embodiment. Bunch’s work extends beyond stage and screen, including home theatricals, school musicals, themed environments, and community events, uncovering complexities and exclusions in portraying an American utopia.
Bon Courage: Essays
By Ru Freeman, Creative Writing Alumna
Ru Freeman, a Sri Lankan-born writer and activist, has garnered international acclaim for her creative and political contributions, featured in publications such as The UK Guardian, The Boston Globe, and The New York Times. She boasts a diverse literary portfolio, including the short story collection “Sleeping Alone” (Graywolf Press, 2022) and “Bon Courage: Essays” (Etruscan Press, 2023). Freeman’s novels, “A Disobedient Girl” (Atria/Simon & Schuster, 2009) and “On Sal Mal Lane” (Graywolf Press, 2013), earned the distinction of being New York Times Editor’s Choice Books and have been translated into multiple languages. As the editor of “Extraordinary Rendition: (American) Writers on Palestine” (OR Books, 2015 and Interlink, 2016) and “Indivisible: Global Leaders on Shared Security” (Interlink, 2019), she amplifies the voices of American poets and writers addressing Palestine and global security issues. “Bon Courage” is a profound collection, blending essays, memoir, and fiction, exploring diverse topics such as music icons, cultural identity, and pressing socio-political issues like 9/11 and #MeToo. Freeman’s work resonates with empathy and courage, destined to make a lasting impact.
When Did We Stop Being Cute?
By Martin Wiley, Creative Writing Alumnus
In this poetic narrative, Martin Wiley, a product of 1980s suburban New Jersey and a mixed-race background, draws inspiration from the music of his upbringing, spanning Public Enemy to Blondie. His verse reflects both personal and societal dynamics, exploring the complexities of growing up in a time of change, grappling with questions like “just when I stopped being cute…” Amid encounters with the police, where fear looms, and internal confrontations, the speaker in this collection learns to navigate a world that often views him as a threat. “When Did We Stop Being Cute?” is a poignant reflection on the beauty and challenges of life in the United States, highlighting the significance of Black lives.