By Katy Milberg and Morgan Aguilar
Recognition in the field of orientation, transition and retention
The Wagner community extends a big congratulations to Christian Howles, Coordinator for Student Engagement & Activities, for being presented the 2024 Region IX Outstanding New Orientation, Transition, And Retention Professional award from NODA: Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education. The accolade recognizes Howles’ exceptional contributions to the field of orientation, transition and retention in higher education. Recipients of this award must have less than five years of professional experience in higher education to be eligible, demonstrating their commitment and promise to be a leader in the field.
"20 Under 40" Honoree
Nicole DeStefano, director of Development & External Relations at Wagner College, has been honored as one of this year's recipients of The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) “20 Under 40″ leadership awards. With a proven track record, DeStefano has effectively collaborated with leadership teams, boards, private donors, and elected officials to generate millions in sponsorships, grants, and discretionary funding. Since joining the Wagner community, DeStefano has spearheaded partnerships with campus and community stakeholders to expand the college’s footprint throughout the greater New York City area and spearheaded key fundraising initiatives for the college.
Eastern Colleges Science Conference presentations
Wagner College was one of 16 colleges and universities that sent students to the 78th Annual Eastern Colleges Science Conference (ECSC), held on the campus of Niagara University, where they presented their empirical research:
Ralph Arpaio, a sophomore neuroscience major, conducted research under the site supervision of Dr. Sara Guariglia at the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities: "Alcohol Consumption and Seizure Susceptibility Modeling: Bicuculline Induces Seizure Relevant Activity in Planaria Chronically Exposed to Ethanol (EtOH)."
Robert Cusick, a junior microbiology major, had Dr. Katherine Moccia as his research advisor: "The Identification of Secondary Metabolite Patterns Across More Than 600 Genomes of the Pantoea Species."
Ian Massaro, a senior microbiology major, with current research advisor Dr. Heather Cook and past research advisors Drs. Christopher Corbo and Sara Guariglia, presented: "Electron, Light, and Confocal Microscopy Analyses Reveal Mast Cells in Explants of the Zebrafish Optic Tectum Redeveloping in Organotypic Culture." Ian received an excellence award for best platform presentation in neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology, physics, and physiology.
James Merlino, a freshman PA major, conducted research under the site supervision of Dr. Sara Guariglia at the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities: "Effects of Lead (Pb2+) Exposure on Planarian Brain Development and Neurobehavioral Phenotypes." James received an excellence award for best poster presentation in neuroscience and toxicology.
As board members, Drs. Marra and Stearns were active participants during the annual meeting of the ECSC Board of Directors, which took place during the conference. Dr. Stearns served as acting board chair. Dr. Marra additionally assisted in the evaluation of non-Wagner student presentations.
2024 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll
Jacquline Guzman, a senior sociology major and pre-law minor, is one of 137 students nationwide selected for the 2024 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll for her work and commitment to nonpartisan democratic engagement at Wagner. Guzman is recognized for her voter registration, education and turnout efforts during the past four years as a member and current president of WagnerVotes.
Senior Spotlights
Stay tuned to the Wagner Newsroom for the next three weeks as Wagner Communications and Marketing spotlights outstanding Wagner Seniors leading up to commencement. Discover their favorite spots on campus, advice for incoming freshman and more. The first three Senior Spotlights include:
Congratulations to all members of the Wagner Class of 2024.
