Members of the 2026 award-winning Rutgers Animal Welfare Judging Team pose in front of Bartlett Hall, the academic home of the Department of Animal Sciences, on the George H. Cook campus.

Students in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers University delivered an exceptional performance at the Spring 2026 American Veterinary Medical Association Virtual Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Contest (AWJAC), continuing the program’s rapid rise on the national stage.

Held April 25–26, the fourth annual competition brought together students from universities across North America and Europe to evaluate animal welfare in a range of real-world settings. Participants were challenged to assess welfare conditions using scientific evidence, ethical reasoning, and effective public communication skills.

This spring also marked a milestone for the Rutgers Animal Welfare Judging Team, which welcomed 10 new members — the largest team in the program’s history. The expanded roster translated into impressive results across both undergraduate divisions.

In the Undergraduate Junior Division, Daisy Pursell captured 1st Place and earned the highest overall score in the entire competition, while Aspen Wu secured a 4th Place finish. Rutgers students also dominated the Undergraduate Senior Division, where Stephanie Tomshaw claimed 1st Place, followed by Max Wu in 2nd and Jacob Bazer in 3rd. Aditri Singh placed 5th overall, while Jahla Brown earned an 8th Place finish. Tyler Fanslow and Lyric Ames also contributed strong performances that reflected the team’s depth, preparation, and collaborative approach.

This year’s contest featured 140 competitors representing 23 universities. The virtual competition focused on free-range broiler chickens and show rabbits, requiring students to analyze complex welfare scenarios and communicate recommendations grounded in animal welfare science.

Nicholas Bello, professor and chair of the Department of Animal Sciences, praised both the team’s accomplishments and the rapid growth of the program.

“This is really amazing,” said Bello. “In just a few years, this team has become super competitive and has beaten out some of the big-time schools in judging that have been competing since 2014. To the RU Animal Welfare Judging Team, thank you so much for representing Rutgers, SEBS, and Animal Sciences. We are proud. Thank you to Dr. Taylor Ross for her leadership and winning coaching.”

Bello also recognized assistant coach and graduating Animal Sciences senior Jacob Bazer, along with senior team member Aditri Singh, for organizing preparation sessions and mentoring fellow competitors throughout the semester.

With another successful season completed, the team is already preparing for the next challenge. The Fall 2026 AWJAC, hosted by Texas A&M University this November, will feature an eclectic range of species — including bearded dragons, bucking bulls, café cats, and raptors — providing students with another opportunity to apply welfare science principles across diverse animal management systems.

The continued success of the Rutgers Animal Welfare Judging Team reflects the strength of experiential learning opportunities within the Department of Animal Sciences and the growing reputation of Rutgers students in the field of animal welfare science.

Rutgers students on stage at Planet Forward’s Storytelling Summit at George Washington University.

For eight Rutgers students, the George Washington University Planet Forward Environmental Storyfest in April was more than a conference. It was an opportunity to show how science storytelling can transform complex research into deeply human stories that connect with audiences far beyond the laboratory.

Representing the university at one of the nation’s leading gatherings for environmental communicators, the students presented Research to Reel: Science Stories in Action, a dynamic showcase of documentary filmmaking, immersive learning and collaborative science communication.

The presentation highlighted work emerging from the Immersive Learning through Science Storytelling Lab at SEBS, where students partner with scientists to document research as it unfolds in real time.

SEBS students Mikayla Pires and Tessa Sandora demonstrate their science storytelling editing process at the Planet Forward summit.

Opening the session were Ecology and Evolution major Colby Koutrakos and Marine Science major Amaya Baez, who introduced the lab’s Science-in-Action Storytelling model, an approach that is grounded in long-term trust and collaboration between storytellers and scientists.

“Our storytelling process focuses on discovery and the action of science as it’s happening,” explained Baez.

That philosophy has become central to the students’ work, allowing them to move beyond traditional science reporting and into the lived experience of research itself.

Koutrakos knows that transformation firsthand. With no prior experience in video storytelling, he immersed himself in hours of ocean exploration footage and eventually rose to become co-editor of Mysteries of 9° North, a feature-length documentary directed by Dena Seidel, who oversees the high-impact science video storytelling projects that integrate students in the creative process.

“Our scientists are real, relatable people who go through trials, difficulties and challenges, even failures in pursuit of their goal,” Koutrakos shared during the presentation.

The documentary centers on the groundbreaking deep-sea microbiology research of Rutgers scientist Costa Vetriani, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. During the session, students Bella Burnworth, a Biology major; Ben Lerner, a Philosophy major in the School of Arts and Sciences with a SEBS minor in Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior (EPIB); and master’s student Shaniya Utamidata in Ecology and Evolution joined the presentation to unveil the film’s trailer.

More than a preview of the documentary, the trailer offered personal reflections from the students themselves, revealing how the storytelling process reshaped their understanding of science, collaboration and communication. “I wasn’t just documenting the work of this research team. I was actually a part of it,” said Lerner.

For Burnworth, the experience revealed the broader educational power of storytelling-driven science communication. “This has the potential to be a wonderful learning tool for not only students, but the general population as well,” she said.

Utamidata emphasized the role storytelling can play in bridging the divide between researchers and the public. “We now have a clear understanding of how to close the gap between the scientific community and other community members,” she shared.

Frank Sesno, Planet Forward founding director, fifth from left, with eight Rutgers students and their mentors.

The students’ work demonstrated how rigorous scientific research — from deep-sea microbiology to ocean glider fleets, ecosystem change and climate-resilient food crops — can be translated into compelling narratives that engage broad audiences while maintaining scientific authenticity.

Following their stage presentation, students further demonstrated their collaborative production process, sharing how documentary storytelling becomes a vehicle for STEM learning, public engagement and experiential education.

“Watching our storytelling students share their experience, knowledge and commitment to authentic science communication on a national stage was very inspiring,” said Seidel.

Also participating in the Planet Forward experience were Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior major Lauren Koo and Microbiology majors Tessa Sandora and Mikayla Pires, who contributed to the collaborative storytelling initiative.

Rutgers SEBS is a consortium school partner of Planet Forward, an initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of environmental storytellers. This marked the fourth year Seidel and Xenia Morin, associate teaching professor in the Department of Plant Biology, accompanied Rutgers students to the Storyfest, continuing a growing tradition of engaging students in STEM learning through collaborative storytelling.

Supporting the students at the event was Rutgers graduate Sean Feuer, editor of Mysteries of 9° North, the full-length science-in-action documentary expected to be released this fall. Student participation in Planet Forward was also made possible through support from Rutgers alumni Penny and Don Pray, who also support the lab.

At Planet Forward, Rutgers students did more than present a documentary project. They demonstrated how storytelling can bring science to life — turning research into connection, discovery into understanding and students into powerful ambassadors for science communication.

SEBS and NJAES faculty reconnect, continuing conversations from the last workshop on their common their research interests.

More than 20 faculty from SEBS and NJAES completed the inaugural “Charting Your Research Pathway” workshop series hosted by the SEBS/NJAES Office of Research this past March. Over six weeks, participants refined their Rutgers research visions, explored new funding opportunities, and received individualized guidance and support from the Office of Research.

“I’m already pursuing concrete research collaborations that grew directly from this [workshop] series,” said Erin Comollo, assistant teaching professor in the RCE Department of Family and Community Health Sciences. Comollo participated in several sessions throughout the series, including the kickoff event in January.

A central focus of the workshop was building faculty capacity to engage in Convergence Research—a problem-driven approach that brings together multiple disciplines to collaboratively address complex challenges.

Participants Elaine Griffin and Erin Comollo, mid-discussion.

“A Rutgers SEBS and NJAES aim is to produce high quality research that is informed by and responds to community needs. It’s in our mission as a land grant and amplified through the Academic Master Plan. Convergence research is a way for us to bring together the impressive breadth of expertise across all of Rutgers and our partner networks,” said Josh Kohut, SEBS Dean of Research and NJAES Director of Research, and co-leader of the workshop series.

Through the series, attendees reported a stronger understanding of convergence research and how their work at SEBS and NJAES aligns with this approach. “I came with questions about how to develop research that honored both academic rigor and community need—but I wasn’t sure where to start,” said Comollo. “Connecting with faculty who were asking similar questions about transdisciplinary collaboration and community-engaged undergraduate education gave me both collaborators and an intellectual community.”

The workshop was intentionally designed to foster cross-departmental exchange within SEBS/NJAES, as well as connections between early-career and senior faculty. In post-workshop evaluations, participants highlighted the meaningful relationships they built with colleagues beyond their own departments.

“It was important to have junior faculty mentored by senior faculty in this series,” said Elaine Griffin, associate director of grants facilitation within the SEBS/NJAES Office of Research. Griffin was one of several experts, both within and beyond Rutgers University, who provided guidance to participants. Faculty also:

• Were briefed on the current federal funding landscape by Samantha Booth (Associate Director of Federal Relations, Office of Federal Relations), Dominique Carter (Principal, Lewis-Burke Associates), and Sarah Gianotti (Legislative Research Assistant, Lewis-Burke Associates)
• Received counsel on engaging with foundations from Gabrielle Peterson (Executive Director of Development, SEBS), Tracy Elliot (Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Rutgers–New Brunswick), and Elaine Griffin
• Were advised on building industry partnerships by Wade Trappe (Dean of Research, School of Engineering), David Specca (Assistant Director, EcoComplex), Kit Yam (Professor, Department of Food Science), Melissa Vinch (Contract Manager, Research Contract Services), and Melissa Matsil (Executive Director, Research Contract Services)
• Were guided on writing concept papers by Oscar Schofield (Department Chair, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences), Dipak Sarkar (Director of the Endocrine Program, Department of Animal Sciences), Anne Nielsen (Associate Extension Specialist in Entomology, Department of Entomology), and Changlu Wang (Extension Specialist in Entomology, Department of Entomology)

SEBS and NJAES faculty have constructive discussions on potential collaboration.

“Our goal was for each participant to walk away with a clear research roadmap, one that could help them connect with faculty collaborators and pursue projects addressing some of society’s grand challenges,” said Janice McDonnell, SEBS Associate Dean of Research Impact and co-leader of the workshop series.

Many faculty have already taken that message to heart, developing concept papers and proposals for submission to funding opportunities both within and beyond Rutgers. This includes an internal grant from the SEBS/NJAES Office of Research that provides seed funding for Rutgers teams seeking to further explore convergence research ideas. While applications for this cycle have closed, the Office of Research remains optimistic about the long-term impact of this work.

Faculty interested in strengthening their research impact are encouraged to contact Janice McDonnell, Associate Dean of Research Impact at SEBS, at mcdonnel@marine.rutgers.edu

Editor’s note: This article was written by Mitaali Taskar, a science communicator and research project assistant with Rutgers Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences.

Scientists looking for sources that generated life on Earth are considering hydrothermal vents of different types, from vents found in the deep sea to others created by meteor impacts.

Meteor impacts may have helped spark life on Earth, creating hot, chemical-rich environments where the first living cells could take shape, according to research integrated by a recent Rutgers University graduate. 

“No one knows, from a scientific perspective, how life could have been formed from an early Earth that had no life,” said Shea Cinquemani, who earned her bachelor’s degree in marine biology and fisheries management from the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in May 2025. “How does something come from nothing?”

Shea Cinquemani, who earned her bachelor’s degree from the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in May 2025, has published a paper based on research she started during the spring of her senior year. Photo: Courtesy of Shea Cinquemani

Cinquemani is the lead author of a scientific review, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, examining where life may have first formed on Earth. The paper focuses on hydrothermal vents, places where hot, mineral-rich water flows through rock and emerges into surrounding water, creating the chemical conditions and energy gradients needed for complex reactions.

Her research points to hydrothermal systems created by meteor impacts as a potentially critical and underappreciated setting for the origin of life, strengthening the case beyond conventional deep-sea vent theories. Cinquemani said such systems would have been widespread on early Earth, making them especially compelling environments for life to begin.

The paper, co-authored with Rutgers oceanographer Richard Lutz, marks a rare achievement for a recent undergraduate whose work began as a class assignment and was transformed into a publication in a highly respected scientific journal.

“It’s amazing,” Lutz said. “You often have undergraduates that are part of papers – faculty choose undergraduates all the time to work on papers and projects. But for an undergraduate to be the lead author is a huge deal.” 

The project started in the spring of Cinquemani’s senior year in a course called “Hydrothermal Vents,” taught by Lutz, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences. Cinquemani’s assignment was to examine whether hydrothermal vents on Mars could have been harbingers of life there.

“I was like, ‘I know nothing about this topic,’” she said. “Thinking about the origins of biology on another planet was like, whoa. Not sure how I’m going to do this.” The topic went beyond her usual comfort zone of biology and extended into chemistry, physics and geology, she said.

Distinguished Professor Richard Lutz emerges from the research submersible, Alvin, after a deep-sea dive. Lutz was part of the team that discovered hydrothermal vents.
Photo: Courtesy of Richard Lutz

Cinquemani expanded the assignment after graduation into a full scientific review of both impact-generated and deep-sea vent systems, which was accepted after what Lutz described as a demanding peer-review evaluation.

“I have never seen such a rigorous review process,” Lutz said. “There were 15 pages of comments and five different rounds of reviews. She had the patience and perseverance, and the paper turned out magnificently.”

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents have long been considered a possible birthplace of life. Discovered in the deep ocean in the late 1970s, these systems host entire ecosystems that thrive without sunlight. Instead of photosynthesis, microbes use chemical energy from compounds released by vent fluids, such as hydrogen sulfide, in a process known as chemosynthesis.

Some deep-sea vents are powered by heat from the Earth’s interior near volcanic activity while others are driven by chemical reactions between water and rock that generate heat without magma. This heat facilitates chemical processes and provides a warm oasis in the otherwise barren seafloor of the deep ocean. 

Cinquemani’s paper places more focus on a different category that has recently begun gaining attention: hydrothermal systems created by meteor impacts.

When a large meteor strikes Earth, the impact generates intense heat and melts surrounding rock. As the area cools and water fills the crater, a hot, mineral-rich environment can form, similar in some ways to deep-sea vents.

“You have a lake surrounding a very, very warm center,” Cinquemani said. “And now you get a hydrothermal vent system, just like in the deep sea, but made by the heat from an impact.”

To explore how these systems might support life, she examined research on three well-studied crater sites that span vastly different periods of Earth’s history. The oldest is the Chicxulub impact structure beneath Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, formed about 65 million years ago and later shown to have hosted a long-lived hydrothermal system. Next is the Haughton impact structure in the Canadian Arctic, formed about 31 million years ago. The youngest is Lonar Lake in India, created about 50,000 years ago, where the crater still contains water and offers clues about how these systems evolve over time.

Hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor spew black smoke, which forms when super-hot vent water hits the cold ocean. Scientists view them as candidates for where life may have started, because they provide heat, minerals and chemical energy that early life could have used to form and grow. Photo: Richard Lutz

These impact-generated systems may last thousands to tens of thousands of years, giving simple molecules time to form more complex structures that could lead to life.

Scientists say such environments may have been especially important on early Earth, which experienced frequent asteroid impacts. In that sense, events often seen as destructive also may have helped create the conditions for life.

The idea builds on decades of research into deep-sea vents while expanding the search for life’s origins into new territory.

Lutz helped explore these deep-sea environments several decades ago when they were still a scientific mystery. As a young postdoctoral researcher, he joined the first biological expedition to study hydrothermal vents and descended more than a mile beneath the ocean surface in the research deep-sea submersible Alvin, where he observed thriving communities of organisms in total darkness.

Those dives helped open a new field of research and shaped scientists’ understanding of how life can exist in extreme environments without sunlight.

“We have talked for many years about the possibility that life may have originated at deep-sea hydrothermal vents,” Lutz said.

Cinquemani’s work brings together those long-standing ideas with newer evidence that impact-generated systems also could play a role and may in some cases offer favorable conditions for early chemical reactions.

Scientists pilot the research submersible Alvin in the deep ocean to explore that world. Rutgers scientists have played an important role in discoveries made through Alvin. Photo: Richard Lutz

The implications extend beyond Earth. Hydrothermal activity is thought to exist on the ocean floors of icy moons such as Jupiter’s Europa and Saturn’s Enceladus, and may have existed in impact craters on young Mars. If these environments on Earth can support the chemistry of life, they could become key targets in the search for life elsewhere.

For Cinquemani, the work is driven by curiosity.

“Humans are insanely curious beings,” said Cinquemani, who works as a technician at Rutgers’ New Jersey Aquaculture Innovation Center in Cape May, N.J., where she supports aquaculture research while preparing to pursue advanced study in marine science. “We question everything. We may never know exactly how we began, but we can try our best to understand how things might have occurred.”

Asem Kiyalova (left), a Rutgers graduate student and research assistant, and Sue Huang examine plant specimens housed at the Chrysler Herbarium. Photo: Jeff Arban/Rutgers University

Sue Huang is using speculative and critical design to bring long-dead plant species in New Jersey back to life in the collective human consciousness.  

Sue Huang. Photo: Courtesy of Sue Huang

Her latest work is a collaborative effort founded in both science and the imagination – one that involves graduate students and mixes research, history, software development, visual design and plant biology. 

Central to the effort is the development of a software tool – “the heart of the project in many ways,” Huang said – that reconstructs plant forms from historical descriptions, generating three-dimensional models using artificial intelligence.

“The project reintroduces lost or disappearing plant species from New Jersey’s ecologies into contemporary culture by giving them new form,” said Huang, the inaugural Rutgers University-New Brunswick Laureate.

Her laureate project, Bodies of Flora, will culminate with what the artist and designer described as a “lecture performance” that explores botanical loss and visualizes the resurrection of vanished plants.  

Huang, an assistant professor with the Department of Art & Design at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, has enlisted help from the Chrysler Herbarium and Mycological Collection as well as the Department of Plant Biology and the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, all of which are part of the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.  

She also tapped graduate students – including two general research assistants with the Art & Design department at Mason Gross and a software engineering student from the Rutgers School of Engineering – in critical roles to help her realize this blending of art and science. 

Asem Kiyalova. Photo: Azhar Kudaibergenova

Asem Kiyalova, a graduate teaching fellow with the Art & Design department who teaches undergraduate courses in design and typography at Mason Gross, is helping Huang on a website for the project, particularly the user interface and user experience aspects.  

“She was my first professor when I arrived,” said Kiyalova, who hails from Almaty, Kazakhstan, and graduates in May with a master of fine arts degree in design. “I was dreaming about working with her at some point. And when she offered, I was like, ‘This is the dream come true.’” 

Kiyalova said that while testing the website, “We found that many people are not aware of the herbarium on the Rutgers campus, or even what an herbarium is, despite it being such a valuable resource. The website we are designing aims to highlight this space, bringing greater recognition to the herbarium and showcasing the important and fascinating work carried out there. In this way, it helps tell the broader story of herbaria and their significance.”

She also credited Huang for trusting her and others and involving them in “the conceptual part of this project.”

“I’m learning from her how to lead a project and how to make things happen from scratch,” said Kiyalova, who speaks Kazakh, Russian and English, received her bachelor degree in graphic design from Teesside University in the United Kingdom and worked for years in the advertising industry. “I’m so happy that I’m a part of a team. I’m so excited about the upcoming performance.” 

Another Mason Gross graduate student, Anukriti Kaushik, is a lecturer with the Art & Design department who is pursuing a master of fine arts degree in design. She is conducting materials research and physical fabrication for the project. 

Rutgers graduate student and research assistant Anukriti Kaushik works in the Mason Gross School of the Arts papermaking studio in December. Photo:
Sue Huang

Initially, when she started the project, Huang said her thought was to research scientific and historical archives “in which we would examine the morphological descriptions of the plants,” including extirpated plants – ones “that no longer exist locally in their original habitats” – and extinct plant species.  
 
“We are looking at these descriptions, and I was thinking about ways of using this language, which describes the plant body, to bring these plants back into the cultural consciousness through a range of social practices and material explorations, including the generation of visual and audio materials” she said. “I use language to give these botanical ghosts a body.” 

Kundan Kumar Reddy Digavinti, a graduate student attending the Rutgers School of Engineering, is working to make the project’s 3D-modeling software tool a reality.  

Digavinti, a native of Chennai, India, who earned his bachelor degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the SRM Institute of Science and Technology in India, said he was “just scrolling through” Rutgers webpages when he came across news about Huang and her laureate project. 

“The point which took my attention was the resurrection of the plants, the historical plans where we didn’t see them,” said Digavinti, further explaining that the challenge was to represent these lost plants based on archived descriptions of researchers from the past century or earlier. “It was like bringing back them to life in the form of art or something.” 

He added that his role – “to produce a good artwork based on the texts that were historical” – is to bring “all the tools by using the AI, the AI models and integrate it into one tool where the user will get an output by giving one single prompt.” 

Working on multiple artificial intelligence models was a “first for me,” said Digavinti, who is pursuing a master degree in electrical and computer engineering with a focus on software engineering.

Kundan Kumar Reddy Digavinti. Photo: Courtesy of Kundan Kumar Reddy Digavinti

“I was completely involved in building and designing a pipeline to generate images by processing natural language from the texts,” he said. “And since this was the first time that I was entirely working on a project from the beginning to the end working with multiple models, it was a good learning experience. It was also not my discipline.” 

Huang also is collaborating with Megan King, a graduate student and the collections manager at the Chrysler Herbarium who assists with access to the collections and offers insight into herbarium practices, and Lena Struwe, the director of Chrysler Herbarium and a professor at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, “who has been very instrumental to our understanding of what needed to be considered in the software tool development.” 

The professor said she has enjoyed having graduate students work with her on the project, adding that their mix of scholarly pursuits were critical to bringing Bodies of Flora to fruition. 

“They bring their own set of skills, which enhances the work we’re doing on the project,” Huang said. “I have my own areas of expertise, but I see deep knowledge in research as knowing how to bring together the skills of others to move the work forward.” 

“From another point of view, I would say the students bring vibrancy, excitement, optimism and a strong work ethic to the project.” 

Huang will present Bodies of Flora at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, as part of a performance program for the Jersey Art Book Fair held at Mana Contemporary, a cultural center at 888 Newark Ave., Jersey City, N.J. 

This article first appeared in Rutgers Today.

Shelin Pompey (SEBS’26) proudly displays her handiwork restoring the living wall in the Floriculture Greenhouse on the George H. Cook campus.

What began as a grey, aging installation inside the Floriculture Greenhouse on the George H. Cook campus has been transformed into a vibrant, living work of art—thanks to the vision, persistence and creativity of Rutgers graduating student Shelin Pompey.

A senior majoring in plant science with a concentration in horticulture and turf industry at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), Pompey took on the ambitious task as part of her experiential learning (EL) journey. The project: redesign and restore a living wall that was originally installed nearly 20 years ago by alumni Michael Coraggio and Ryan Burrows.

Pompey began her Rutgers journey in 2020 at the School of Arts and Sciences but transferred to SEBS in 2024, initially choosing to major in food science “but ended up loving plant science and switched majors!”

For her, the EL opportunity was more than an academic assignment; it was a defining moment.

Shelin Pompey (SEBS’26) restoring the living wall as part of her SEBS experiential learning experience.

“The living wall was grey and barren for months, while behind the scenes there was tons of research and prep,” Pompey said. “We really had to trust the process—but seeing it come back to life made everything worth it.”

The project was coordinated by Nrupali Patel, undergraduate program director of Plant Science, and supervised by Rutgers Gardens Assistant Director (Greenhouses) Daniel Jacobs. It required both technical expertise and creative vision, with Pompey involved in every stage—from repairing irrigation systems to selecting plant varieties suited for a vertical aquaponic environment..

“Shelin could not have done a better job with the project,” said Jacobs. “From day one, she asked thoughtful questions, set clear goals, and was attentive to every detail. She made biology-based decisions about plant selection and demonstrated both professionalism and a strong work ethic throughout.”

Behind the scenes, Pompey tackled real-world challenges that pushed her beyond the typical classroom environment.

“My most memorable obstacle was fixing a stubborn leak in the irrigation system,” she said. “It seemed simple at first, but it took weeks of trial and error before we found the right solution. In the end, we had to replace part of the pipe entirely, but that process taught me patience and problem-solving.”

Through that experience, Pompey deepened her technical knowledge while developing critical soft skills, like adaptability, resilience and collaboration.

“I learned that you could plan everything perfectly, but nature will still do its own thing,” she explained. “You have to stay adaptable and open-minded. The plants don’t follow your plan—you learn to work with them.”

The project also became a powerful example of mentorship and community within SEBS. Pompey credits Jacobs, greenhouse staff, faculty members and alumni collaborators for guiding her along the way.

“Research is important, but the most impactful lessons came from the people I connected with,” she said. “Learning to accept help and ask questions made all the difference.”

Shelin Pompey (SEBS’26) and her experiential learning project supervisor, Rutgers Gardens Assistant Director (Greenhouses) Daniel Jacobs, partway through the eco wall restoration.

With support from alumni—including EcoWalls founder Michael Coraggio, who provided plant recommendations and resources—the wall now reflects a renewed diversity of plant life and student-driven design.

Beyond technical growth, the EL experience reshaped Pompey’s outlook on her future as her SEBS tenure comes to an end in May.

“This project opened my eyes to how I can combine horticulture and art,” she said. “It showed me that creativity has a place in plant science and that I can build a career doing something that fulfills me.”

Looking ahead, Pompey hopes to continue working in green spaces—gardens, parks and conservatories—where she can merge environmental stewardship with creative expression.

“Plants teach us resilience, patience and growth,” she said. “I want to create spaces where people can connect with nature the way I have.”

Patel could not agree more and is working towards developing additional opportunities for students to connect.

“The Plant Science undergraduate program is currently developing new experiential learning projects in the floriculture greenhouse, with upcoming opportunities in hydroponics, flower bulb production and soil amendment assays—all in partnership with industry to build practical, career-ready skills,” she said.

For students considering experiential learning opportunities in any major, Pompey offers simple but powerful advice:

“Never stop learning and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.”

Through her work, Pompey has cultivated a lasting example of what experiential learning can achieve, fulfilling its goal to practically apply disciplinary knowledge, discover passions and build confidence to prepare students for what comes next.

Alumnus and veterinarian Adam Christman, CC’00, and 2026 SEBS Convocation speaker.

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) at Rutgers University has announced that Adam Christman, Cook College Class of 2000, will return to campus as the 2026 Convocation Speaker—bringing with him not only a distinguished veterinary career, but a vibrant, media-savvy voice that resonates with millions.

Christman will address more than 700 graduating seniors, along with their families and guests, at SEBS Convocation on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. on the George H. Cook Campus, overlooking the iconic Passion Puddle.

A proud Rutgers alumnus, Christman earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a minor in Spanish. He went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and an MBA from Aspen University.

Today, he serves as Chief Veterinary Officer for dvm360—an MJH Life Sciences® company—where he oversees content strategy and development and serves as the brand’s voice and personality across its multimedia platforms. Known for his charisma and relatability, Christman brings wit, humor and authenticity to animal health care through a wide range of channels, including hosting dvm360 Live!, The Vet Blast Podcast, continuing education webinars and live media broadcasts.

Christman has two decades of experience in private practice and shelter medicine, and pairs hands-on clinical expertise with a deep commitment to advancing the veterinary profession. He currently serves as a member and treasurer of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, reinforcing his leadership within the field.

A national thought leader, Christman is widely recognized for his work in practice management, social media and rehabilitation. He is also coauthor of Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund? A Pet Owner’s Guide for Owners Who Are Terrified of IVDD, a compassionate and practical resource for pet owners navigating canine disabilities. His insights have been featured in numerous publications and across major media platforms, including a recent live appearance on Good Morning America on April 11, as well as segments on Fox Weather and Elvis Duran and the Morning Show.

Beyond his professional achievements, Christman has built a powerful digital presence as an advocate for animal health care. With more than 1.1 million followers on TikTok and over 224,000 on Instagram, he actively engages pet parents and veterinary professionals alike—translating science into accessible, engaging and often joyful content. His ability to connect across platforms makes him especially relevant to today’s graduates, who are navigating careers in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Christman’s impact has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2025 AVMA Media Award, the 2024 VMX Speaker of the Year Award, the 2024 Bright Minds Veterinary Influencer of the Year, and the William Switzer Award.

Known for his belief in “laughing and dancing while learning,” Christman represents a new generation of scientific leaders, combining expertise with authenticity and purpose with personality. His return to Cook Campus is both a celebration of his accomplishments and a powerful example of where a SEBS education can lead.

For the SEBS Class of 2026, his message is expected to inspire not just professional ambition, but meaningful connection, and reminding graduates that impact is measured not only by what you know, but also by how you share it.

For more information about the 2026 SEBS Convocation ceremony, visit: https://sebs.rutgers.edu/graduation.

SEBS “Bring Your Child to Work Day” attendees gather in front of Martin Hall on the George H. Cook Campus. Photo: OPOC

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) came alive with energy, laughter and discovery on April 23 as it hosted its annual “Bring Your Child to Work Day,” a growing tradition that continues to deepen connections across the SEBS community while sparking curiosity in the next generation.

Lia Papathomas, director of External Relations and Strategic Initiatives at SEBS/NJAES, pictured with her sons during the Bioblitz and String Safari event. Photo: OPOC

Now in its fourth year since its launch in 2023, the event welcomed 60 pre-teens and teens alongside 33 parents for a full day of immersive, hands-on learning across the vibrant George H. Cook Campus.

“Bring Your Child to Work Day” is a special opportunity to connect our SEBS community across generations. By welcoming the children of our faculty and staff onto campus, we hope to spark early interest in science, discovery and the meaningful work we do every day,” said Laura Lawson, executive dean of SEBS.

From science exploration to creative expression, every corner of the campus became a gateway to discovery.

The day unfolded as an adventure in environmental exploration, beginning with the popular Bioblitz and String Safari. Here, young participants stepped into the role of field scientists, learning firsthand how challenging—and exciting—it can be to observe and document biodiversity. With curiosity as their guide, they combed through garden spaces, identifying and classifying living organisms while gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexity of ecosystems.

Inside the NJAES Research Greenhouse, students and parents alike experienced science in action. The greenhouse tour revealed how plants are cultivated and studied in controlled environments, connecting research to everyday life—from the food on our tables to sustainable solutions for the planet.

Gary Panetta, assistant dean in the SEBS Office of Academic Programs, and his child visit the Nutritional Sciences Teaching Kitchen, which hosted the “Twist & Learn: Pretzel Nutrition Fun” event. Photo: OPOC

In celebration of National Pretzel Day, the Department of Nutritional Sciences hosted Twist & Learn: Pretzel Nutrition Fun, where learning met laughter in the kitchen. Guided by instructor Melissa Keresztes, participants explored the science of carbohydrates while shaping their own pretzels—an engaging reminder that nutrition can be both educational and delicious.

This year also marked an exciting expansion of the program with the launch of a pilot high school track, designed to engage teens aged 15 and older in deeper academic and career exploration. Through curated experiences—including a campus tour, faculty-led discussions, and an interactive communication workshop—students were introduced to the breadth of opportunities within SEBS.

The teens explored the Waksman Museum of Microbiology and engaged in wellness and mindfulness activities that offered moments of reflection amid the day’s excitement. Academic talks and lab tours provided a glimpse into cutting-edge research, helping students envision themselves as future scientists, innovators and leaders.

Teens enjoyed the Bloom & Build: Terrariums, Plants, and Plant Careers event at the Floriculture Greenhouse on the George H. Cook Campus. Photo: OPOC

Creativity and nature came together in Bloom & Build: Terrariums, Plants, and Plant Careers, where participants crafted their own living ecosystems while learning about the powerful role plants play in health, industry, and daily life. From rare botanical specimens to innovations like the pineberry and Scarlet Sunrise tomato, the session highlighted the diverse and evolving field of plant science.

The day concluded with a visit to the Rutgers Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RU COOL), where teens explored how ocean data is collected and analyzed in real time. Surrounded by cutting-edge technology, they gained insight into how interdisciplinary research is shaping our understanding of climate, weather, and coastal systems.

More than just a day of activities, SEBS’ “Bring Your Child to Work Day” continues to grow as a meaningful tradition that celebrates family, fosters community and opens doors to possibility for youth through discovery of the school’s world-class programs.

View a gallery of photos from the day. 

Students and instructors in the Spring 2026 “Food Production and Management” class pose for a group picture on Recipe Day, where the students created meals for the EFNEP website and beyond. Photo: OPOC

On March 11, the teaching kitchen of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers University–New Brunswick was filled with the aromas of simmering soups, roasted spices and baked desserts as students put their coursework into action during Recipe Day—a hands-on capstone experience with impact far beyond the classroom.

The event featured 24 student-developed recipes spanning entrées, snacks, soups and desserts, each designed with a clear purpose: to serve low- and under-resourced communities through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).

Salome Papaspyrou Rao, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, overseeing the workstations in the Teaching Kitchen during the Spring 2026 Recipe Day.

“This is not just about creating recipes,” said Melissa Keresztes, teaching kitchen coordinator and lecturer. “It’s about developing a greater quantity and diversity of recipes using ingredients that are easy to find and that are affordable.”

Recipe Day is a signature component of the course, Food Production and Management, taught by Salome Papaspyrou Rao, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. The course is designed to align with real-world food systems and community needs while advancing Rutgers’ commitment to experiential learning.

Students in the course develop competencies across a wide range of areas, including food procurement, production and distribution systems; kitchen design and large-scale food preparation; menu planning for diverse populations; and food service management, leadership and operations. The curriculum also emphasizes sustainability and cultural competence—key elements reflected in the recipes students create.

The initiative is further supported by Joshua Miller, chair of the Department of Nutritional Sciences, whose investment in ingredients and program resources enables students to fully engage in the teaching kitchen environment while integrating advanced tools for recipe development.

Recipe Day represents the culmination of a unique collaboration between the Department of Nutritional Sciences and EFNEP under Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE)—a partnership intentionally designed to align with student success goals in Rutgers’ Academic Master Plan, said Marisol Ortiz, EFNEP state coordinator/assistant director, supervisor. The collaboration began with a simple but powerful realization: students and EFNEP staff were already doing similar work—developing and testing recipes—just separately.

L-R: Salome Papaspyrou Rao, Department of Nutritional Sciences; Marisol Ortiz, EFNEP; Melissa Keresztes, Teaching Kitchen; and Stacy Onofrietti, EFNEP. Photo: OPOC

“That prompted me to reflect on the proximity and overlap between EFNEP and the Department of Nutritional Sciences,” Ortiz said. “We saw an opportunity to bring those efforts together in a way that benefits both students and the communities we serve.”

By integrating EFNEP into the classroom, students gain hands-on, service-learning experience while contributing to a growing national library of culturally relevant, nutritious and cost-effective recipes.

EFNEP representatives Ortiz and Stacy Onofrietti, EFNEP program associate and supervisor, visit the class to introduce their programming and outline opportunities for student involvement in recipe development. According to Ortiz, they also provide specific criteria for recipe creation tailored to the communities they serve, including an emphasis on cultural diversity, affordability, and the use of readily available ingredients

“For their initial assignment, students are encouraged to explore original recipes, often drawing inspiration from personal or family traditions that are meaningful to them,” Ortiz said.

Students also learn that “in addition to the recipes being incorporated into EFNEP classes and showcased on our website, one recipe is selected for inclusion in an EFNEP recipe book developed in North Carolina,” she added.

Precision Meets Creativity in the Kitchen

Students are tasked with creating recipes that meet strict EFNEP guidelines, including limits on sodium and fat, a maximum of 10 ingredients and the use of accessible, low-cost foods commonly found in grocery stores or home food pantries.

Student Jacquelin Genty cooks an entrée of unstuffed cabbage with rice. Photo: OPOC

To meet these standards, students use nutrient analysis software to generate USDA-compliant nutrition labels and refine their recipes accordingly.

For student Mia Harris, that meant reworking a sweet potato spice granola recipe—adding ingredients like honey and pecans while ensuring it still met program requirements.

The process is both technical and creative, requiring students to balance flavor, nutrition and affordability. Many students drew inspiration from their own cultural backgrounds, resulting in a menu that reflects the diversity of the communities EFNEP serves.

Jacquelin Genty, who transferred to Rutgers in 2024, is creating two items. One snack, specifically a crispy, roasted chickpea, and an entrée of unstuffed cabbage with rice.

Jennifer Reyes reimagined a Dominican-inspired plantain lasagna, adapted from pastelón, a family favorite.

Raoul Bernal, SAS’27, preparing chicken tinola, a traditional Filipino soup.

Raoul Bernal, SAS’27, prepared chicken tinola, a traditional Filipino comfort soup. For him, the recipe as well as the experience are personal. “It’s a huge comfort food my mother used to make when we were sick,” he said, describing the familiar flavors of ginger, chicken and chayote.

The Simple Plate Initiative as a National Resource

Recipes developed during the course undergo rigorous testing, including step-by-step documentation, yield calculations and sensory evaluations. Once finalized, they are reviewed by EFNEP staff and selected for use in community programming and online publication.

Over time, these student-created recipes have extended their reach well beyond New Jersey—some even appearing in EFNEP materials used in other states.

“This collaborative work beautifully illustrates how Cooperative Extension and academic instruction can work synergistically to meet community needs while enriching students’ experience,” said Brian Schilling, RCE director.

Now entering its third year, the program is officially named the Simple Plate Initiative and continues to expand under the leadership of EFNEP’s Onofrietti. “Students are encouraged to create unique, culturally diverse recipes using ingredients commonly found in local food pantries, helping to inclusively represent the populations we serve,” she said.

“This initiative connects academic learning with real-world impact,” Ortiz added. “Students are not just completing assignments—they are creating resources that directly benefit families across the country.”

Beyond technical skills, students leave the course with something more enduring: a sense of purpose and pride.

With their names attached to published recipes and a tangible contribution to community health, students build professional portfolios while seeing firsthand how their work can make a difference, stressed Keresztes, as she moved between stations of students gathered around the Ferrari red kitchen ranges and ovens of the Nutritional Sciences Teaching Kitchen.

And among the aromas and sounds in the bustling kitchen, it’s easy to see that Recipe Day is indeed more than a class exercise. It’s where education, culture and community come together.

Over 1,300 students have participated in a New Jersey Youth Institute at Rutgers since its inception in 2016. Photo: OPOC

More than a decade after its founding, the New Jersey Youth Institute (NJYI) continues to grow as a leading platform for high school students to engage with global food security challenges. This March, the 10th annual NJYI welcomed 140 students from across the New York–New Jersey region to Rutgers University, where they gathered at the Busch Student Center for a day of research presentations, collaboration, and innovation.

Hosted by the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) in partnership with the World Food Prize Foundation, the event challenged students to explore complex issues surrounding global hunger, sustainability, and agricultural development. Since its founding in 2016, the NJYI has engaged more than 1,300 students, reflecting its steady growth and impact over the past decade.

Some of the 140 students who participated in the 2026 New Jersey Youth Institute held at Rutgers.

This year alone, the students presented research addressing food security challenges across more than 70 countries, demonstrating both the global scope of the program and the depth of student inquiry. The Institute continues to inspire future career pathways, with 82% of participants expressing interest in pursuing fields related to food security, agriculture, or sustainability.

“I have participated in the New Jersey Youth Institute for over three years,” said Tvisha Jagannathan, student at Woodbridge Academy Magnet School. “What I really liked about this experience is that it gave me an opportunity to present my research in front of judges and get advice and insights from them to improve and make an impact in the world. It also gave me opportunities to network, make new friends, meet new people and find partnerships for research and to implement my solutions and my actions.”

The day’s program highlighted both the Institute’s growth and its meaningful impact. Laura Lawson, SEBS executive dean, welcomed students to campus and emphasized the opportunities available at Rutgers to deepen academic knowledge, engage in research, and develop as future leaders. Julie Traxler, associate dean in the SEBS Office of Academic Programs, underscored the Institute’s role in shaping students’ academic and personal development.

NJYI alumna, Allison Huang, presented the keynote address at the 2026 New Jersey Youth Institute hosted by Rutgers. Photo: OPOC

Participants also heard from alumna Allison Huang, whose journey from Youth Institute participant to Global Challenge Awardee reflects the program’s long-term influence.

“The Youth Institute allowed me to engage with global issues on a higher level and understand how global and multifaceted the issue of food insecurity is,” said Huang. “Through seeing different perspectives and how interconnected we are in facing these challenges, whether that’s through issues shared across borders or combining different ideas together to tackle a new obstacle, the Youth Institutes teach that these are problems that we can address together.”

Throughout the day, students presented their Global Challenge research to more than 30 Rutgers faculty members and community partners. They also participated in interactive workshops exploring public health, food waste, and water systems, working collaboratively to identify challenges and develop actionable solutions grounded in their own communities.

As the New Jersey Youth Institute enters its second decade, it continues to empower students with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to address one of the world’s most pressing issues: building sustainable and equitable food systems for the future.

Read more in the article, “Growing Changemakers: Youth Leading the Fight Against Hunger,” published by the World Food Prize Foundation.