Commitment to Research

Issues Facing Intercollegiate Athletic Directors

Led By: Michael "Mickey" Fraina, PhD, and students Madison DeMaio and Tyler Henry

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Sports Management Chair Dr. Michael “Mickey” Fraina, Applied Psychology student Madison DeMaio, and Professional Communications student Tyler Henry presented this summer at the Summer Undergraduate Research Institution (SURI), a hands-on undergraduate research program.

The team interviewed 10 athletic directors from Division II and III conferences to explore how leaders perceive and respond to the most pressing challenges in intercollegiate athletics. Through qualitative interviews, the study examined the impact of these issues and the strategies used to address them in a rapidly evolving sports landscape.

Early findings point to financial pressures, mental health–related participation concerns, limited access to athletic trainers, evolving recruitment strategies, and the need for greater student-athlete engagement. The research also highlights emerging challenges such as coaching retention and ongoing changes to NIL regulations and the NCAA transfer portal.

 

Inside the DNA Repair Lab

Led By: Jeanette Sutherland, PhD, and students Gary Xavier Valdez and Sophia Ruisi

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All living cells are constantly having their DNA damaged and have to repair it. Without DNA repair, cancer can take over. The BRCA2 gene plays a major role in fixing damaged DNA — but when it’s mutated, the repair process weakens, increasing the risk of breast cancer. 

At Farmingdale State College, Jeanette Sutherland, PhD and her students Gary Xavier Valdez and Sophia Ruisi are using a microbe with a gene equivalent to BRCA2 to study how specific mutations impact DNA repair. By introducing mutations in the lab and analyzing how proteins bind to DNA, they’re uncovering the molecular mechanics behind cancer risk — contributing to the basic science that drives personalized treatments in the future.

This ongoing research, started during Dr. Sutherland’s postdoctoral work at Weill Cornell Medicine, and has continued at FSC. Recent studies were published in 2024, and more findings are being prepared for an additional publication.

Women in Computing Initiatives at FSC

Led By: Mary Villani, DPS and Ilknur Aydin, PhD

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This ongoing research initiative, led Mary Villani, PhD and Ilknur Aydin, PhD focuses on improving the experience and retention of women in Computing programs at Farmingdale State College. Despite overall growth in enrollment, the gender ratio in computing remains 90% male to 10% female.

To address this imbalance, the project implements and studies the impact of several targeted initiatives — including summer (re)orientation programs for women in computing, women-centric field trips to conferences and industry events, and the active support of the Supporting Women in Computing (SWiC) student club. These programs aim to foster a sense of community, confidence, and belonging among women in computing disciplines such as CPIS, Computer Science, Security Systems Technology, and Computer Security Technology.

Building Connections: Architecture Students Designing Spaces that Serve the Community 

Led By: Eric Anderson and Eugene Kwak

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The ARC476 Architectural Design IV course, led by Professors Eric Anderson and Eugene Kwak, integrates applied learning and community engagement by having senior architecture students collaborate with real-world clients to address local needs through design. In Fall 2024, students partnered with the Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) to develop design proposals for the Promise Center in Roosevelt, NY — a planned youth development hub aimed at expanding access to scouting programs in underserved areas.

Students analyzed zoning and building codes, created flexible multi-use design concepts, and presented their work to GSNC leadership and professional architects for feedback. This collaboration not only enriched students’ design education but also supported GSNC’s mission to provide safe, engaging, and adaptable spaces for community youth programs.