Discover, Explore, Innovate.
Research at SFU
At Saint Francis University, almost every discipline incorporates research into the student experience. It isn't uncommon to see students as early as their freshman year working alongside a Ph.D. faculty mentor on projects that matter.
Supporting Student Research
The Office of Student Research at Saint Francis University works with faculty and students in all academic areas to promote, encourage, coordinate and develop research, scholarly and creative activities by undergraduate students.
Ways the office supports student research:
- publishing SPECTRUM:Journal of Student Research at Saint Francis University
- hosting an annual Research Day
- funding Office of Student Research Grants
- conducting an annual Pre-College Research Academy
Student Research Projects
The Office of Student Research funds research projects submissions from students from all disciplines. Annual submissions are considered.
2022-2023 Student Research
The following proposals received funding (names, research department/program, and title):
1. Anderson, Abigail, Faber, Kristen; Black, Suzanne; Daugherty, Morgan
Social Work
Integrating Macro Practice Skills into Participation in a Student Lead Empowerment Week
2. Baldini, Olivia; Salmon, Kevin; Strom, Marius
General Engineering
SFU in the Stratosphere: Atmospheric Ballooning Project in Conjunction with NASA’s Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project
3. Barnett, Patrick; Kosicki; Wang, Guochang
Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Physical Simulation of Compressed CO2 Energy Storage in The Fractured Shale Reservoirs
4. Cooper, Marie-Therese; Wisniewski, Kristofer
Exercise Physiology
Association Between Measures of Body Composition and Functional Movement in Cancer Survivors
5. DeHetre, Kayla; Esposit, Koral; Kline, Christian; Moist, Marnie
Psychology
Effective Fidget Toy Interactivity on Youth Cognition and Hyperactive Behavior
6. Flanagan, Hugh; Meehan, Abigail, Strom, Marius
General Engineering
SFU in the Stratosphere: Payload Development – Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project
7. Gregorich, Cheyanne; Thomas, Brennan
English
Helping Build St. Francis University’s Tapestries Magazine
8. Himes, Nicole; Keane, Mackenzie, Strom, Marius
General Engineering
SFU in the Stratosphere: Atmospheric Ballooning Project in Conjunction with NASA’s Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project
9. Hite, Olivia; Miller, Faythe; Nealen, Valarie; Moist, Marnie
Psychology
Relationship Between Job Satisfaction and Brain Personality Color in Occupational Therapy Profession
10. Koval, Joshua; Smith-Diemler, Ashley
Chemistry
Evaluating the stability and cytotoxicity of nanoparticle-drug complexes
11. LaRosa, Vittoria; Roman, Benjamin
Environmental Engineering
Phosphorus Uptake Rate and Storage Capacity of Duckweed (Lemna minor)
12. Luchs, Logan; Hargittai, Michele
Biochemistry
Assessing the effectiveness of Acid Mine Drainage using HSP70 gene expression of Typha latifolia and its ability to be a phytoremediator
13. Luchs, Logan; Hargittai, Michele
Biochemistry
Assessment of the HSP70 gene expression of Typha latifolia using western blot analysis
14. McDougall, Bailey; Birk, Matthew
Biology
Jellyfish Bell Shape Influence on Movement Effectiveness
15. McDougall, Bailey; Flaisher-Grinberg, Shlomit
Psychology
The Assessment of Cats’ Activity, Mobility, Rest, and Sleep: The Shelter vs. Campus Environments
16. McGinnis, Stephen; Cammarata, Nathan, Strom, Marius
General Engineering
SFU in the Stratosphere: Atmospheric Ballooning Project in Conjunction with NASA’s Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project
17. Nagle, Avery; Hargittai, Balazs
Chemistry
The Roles of α-Crystallin, Caffeine, and UV protection in the Prevention of Cataracts
18. Ochs, Alexandra; Smith, Benjamin
Chemistry
Spectroscopic Survey of Acids with a Focus on Wine Analysis??
19. Seese, Abigail, Ochs, Alexandra; Smith, Benjamin
Chemistry
Using Vineyard Soil Analysis to Determine Favorable Ranges for the Fermentation Program
20. Stover, Anna Belle; Wheeler, Meagan; Strom, Marius
General Engineering
SFU in the Stratosphere: Atmospheric Ballooning Project in Conjunction with NASA’s Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project
21. Swaim, Mercury; Zovinka, Edward
Chemistry
DNA Nanostructures by Atomic Force Microscopy
22. Trueman, Aleah; Towne, William; Moist, Marnie
Psychology
Funding for travel to the Laurel Highland Conference
Pre-College Research Academy
The purpose of establishing the Pre-College Research Academy at Saint Francis University was to connect with area high schools.Through the academy our objective was to help high school students better their understanding of and readiness for the college environment, using research as a catalyst to encourage them to consider potential academic career paths. By pairing them with Saint Francis University undergraduates, we wanted to enable the high school students to explore areas of interest and gain experiences and skills that will benefit them academically and professionally.
A generous grant from the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust allowed us to bring the first group of high school students to our campus to participate in research projects with the University’s faculty and students. We were fortunate to be able to continue the Pre-College Research Academy following the initial funding thanks to donations by Dr. Peter Melotti (’50 Biology) and the Seffernick and Nartker families, and due to continued support by the latter we are continuing to offer this wonderful event to local high school student, although on a slightly smaller scale than the initial academy.