Seton Hall University is enhancing its support for undergraduate research by giving students opportunities to present their work at external conferences. The initiatives, led by the Office of the Provost, align with the university’s Strategic Plan, “Inspiring Greater Minds Greater Purpose.” The plan prioritizes a transformative student experience and impactful academic programs and research.
The Office of the Provost focuses on faculty-mentored research and structured preparation for external presentations. This approach aims to help students develop advanced research and communication skills. Programs are designed to strengthen students’ ability to share their work with interdisciplinary audiences and participate in wider academic conversations.
“At the core of this work is our commitment to academic excellence and to ensuring students have meaningful, supported opportunities to share their scholarship beyond the University,” said Assistant Provost Sona Patel. “By intentionally pairing faculty mentorship with preparation for external presentation, we promote academic rigor while helping students develop the communication and professional skills essential for success after graduation.”
During the fall semester, senior honors psychology student Alyssa Housley represented Seton Hall at the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Annual Conference Student Poster Symposium. The event gathers students from accredited institutions across various disciplines to present original research to institutional leaders and stakeholders in higher education.
Housley presented her project titled “Neurocognitive Impacts of Brain Injury on Decision Making,” mentored by Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology. The research explores how concussions affect impulsivity and decision-making using behavioral assessments and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). It measures prefrontal cortical activity during decision-making tasks, contributing knowledge about health-related issues.
Ahead of the conference in Philadelphia last December, Housley participated in coaching sessions with Sona Patel, Ph.D., and Professor Caryn Grabowski. These sessions focused on improving both visual design and oral communication aspects of her poster presentation. Housley also practiced her presentation before Seton Hall’s Academic Affairs Council.
“One of my favorite parts of my job is mentoring outstanding students like Alyssa,” said Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D. “Through this experience, she gained invaluable training and preparation while representing Seton Hall University’s commitment to student research and engaging with the broader academic community.”
Caryn Grabowski, Director of Experiential Learning, added: “Mentored research paired with intentional communication training is foundational to students’ academic and professional development. Through these experiences, students gain transferable skills such as project management, professional communication, public speaking, networking, and the ability to integrate feedback in ways that strengthen performance and confidence. These competencies are critical to career readiness and lifelong learning.”
Housley has also been selected for the 2026 Big East Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium in March at Madison Square Garden alongside collaborator Gabriella DeGuzman. Their project on traumatic brain injury among New Jersey college students was chosen through a competitive review process. Additional Seton Hall student teams were also selected for this symposium.
The event brings together scholars from all 11 universities in the Big East Conference across humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields. Students present their posters before judges who assess clarity, quality of presentation materials, audience engagement, and scholarly understanding. Medals are awarded to top-ranked works.
This year marks Seton Hall’s fifth participation in the Big East Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium. For three consecutive years now, selected participants have received structured coaching as part of their preparation.
“These student experiences underscore the University’s sustained investment in undergraduate research, faculty mentorship, and student success,” said Tinchun “Tina” Chu, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Sciences. “What makes the experience especially meaningful is seeing how students grow both as researchers and as communicators.” Chu noted that close collaboration between faculty enables rigorous mentorship combined with targeted coaching in communication skills.
Alyssa Housley described her involvement as highly valuable: “The opportunity to participate in the research process has been one of the most valuable and enriching aspects of my undergraduate experience at Seton Hall,” she said. “Helping plan studies, collect data, and present research at conferences across the country has solidified my interest in psychology and encouraged me to pursue research as a career.”
She credited support from faculty mentors—including Meghan Caulfield—and staff from the Provost’s Office for her development: “I am so grateful for the mentorship and support I receive from the Psychology Department…as well as from the Provost’s Office.”
The Office of the Provost encourages ongoing efforts by faculty mentors and student researchers across all disciplines at Seton Hall University to seek further opportunities for internal or external presentation.
