Undergraduate Research

Psychology students present at ‘Psychapalooza’

Eastern’s Department of Psychological Science hosted its semesterly research showcase, “Psychapalooza,” on Dec. 1 in the Student Center's Betty R. Tipton Room. A culmination...

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

Art history students explore enigmatic themes
Jones and Beauregard present senior theses

Two senior students in Eastern’s Department of Art and Art History recently showcased their research exploring surrealist and gothic art. Carmelena Jones ‘25 and AJ Beauregard ‘25...

Posted on December 08, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Another strong showing for Eastern at COPLAC
Students present on myriad research topics at annual conference

Fourteen students from Eastern Connecticut State University presented their undergraduate research at the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) annual conference from Oct. 17 to 18 at...

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig '26

'Present from the Start' spotlights Black and Indigenous colonial history

More than 150 historians, graduate, and undergraduate students from across Connecticut filled the Student Center on Sept. 20 for a conference highlighting the forgotten histories of ethnic...

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

EES professors publish research on Dinosaur State Park
Hyatt, Drzewiecki examine Connecticut’s paleontological roots

Eastern Connecticut State University environmental earth science Professors Drew Hyatt and Peter Drzewiecki published several works in volume 66, issue 1, of the “Bulletin of the Yale...

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Mushrooms as building materials
Biology researchers investigate new technology

Mushrooms — you see them in the woods, put them on salads, and inadvertently grow them on old bread. Soon, you could be living in them. Mycelial bio-blocks are building materials grown...

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Katie Gaspar

Summer STEM program supports underrepresented students

Eighteen first- and second-year students majoring in STEM fields participated in a residential program this July meant to support historically underrepresented students in the sciences. Modeled...

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Biology students dive into field research in the Bahamas

Thirteen biology students at Eastern submerged themselves in research on oceanic ecosystems as part of two global field courses (GFCs) on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas this past May 2025. The...

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

EES students explore Arizona in field excursion
Students study geology, sedimentation, native heritage

From a snowstorm at the Grand Canyon to a climb up an active volcano, environmental earth science (EES) students at Eastern Connecticut State University experienced the natural wonders of Arizona...

Posted on July 07, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

Research institutes delve into data analytics, DNA sequencing, picture books

Eastern Connecticut State University began its summer session with three week-long summer research institutes, culminating in a final presentation on June 6 in the Student Center Theater. Students...

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Library research awards honor outstanding scholarship
Projects span globalization in Russia, depression, revisionist history, and pre-term birth

The J. Eugene Smith Library's 2025 Library Research Awards honored four students for outstanding scholarship on May 16. Seniors Emma McCormack and Saoirse Ward received the awards, while...

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Noel Teter '24

‘Psychapalooza’ showcases undergraduate research

From examining the impacts of microaggressions to analyzing how videogames influence stress, more than 50 undergraduate psychology students gathered in the Student Center Betty Tipton Room (BTR) on...

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Kyle Berson '26

25th CREATE conference highlights undergraduate excellence

The scholarly and artistic aptitude of Eastern students was proudly exhibited at the 25th annual CREATE conference on April 25. Standing for "Celebrating Research and Creative Activity at...

Posted on May 02, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Students delve 'beyond the research' at NCUR
Nine present at National Conference on Undergraduate Research

From artificial intelligence (AI) on Mars to the impacts of cult brainwashing on parenting, nine Eastern students showcased their work at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research...

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Kyle Berson '26

Students make history at system-wide conference
Eastern hosts CSU Making History Conference

History students at Eastern Connecticut State University and visiting students from other Connecticut State Universities (CSUs) presented research at the CSU Making History Conference on March 28...

Posted on April 04, 2025 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern represents at 'the beating heart of the historical profession’

A history student and professor at Eastern Connecticut State University recently took a national stage to share their work on the sociopolitical impacts of three cornerstones of American culture:...

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Noel Teter

English Night recognizes nearly 50 students for academic achievements
Awards, inductions and capstones highlight student excellence

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of English hosted an awards ceremony and capstone presentations on Dec. 5 to celebrate student achievements. English Night recognized five...

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Kyle Berson '26

English students present among CSU peers

Twelve students from Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of English showcased their literary research at the Connecticut State Universities (CSU) Undergraduate English...

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

‘Psychapalooza’ showcases yearlong research projects

The Department of Psychological Science hosted its semesterly research showcase “Psychapalooza” on Dec. 2. Supervised by professors Peter Bachiochi, Phyllis Lee and Kristalyn...

Posted on December 09, 2024 by Kyle Berson '26

Psychology department represents at October conferences

Eastern’s Department of Psychological Science represented at two academic conferences this past October. At the annual meeting of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy...

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Darlene Orozco B. '28

Students direct military-themed play, 'The Last American Jackrabbit'

On Nov. 1, Eastern Connecticut State University held two showings of “The Last American Jackrabbit,” an original play directed and written by students Xsyanni Jackson and Kane Waggoner....

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Kyle Berson

10th annual Social Policy Summit focuses on youth mental health crisis

Junior and senior social work majors at Eastern Connecticut State University filled the Student Center Betty Tipton Room on Nov. 5 for the 10th annual Social Policy Summit. This year’s policy...

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Noel Teter '24

15 students present at COPLAC conference

Eastern Connecticut State University sent students from a broad range of disciplines to present at this year’s Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) Northeast Regional Conference...

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Noel Teter

2 biology students present at national conference for 'minoritized scientists'

Two senior biology students from Eastern Connecticut State University have been selected to present their research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS)...

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Biology student publishes children's book on marine biology

A biology major at Eastern Connecticut State University recently published a children’s book based on her study of marine biology. Junior Jasmine Antonucci’s “Friends with the...

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Eastern student goes on archeological dig in ancient Native American city

An anthropology major with an archaeology concentration and a history minor, Eric Hohenthal ’25 has long known of his interest in his chosen field. Ever since he was a child, Eric has been...

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Ed Osborn

Earth science students explore geology of Spanish mountains

Two students from the Department of Environmental Earth Science (EES) at Eastern Connecticut State University joined Professor Peter Drzewiecki on a nine-day trip in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain...

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

E.O. Smith high schoolers learn about big data at Eastern
NASA-CT-funded project exposes students to STEM

This summer, Eastern Connecticut State University hosted 11 students from E.O. Smith High School in Mansfield to conduct research on hospital data at Eastern for the second year in a row. The...

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

FILM: Photogrammetry of Block Island
An EES research project by sea, land and air

This summer, a group of environmental earth science (EES) researchers from Eastern traveled to Block Island, RI, to study coastal geology and erosion along the island’s iconic bluffs. Their...

Posted on June 27, 2024

Earth science students journey through northern New England

Twelve students from Eastern Connecticut State University beheld many environments on a 12-day scientific excursion through New Hampshire and Maine in late May. Sponsored by the Department of...

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Summer research institutes delve into literature, film and big data

Eastern Connecticut State University recently offered three one-week intensive courses to help students spark their academic and professional interests in the fields of English, film, theatre,...

Posted on June 04, 2024 by Noel Teter

Eastern’s Tiny Earth Day lures high school students to the lab

Thirteen students from Norwich Free Academy learned laboratory techniques and the impact of microbiology research in a recent visit to Eastern Connecticut State University ‘s Tiny Earth Day...

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Lucinda Weiss

Mathematics major presents at regional consortium

Math major presents at regional computing conference
Carter Kelly's research explores cycle-sort algorithm

Undergraduate students from across the Northeast traveled to The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, for the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Northeast Region (CCSCNE) on April 12-13....

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Marcus Grant

Student work celebrated at 10th annual CREATE Conference

Student work celebrated at annual CREATE Conference
Students John O'Connell and Marcus Grant and Professor Barbara Murdoch win awards

More than 250 students from Eastern Connecticut State University showcased their academic and creative achievements at Eastern’s annual CREATE conference on April 19. Students shared their...

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Marcus Grant

9 students travel to California for NCUR conference

Nine students from Eastern Connecticut State University presented research projects at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) this April in Long Beach, CA. NCUR provides...

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

EES students present geology research at New Hampshire conference

Four environmental earth science (EES) students at Eastern Connecticut State University presented their research at the Northeast Section meeting of the Geological Society of America (GSA) in...

Posted on April 16, 2024 by Noel Teter

Political science honor society hosts first ‘Emerging Minds’ conference

Eastern Connecticut State University’s political science honor society hosted a conference “for students by students” on April 5 in the Science Building lobby. The inaugural...

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Katherine Escalante

CCE students make 'IMPACT' at Texas conference

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE) recently showcased its leadership initiatives on a national stage. Four CCE student leaders traveled to the IMPACT...

Posted on March 04, 2024 by Noel Teter

English undergraduates publish in academic journals

Two honor students in the English Department recently published major writing projects in academic journals. Recent alumna Kai-li Davey ‘23 was featured in the January 2024 Sigma Tau Delta...

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Elisabeth Craig

Global voices unite: Professor Donaghy and students publish sixth edition of ‘Here’

Donaghy and students publish sixth edition of ‘Here’ poetry journal

Contributors, editors and Eastern students packed into the David G. Carter Science Building auditorium on Feb. 1 to celebrate the sixth issue of “Here: a Poetry Journal,” published each...

Posted on February 07, 2024 by Marcus Grant

2 students travel to Puerto Rico to present AI research

Two students at Eastern Connecticut State University who are native Spanish speakers recently presented important research on technology while in a setting reminding them of home. Katherine...

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Noel Teter

Eastern students pitch entrepreneurial proposals in inaugural competition

Entrepreneurial students at Eastern Connecticut State University pitched their projects to judges at a recent Department of Business Administration competition, with junior Kush Patel winning first...

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Psychology students recognized for posters at research event

Six psychology students at Eastern Connecticut State University were recently recognized for the quality of their research posters, and senior Ali Junior Ezedine presented his research at a...

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Noel Teter

Annual English Night recognizes achievements

Students honored during annual English Night

The English Department held its annual English Night on Dec. 6, in which students received awards, gave presentations and were inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta honor society.

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Marcus Grant

No two alike: Student’s research finds LeWitt drawing inspires varied versions

Tiffany Henry's research into a Sol LeWitt drawing that was part of a recent exhibition at the Art Gallery found that versions of drawing #797 vary around the world, even though installers...

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Social Action Day tackles opioid crisis

Addressing the nation’s opioid epidemic was the topic of this year’s Social Action Day on Oct. 31, during which students prioritized an awareness campaign about this decades-long...

Posted on November 08, 2023 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern undergrads present research at liberal arts conference

Eastern represents at regional liberal arts conference

Fifteen Eastern Connecticut State University students made the long drive to Mahwah, NJ, on Oct. 27 to present their research on topics ranging from history to coding. The presentations at the...

Posted on November 07, 2023 by Marcus Grant

Krebs and student present behavior analysis research

An Eastern Connecticut State University professor and his student research assistant recently shared their ongoing research on behavior analysis at a Massachusetts conference. Christopher Krebs,...

Posted on November 07, 2023 by Noel Teter

Honors history students present at New England conference

The education of children in Japanese American relocation camps in the United States during World War II, and the threats posed to democracy by corporate interests near the turn of the 20th...

Posted on November 02, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

History majors uncover lost relics in Willimantic Town Hall

Eastern history majors and members of the History Club uncovered centuries worth of historical documents in the top floors of the Willimantic Town Hall at the conclusion of the spring 2023 semester.

Posted on October 04, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Lastrina paves her way for a career in human rights law

A political science major at Eastern Connecticut State University was recently accepted into a scholarship program that will enrich her law school application. Isabelle Lastrina ’24 was...

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Noel Teter

Biology students prep for grad school with summer research

Three biology students at Eastern Connecticut State University presented their summer research to peers and faculty on Sept. 22, describing projects that ranged from studying epilepsy in mice to...

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Elisabeth Craig

Biologists find new signs of gene expression in model worm
The worm’s gene expression may have implications for human conditions

In research recently published in the online scientific journal “microPublication Biology,” Eastern Connecticut State University biology professor Amy Groth and her former undergraduate...

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Computer science students create tree-planting app to win their first hackathon

Brainstorming paid off for Eastern Connecticut State University computer science students Ian Valeta and Diego Hernandez Ramirez when their plan for a tree-planting digital game won them the top...

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Biochem students use supercomputers to study complex disease treatments

Three biochemistry students at Eastern Connecticut State University are expanding their understanding of how supercomputers can be used to solve complicated health issues, under the guidance of...

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

New well field drilled for hydrology education

Three new water wells on the Eastern Connecticut State University campus will be used by environmental earth science (EES) students to learn about techniques used in environmental consulting.

Posted on August 01, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Research on oceanic life takes students to Bahamas

A field trip to the Bahamas in May gave 11 students in a Tropical Biology course at Eastern Connecticut State University a chance to observe and collect data on the flora and fauna of oceanic...

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern student wins Gilman Scholarship to study in Spain

Amirah Foster, a junior majoring in business administration at Eastern Connecticut State University, won a prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State...

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Students head West to a ‘natural laboratory’ for geologists

Eleven Eastern Connecticut State University students and two faculty members in the Department of Environmental Earth Science (EES) explored the geology and landscapes of western Colorado and...

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

CECE wins eighth Telly award for video on how books can create inclusive classrooms

A video released this past fall by the Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) at Eastern Connecticut State University on “Using Children’s Books to Help Build Inclusive...

Posted on June 01, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eelgrass research wins prize for senior at environmental conference

A recent graduate who majored in environmental earth science at Eastern Connecticut State University won the Rankin Prize for the best undergraduate oral presentation at the recent annual meeting...

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Library research awards go to 4 students

Two Eastern Connecticut State University students won undergraduate research awards from the J. Eugene Smith Library this spring, and two others were cited for honorable mention.

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

History website shows what Willimantic was like in 1910

The second phase of “Digital Windham,” a website created by historians at Eastern Connecticut State University went live on May 4 with new exhibits exploring what Willimantic was like...

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern student wins math conference prize for research on gerrymandering

Eastern Connecticut State University senior Liam Hemingway, won a top prize at a national conference for his applied math research that looked for a way to draw unbiased congressional districts. In...

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

CREATE returns with lively display of student research and creativity

Undergraduate research and creativity were celebrated at the 2023 CREATE conference at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 21, where students presented posters, gave talks, exhibited...

Posted on May 03, 2023 by Cindy Weiss

Biology research finds faster way to germinate an endangered wildflower

A new method that shortens the germination time of an endangered New England wildflower is described in a paper to be published in the Native Plants Journal by Eastern Connecticut State University...

Posted on May 03, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Students present in Wisconsin at National Conference on Undergraduate Research

Eastern Connecticut State University sent eight students to the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire on April 13 to present their research findings at the National Conference for Undergraduate...

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Jack Jones

Education research looks at autistic toddlers’ social turn-taking

A new method for parents of autistic toddlers to encourage their children to take turns in social communications is the focus of an Eastern Connecticut State University research team in the Center...

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern biologists contribute to Tiny Earth’s search for antibiotics

The global search for new antibiotics is getting a boost from Eastern Connecticut State University through an effort known as “Tiny Earth,” a network of researchers uniting against...

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Biology students present at nation’s oldest undergraduate science conference

Four Eastern Connecticut State University biology students presented and won awards for their research at the 77th annual Eastern Colleges Science Conference, the oldest continuous scientific...

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

2 Eastern seniors win CSCU’s top undergraduate award
Barnard award goes to Emily Barata and Judith Arroyo Cervantes

Two seniors at Eastern Connecticut State University, Emily Barata of New Fairfield and Judith Ariana Arroyo Cervantes of Manchester, are recipients of the 2023 Henry Barnard Distinguished Student...

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Biologists publish method for aeroponic system to grow plants that aids researchers

A biology professor at Eastern Connecticut State University and three students who worked in his laboratory have published a research article in a peer-reviewed journal, “Plant...

Posted on April 05, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

EES faculty, students present at Geological Society of America meeting

Four Eastern Connecticut State University students and three faculty members from the Environmental Earth Science Department recently attended the Geological Society of America (GSA) Conference in...

Posted on April 04, 2023 by Molly Boucher

Psychology researchers present in Utah on parent-child relationships

Recently, Gianna DeSante and Cailey Fay, psychology majors at Eastern Connecticut State University, presented their own research at the Society for Research in Child Development Biennial Meeting....

Posted on April 04, 2023 by Noel Teter

Psychology department represents at annual EPA meeting

Several psychology students and faculty from Eastern Connecticut State University presented at the Eastern Psychological Association’s (EPA) annual meeting on March 2–4 in Boston, MA

Posted on March 30, 2023 by Noel Teter

Eastern graduate and CECE research assistant Stefanie Dominguez ’17 sits in front of the remote video recording technology she used to conduct research for her honors thesis.

Early childhood education videos reach 5 million YouTube views

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) reached a new milestone on March 23 when it passed 5 million views on its YouTube channel. The center is a...

Posted on March 23, 2023

Eastern senior takes directing and research skills to TheaterWorks, Hartford

A senior at Eastern Connecticut State University served as assistant director of a recent production at TheaterWorks, Hartford. Rebecca Ristow ’23, a theatre major with concentrations in...

Posted on March 07, 2023 by Noel Teter

Scorpion stinger could be source of new antibiotics
Discovery could aid in fight against antimicrobial resistance

New biology research at Eastern Connecticut State University has discovered that novel bacteria exist in the stingers of scorpions, a discovery that could help alleviate the global issue of...

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern archaeologist wins NSF grant to study medieval indigenous city of Cahokia

Sarah Baires, associate professor of anthropology at Eastern Connecticut State University, is the principal investigator on a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to conduct an...

Posted on December 22, 2022 by by Lucinda Weiss

Biochem student publishes 'cheminformatics' paper with mentor

Biochemistry major Djenerly Massena and her mentor, Professor Kedan He, researched a complex data problem on how to identify new designer drugs.

Posted on December 15, 2022 by by Lucinda Weiss

Student artist displays her Mental health inspired work

Eastern hosts COPLAC’s Northeast research conference

Eastern hosted the Northeast Regional Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Conference of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) on Oct. 28-29. The conference...

Posted on November 07, 2022 by Jack Jones

Study finds that treadmill desk use improves work performance

Eastern Connecticut State University Psychology Professor Jenna Scisco has completed compelling research that may impact the way people work from home in a post-COVID world. Titled...

Posted on October 25, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Inaugural conference makes Eastern the hub of cannabis research
Eastern announces new cannabis certification at NECREC

Cannabis cultivators, researchers and industry hopefuls visited Eastern Connecticut State University from Oct. 21-22 for the state’s first academic conference focused on cannabis research....

Posted on October 24, 2022 by Jack Jones

Eastern announces speakers, sponsors for Connecticut's first cannabis academic research conference

The first New England Cannabis Research and Education Conference (NECREC), hosted by Eastern Connecticut State University on Oct. 21-22, has announced its full roster of speakers and panel topics....

Posted on October 11, 2022 by Amanda Irwin

Biology students share summer internship experience

Dozens of biology students and faculty gathered in room 104 of the Dr. David G. Carter Science Building on Sept. 23 for an hour-long summer internship showcase. This first seminar event of the...

Posted on September 26, 2022 by Jack Jones

Pakdil and Beazoglou ’21 published in Journal of Healthcare Management

Eastern Connecticut State University Management Professor Fatma Pakdil and alumna Hannah Beazoglou ’21 have recently been published for their collaborative research titled “Monitoring...

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Elizabeth Bartoshevich completes her digital history project.

2 summer research fellows study digital history and computational chemistry

Two Eastern students spent their summer’s completing research fellowships under close faculty mentorship. Senior History major Elizabeth Bartoshevich continued a digital history project...

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Students participate in SRIs at Eastern.

Research institutes examine big data, political ideology and literary scholarship

Eastern hosted three Summer Research Institutes (SRIs) at the conclusion of summer break. Occurring from Aug. 22 – 26, the weeklong institutes engaged 29 students in the fields of English,...

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Biology student presents at plant bio conference in Oregon

Honors Biology major Megan Piechowicz presented at the recent American Society of Plant Biology (ASPB) conference in Portland, OR, from July 9 -13.

Posted on August 02, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

3 student papers awarded by Latin American and Caribbean Studies program
Papers investigate immigration and sexual diversity

The Latin American and Caribbean Studies program recognized three students in its 2022 annual Student Paper Awards. History major Max Turner ’22 won the top prize, whereas Sociology major...

Posted on July 26, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Bio researchers study little-known coral disease in The Bahamas

Biochemistry major Sydney DeNoncour accompanied Biology Professor Joshua Idjadi on a research trip in the Bahamas to study a rapidly spreading disease that is affecting Caribbean coral reefs....

Posted on July 20, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Harmony Zhao participates in Yale summer research project

Health Sciences major Harmony Zhao ’24 is participating in an eight-week project at Yale University’s Public Health Summer Research Program (SREEH). The National Institutes of Health...

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Student Amanda Ouk receives Honors Thesis award

Art major Amanda Ouk ’22 received the Phillip Elliot Award for writing an exceptional thesis for the University Honors Program. Ouk’s thesis demonstrated a higher order of thinking and...

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Noel Teter

Art major wins Eastern’s Library Research Award

Isabel Butterick ’21, of Willimantic, who majored in Art with a Studio Art concentration and a minor in Art History, has been named the recipient of this year’s annual J. Eugene Smith...

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

3 students co-author article on dual language learners

Three Eastern Connecticut State University students have co-authored an article with professor emeritus Jeffrey Trawick-Smith and Julia DeLapp, director of the Center for Early Childhood Education,...

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

History Department presents ‘Digital Windham’
Project captures Windham’s history online

The History Department at Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its grand opening presentation of “Digital Windham” on May 4 in Webb Hall. Digital Windham is the flagship project...

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Nancy Gonzalez presents on vaccine supply chains at regional conference

Health Sciences major Nancy Gonzalez ’22 presented research at the Northeast Decision Science Institute’s (NEDSI) 51st annual conference in Newark, NJ, on April 7–9. Representing...

Posted on May 03, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Barnard Scholars Nelson Javier Santos Ferrer and Natalie Devlin stand beside Eastern President Elsa Núñez and Todd Cooper, CSCSU board member and management program analyst with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

2 seniors receive Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award

Eastern Connecticut State University students Nelson Javier Santos Ferrer ’22 of Westfield, MA, and Natalie Devlin ’22 of Somers, CT, have been named recipients of the 2022 Henry...

Posted on April 29, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

8 Eastern students present at National Conference for Undergraduate Research

Eight Eastern Connecticut State University students are presenting their research virtually at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR) from April 4-8. Hosted annually by the...

Posted on April 06, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Student's research grant funds tobacco history documentary project

Eastern Connecticut State University sophomore Eugene Bertrand was awarded an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Project Grant by Eastern’s Provost and Undergraduate Research...

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Accounting major to present at 'Posters on the Hill'

Eastern Connecticut State University accounting major Tyler Wright has been selected to present at the annual “Posters on the Hill” conference. His research, titled “The Effect of...

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Psychology researchers present on parent-child relationships at NYC conference

Eastern Connecticut State University psychology majors Paulina Hernandez Galindo, Jordyn Powell, Meganlyn Delaney and Melissa Valenzuela, along with professor T. Caitlin Vasquez-O’Brien,...

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Psychology researchers present on daughter-parent mate preference

Eastern Connecticut State University psychology student Noelle Ciccarelli presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) convention on Feb. 18. Ciccarelli’s project was...

Posted on March 09, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Megan Piechowicz receives travel award to attend plant biology conference

Biology student Megan Piechowicz was awarded the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) travel award to attend the Worldwide Plant Biology Summit from July 9-13 in Portland, OR. While at the...

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Bobbi Brown

Kate Arildsen, a junior majoring in biology.

Biology major Kate Arildsen selected as Fulbright Canada research intern

Junior biology major Kate Arildsen has been selected as a research intern for the Fulbright Canada Mitacs Globalink Program. The program grants recipients up to $7,800 (Canadian) in funding and...

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Molly Boucher

Health sciences major Nancy Gonzalez named Pfizer research fellow

Health science major Nancy Gonzalez ’22 was recently named a fellow of the Pfizer Research and Development Rotation Program. After she graduates, Gonzalez will join more than 2,000 scientists...

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

2 biology research groups publish on camel spiders and endangered seabirds

Two alumni-faculty research groups from the Biology Department at Eastern Connecticut State University authored two peer-reviewed articles that were recently published in scientific journals. Jacob...

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

2 biology students present in plant biology conference

Eastern Connecticut State University biology students Kate Arildsen and Catrina Sullivan presented at the 85th Annual Meeting of the Northeastern Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists...

Posted on November 09, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Biology duo publishes on antifungal resistance and boxwood blight

Eastern Connecticut State University alumnus Stefanos Stravoravdis ’20, and his faculty mentor, biology professor Jonathan Hulvey, have had their research published in the International...

Posted on September 03, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Psychology faculty direct 6 research labs this fall

The faculty in Eastern Connecticut State University’s Psychological Science Department mentor undergraduate students in a range of research projects to provide hands-on application of...

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Psychology researchers look at vaccine hesitancy
Published article offers strategies to boost vaccination rates

A trio of researchers from the Psychological Science Department at Eastern Connecticut State University recently published a conceptual paper analyzing the behavior of “anti-vaxxers.”...

Posted on August 04, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Biology students present at plant biology world summit

Biology majors Kate Arildsen ’22 and Catrina Sullivan ’22 presented research to the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) during its 2021 Virtual Worldwide Summit held July 19-23.

Posted on August 03, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Connolly receives NASA space grant to breed micro tomatoes

Connolly is using funding from the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium to conduct a research project called “Building an Open Source Micro Tomato Breeding Collaborative for Space and...

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Biology student wins conference grant
Arildsen's research focuses on plant genetics

Kate Arildsen '22 of Mansfield has received a grant to present at the American Society of Plant Biologists' virtual conference July 19-23. Arildsen's research focuses on a novel...

Posted on July 02, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Library Research Awards recognize 4 Eastern student projects

Eastern Connecticut State University’s J. Eugene Smith Library recently announced the winners of its 9th annual Library Research Awards. This year’s awards recognize four exemplary...

Posted on June 08, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern's early childhood center wins 7th Telly Award
Video investigating play of dual-language learners wins bronze award

The Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) at Eastern Connecticut State University was recently awarded a “Telly Award” for one of its video productions. The video, “A Study...

Posted on June 03, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Students close spring 2021 with virtual show(s) of research

The annual array of collegiate research conferences took a virtual appearance this spring 2021 semester, but that didn’t stop Eastern Connecticut State University students from continuing to...

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Campus Briefs

Honors Program recognizes graduating members at Senior Reception; Cerra awarded at New England estuarine research conference; Mesagno hits walk-off grand slam to propel Warriors to LEC finals; and...

Posted on May 19, 2021

Campus Briefs

Zuzu Acrobats perform thrilling Kenyan acrobatics on campus; Baseball remains unanimous no. 1 in New England; Students and faculty awarded for research and mentorship at CREATE conference; Physical...

Posted on May 06, 2021

Olivia Anderson presents on climate change politics at Posters on the Hill

Eastern Connecticut State University student Olivia Anderson recently presented at the prestigious Posters on the Hill Conference on April 28.

Posted on May 05, 2021 by Molly Boucher

“Turn on the Light” by Karla Pacheco-Sahagun

21st CREATE conference available online
Virtual symposium showcases the best of student research and creativity

Eastern Connecticut State University’s 21st annual CREATE conference is being presented online for the second year in a row. CREATE stands for “Celebrating Research and Creative...

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

History students present at Phi Alpha Theta regional conference

Eastern Connecticut State University history students Claire Lavarreda ’21 and Allen Horn ’21 presented their research at a virtual conference of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor...

Posted on April 16, 2021

17 Eastern students present at virtual NCUR conference

Seventeen Eastern Connecticut State University students presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) from April 12–14. The event, which is the largest undergraduate...

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Gomez-Stafford and Beazoglou named 2020-21 Barnard Scholars
2 graduating seniors poised for careers in genetic counseling and healthcare management

Two graduating seniors from Eastern Connecticut State University are recipients of the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards this 2020-21 academic year. The award is the highest undergraduate...

Posted on April 08, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Political science students present at Pi Sigma Alpha national conference

Eastern Connecticut State University political science students Mary Greenwell ’21 and Trevor Mays ’22 recently attended the Eighth Annual Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Molly Boucher

Eastern’s child center celebrates 15 years of caring for Windham children

The Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC) at Eastern Connecticut State University is celebrating its 15th anniversary this February. Over the past 15 years, the on-campus preschool...

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern’s early childhood education center fills ‘virtual’ void for teacher prep programs

The Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) at Eastern Connecticut State University has emerged as an invaluable resource for the early childhood education field during the COVID-19 pandemic....

Posted on December 22, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

SLM students ponder WooSox relocation, win second place in COVID-19 problem-solving competition

A team of three sport and leisure management students at Eastern Connecticut State University won second place among 40 competitors at the Pioneer Institute Nichols College Case Competition, which...

Posted on December 07, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

'What Makes a Toy Good?'

Eastern released a short video on Dec. 3 describing the best toys for young children based on 10 years of research through the Center for Early Childhood Education's (CECE) renowned TIMPANI...

Posted on December 04, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern to host first virtual Northeast COPLAC conference

Eastern Connecticut State University will host the first-ever virtual meeting of the Northeast Regional Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Conference on Nov. 7. The event is...

Posted on November 05, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Recent graduate Allison Lundy's honors thesis accepted for publication

Allison Lundy ’20, a recent graduate who majored in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, has been notified that her honors thesis, “Effects of Active Outdoor Play on Preschool...

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

CREATE 2020 Comes Alive—Virtually

2020 is the 20th anniversary of Eastern Connecticut State University’s on-campus celebration of student research and creativity. CREATE stands for “Celebrate Research Excellence and...

Posted on May 07, 2020 by Ed Osborn

2 Eastern Seniors Win CSCU Henry Barnard Distinguished Awards

Eastern Connecticut State University students Stefanos Stravoravdis '20 of Colchester and Evelyn Lemus Silva '20 of Burnsville, NC, have been named recipients of the 2020 Henry Barnard...

Posted on April 07, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern Biology Major Awarded for Novel Scorpion Research

Christopher Shimwell ’20, a biology major at Eastern Connecticut State University, received an excellence award from the Eastern Colleges Science Conference (ECSC) for his manuscript titled...

Posted on April 07, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

10 Years of TIMPANI: Annual Study Investigates the Paradox of Play

For millennia, toys have elicited joy and laughter in children. They are also fundamental to a young child’s intellectual and social development. In this modern world of smart phones, smart...

Posted on February 01, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Stefanos Stravoravdis '20 and his mentor Biology Professor Jonathan Hulvey.

Biology Research Duo Publishes on Antifungal Resistance

New research into anti-fungal resistance, conducted by Eastern Connecticut State University student Stefanos Stravoravdis '20 of Colchester and mentored by Biology Professor Jonathan Hulvey,...

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Molly Boucher

Eastern Reveals 2019 TIMPANI Toy Study Results

Eastern Connecticut State University's Center for Early Childhood Education announced on Dec. 9 that "Family Counters" by Learning Resources has been named the 2019 TIMPANI (Toys...

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Julia DeLapp

History Students Present at Phi Alpha Theta Conference

Four Eastern Connecticut State University History majors presented their projects at the history honor society’s Phi Alpha Theta New England regional conference on Nov. 23. The Phi Alpha...

Posted on November 23, 2019 by Bobbi Brown

Eastern Receives Grant for New Physical Therapeutic Lab

Eastern Connecticut State University's Health Sciences Department has received a $74,303 grant from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) to construct a new...

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Bobbi Brown

Kim Diver of Wesleyan University presents her presentations titled "Spatiotemporal Patterns of Reported Black Bear Sighting in Connecticut, 2007-1019."

GIS Professionals Converge on Eastern for GIS Day

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day on Nov. 13. The event was held in the Student Center with approximately 140 attendees, including government...

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Molly Boucher

7 Students Present at COPLAC Conference in New Hampshire

Seven Eastern Connecticut State University students presented research projects at the Northeast regional conference for the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) on Nov. 8-9 at Keene...

Posted on November 12, 2019

Dymond Smith Participates in Yale Summer Research Experience

Health sciences major Dymond Smith ’22 participated in an eight-week research experience at Yale University this summer. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Summer Research...

Posted on September 09, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Psychology Researchers Publish on Human, Pigeon Suboptimal Choice

Eastern Connecticut State University Psychology Professor James Diller and recent graduate Malvina Pietrzykowski ’19 were published in Springer’s “Learning and Behavior...

Posted on September 06, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Sociology Professor Nicolas Simon and student Tara Nguyen presented at the annual Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction Conference this past August.

Student-Professor Duo Presents at Symbolic Interaction Conference

Eastern Connecticut State University Sociology Professor Nicolas Simon and student Tara Nguyen ’21 presented and organized a session at the 2019 annual Society for the Study of Symbolic...

Posted on August 27, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Rachael Finch Studies Endangered Birds in Buzzards Bay

Rachael Finch, a biology major at Eastern Connecticut State University, has spent the past five weeks working with the endangered birds in Massachusetts’ Buzzards Bay. As the recipient of an...

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Allison Lundy Wins National Student-Faculty Research Award

Eastern Connecticut State University student Allison Lundy ’19 was the sole recipient of the Council on Undergraduate Research’s (CUR) 2019 Education Division Student-Faculty...

Posted on June 20, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Research Institutes Help Young Students to Identify as Scholars

Summer vacation was delayed for four groups of Eastern students who immediately followed the end of the school year with intensive, week-long research programs on campus. From May 20–24, four...

Posted on June 06, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

2 Students Bring Eastern Research to the World Stage

Eastern Connecticut State University’s undergraduate research program gained stature this spring semester, as all three of its student applicants were accepted to present at the second annual...

Posted on June 06, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Demitra Kourtzidis poses for the camera.

Another Selection for Prestigious ‘Posters on the Hill’

Eastern Connecticut State University student Demitra Kourtzidis ’19 of East Hampton was one of two researchers from Connecticut who presented their projects at the highly selective Posters on...

Posted on May 09, 2019 by Jordan Corey

Biology Students Present at Annual ECSC Conference

Fourteen biology students from Eastern presented independent research at the 73rd Annual Eastern Colleges Science Conference (ECSC) on April 6 at Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY. The students...

Posted on May 02, 2019

43 student presenters pose for the camera.

43 Strong, Eastern Represents in Georgia at National Conference

Forty-three students from Eastern Connecticut State University traveled to Georgia on April 11-13 to present original research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). The 2019...

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

CREATE Conference Highlights Student Research, Art

Displays of research and creativity dominated the Eastern Connecticut State University campus on April 12 for the annual CREATE conference. CREATE stands for “Celebrating Research Excellence...

Posted on April 18, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Biology Students Study in Deserts of the Southwest

A group of Eastern students recently returned from the American Southwest after studying desert ecology in a global field course (GFC) with the biology department. The trip took place from March...

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Jordan Corey

Psychology Student-Professor Duo Co-Authors Research Paper

Eastern Connecticut State University alumna Kaylee DeFelice ’19 recently co-authored a paper with Psychology Professor James Diller titled “Intersectional Feminism and Behavior...

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Raven Dillon

Eastern Represents at American Historical Association Annual Meeting

Two students and three professors from Eastern Connecticut State University attended and presented research at the American Historical Association (AHA) annual meeting in Chicago, IL, from Jan....

Posted on January 10, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Announces Results of 2018 TIMPANI Toy Study

On Dec. 4, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Early Childhood Education announced that “Magz Clix” (previously known as “Bottle Clix”) by Magz® has...

Posted on December 04, 2018 by Ed Osborn

Eastern Holds Third Civic Action Conference

Eastern students have a reputation of service to community that goes back decades. But at the Third Annual Civic Action Conference on Nov. 14, it was demonstrated how much students actually learn...

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Dwight Bachman

Students Combat Antibiotic-Resistance Crisis via ‘Tiny Earth’

Eastern Connecticut State University is joining the push to mitigate one of the world’s most critical public health crises: antibiotic resistance. Through a new opportunity in the Biology...

Posted on November 09, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern COPLAC presenters with Environmental Earth Science Professor Stephen Nathan at SUNY-Geneseo.

Eastern Students Present at COPLAC Conference in New York

Eleven students from Eastern Connecticut State University presented their undergraduate research on Oct. 12–13 at the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) Northeast Regional...

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Jordan Corey

Biology Students Named ASPB Scholar, Present in Texas

Roshani Budhathoki ’19 and Jacob Dayton ’19 had big Octobers as biology students at Eastern Connecticut State University. Budhathoki was named a 2018-19 ASPB-Conviron Scholar by the...

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Raven Dillon

Researchers at Eastern Analyze the Baseball Pitch

Health sciences researchers at Eastern Connecticut State University analyzed the biomechanics of the baseball pitch this past weekend, using pitchers from Eastern’s own baseball team as study...

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Professors holds camel spider up to camera.

Eastern Receives Major NSF Grant to Study Camel Spiders

Eastern Connecticut State University is the recipient of a major grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund research on a little-known type of arachnid known as the camel spider. Led...

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Students pose for the camera in Costa Rica.

Eastern’s Tropical Biology Field Course Reaches Milestone

The sun was setting on Costa Rica. The air was thick with humidity and adrenaline. The rain was coming down, and Nicholas Kukla, a biology student at Eastern Connecticut State University, was about...

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Jordan Corey

Summer Fellowships Delve into Industrial Psych, Music Performance

Two Eastern students participated in Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity (UGRCA) Fellowships this summer, which are intensive research experiences on the Eastern campus that pair students with...

Posted on August 07, 2018 by Jordan Corey

South Dakota to Kentucky, Eastern Students Conduct NSF Research

Two Eastern Connecticut State University students have spent the summer working on National Science Foundation-sponsored research projects in Sioux Falls, SD, and Menifee County, KY.

Posted on August 03, 2018 by Jordan Corey

Using motion-capture technology, the student in the background is rendered as a 3D image on the computer.

Summer Research Institutes Expose Students to New Fields of Inquiry

Eastern Connecticut State University held three inaugural Summer Research Institutes from May 14–18 to engage promising and high-achieving students in intensive, week long research programs...

Posted on May 24, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Student Wins Fulbright Scholarship to Study in Indonesia

Eastern Connecticut State University student Adam Murphy ’18 has been awarded a Fulbright-Hays Scholarship to study Indonesian language in an intensive-language program in Salatiga,...

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Ed Osborn

Eastern Student is Connecticut’s only 2018 Goldwater Scholar

Eastern Connecticut State University student Jacob Dayton ’18, a biology major from Bolton, has been awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for undergraduates in STEM fields who intend...

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Ed Osborn

Eastern Professor Courtney Broscious, U.S. Representative Joseph Courtney and Tess Candler.

Eastern Student Presents at 'Posters on the Hill' in Washington, D.C.

Eastern Connecticut State University student Tess Candler ’18 of Ledyard was one of two researchers from Connecticut given the distinguished opportunity of presenting their projects at the...

Posted on April 20, 2018

Student presents at Eastern's CREATE Conference.

CREATE Conference Shows Breadth and Depth of Eastern Students

Displays of research and creativity filled the Student Center at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 13 for the annual CREATE conference.

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Christianne Senechal working in an Eastern lab

Eastern Students Assist in Biology Research Project

Undergraduate research and creative activities at Eastern Connecticut State University provide opportunities for students to work closely with faculty mentors on research or creative work.

Posted on March 07, 2018 by Anne Pappalardo

Record Number of Eastern Students Accepted at National Conference

A record-breaking 41 Eastern Connecticut State University students from a variety of disciplines have been selected to represent Eastern at the 2018 National Conference on Undergraduate Research...

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Jolene Potter

Eastern Student Presents Research

Jolene Potter ‘18 was one of two Eastern Connecticut State University students to present her research study as an oral presentation at Eastern’s Annual Psychological Science Afternoon...

Posted on December 01, 2017

Student Michael Beckstein ’18 with economics Professor Brendan Cunningham.

Student-Professor Duo Conducts NASA-Funded Satellite Research

Eastern Connecticut State University student Michael Beckstein ’18 joined Economics Professor Brendan Cunningham this summer to work on a research project titled “The Efficient Use of...

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Jordan Corey

2 Students Awarded Eastern Summer Fellowships

Eastern students Jolene Potter ’18 and Julie Leitao ’18 participated in Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity Fellowships this summer. Potter, a psychology major, prepared her...

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

2 Biology Students Complete NASA CT Summer Fellowships

Two Eastern biology students were among six undergraduate students from universities across Connecticut to receive fellowships from the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium this summer. Lauren...

Posted on August 05, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Students Complete NSF Research Experiences Across the Country

Two Eastern Connecticut State University students participated in Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) this summer. Mathematics major Haley...

Posted on August 02, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Award winners Malvina Pietrzykowski ’19, Kimberly Mines ’17 and Isabella Rossi ’17 with Eastern President Elsa Nunez

Three Students Win Library Research Awards

Three Eastern students were recognized at the sixth annual Library Research Awards at the conclusion of the 2016-17 academic year.

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Michael Rouleau

Kayla Giordano Presents Political Research on Capitol Hill

Eastern student Kayla Giordano '17 was among only 60 students from across the country to present at Posters on the Hill (POH), a highly competitive undergraduate research conference held...

Posted on May 05, 2017

Eastern Unveils 2016 TIMPANI Toy Study Results

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Early Childhood Education announced on Dec. 12 that “Plus-Plus®,” a toy made by the Danish company Plus-Plus®, has been...

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Early Childhood Education announced on Dec. 12 that “Plus-Plus®,” a toy made by the Danish company Plus-Plus®, has been named the 2016 TIMPANI (Toys that Inspire Mindful Play and Nurture Imagination)