Month: April 2025

Honors Ambassadorial Grant: American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring Conference in San Diego

Author: Sarah Rancic, senior

Thanks to the generous financial support of the Honors Ambassadorial Grant, I had the opportunity to represent the Honors Program at Fordham College Rose Hill at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring Conference 2025 in San Diego, California. At ACS, I attended an undergraduate poster session in the field of Chemical Education alongside students selected from all across North America. During the poster session, I presented my original research investigating the molecular determinants of clamp binding in Bacillus subtilis conducted during my time as a research assistant in the Fordham University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. My research provides insight into mechanisms related to a novel class of antibiotic drugs, known as DnaN inhibitors, which can be used to combat the rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. More information on my presentation can be found here.

In addition to presenting, I attended chemical industry events featuring keynote speakers who provided valuable insights into emerging chemical research developments and cutting-edge equipment. I also had the opportunity to network with professional chemists and representatives from major chemical companies to learn about the wide array of career paths in chemistry. Furthermore, I connected with fellow students who shared similar interests and discussed our academic and research backgrounds and how we might apply our experiences to our future
endeavors.

I am incredibly grateful to the Honors Program for making my experience at the ACS Conference possible. As a senior exploring career options, it was especially meaningful to gain perspectives on life after graduation as a chemist. Moreover, having the opportunity to present my own research to a large and diverse audience was tremendously thrilling and fulfilling. I strongly encourage other Honors students to utilize the resources offered by the Honors Program, like the Honors Ambassadorial Grant, to foster their intellectual growth and support their professional development.

Honors Ambassadorial Grant: NYPL Bronx Library Center’s Latinx and Puerto Rican Heritage Center

Author: Hannah Darnell, junior

With help from the Honors Ambassadorial Grant, I was able to finance and install an exhibition about a Puerto Rican lacemaking process called mundillo at the NYPL Bronx Library Center’s Latinx and Puerto Rican Heritage Center. This collection of photographs, interview excerpts, and lace products were sourced during an ethnographic research trip I completed last summer in the San Juan and Moca areas of Puerto Rico. I studied how mundillo can be considered a source for the cultivation of cultural and community resilience after Hurricane María in 2017. This exhibition, Little World, honors the work and perspectives of the lace artisans I interviewed while in Puerto Rico, uniting bilingual text and visual art in a private room inside the library.

Curating this exhibition provided me with experience in artifact collection, exhibition design, visual communication, and art installation techniques. I have been considering pursuing a career in museum curation and this project has allowed me to engage in every stage of this process: from learning how to apply for a research grant to installing materials and hosting a gallery opening. It was incredibly gratifying to present my work professionally and publicly after a year- long process of academic research and logistical coordination of exhibition materials. It was also nice to host my friends, family, and professors at a community event, and to see in the visitor log that Bronx residents who are native to the small town of Moca (most well-known for its mundillo production) came to the exhibit and appreciated my work.

While I was in Puerto Rico last summer, many of the mundillo artisans asked me to spread the word about this form of art and its importance to their small community. With the help of the Honors program’s grant, I have been able to do so by bringing their stories and art to the Bronx community and that of Fordham University. I hope that other students will take the opportunity to engage in events and projects outside of Fordham and know that there will likely be support from the Honors Program along the way!

Ambassadorial Grant: Senior Internship at Youth Ministries for Peace & Justice

Author: Olivia Griffin, senior

Thanks to the generous support of the Honors Program Ambassadorial Grant, I was able to complete my senior Urban Studies community-based internship at Youth Ministries for Peace & Justice (YMPJ) this fall. The Ambassadorial Grant funded my transportation costs between campus and YMPJ’s headquarters, located in the South Bronx, and enabled my senior thesis research, examining development on the Bronx River.  

My primary work included a Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) study for the Southern Boulevard neighborhood, a Cass Gilbert Amtrack Station Development project, and the Soundview Economic Hub project. These various projects align with YMPJ’s commitment to helping local communities grow, develop, and thrive through remediation campaigns that turn neglected areas into vibrant public spaces. I was able to aid in the coordination and management of these federal and state-funded projects, exceeding $500,000, as well as planning community stakeholder engagement, and transforming the community development website pages through design and standardized content. Additionally, I met with various community leaders and experts in urban planning through weekly meetings and the Steering Committee I served on. 

YMPJ’s mission is to rebuild the neighborhoods of Bronx River and Soundview/Bruckner Boulevard in the South Bronx by preparing community members to become prophetic voices for peace and justice. This mission is accomplished through political education, spiritual formation, and youth and community development and organizing. I had the pleasure of working alongside the Community Development team, including Fordham alumnus, Mr. Brosco, and the executive director, Mr. Shuffler. Their leadership was transformative in developing my knowledge and skills in community development and non-profit work. 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to support YMPJ’s important mission and to further my career in urban planning & development. This experience was made possible by the Honors Program administration and their generosity. I look forward to applying my knowledge from YMPJ in both my professional and academic pursuits, thanks to the Ambassadorial Grant.