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Symposium on Science, Technology and Health

Making the World Smarter, Safer and Healthier

2024 Symposium on Science, Tech and Health 

New York City  I  May 9, 2024 

Showcasing graduate research from across STEM and Health Sciences.

READ THE PROCEEDINGS
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS  I  ALL PROJECTS

Video Highlights

Cloud-Powered Agricultural and Weather Forecasts in Tanzania

Karina Thapa and Gagan Preet Singh — M.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization

Cloud-Powered Agricultural and Weather Forecasts in Tanzania

Opportunity Assessment of Novel Peptide Antagonist cJun

Christine Chery — M.S. in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship

Opportunity Assessment of Novel Peptide Antagonist cJun

Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments of Unilateral Bell’s Palsy

Cindy Salinas — M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments of Unilateral Bell’s Palsy

Reducing Recidivism: An OT-Supported Transition Employment Program

Amanda Brenner Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Reducing Recidivism: An OT-Supported Transition Employment Program

Efficacy of Immediate Delivery vs. Expectant Management in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Simone Northman — M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies

Efficacy of Immediate Delivery vs. Expectant Management in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Cloud-Powered Agricultural and Weather Forecasts in Tanzania

Karina Thapa and Gagan Preet Singh — M.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization

Cloud-Powered Agricultural and Weather Forecasts in Tanzania

Opportunity Assessment of Novel Peptide Antagonist cJun

Christine Chery — M.S. in Biotechnology Management and Entrepreneurship

Opportunity Assessment of Novel Peptide Antagonist cJun

Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments of Unilateral Bell’s Palsy

Cindy Salinas — M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments of Unilateral Bell’s Palsy

Reducing Recidivism: An OT-Supported Transition Employment Program

Amanda Brenner Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Reducing Recidivism: An OT-Supported Transition Employment Program

Efficacy of Immediate Delivery vs. Expectant Management in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Simone Northman — M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies

Efficacy of Immediate Delivery vs. Expectant Management in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

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Diffusion Data Augmentation for Enhancing Norberg Hip Angle Estimation

Author: Sheng-Han Yueh, Artificial Intelligence
Faculty Mentor: Youshan Zhang, Ph.D. 

Using advanced computer vision and generative AI to create high-quality medical images, specifically X-rays of dog hips, to improve diagnosis of Canine Hip Dysplasia, a common genetic disorder in dogs.

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SparrowVQE: Enhanced Visual Question Explanation in Education 

Authors: Ruslan Gokhman, Radek Holik and Manish Kumar Thota, Artificial Intelligence
Faculty Mentor: Youshan Zhang, Ph.D. 

A novel Visual Question Explanation (VQE) system developed using a specialized dataset from machine learning lectures that offers detailed, context-aware explanations for educational content.

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VetMedGPT: Generative Pre-trained Transformer for Veterinary Medicine

Authors: Sayed Raheel Hussain, Thirupathi Kadari and Pinxue Lin, Artificial Intelligence
Faculty Mentor: Youshan Zhang, Ph.D. 

A specialized language model to improve AI performance in the veterinary field, developed using over 500 GB of veterinary data to address knowledge gaps in animal diseases, treatments and clinical procedures.

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AI-Tutor: Interactive Machine Learning Chatbot for Enhanced Educational Engagement

Authors: Saratsuhas Vijayababu, Yujie Wu and Shengjie Zhao, Artificial Intelligence
Faculty Mentor: Youshan Zhang, Ph.D.

A smart chatbot that combines advanced language models and natural language processing techniques to help people understand complex machine-learning ideas through an easy-to-use AI platform.

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KatzBot: An Intelligent Chatbot Powered by Large Language Models

Authors: Haider Ali, Sahil Kumar, Deepa Paikar and Kiran Vutukuri, Artificial Intelligence
Faculty Mentor: Youshan Zhang, Ph.D.

Introducing KatzBot, a new and improved chatbot for Yeshiva University that uses advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) to provide fast access to information about academic programs, admissions, student life, and more.

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An Analysis of Solar Curtailment in California’s Energy Market

Authors: Jordan Armstrong and Volkan Uzundag, Data Analytics
Faculty Mentor: Andrew Catlin 

This research examined how curtailment, the intentional reduction of renewable energy output, affects California’s energy production and grid reliability, using statistical analysis and machine learning.

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Detecting Antisemitic Hate Speech Using Transformer-based Large Language Models

Authors: Dengyi Liu and Minghao Wang, Data Analytics 
Faculty Mentor: Andrew Catlin 

The team evaluated the effectiveness of transformer-based natural language processing models in accurately identifying antisemitic speech online, to enhance content moderation strategies in social media and other digital spaces.

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Cloud-Powered Agricultural and Weather Forecasts in Tanzania

Authors: Karina Thapa and Gagan Preet Singh, Data Analytics
Faculty Advisor: Andrew Catlin
Industry Mentor: Brian Rowe, Zeomancer

The team developed a microservice-based architecture for Zeomancer, an IoT device that collects and analyzes data directly from the soil and provides hyper-local weather forecasts to Tanzanian farmers’ mobile devices.

Biotechnology Management & Entrepreneurship

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A Comprehensive Study of Duckweed for NASA/Hudson Alpha Proposal 

Author: Natania Birnbaum, Biotechnology Entrepreneurship
Faculty Mentor: Robert Friedman, MBA
Industry Mentor: John McShane, Katz School M.S. ’22, Growmics 

A analysis of the biology, genetics, cultivation methods and market potential of duckweed, a small water plant that is nutrient-dense, resilient, easily modified genetically and can grow in microgravity, making it ideal for space farming.

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Opportunity Assessment of Novel Peptide Antagonist cJun

Author: Christine Chery, Biotechnology Entrepreneurship
Faculty Mentors: Rana Khan, Ph.D., and Robert Friedman, MBA  

An analysis performed for Sapience Therapeutics, Inc., on treating bladder and endometrial cancers with a new peptide called JunAP, which is important in cancer development and immune suppression.

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 Simulation of Heat Transfer in Multilayered Biological Systems Using COMSOL Multiphysics 

Author: Shriya Jitendra Kalburge, Biotechnology Entrepreneurship
Faculty Mentor: Ran Drori, Ph.D.

Researchers demonstrated that COMSOL modeling can effectively study heat flow in biological samples, such as heart tissue, and improve our understanding of freezing processes in food and biological heat transfer.

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Adsorption Rate of Antifreeze Proteins Determines Their Ice Growth Inhibition Activity

Author: Yining Zhang, Biotechnology Entrepreneurship
Faculty Mentor: Ran Drori, Ph.D.    

This study examined the special properties of antifreeze proteins, peptides and glycopeptides, which help various organisms survive freezing temperatures by binding to small ice crystals and preventing further growth.

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Characterization of a Novel Coelenterazine-Dependent Luciferase and Photoprotein 

Authors: Chia-Yu Hsu, Zaruhi Karapetyan and Vivek Pachava, Biotechnology Entrepreneurship
Faculty Mentor: Anderson Oliveira, Ph.D.

The research, using bioluminescence imaging, found that light emission increases when certain chemicals, such as coelenterazine or calcium, are added to luciferases and photoproteins, warranting further studies to improve these proteins for better use in medical research.

Cybersecurity, Math & Physics

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Beyond Geospatial Frontiers: Charting the Landscape of GEOINT, OSINT, and Innovative Intelligence Solutions 

Author: Ron Harush, Cybersecurity
Faculty Mentor: Elad Hod, M.S., CISSP 

This study demonstrated the value of integrating different intelligence disciplines—specifically Open-Source Intelligence and Geospatial Intelligence—to improve intelligence gathering and address security issues for government agencies.

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Comparison of Total Body Water Measured by Bioimpedance Spectroscopy to Urea Kinetic Modeling and Anthropometric Estimates in Hemodialysis Patients

Author: Ariella Mermelstein, Mathematics 
Faculty Mentor: Jochen Raimann, Ph.D., Renal Research Institute

The study compared methods used in clinical nephrology for monitoring fluid, body composition, and nutritional changes in patients undergoing hemodialysis or needing close monitoring of fluid status in clinical settings.

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Infant and Maternal Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author: Moshe Gordon, Physics
Faculty Mentor: Fredy Zypman, Ph.D.

This study found a higher rate of pre-term births among infants born to COVID-19-positive mothers compared to those born to mothers without COVID-19 and that, overall, infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic were shorter in length up to nine months after birth.

Digital Marketing & Media

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Empowering Dance Project of Washington Heights: A Strategic Marketing Approach 

Authors: Nathaly Camargo, Bharath Prabhu and Saahas Ramaul, Digital Marketing and Media
Faculty Mentor: Joseph Panzarella, Program Director

The team proposed a marketing plan for the nonprofit Dance Project of Washington Heights, aiming to strengthen the organization’s relationship with the community and to encourage more people to get involved in dance education.

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Marketing Research Methods: Heights Meditation & Yoga

Authors: Jesse Sattler, Tanvi Shah and Koren Jacob, Digital Marketing and Media 
Faculty Mentor: Thomas Kennon, Industry Professor and Director of Consulting, YU Innovation Lab 

This market research project revealed strategies for Heights Meditation & Yoga to increase its impact and better meet customer expectations by identifying different types of customers, improving their online presence, forming partnerships and building a stronger sense of community. 

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Wasteful Pride: How a Bespoke Urban Waste Management Policy Improves the Lives of Residents 

Author: Mansi Kamboj, Digital Marketing and Media 
Faculty Mentor: Joseph Panzarella, Program Director

This study examined the potential of the Basura modela new way to handle garbage in cities—to foster a sustainable urban landscape and proposed targeted strategies to further empower communities with the knowledge and infrastructure to tackle waste management challenges more effectively.

Occupational Therapy

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Reducing Recidivism: An OT-Supported Transition Employment Program 

Author: Amanda Brenner, Occupational Therapy
Faculty Mentor: Alexandra Laghezza, Ph.D., OTR/L, CDP
Community Partner: Afya Foundation 

This12-week educational program uses occupational therapy principles to help former inmates find jobs and learn skills for life outside of prison, with the goal of reducing recidivism, the likelihood that former inmates will commit new crimes and return to prison.

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Enhancing Academic Performance: Positive Factors Impacting Graduate Health Professions Students 

Authors: Piermiline Datilus and Suzan Khavkin, Occupational Therapy
Faculty Mentor: Amiya Waldman-Levi, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Collaborator: Anita Bundy, Sc.D., OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, Colorado State University 

The researchers found significant positive correlations between student GPA and anxiety levels and between their playfulness and leisure; they found a negative correlation between playfulness and anxiety levels and playfulness and coping skills.

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Overcoming Social Isolation: Effectiveness of the Healthy Aging Wellness Program

Authors: Rachel Hirsch and Jessica Kwok, Occupational Therapy
Faculty Mentor: Amiya Waldman-Levi, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Collaborators: Alexandra Laghezza, Ph.D., OTR/L, CDP and Jeanine Stancanelli, MPH, OTD, OTR/L, Mercy University

This study compared the effectiveness of online vs. in-person delivery of an eight-week Healthy Aging Wellness program, which includes yoga, mindfulness and social activities. 

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Impact of Migraine Disability on Occupational Roles  

Author: Ashley Mathew, Occupational Therapy
Faculty Mentors: Alexandra Laghezza, Ph.D., OTR/L, CDP, and Elizabeth Seng, Ph.D., Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology 

This study, using surveys like the Role Checklist and the Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, demonstrated that severe migraine headaches are linked to lower job satisfaction and performance.

Physician Assistant Studies

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Efficacy of Immediate Delivery vs. Expectant Management in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Author: Simone Northman, Physician Assistant Studies
Faculty Mentor: Margaret Ewen, M.S., PA-C

Research confirmed that managing preeclampsia, a complication in pregnancy where the mother’s blood pressure gets dangerously high, was was slightly safer for the baby compared with delivering the baby right away.

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Effects of Endovascular Thrombectomy vs. Intra-arterial Alteplase Plus Thrombectomy on Improved Neurological Functioning in Adult Patients Experiencing an Acute Ischemic Stroke

Author: Lukas Cooper, Physician Assistant Studies
Faculty Mentor: Margaret Ewen, M.S., PA-C

The study confirmed that adding alteplase, a medication to dissolved blockages in blood vessels, did not further improve brain function after an ischemic stroke and avoiding alteplase could reduce bleeding-related risks.

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Best Course of Treatment in Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia with Active H.pylori Infections  

Author: Alaa Etouni, Physician Assistant Studies
Faculty Mentor: Margaret Ewen, M.S., PA-C

A systematic literature review found that treating H.pylori infection was strongly linked to reducing iron deficiency anemia, which happens when the body lacks enough iron to make red blood cells.

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Macrosomia Occurrence During Pregnancies of Patients with Diabetes: Continuous Glucose Monitoring vs. Self-Blood Checks

Author: Kayla Tanen, Physician Assistant Studies
Faculty Mentor: Margaret Ewen, M.S., PA-C

A systematic literature review found that babies born to mothers using continuous glucose monitoring systems tend to have lower birth weights compared to those whose mothers used regular blood sugar checks.

Speech-Language Pathology

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Enhancing Communication Skills in Children with ASD: The Role of Active Parental Participation

Author: Rachel Eliav, Speech-Language Pathology 
Faculty Mentor: Andrew Christler, M.A, MBA, CCC-SLP

This study aimed to provide parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with information and resources to enhance parental training in behavior management strategies, ultimately improving outcomes in speech therapy.

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Impact of Professional Development for Paraprofessionals in Supporting Children with High-Tech Touch Screen Devices

Author: Rachel Horwitz, Speech-Language Pathology 
Faculty Mentor: Elisabeth Mlawski, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

This study highlights promising interventions and challenges in training paraprofessionals, or teaching assistants, to support children in using high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, which are essential for individuals with speech and language impairments.

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Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments of Unilateral Bell’s Palsy

Author: Cindy Salinas, Speech-Language Pathology
Faculty Advisor: Andrew Christler, M.A., MBA, CCC-SLP 

This project aimed to identify and emphasize the specific roles that speech-language pathologists can play in treating Bell’s Palsy, which affects facial muscles and can lead to speech and swallowing difficulties.

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