Matthew R. Marcello, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology (NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences). Prior to joining the faculty at Pace, Prof. Marcello was a National Institutes of Health Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards (IRACDA) Postdoctoral Fellow at Rutgers University, and earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Johns Hopkins University. Prof. Marcello leads a laboratory group of undergraduate and masters-level students that is focused on understanding the molecular basis of sperm-egg interactions using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. His lab also works with to understand the genetic causes of infertility by evaluating the function of gene mutations in human patient populations. Earlier this year, he published an article titled “Utilizing C. elegans Spermatogenesis and Fertilization Mutants as a Model for Human Disease” in the Journal of Developmental Biology with two Pace University undergraduate students as co-authors.  He also was a co-author (along with another Pace undergraduate) on an article published in the journal Current Biology titled “The EGF-motif-containing protein SPE-36 is a secreted sperm protein required for fertilization in C. elegans.” This work described one of the first secreted molecules to be identified as being necessary for sperm-egg fusion. In addition to his lab work, Prof. Marcello conducts biology education research to determine effective teaching strategies and is the Assistant Project Director of the Pace University Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). As part of his work with the CSTEP program, he has recently co-authored an article with Elmer R. Mojica, PhD and Brian Evans, PhD titled “Collegiate Science and Technology Program (CSTEP) STEM student engagement for underrepresented students” that is in press with the Journal on Excellence in College Teaching. Finally, Prof. Marcello was the recipient of the Kenan Award for Teaching Excellence in 2022.

Laurice (Lauri) Nemetz, MA, BC-DMT, E-RYT500, LCAT, C-IAYT, is an adjunct professor in the Lienhard School of Nursing (College of Health Professions and Pforzheimer Honors College, PLV), teaching both yoga and myofascial anatomy. She is currently working on her PhD in Contemporary Human Anatomy Education through the EVMS Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Her scholarly focus is on visual rhetoric (or how images make meaning) related to anatomical understanding, and she also presents frequently on movement and environmental space. She recently published a pivotal paper with a group of leading anatomists entitled Towards a comprehensive definition of the human fascial system in the Journal of Anatomy (Jan. 2025). Her book, The Myofascial System in Form and Movement, was translated into Korean and is available in the original English with an educator discount (NEMETZ15) or via mainstream booksellers. Professor Nemetz also has two chapters in the 2nd edition (2025) of Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications and is a contributor in The Anatomy of Yoga Coloring Book. She has presented as part of oral symposia at Anatomy Connected, part of the American Association for Anatomy, and will be a presenter on yoga and anatomy at the Berkshire Yoga Festival. She will also be a dissector and presenter at the physician/physical therapist-focused C3 conference. 

Terence Hines, PhD (Psychology, PLV, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences) published The Psychology and Science of Pseudoscience (Bloomsbury / Roman and Littlefied). This book provides a comprehensive review of numerous areas of pseudoscience and related pathological science. It not only describes the factual bases for rejecting pseudoscientific claims, but also emphasizes the psychological processes that lead to the acceptance of such claims. This book is timely, given the increase in misinformation over the past decade.

Using three principles of cognitive psychology, this book helps explain why people are hard-wired to accept and continue to believe in pseudoscientific claims. It provides up-to-date discussions of numerous paranormal and pseudoscientific topics, including the usual suspects—UFOs and alien abductions, astrology, cryptozoology, and more—but also belief in conspiracy theories, laboratory parapsychology, bogus forensic science techniques, the pseudopsychologies of Freud, alternative medicine, and the unethical practices of Big Pharma. Older research that was foundational in the critical examination of several topics is woven throughout to situate them in a historical context.

Terence Hines has been a professor of psychology at Pace University since 1981 and is an adjunct professor of neurology at New York Medical College. After graduate school he had a one-year post-doctorate position at the Boston Veteran’s Administration studying the cognitive effects of normal aging. Following that he moved to the Neurology Department of the Cornell University Medical School for two years, doing research on split brain individuals and Parkinson’s disease. His major research interests include bilingual memory, representation of number in memory, and the causes of belief in things paranormal.

Maria Iacullo Bird, PhD (Assistant Provost for Research and Clinical Professor of History, NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences) is the 2024-2025 President of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). CUR is the leading organization dedicated to undergraduate research in the US and has significant global influence.

Prof. Iacullo-Bird was the invited guest speaker on March 5 in London at Posters in Parliament organized by the British Conference of Undergraduate Research. In her remarks, she framed a call to action in the context of newly frayed alliances and humanitarian funding losses. She proposed that the growing collaborative connections of the global undergraduate research network develop opportunities for soft diplomacy across nations to do good in the world. 

Prof. Iacullo-Bird was a featured plenary speaker at CUR’s National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). NCUR was held in Pittsburgh, PA on April 7-9, and was the second largest ever held with 4,600 registrants that included 3,100 student presenters, and among them was an eight-member Pace student team.

Professor Iacullo-Bird’s NCUR plenary address featured a three-part call to action. She began by urging attendees to advocate for the vital importance of all fields of research. Next, she asked student researchers to contribute to CUR’s advocacy for undergraduate research by sharing stories of both their research achievements, and challenges due to cancelled funding. Her third action item emphasized actively supporting each other during this uncertain time, to be resilient, creative, and adaptive, and that students remain focused on their career goals.

Congratulations to the Pace NCUR 2025 student team!

• Morgan Amos (Dyson | Biochemistry); Faculty Mentor: Karen Caldwell, PhD
• Omari Brockington (Seidenberg School of CSIS | Computer Science; Dyson | Economics ); Faculty Mentor: Sam Baruch, PhD
• Molly Dunne (Dyson | English Language and Literature); Faculty Mentor: Sid Ray, PhD
• Janet Gerges (Dyson | English Language and Literature); Faculty mentor: Eugene Richie, PhD
• Emilia Gillen (Dyson | English Language and Literature); Faculty Mentor: Sid Ray, PhD
• Brooke Hunsinger (Dyson | Computational Economics); Faculty Mentor: Eric Osborne, PhD
• Thomas Karintholil (Seidenberg School of CSIS | Computer Science );  Faculty Mentor: Tom Schmidt. PhD                                                                                   
• Natalie Rodrigues (Dyson | Chemistry); Faculty Mentor: Elmer-Rico Mojica, PhD

Faculty and students in the Department of Public Administration presented their research at the national American Society for Public Administration Conference in Washington, D.C. which took place between March 28th and April 1st. This year's conference theme: "Not Robots Yet: Keeping Public Servants in Public Service" brought together more than 1,200 public service practitioners, scholars, faculty, students and advocates to discuss pressing public service issues.

Rajni Jaiswal, MPA Student, and Gina Scutelnicu-Todoran, PhD (MPA, NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences)  were recognized with prestigious awards. Rajni Jaiswal was awarded the 2025 Section on Professional and Organizational Development and the Section for Women in Public Administration scholarship awards which are highly competitive achievements awarded to graduate and doctoral students who present their research at the conference. Prof. Scutelnicu-Todoran received the 2025 Rita Mae Kelly Distinguished Research Award for her research contributions to gender-related issues that have a significant impact on women’s roles in public administration and their lives.

More details about these awards can be found on page 14 of this brochure.

Pace Biology students have now had an unbroken tradition of winning awards at National and Regional Conferences for over three years in a row.

At the Eastern Colleges Science Conference held March 30th at Wilkes University, three Pace Biology students won best poster awards, each in their own category:

Ellen Haverstick won best poster in the category of Biochemistry with her work on "Characterization of a Novel Mutation in Coagulation Factor X".

James Hill won best poster in the category of Genetics/Molecular Biology, with his research entitled "Transcriptomic Analyses of Thermally Stressed Montipora capricornis and Symbiodinium sp. Uncovers Novel Pathways Associated with Coral Bleaching", conducted with Jeanmaire Molina, PhD. 

Samara Durgadin won best poster in the category of Botany, with her work "Melatonin Inhibits Circumnutation in Arabidopsis thaliana", conducted with Eric Brenner, PhD.

At the 18th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, held at William Paterson University on April 12th, Jazmin Contreras, working with Eric Brenner, PhD, won 1st place in the category of Physiology, Behavior & Toxicology. Her work was entitled "The effect of Electrical Stimulation on Circumnutation of Arabidopsis thaliana Shoots."

Ana B. Amaya, DrPH, MPH (Health Sciences, NYC, College of Health Professions) was recently invited to join the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 Expert Group convened by the United Nations, World Health Organization and the United Nations Population Fund. The recommendations from this expert group will contribute to the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development where member states will discuss the way forward on the goals and SDG3 will undergo an in-depth review. Findings from the first meeting are available here.



Professor Amaya also co-authored a paper in the Lancet Global Health 13.3 (2025) titled “Establishing the value of regional cooperation and a critical role for regional organisations in managing future health emergencies.” In this paper, Prof. Amaya and her co-authors identified enablers and barriers to regional cooperation during health emergencies by analyzing how these institutions responded to the COVID-19 pandemic

Elmer-Rico E. Mojica, PhD (Chemistry and Physical Sciences, NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences) coauthored with Pace students a paper titled “Understanding Tetracycline-Nanoceramic Interactions: A Study Using UV-Vis, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, and HPLC,” published in Trends in Sciences 22.5 (2025). This study examines how commercial nanoceramics interact with common antibiotics found in the environment. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the research found that ZnO, Al₂O₃, and TiO₂ effectively adsorb tetracycline antibiotics such as oxytetracycline and doxycycline, with over 80% removal efficiency in some cases. SiO₂ exhibited weaker adsorption but appeared to influence antibiotic stability. The study offers valuable insights into the use of nanomaterials for wastewater treatment. The students involved in the study are Hillary Jufer (MS Environmental Science), Alfredo Dumalsen (Biochemistry), and Hunter Tonn (Chemistry).

Ali Motamedi, PhD (Computer Science & Digital Communications, NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences) is currently leading a collaborative project focused on developing an evolving digital book. The initiative –"Evolving Digital Book: Beyond Script, System, and Self”– is supported by the Wilson Center and is an ongoing creative research initiative involving five graduate students in a collaborative exploration of collective authorship, AI, and digital storytelling. Together, they are developing a dynamic digital book that evolves over time, transforming written contributions—ranging from personal reflections to fictional fragments—into new, asemic, and unexpected forms using some of the most advanced natural language processing (NLP) models available today. The project invites dialogue around personal identity, shared narrative, and the evolving nature of language in the age of generative AI.

Dean Emerita and Professor Michelle S. Simon, JD has been named the recipient of Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s 2025 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes that outstanding pedagogy occurs in a variety of settings at the Law School—it can be found in courses of all sizes and types, in teachers with diverse styles, and across subject matters. Each spring, the Faculty Development Committee selects as a recipient of the award a member of the tenured or tenure-track faculty or a visiting professor with a contract longer than one year in duration. The award typically is based on the faculty member’s teaching during the current academic year. Katrina Fischer Kuh, JD, chair of the Faculty Development Committee, remarked: “Year after year, Dean Emerita and Director of Legal Skills, Professor Michelle Simon, makes important contributions to the development of our Legal Skills curriculum. In an ever-evolving world, Professor Simon demonstrates a willingness and capacity to experiment with and refine new approaches to scheduling and the use of technology to accommodate the diverse needs of our school and students. Professor Simon recognizes that evolving with and prioritizing our students is tantamount to the success of all; she is very much beloved by both her students and colleagues at Haub Law.”

The Pace Law Review has published a Festschrift in honor of Professor Vanessa Merton featuring tributes and remembrances by faculty colleagues, former students, family, and more. The journal issue is a tribute to the late Professor Vanessa Merton who passed away on July 15, 2024. Professor Vanessa Merton began her legal education career at New York University School of Law, and was a founding faculty member of CUNY Law School, and a Mellon and National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow. She joined Haub Law’s faculty in 1989 and served as Associate Dean for Clinical Education and Executive Director of John Jay Legal Services, while creating and teaching clinics in Access to Health Care and Prosecution of Domestic Violence, and innovative programs aimed at providing legal services to those in need. In 2005, Professor Merton founded the Pace Immigration Justice Clinic and served as its Executive Director until early 2024. In this role she was a steadfast advocate for her clients and a role model for Haub Law students — providing representation on applications for asylum or family-based status, in removal proceedings at state and federal detention facilities, and on petitions for crime victims and juvenile immigrants. She assisted travelers detained at airports under the 2017 Trump Executive Orders, spent spring breaks volunteering at immigrant detention centers on the southern border, and established a 200-student emergency operation to assist people affected by 9/11. She was also a passionate advocate for protecting the rights of all American voters. Professor Merton passed away on July 15, 2024, and is fondly remembered as a teacher and mentor to generations of Haub Law students, many of whom she inspired to pursue careers in immigration justice or as public interest lawyers.

Melvin Williams, PhD (Communication and Media Studies, NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences) was quoted in the a March 2024, USA Today article entitled, "The Trump Signal leak, that cringey ‘fire’ emoji and the perils of large group chats." Professor Williams is the sole expert cited in the article.

Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) in Business – Program Summary

The DPS in Business at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business is a pioneering, AACSB-accredited executive doctoral program designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their expertise, enhance their analytical capabilities, and transition into high-level consulting or academic careers. Established in 1972, it is one of the original programs of its kind.

This rigorous 57-credit program includes advanced coursework in Finance, Management, or Marketing, with 12 credits dedicated to a doctoral dissertation. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical application, offering foundation courses, specialized concentration courses, and research methods training. Courses are delivered through a hybrid format combining in-person seminars and online learning, enabling students to maintain full-time employment.

The program promotes a collaborative cohort model that fosters networking and peer support, and is supported by distinguished faculty with both academic credentials and industry experience. Graduates of the DPS program emerge as thought leaders ready to solve complex business problems, advance in executive roles, or transition into academia.

Doctoral Student Spotlight

Emil Mathew, MBA, is a 5th-year Doctoral Candidate in Finance at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business with a professional background that blends corporate leadership with academic engagement. With a focus on applied finance and market-based learning, his research and academic interests include portfolio management, behavioral finance, financial planning, fixed income strategies, and macroeconomic policy.

Emil has played a key role in enriching the student experience at Pace through initiatives such as the Tri-State University Investment Competition, which he founded and hosts to foster cross-campus collaboration and real-time investment analysis. He also created the Alpha Seekers Invitational, a multi-university trading competition that challenges students to build and manage portfolios under real market conditions. Emil actively serves as a faculty advisor to student investment teams and enjoys mentoring peers in areas such as equity research, economic outlooks, and trading strategy.

Before entering the doctoral program, Emil held senior roles at major financial institutions, including Bank of America, where he served as Senior Vice President/Director. His executive experience also includes serving as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Director of Finance, leading strategic transformation, budgeting, and financial forecasting efforts across global teams.

His technical expertise spans platforms such as Bloomberg, SAP, Hyperion, Tableau, and Salesforce, and he holds certifications in Bloomberg Market Concepts, ESG Investing, and Finance Fundamentals.

In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Emil is committed to giving back—regularly hosting guest speakers, organizing simulation-based learning sessions, and volunteering within his community. Outside of work and research, he enjoys coaching youth sports, reading, and building intricate LEGO creations.

Innovative Solutions to Contemporary Challenges: Scholarly Creativity in the Service of Humanity

Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. 

In a world increasingly shaped by complex global challenges—ranging from political turmoil and war to natural and human-made disasters—there is a pressing need for innovative and creative solutions. This conference will explore the vital role that science, art, and creativity play in addressing these challenges, with a focus on promoting justice, equity, and inclusion on a global scale. Held at Pace University’s downtown campus near the World Trade Center, this event will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading thinkers, scholars, and practitioners from diverse fields as we delve into globalization and the perspectives of the majority world—those regions often underrepresented in global discourse. Join us as we explore how science and art can work hand in hand to craft innovative solutions that benefit humanity.  

Register for the Conference

Conference Objectives

• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars, practitioners, and creative professionals across various disciplines to promote innovative approaches to addressing contemporary challenges
• Promote research and innovation at Pace University by facilitating a space where faculty and graduate students can present their research and get inspired by the work being done within the university
• Engage in critical discussions on globalization, equity, and contemporary social challenges and explore how various fields can be leveraged to create more equitable solutions that benefit the majority world

Conference Tracks

• Community Engagement (Co-chairs: Rebecca Tekula, PhD (Wilson Center, MPA, NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and Garrett FitzGerald, PhD (Peace and Justice Studies Program, NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences))
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration (Chair: Erica Johnson, PhD (English, NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences))
• Pedagogy and Creativity (Chair: Julia Eisenberg, PhD (Management and Management Science, PLV, Lubin School of Business))
• Health and Healthcare Innovations (Co-Chairs: John Damiao, PhD (Occupational Therapy. PLV, College of Health Professions) and Joshua Mendelsohn, PhD (Public Health, NYC College of Health Professions)
• Technology and Humanity (Chair: Jessica Magaldi, JD, Legal Studies and Taxation, NYC, Lubin School of Business))
• Graduate Student Submission (Chair: Christopher-John Godfrey, PhD (Psychology, NYC, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences) and Sharon Wexler, PhD (PhD in Nursing, PLV, College of Health Professions))

Conference Timeline

• 8:30 a.m.–9:50 a.m. Breakfast & Opening Remarks (Bianco Room, 15 Beekman)
• 10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions (1 Pace Plaza and 15 Beekman)
• 11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions (1 Pace Plaza and 15 Beekman)
• 12:00 p.m.–1:20 p.m. Lunch and Keynote Presentation (Bianco Room)
• 1:30 p.m.–2:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions (1 Pace Plaza)
• 2:30 p.m.–3:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions (1 Pace Plaza)
• 3:00 p.m.–4:45 p.m. Poster Session Presentations (Bianco Room, 15 Beekman)
• 3:30 p.m.–4:45 p.m. Networking Reception, Book Display, and Poster Viewing (Bianco Room)

See the conference program

JOIN THE PACE TEAM FOR SUSAN G. KOMEN “RACE” (WALK) FOR THE CURE!

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 3 women will develop breast cancer in their lives. So why not advance research toward a cure and join Pace for our 35^th year of participating in the Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Sunday, September 7 in Central Park, NYC?

Registration is now open! Pace has proudly held the title of the largest college/university team at the Race for the Cure the past 3 ½ decades. REGISTER NOW and join us to keep this tradition on Race Day Note…this is a race for the actual cure…not an actual race; It’s a group walk!!! If you can’t attend in person, you can still register and donate to support the cause! Every step, every voice, and every contribution matters. Walk in solidarity—whether in person or virtually from wherever you are! Questions?

Contact us at wellness@pace.edu

FREE BRAIN FITNESS APP FOR PACE COMMUNITY

According to the World Health Organization, brain health is the “state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral and motor domains, allowing a person to realize their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.” As part of our partnership with MCN, Pace has a unique opportunity to promote brain health by participating in the roll-out of a brand-new brain fitness app created by neuroscientists at Harvard and University of Texas Brain Health Center! Xponetiq helps sharpen one’s focus; decrease stress and anxiety levels; strengthen productivity; AND improve sleep. Download Xponetiq, a FREE brain health app in the App Store to get started! (Note: It works best with iPhone 12 & newer.) There’s even a raffle for the Pace community only that you can enter for up to $500 for those who use it!

Questions? Want to participate in an upcoming info session on it?

Contact Sue Maxam, Ed.D., at Wellness@pace.edu

Spring 2025 Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Day

Thursday, May 1, 2025 | New York City Campus | In-Person Poster Session

The Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Day on May 1 (NYC) will showcase undergraduates from across the schools and colleges who have engaged in faculty-mentored research and creative inquiry during the academic year. Students will present scholarly or artistic/creative work as part of a course-based research (or creative inquiry) assignment; award program; co-curricular project; or in fulfillment of their Senior Capstone or Honors College thesis requirement. Please attend and support our student researchers and artists!

Consult the undergraduate research website for program details.

For questions contact:

Norma Quiridumbay, CURE Director of Operations at nquiridumbay@pace.edu 

Maria Iacullo-Bird, PhD., Assistant Provost for Research at miacullobird@pace.edu

Do you have a recent publication, grant, or other updates?

Share your research news here!

Questions? Email: Elina Bloch, PhD, Associate Director for Research

at ebloch@pace.edu