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2024: ILLUMINATE AUTHORS & CONTRIBUTORS

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Sabryna Mary-Cayla Cadavillo

Sabryna Mary-Cayla Carreon Cadavillo is a senior at Dominican University New York, who is majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Along with being a part of the University’s Honors Program, she has the honor of being a part of Alpha Lambda Delta, Tri Beta, and Psi Chi. After graduation, she plans to go to graduate school for Genetic Counseling and would like to work in neonatal genetics, providing counsel to families who are ready to welcome (a) new member(s) to their home. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading and listening to music.

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Erin Carr

Erin Carr is an undergraduate student at the Dominican University New York. She is majoring in English with a minor in Communication Studies. She is a captain on the lacrosse team at Dominican and was named CACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023. She has had some of her creative work published in Bang & Whimper, the school's literary magazine, before joining the editing staff herself. She plans on writing the Next Great American Novel after graduating, but working in publishing would be awesome, too.

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Aoife Clune

Aoife Clune is a Senior at Buffalo State University, majoring in English Literature. She will be graduating in December with her bachelor's degree, and plans to continue her studies at Buffalo State University, earning her master's degree in English Literature. Her main academic interests are Irish literature, women's literature, mid-1800's British literature, and Medieval and Renaissance literature. Aoife is also the President of Sigma Delta Tau at Buffalo State University, a National Panhellenic Conference Sorority, and an active member of her school's Honors Program. In the future she hopes to work in the editing and publishing field.

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Madison Conti

Madison Conti is a junior at Fairleigh Dickinson University, majoring in Nursing and minoring in Psychology. She belongs to the University Honors Program and has served as a mentor for underclassmen as both a Teaching Assistant and Support Squad Leader. Madison volunteers with several nursing homes and BRIDGES Outreach to extend her service beyond the community. With vast healthcare experience as a researcher, volunteer, Nursing Assistant, and recent completion of an EMT course, her passions align with providing exemplary, accessible medical care to all populations. 

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Alejandra de la Cruz

Alejandra "AJ" de la Cruz is a rising senior studying Creative Writing and minoring in Gender Studies and Psychology at Point Park University. AJ often writes poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. She has done research on a wide range of topics from AI in education to applying queer futurity to sexual literacy practices. She is the Vice President of the PPU Writer's Club and enjoys helping younger students on campus find community and achieve their goals. Outside academics, AJ spends most of her free time crocheting and listening to audiobooks. 

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Elizabeth Diehl

Elizabeth Diehl is a recent honors graduate from Cedar Crest College, earning her Bachelor of  science degree in Nursing with a minor in Psychology. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and is currently working as a registered nurse on a labor and delivery unit. Elizabeth has since returned to Cedar Crest College to pursue her Master of Science degree in Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. When she is not working or studying, Elizabeth can be found enjoying time with her family and friends and taking her dog on walks.

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Courtney Donnerstag

Courtney Donnerstag is a junior majoring in Counseling Psychology with double minors in Studio Art and Social Work at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. She is a member and President of East Stroudsburg University’s Chapter of Tri-Alpha First Generation Honor Society, East Stroudsburg University’s Honors Program, and a New Student Orientation Leader for Admissions. Courtney is passionate about connecting psychology to her creative work and helping individuals lead impactful lives. She hopes to pursue careers in psychotherapy and art therapy, where she plans to attend graduate school and then earn her Ph.D.

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Nayyab Farooq

Nayyab Farooq is currently a sophomore at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is in a combined BS/DO program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, and she is pursuing a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. At her University, Nayyab is in the Honors Program, where she designs and executes her research projects. Nayyab is also involved in the Muslim Student Association and the Pre-Medical Society at FDU. She serves her community by teaching at her local mosque’s weekend school. In her free time, Nayyab likes to spend time with family, crochet, and walk outside. In the future. Nayyab hopes to become a pediatrician, to serve herself and her community.  

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Dylan Gerber

Dylan Gerber is a rising junior at Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus, anticipating to graduate one year early. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, with a concentration in Game Development and a minor in 3D Video Game Animation, obtaining Honor Roll each semester. Dylan is also an active member of the Honors Program at FDU, having the privilege to participate in a short study abroad to Wroxton, England this past summer. He has had the opportunity to attend and present at the Northeast Regional Honors Conference, and he will also be attending the 2024 S-STEM Scholars & PI Meeting in Chicago this coming November. Dylan completed an internship with Studio Wildcard, a Video Game Development studio, working for the CEO of the company where he gained valuable experience. In his free time, Dylan enjoys reading, drawing, spending time with his family and friends, playing video games, bowling, playing badminton, ping pong and pickle ball, listening to music, and traveling. Dylan plans to one day work in the Game Development industry.

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Haley Kane

Haley Kane graduated from Westfield State University as a Commonwealth Honors Scholar. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s of Arts in psychology. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society and Lambda Sigma National Honor Society. She presented research at the Northeast Regional Honors Conference three times and also has presented research at local conferences in Massachusetts. At Westfield State University, Haley was quite active. She was a member of Circle K International and a member of the Student Government Association. Haley was also an Orientation Leader. In the spring of 2024, Haley was the recipient of the Blue Key Award which is the highest award at Westfield State that recognizes student’s leaders. Outside of Westfield State, she is also a Lion’s member in her hometown of Franklin, Massachusetts. In her Junior Year, Haley enrolled in the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program for a Master’s in Moderate Disabilities. She will receive her Master’s Degree in May of 2025. While in college, Haley found her love of research, specifically researching ADHD and Anxiety Disorders. She looks forward to continuing her research and hopes someday to educate college education and psychology students on these topics. She also has a new goal of receiving her Ph.D. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, skiing, going to the beach, trying new restaurants and spending time with family and friends.

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Shaikh Ismid Jobayer Kibria

Shaikh Ismid Jobayer Kibria is an international student from Bangladesh and is currently a sophomore at Buffalo State University. He is majoring in CIS (Computer Information Systems)
with a minor in Business Economics. He has the honor of being a part of the Muriel A. Howard Honors program at Buffalo State, along with being on the Dean's list. He has been a EURO (Early Undergraduate Research Opportunity) student under Professor Sarbani Banerjee and participated in various undergraduate research conferences such as the SRCC and SURC to present his app and research based on issues related to parking on campus. Besides academics, he is also quite active around the campus, currently working with the Student Leadership and
Engagement office and at the admissions office as a campus ambassador. He was also a part of the Student Government and served as a senator in the OrganizationRelations Department. After graduation, he plans to go back to his country and start his startup someday.

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Hannah Krutz

Hannah Krutz is a senior at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut, where she is currently studying French and English. At Southern, she has been given many opportunities to enrich her academic career and expand her range of knowledge. As a member of their Honors College, Hannah is able to take classes outside of her typical disciplines, some of her favorites including discussions on history and politics. Hannah currently holds memberships with the French National Honor Society (Pi Delta Phi) and the Future Language Teachers Honor Society (CT COLT). She is extremely passionate about language and is excited to start her career as a French teacher in the very near future!

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Cloe Loosz

​Cloe Loosz is a senior Creative Writing Major minoring in both Public Relations and Gender Studies at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cloe is an active member of the Honors College and serves as the President of the Point Park Writer’s Club. As an undergraduate student, she has interned in the fields of public relations and communications, journalism, and publishing through various writing-centric roles. Her experience spans work with WBAI Radio, Regen Network, Pie Press Publishing, The Mon Valley Independent, and Trill Mag. Cloe’s passion for writing is intertwined with her desire to create social change. She lives by the words of James Baldwin, “You write in order to change the world…if you alter, even by a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it.

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Amber Lyons

Amber Lyons is a junior at Westfield State University, majoring in Art with concentrations in both Art History and Graphic Design. Their artwork has been featured in Persona, Westfield’s student-run literary journal, and their research on art history has been presented at Westfield’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA) Conference. Amber also presented a workshop on the art medium of collage for their Honor Program’s Spring Speaker Series. In addition to being part of the Honors Program, Amber is a member of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society and TRIO program as a first-generation college student. They enjoy creating art that reflects their identity. They aim to pursue a career in design while incorporating art historical narratives into their work. In their free time, Amber loves participating in their local community’s art, music, and cultural events.

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Grace Maldonado

Grace Maldonado is a 19-year-old mixed media artist at Buffalo State University, majoring in Fashion and Textile Technology. She enjoys photography, crocheting, knitting, creating sculptures, and digital art. Through her creations she loves to experiment and make the viewer wonder. She includes darkness and horror in her art to depict the emotions that she wants to communicate to the viewer. Grace loves to create pieces that challenge her skill and help her grow as an artist.

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Charlie McClain

Charlie McClain recently graduated from Cedar Crest College in May 2024 with a BA in Psychology and a BA in Political Science. They are currently attending the University of Pittsburgh where they are pursuing their MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Their goal is to become a crisis counselor or mental health counselor for adolescents. In their free time they love reading, swimming, and finding new music.

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Rhheaa Mehta

Rhheaa Mehta is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, studying neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry and certificates in ASL, Public Communication of Science and Technology, and Global Health. She is a member of the Frederick Honors College as well as executive board member of several clubs on campus.  She enjoys volunteering at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, as well as pursuing research in neurodegenerative diseases. She is also honored to be on the of the Student Representatives for NRHC 2025. She hopes to continue her career in healthcare and build her passions in intersectionality, social justice, and accessibility.

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Angela Novak

Angela Novak recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she received a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and International Studies. She was President of Sigma Iota Rho International Studies Honor Society and received the outstanding Academic Achievement award for International Studies. While in college, Angela studied abroad in Florence, Italy during the Spring semester of 2022. Here, she took a course about the Italian Food Industry, becoming fascinated with the intersections of culture and the food industry. She hopes to continue research in this field and travel the world. During her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading and going out with friends.

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Elizabeth Russo

Elizabeth Russo is a Senior at Stevenson University where she is pursuing her major in Psychology with a minor in Counseling and Human Services. Elizabeth is a student-athlete playing on Stevenson’s Softball team along with being a member of the Honors college, subject and study strategies tutor, and is President of the Psychology Club. In her free time Elizabeth is a Registered Behavior Technician where she works with adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. After graduation she plans to pursue a career in school psychology working with children with special needs.

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Ethan Sabetta

Ethan Sabetta is a Spanish and French major, hoping to one day work in literary translation. Creative writing is one of his many hobbies, one which he hopes to refine to strengthen his creative translation skills. He has served for the past two years as the editor-in-chief of Southern Connecticut State University's art and literary magazine, Folio. When he isn't writing, he enjoys producing and releasing lo-fi music under the moniker "sno sqol."  His work is widely distributed across six continents and nearly every country, because that's how Spotify works.

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Lily Spagnola

Lily Spagnola is a recent graduate from Cedar Crest College, where she earned a B.S. in neuroscience and a B.A. in Psychology. While at Cedar Crest, Lily conducted independent research studying the effects of group size and habitat density on Jack Dempsey cichlid fish development, under the guidance of Dr. Audrey J. Ettinger. She had the opportunity to present her work at a multitude of conferences, including NRHC, PAS, LVEES, and LVSfN. Lily also served as president of Cedar Crest’s Beta Beta Beta honor society during her junior and senior years, as well as captain of her tennis team. She currently attends Immaculata University’s clinical psychology Psy.D. program to pursue a career in pediatric neuropsychology.

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Giovanni Sullivan-Massa

Giovanni Sullivan-Massa is a junior currently pursuing a history degree at Fairleigh Dickson University. Giovanni is a member of FDU’s honors society, on the dean's list, and is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Giovanni also serves as a Learning Community Mentor, helping assist new history students or students taking history courses with general advice and test studying. Giovanni has been recently inducted into FDUs pre-law program, and is intending to re-apply for it in the current semester.

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Presantia Thompson

Presantia Thompson is a first-generation college student from Jamaica who has excelled beyond her limits to achieve a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She is a proud member of the Monroe University Honors Program, where she has taken on academic challenges and participated in initiatives aimed at creating positive societal change. Her journey has been marked by resilience and determination, overcoming the hurdles of transitioning to a new country and excelling in a demanding field of study. Her goal is to become an attorney, driven by a passion for justice and a desire to advocate for those who cannot defend themselves. Despite the anticipated difficulties, she is dedicated to pushing, once again, beyond her limits to make this dream a reality. After graduation, she intends to take a gap year to study for and take the LSAT exam, during which she will also gain practical experience by interning at a law firm. Following this, she plans to attend law school and continue her journey toward becoming a transformative force in the legal field.

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Stefanie Viera

Stefanie Viera is a third-year student at Ramapo College of New Jersey, double majoring in History and Humanities & Global Studies, the latter being a contract major centered around human rights. On campus, she is not only a member of the Honors College, but she also works as an Editorial Assistant for the Jane Addams Papers Project, in addition to serving as the Chief of Staff for Project ARCH, the Secretary of Service for the Student Government Association, and a member of the Humanities and Global Studies Advisory Board. Off-campus, Stefanie volunteers and has interned with local and internationally-based nonprofits, such as Grupo Cajolá, the International Rescue Committee, and Patrick's Kids Foundation. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels and watching films with her family. After graduating from Ramapo, Stefanie hopes to travel and pursue postgraduate degrees in the human rights field. 

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Gabriel Wagstaff

Gabriel "Gabe" Wagstaff is an incoming sophomore at Southern Connecticut State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and a Bachelor of Arts in English–Creative Writing. On campus, Gabe works as a writing specialist in the Center for Academic Success and Accommodation Services and as a secretary for the Honors College.

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Didar Yahia

Didar Yahia is a graduate of William Paterson University of New Jersey, where he earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Public Health through the Honors College. During this time, he served as the president of the Future Healthcare Professionals club, where he organized events featuring healthcare professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, dental students, etc.) to share their experiences and insights with interested members. As a research assistant under an NSF grant, he studied the changing relationship between children's environmental health and environmental justice in the EPA's literature over the years. In the biology labs, Didar also researched honeybees' gut microbiome, utilizing techniques such as qPCR and gel electrophoresis. Outside of academics, he volunteered as a Crisis Counselor on Crisis Text Line, helping texters move from a state of distress to calm. Starting in Fall 2024, Didar Yahia will be a first-year Genetic Counseling student supported by the Warren Alpert Foundation at Rutgers University.

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