Farmingdale State College (FSC) is reimagining research to reflect broader access and deeper student engagement. By opening doors across all disciplines and prioritizing support for underrepresented communities, FSC is building a more inclusive, student-centered research culture. Students are finding new ways to engage, discover, and lead through various academic opportunities like the Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) Program, the IGNITE Symposium, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI).
EXPANDING ACCESS THROUGH RAM
Launched in 2015 with a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the RAM Program was created to support first-generation, low- income, and historically underrepresented students by giving them early access to mentored research.
Nearly a decade later, RAM is expanding its reach. The program now works alongside other support services to connect even more students to research opportunities, regardless of major or academic background. The goal is simple—to help every student see themselves as a researcher and a scholar.
“Research consistently shows that undergraduate mentorship not only keeps students engaged, but also increases graduation rates, GPA, and overall academic success. When students connect with research that inspires them, it changes everything,” said Dylan Gafarian, PhD, acting dean of extended and experiential learning.
IGNITE: CELEBRATING STUDENT DISCOVERY
Now in its third year, the IGNITE Symposium provides a dynamic platform for students to present research, civic engagement experiences, and applied learning projects to the broader campus community. In spring 2025, more than 120 students shared 80 posters, representing a wide range of academic interests and collaborative efforts. Four “Spark Speakers” also took to the microphone at the “green dot” to share their work through short, impactful presentations.
Jhoanna Ortiz earned recognition from faculty evaluators for a project on the impact of recycled plastics in recycled concrete aggregate, completed under the mentorship of Shohana Iffat, a professor in the Civil Engineering Department.
The event showcases individual and team achievements, creating a space for students to inspire one another, share ideas, and gain confidence as scholars.
SUMMER IMMERSION THROUGH SURI
SURI offers a 10-week summer research experience that pairs students with faculty mentors for focused, hands-on learning. Participants spend 15 to 20 hours per week on their research, building critical thinking skills and exploring topics in depth.
Milan Gayle, a mechanical engineering major, completed a SURI project on acoustic impedance tube modification to improve recording studio panel measurements. The work was completed under the mentorship of Kimberly Riegel, a professor in the Department of Physics.
The project explored real-world applications of academic coursework, helping to shape Gayle’s academic and career goals. With its emphasis on small student-mentor pairings, SURI provides meaningful opportunities for mentorship and discovery that often continue into the academic year.
REDEFINING WHAT STUDENT RESEARCH LOOKS LIKE
At FSC, research isn’t limited to labs and technical fields. Faculty in areas such as business, psychology, health sciences, and the arts are guiding students through both everyday “little r” research experiences and more formal, scholarly “big R” projects.
By prompting students to investigate real-world questions and use research methods across disciplines, FSC is broadening the scope of research and increasing the number of individuals who can lead it. FSC prepares graduates who think critically, solve creatively, and lead with purpose.
COMMITTED TO STUDENT SUCCESS
“The College’s commitment to student success is steadfast, and our work is essential in preparing today’s students for work, life, and citizenship. Helping students apply their knowledge in meaningful ways is paramount. This would not be possible without the dedicated faculty and staff who embrace Farmingdale’s mission. It is through their efforts that students are guided to grow and thrive as both scholars and professionals,” said Laura Joseph, EdD, recently retired senior vice president and provost.
FSC’s investment in access, equity, and innovation continues to shape a new chapter in undergraduate research, a chapter in which every student can contribute, every voice is valued, and every idea has the power to spark change.
View the FSC 2025 IGNITE Symposium Flickr Gallery
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