Undergraduate Research Projects
Celebrating the PSEG Undergraduate Research Scholars for Environmental Justice
2026
The Stevens Center for Sustainability (SCS) successfully concluded the 2026 cohort of the PSEG Undergraduate Research Scholars for Environmental Justice. Now in its third year, the 10-week summer program brought together seven undergraduate scholars to conduct interdisciplinary, faculty-mentored research focused on sustainability and environmental justice. Through hands-on research, professional development, and collaboration, scholars strengthened their skills while exploring real-world challenges affecting communities in New Jersey and beyond.
The 2026 cohort included Alvaro Quequejana, Anna McHugh, Anthony Palanti, August Rose, Justin Safner, Owen Eriksson, and Sophia Boufadel, representing institutions including Stevens Institute of Technology and Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Their work was supported by faculty and research mentors Jae Chul Kim, Samantha Muka, Yi Bao, Jia Mi, Mehmet Hecan, Arion Cheong, and Hani Nassif, bringing together expertise across engineering, environmental science, policy, economics, and data-driven research.
Funded by the PSEG Foundation and coordinated by SCS, the program provides paid summer research opportunities for undergraduate students whose work addresses sustainability and environmental justice challenges.
Scholars work closely with faculty mentors while gaining experience in research, critical thinking, community engagement, and sustainability-focused problem-solving across the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
During the summer, the 2026 scholars explored topics including clean energy storage, sustainable construction materials, wave-powered marine technologies, ethnic food systems, infrastructure investment, and ESG analytics. Viewed through an environmental justice lens, their projects examined how sustainability, health, energy access, infrastructure, and economic opportunity intersect in communities facing disproportionate environmental and social challenges. Together, the projects demonstrated how engineering, environmental science, public policy, economics, and data science can contribute to more sustainable, resilient, and community-centered solutions.
Meet the 2026 PSEG Scholars and Their Research Projects
Innovative Cathode Material for Potassium-Ion Batteries
Alvaro Quequejana
NJIT
Innovative Cathode Material for Potassium-Ion Batteries
Alvaro researched a new cathode material for potassium-ion batteries as a lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion batteries. His findings showed potential structural changes and smaller particle sizes that could improve battery performance, helping support affordable energy storage and reduce air pollution in New Jersey communities.
Advisor: Dr. Jae Chul Kim
Reconciling ESG Scores with Attention-based Graph Neural Network
Owen Eriksson
NJIT
Reconciling ESG Scores with Attention-based Graph Neural Networks
Owen researched how artificial intelligence can help create more consistent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores across different rating providers. Using a Graph Neural Network, he analyzed data from over 39,000 firms to predict ESG ratings and identify important factors influencing them. His findings showed that the model was especially effective for companies with limited historical data. He also developed an interactive dashboard to display ESG scores and help improve corporate transparency and accountability.
Advisor: Professor Arion Cheong
Counting Benefits and Missing Burdens: Federal Infrastructure Investment and Environmental Justice Communities in New Jersey
Justin P. Safner
NJIT
Counting Benefits and Missing Burdens: Federal Infrastructure Investment and Environmental Justice Communities in New Jersey
Justin examined how federal infrastructure funding affects environmental justice communities across New Jersey. Using geographic data and an analysis of infrastructure projects, he evaluated how funding benefits and local burdens are distributed. His findings showed that while 54% of the $2.17 billion in federal grants went toward projects in environmental justice communities, lower-income neighborhoods were more likely to experience projects with concentrated local costs. His research highlights the importance of considering both benefits and burdens when planning infrastructure investments.
Advisor: Dr. Mehmet Hecan, Princeton University
Advancements in a Wave Energy Powered Docking and Charging System for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
August Rose
NJIT
Advancements in a Wave Energy Powered Docking and Charging System for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
August researched ways to improve docking and charging systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) using wave energy. She designed and tested a mechanical docking station to help underwater vehicles dock more successfully in moving water. Her findings showed that greater underwater depth and a 90-degree docking claw angle improved docking success. This research could support environmental monitoring, flood prediction, and efforts to reduce pollution in communities such as Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Advisor: Dr. Jia Mi | PhD Student Mentor: Kaiqi Zhao
The Environmental Impacts of Ethnic Grocery Stores & Their Role in Overburdened Communities
Anna McHugh
NJIT
The Environmental Impacts of Ethnic Grocery Stores & Their Role in Overburdened Communities
Anna researched the environmental impacts of ethnic grocery stores and their role in providing culturally relevant food to overburdened communities. She compared H Mart and ShopRite in Edison, New Jersey, examining produce and seafood selections, product origins, and potential environmental impacts. Her findings showed that H Mart offered more diverse food options, while both stores had similar domestic and imported product sourcing patterns. Her research highlights the importance of food accessibility, cultural diversity, and greater transparency in grocery store supply chains.
Advisor: Dr. Samantha Muka, Stevens Institute of Technology
Fly Ash: Use in Concrete, Impact on Climate Change and Vulnerable Communities
Sophia Boufadel
NJIT
Fly Ash: Use in Concrete, Impact on Climate Change and Vulnerable Communities
Sophia researched how fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power generation, can be used in concrete to reduce carbon emissions and improve infrastructure durability. Her report examined the environmental benefits of replacing traditional cement with fly ash, including longer-lasting structures and lower maintenance costs. She also analyzed groundwater contamination risks associated with fly ash disposal and how these risks affect vulnerable communities. Her findings highlight the potential for more sustainable construction while emphasizing the importance of protecting communities from industrial pollution.
Advisor: Dr. Hani Nassif
AI-Assisted Development of Sustainable Concrete Using Recycled Materials
Anthony Palanti
NJIT
AI-Assisted Development of Sustainable Concrete Using Recycled Materials
Anthony researched how artificial intelligence can help develop more sustainable concrete using recycled construction materials, biochar, and polypropylene. He developed a machine learning model to identify promising concrete mixtures and tested their strength and environmental impact. His findings showed that recycled materials could reduce embodied carbon by up to 90.8% while maintaining structural strength of at least 30 MPa. His research highlights the potential of AI to reduce construction waste and support more sustainable infrastructure.
Advisor: Professor Yi Bao
2025
Meet the 2025 PSEG Scholars and Their Research Projects
Mapping New Jersey’s Green Future
Julia Navarro
NJIT
Mapping New Jersey’s Green Future: A Green Infrastructure and Threat Assessment of Environmental Justice Communities
Julia used GIS tools to assess how equitably green infrastructure is distributed across New Jersey. Her findings revealed gaps in tree canopy, open space, and storm-water systems that leave overburdened communities more vulnerable to flooding and heat.
Advisor: Dr. Enrique Nuñez
Methylome Signatures of PFOS Exposure in Cultured Fallopian Tube Cells
Rohan Sarkar
Cornell University
Methylome Signatures of PFOS Exposure in Cultured Fallopian Tube Cells
Rohan explored how PFOS—one of the “forever chemicals” found in industrial waste—changes DNA methylation patterns. His molecular-level results strengthen understanding of chemical exposure risks for environmental justice communities.
Advisor: Dr. Benjamin Tycko
Photodetector Performance of Iron-Doped MoS₂-Based Field-Effect...
Maribeth Suganuma
Stevens Institute of Technology
Photodetector Performance of Iron-Doped MoS₂-Based Field-Effect Transistor Devices
Maribeth designed and tested iron-doped MoS₂ sensors that detect harmful gases with high sensitivity and low power use—technology that can improve real-time air-quality monitoring in densely populated areas.
Advisor: Dr. Eui-Hyeok Yang and Mengqi Fang
Understanding Slow Violence in New Jersey Superfund Communities
Justin Koizumi
Stevens Institute of Technology
Understanding Slow Violence in New Jersey Superfund Communities
Justin applied the theory of “slow violence” to three Superfund sites—the Passaic River, Raritan Bay, and Lower Hackensack River—to reveal how long-term industrial pollution affects health and policy. He recommends stronger accountability and funding for cleanup efforts.
Advisor: Dr. Samantha Muka
Examining Food Safety Equity Across Environmental Justice Communities...
Deanna Gaber
Stevens Institute of Technology
Examining Food Safety Equity Across Environmental Justice Communities in New York City
Deanna’s study of NYC restaurant data showed that restaurants in environmental justice areas have nearly 7 percent more violations than those in wealthier neighborhoods. She advocates for targeted financial support to improve food safety equity.
Advisor: Dr. Arion Cheong
Interactions Between Micro/Nanoplastics and Soil Media...
Giana Gont
Barnard College of Columbia University
Interactions Between Micro/Nanoplastics and Soil Media: Characterization, Transport, and Implications for Public Health
Giana’s column tests showed that sandy soils allow microplastics to travel deeper into groundwater, raising contamination risks for rural communities. Her research calls for new filtration technologies and regulatory protections.
Advisor: Dr. Michel Boufadel, Dr. Viravid Na Nagara, and Abdul Doughan
AquaEmpower: Marine Energy-Powered Offshore Aquaculture System AquaEmpower: Marine Energy-Powered Offshore Aquaculture System
Emily Lossman
Stevens Institute of Technology
AquaEmpower: Marine Energy-Powered Offshore Aquaculture System
Emily developed a wave-powered seaweed farm that quadruples biomass growth while creating green jobs in coastal communities. Her depth-cycling design shows how renewable marine energy can support both economic and environmental resilience.
Advisor: Dr. Jia Mi
2024
Below are the projects from 2024:
In-pipe Hydropower
Project name
In-pipe Hydropower
Description
This research explored the feasibility of using water turbines in place of pressure valves in pressurized pipe systems to convert wasted energy into electricity. Several existing patents that describe various approaches to converting in-pipe pressure to electricity were reviewed, to identify alternate approaches to capturing energy. Prototypes were designed and scaled up for production via 3D printing.
Team member(s)
Harrison Hinojosa – Senior, Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology
Advisor(s)
Dr. Chang-Hwan Choi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Methods Through Direct Air Capture (DAC)
Project name
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Methods Through Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Their Socioeconomic Implications
Description
The objective of this study was to examine the socioeconomic implications of Carbon Dioxide Removal and Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, emphasizing how these technologies are perceived by various communities, their impact on institutions, and the potential benefits and challenges they present.
Team member(s)
Babajide Gbadamosi, sophomore, Computer Engineering, Duke University (formerly at Stevens)
Advisor(s)
Dr. Mohammad Ilbeigi, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology
Exploring Synergies Between NJ Regional Resilience Adaptation Action Plans
Project name
Exploring Synergies Between New Jersey Regional Resilience Adaptation Action Plans (RRAAP), Engineering Students Capstone Projects, and Environmental Justice and Equity
Description
Research was focused on determining to what extent the actions outlined in the Resilient NJ Regional Resilience and Adaptation Action Plans facilitate engineering students in aiding environmental justice communities through senior design, capstone, or thesis projects. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), was used as a metric for communities’ need for environmental justice.
Team member(s)
Cora Scolaro, senior, Naval Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology
Advisor(s)
Dr. Jon Miller, Senior Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology
Enhancing the Resilience of Communities by Addressing Environmental...
Project name
Enhancing the Resilience of Communities by Addressing Environmental Challenges in Public Lakes
Description
The project included identification of major pollutant sources such as phosphorus and microplastics, and the development of targeted management practices to mitigate these issues. The ARez framework was applied to assess community resilience, highlighting areas of strength and vulnerability, and guiding policy recommendations.
Team member(s)
Mark Achkar, sophomore, Biology, George Washington University
Advisor(s)
Dr. Michel Boufadel, Distinguished Professor and Director at Center for Natural Resources, NJIT
Developing a Green Map to Highlight Local Businesses in Newark
Project name
Developing a Green Map to Highlight Local Businesses in Newark
Description
The objective of the project was to examine and document a method for constructing a “green map”, highlighting small and local businesses and organizations in Newark using Geographic Information System (GIS)-based tools.
Team member(s)
Ayanna Snowden, sophomore, Environmental Studies, Yale University
Advisor(s)
Dr. Prabhakar Shrestha, Assistant Director of Sustainability, NJIT
Analytical Study of the Challenges Faced by NJ Underprivileged Communities
Project name
An Analytical Study of the Challenges Faced by Underprivileged Communities in New Jersey: Insights from Social Media Expressions
Description
By analyzing social media and news article content from general online sources using large language models, this team used sentiment analysis to identify negative-toned articles in more than 350 communities. By identifying and analyzing these issues, the research provides valuable insights that can help guide policymakers, community leaders, and social organizations in making informed decisions and intervention procedures for socially negative behavior.
Team member(s)
Tina Nosrati, Junior, Computer Science, Ramapo College of New Jersey
Advisor(s)
Dr. Arion Cheong, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Stevens Institute of Technology
Achieving Environmental Equity: An Analysis of NJ Environmental Justice Law
Project name
Achieving Environmental Equity: An Analysis of New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law
Description
This research examined the effects on overburdened communities (OBCs) of New Jersey’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Law, passed in 2020 and implemented in 2023, which requires permit applicants for eight types of facilities “to consider the relative environmental and public health stressors affecting the host overburdened community and seek, in the first instance, to avoid a disproportionate impact”. The project used data from NJ DEP to examine the levels of 20 stressors in OBCs and non-OBCs before and after the passage of the EJ law to determine if the law was effective in reducing stressors on OBCs.
Team member(s)
Aamir Jamil, Sophomore, Government and Philosophy, with a minor in Spanish, Georgetown University
Advisor(s)
Dr. Enrique Nuñez, Professor of Business, Ramapo College of New Jersey
