Honors Program Class of 2020
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Olivia Abbott • •
Portland, Oregon B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title The Impact of Measure 11: Measuring the Dependency of Crime Rate on Sentencing Policy Plans after graduation After graduation, I plan on gaining experience in restorative justice practices and community justice in Portland Oregon, working with our city’s community courts and police outreach programs. I then plan to pursue a master’s degree once I have a better idea of what area of criminal justice I hope to pursue as a career.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Marisa Anopolsky •
Farmington, Connecticut
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B.S. in National Security Studies
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title The Supreme Court and the Application of Law Plans after graduation I plan to take a year off to gain more experience and to travel. Then in 2021, I plan on attending law school.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Jasmine Bartholomew •
West Haven, Connecticut
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B.S. in Legal studies
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title The Ethical Implications of Unpaid Internships and its Effects on Members of Lower Socioeconomic Classes
Plans after graduation I will be attending the School of Law at the University of Connecticut.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Nicole Barulli •
East Haven, Connecticut
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Head Injury, Bully Victimization, and Depression as Predictors of Juvenile Gang Involvement Plans after graduation I plan to find a job in the Criminal Justice field working with juveniles. Also, in the near future I plan to attend graduate school.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Taylor Bennett •
Billerica, Massachusetts
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B.S. in Communication
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Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title Projecting Soft Power: Film as Public Diplomacy under Kennedy Plans after graduation Following graduation, I hope to begin to work up into becoming an Assistant Director on film sets. I am looking to move to either Los Angeles or New York to begin searching for Production Assistant positions so that I can make connections and work up the ladder while doing what I love.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Ife Campbell •
Plainfield, New Jersey
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B.A. in Psychology
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Cum Laude
Thesis Title What Were They Thinking?: Factors Associated with Confessions Plans after graduation I intend to begin graduate school Fall 2020. Awards • President’s Public Service Fellow • Office of Residential Life Excellence in Diversity Award
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Rachael Capri •
Franklin, New Hampshire
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title Gender, Crime Type, and DNA: Factors that may Affect Compensation of the Wrongfully Convicted Plans after graduation I plan to find a job in the Criminal Justice field, and figure out specifically what I want to do, so I can go back to school for a master’s degree in a year or so.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Rebecca Carlo •
West Haven, Connecticut
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title A Comparison of Homicide Victim and Offender Demographics and their Relationship with Clearance Rates Plans after graduation I plan on applying for investigations-based jobs in both the public and private sectors, which includes the federal agencies, insurance companies, etc.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Ewa Chmielewska •
Norwalk, Connecticut
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B.S. in Legal Studies
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title The Adoption Process for LGBTQ+ Couples: Current and Future Approaches Plans after graduation I will be taking a gap year in order to study for the LSAT and earn experience working as a Paralegal at a family law firm before going to Law School.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Alexandria Drewes •
Rockaway, New Jersey
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B.S. in Forensic Science
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B.S. in Chemistry
Thesis Title Presumptive Blood Testing on Stain Proof Carpet
Plans after graduation I plan to find a job doing lab work and then eventually go back to school to get a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. Award Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2019) The Analysis of Various Burnt and Unburnt Accelerants Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Alexandra Farah • • • •
North Brunswick, New Jersey B.S. in Biology B.S. in Forensic Science Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Morphological and Gene Expression Profiles of Tricuspid and Bicuspid Aortic Valve Leaflets in DCBLD2-/- Mice Plans after graduation Work in a lab! I am planning on taking a gap year to work in a lab, before I return to graduate school. Research Experience Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2018) Examining the Possible Difference Between Venous and Menstrual Blood Through the Methylation Status of the hCG-β Protein as a Means of Identification
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Jessica Flynn •
Ringwood, New Jersey
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B.S. in Forensic Science
Thesis Title Law Enforcement's Opinion on the Use of Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) in Criminal Investigations Plans after graduation Looking for employment opportunities in forensic science and law enforcement. Award and Research Experience • The Bergami Summer Internship Award • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2018) Evaluation of an Ethanol Blood Diffusion Model Apparatus
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Wren Ford •
Yonkers, New York
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B.S. in Forensic Science
Thesis Title Statistical Applications to Forensic Biology Plans after graduation I’m going to be working with DaVita Kidney Care as an “Infection Prevention Technician” for the next year, working with DaVita dialysis clinics as unique combination of a patient care technician and administrative assistant, aiding with efforts at protecting our most vulnerable from COVID-19, as well as helping those who have tested positive. Once the world is safer, I plan on moving on to study to become a Pathologist’s Assistant! Award Lee College Student Excellence Award - Forensic Science Rising Star (2018)
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Megan Galante •
Oakland, New Jersey
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Impact of High-Profile Incidents of Police Use of Force on Violent Crime Rates Plans after graduation I have accepted a full-time position at Holler Law Firm, LLC in Milford, CT doing paralegal type work. I plan on taking the LSATs in the upcoming months and then attending law school within the next two years.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Christina Genovese •
Orange, Connecticut
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B.A. in English
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B.A. in Communication
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Cum Laude
Thesis Title The Benefits of Greek Unity on College Campuses Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a MS in Counselor Education: Student Development in Higher Education at Central Connecticut State University and working as a Graduate Intern in the Student Activities/Leadership Development Department. Award and Leadership • The Dean of Students Award (2020) • Class of 2020 President (2016-2020)
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Rachel Graziano •
Johnston, Rhode Island
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B.S. in Biology
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B.S. in Forensic Science
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Public Perception on the Use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) for Criminal Investigation Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a MS in Genetic Counseling at Bay Path University. Research Experience Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2019) DNA Methylation Patterns to Determine Donor Age
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Alanna Herskowitz •
Branford, Connecticut
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title Bad Apples, Bad Barrels, or Both?: An Investigation of Overt Bias in Policing Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of New Haven. After completing this degree, I hope to attend law school and/or pursue my Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. Award Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice (2020)
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Ashley Higgins •
North Hatfield, Massachusetts
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B.A. in Psychology
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
Thesis Title An Evaluation of College Students’ Knowledge about Title IX and Willingness to Report a Sexual Assault Plans after graduation I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; School of Social Policy and Practice, Master of Social Work (MSW).
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Bethany Hoschar •
Lexington Park, Maryland
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B.S. in Forensic Science
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title The Effect of 17α-ethynylestradiol on the pupation rate, emergence rate, and sex ratio of Phormia regina (Calliphoridae) Plans after graduation I am pursuing a MS in Biomedical Sciences at Quinnipiac University.
Award and Research Experience • John D. Hatfield Scholar (2019) • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2019) Necrophagic Entomological Guilds on Two Climatically Disparate Atlantic Islands
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Kendra Keenan •
Gardner, Massachusetts
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B.S. in Forensic Science
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B.S. in Chemistry
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Detection of Low Doses of Fentanyl in Acetaminophen Using Ion Mobility Spectrometry Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Rhode Island and working as a graduate teaching assistant for the Chemistry Department where I will be teaching in the undergraduate laboratory courses. Leadership Honors Student Council President (2018-2020)
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Rachel Kennedy •
Forestburgh, New York
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B.S. in Genetics and Biotechnology
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B.S. in Forensic Science
Thesis Title Detection of miR-451 in Venous Blood Under Extreme Environmental Conditions Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a MS in Infectious Disease at Drexel University’s College of Medicine.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Jenna Luallen •
Orange, California
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Impact of Denial of Sexual Offenses on Sentencing and Treatment Strategies Plans after graduation I hope to go into the Criminal Justice job field. My plans are to look for local or state jobs back in California and eventually work my way up into federal law enforcement. Award Criminal Justice Excellence in Research Award (2020)
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Maggie Mahaney •
Bangor, Maine
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B.S. in Forensic Science
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B.S. in Chemistry
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Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title Photofading of Black Dyes in Cotton and Polyester Fibers Resulting from Environmental Exposure to Sunlight
Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Rhode Island. Award Tagliatela College of Engineering Outstanding Chemistry Undergraduate Student Award (2020)
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Abbey Maloney •
Somers, Connecticut
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title How Gun Control Laws Affect Homicide Plans after graduation I hope to go into fraud investigation and eventually become a private investigator.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Shelby Miller • • •
Leicester, Massachusetts B.S. in Marine Biology Cum Laude
Thesis Title The Effects of Emotionally Appealing Messages on Perceptions about Marine Plastic Pollution: Implications for Science Communication on Social Media Outlets
Plans after graduation I am applying to many jobs involved in the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife. I plan on having a gap year, getting my materials together to apply for Veterinary schools all over the United States. Over the summer, I am hoping to secure a spot in a veterinary office in order to get more experience. I will also have the opportunity to work as a senior zookeeper at York’s Wild Kingdom for the fourth summer in a row in order to spend more time with my favorite exotic animals.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Courtney Newberry • • • •
Surprise, Arizona B.S. in Forensic Science B.S. in Chemistry Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title Small Island Taphonomy in Western Australia Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Purdue University. I plan to do research in synthesizing new inorganic compounds and studying their properties. Awards and Research Experience • Outstanding Student Tutor (2020) • Peter J. Desio Award for Organic Chemistry (2020) • Outstanding Forensic Science Undergraduate (2020) • SURF (2019): Terrestrial and Marine Decomposition and Scavenging in Temperate and Tropical Environments
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Laura Nolterieke •
Kingston, New York
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title Delinquency in the Caribbean: Stakeholder Perceptions of Root Causes Plans after graduation I am taking a year off before applying for graduate school. Award and Research Experience • Rising Star Award (2019) • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2019) Developing an Understanding of Juvenile Delinquency in St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and Nevis
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Rebecca Peters •
Landaff, New Hampshire
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B.S. in Biology B.S. in Forensic Science Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title DNA Recovery Efficiency of Cyanoacrylate Fumed Samples Under Varied Conditions Plans after graduation I have applied to Ph.D. programs at Dartmouth, Cornell, UCONN, and UMAINE in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics, and Biomedical Science.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Bryan Platt •
Shelton, Connecticut
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B.S. in Music and Sound Recording
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Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title Music That Listens to the Player: How and Why Composers Implement Adaptive Music in Videogames Plans after graduation Get relevant experience in the area while saving money to move to Nashville, TN. Experience Nashville Study Away Program
Honors Program - Class of 2020 NikkiAnn Ryan • • • •
Pelham, New York B.A. in Psychology B.S. in Criminal Justice Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title Public Perception of Law Enforcement Training in Connecticut Plans after graduation I am currently applying for jobs and within a few years I plan to go back to school for a master’s degree. Awards and Research Experience • McGough Award: Outstanding Psychology Undergraduate Student (2020) • John D. Hatfield Scholar (2018-19, 2019-20) • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2019) Public Perception of Law Enforcement Training in Connecticut
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Tyler Sansone •
Beachwood, New Jersey
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B.S. in Biology
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Cum Laude
Thesis Title A Novel Approach for Treating Antibiotic Resistance: Isolation and Identification of Bacteriophages that Infect Staphylococcus aureus Plans after graduation Join the workforce for a year or two before applying to Physician Assistant (PA) school or medical school. Award Biology Rising Star Award
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Noah Scarpelli •
Falmouth, Maine
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B.S. in Forensic Science B.S. in Chemistry Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title The Use of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for the Identification of Bullet Holes Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Rhode Island. Research Experience Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2019) The use of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for the identification of bullet holes
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Gabrielle Schneider •
Deer Park, New York
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B.S. in Forensic Science
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Kinetic Evaluation of Ethanol-Based Inhibition of Glutamine Synthetase Plans after graduation I plan to work in a forensic laboratory.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Joey Stanca • • •
Alpharetta, Georgia B.S. in Music and Sound Recording Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Can $2,500 Sound Like a Number 1 Hit Song? A Study of Differences in Audio Equipment and Their Subjective Quality Plans after graduation I plan on moving to Nashville, TN to continue my career as an audio engineer. Award and Experience • Music Department Rising Star (2017) • Nashville Study Away Program
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Julia Sutter •
Campbell Hall, New York
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B.S. in Biology
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Cum Laude
Thesis Title Identification of Novel Viruses and Mutations Contributing to Myocarditis from Human Heart Biopsy Samples Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a MS in Microbiology and Immunology at Drexel University.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Antonio Teixeira •
Waterbury, Connecticut
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B.S. in Biology
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Phenotypic Analysis of S. aureus strains from University Student Health Centers and Environmental Controls Plans after graduation I plan to work as an EMT for 1-2 years before applying to graduate schools to pursue Physician Assistant studies.
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Alyssa Tuccinardi • • •
Stamford, Connecticut B.S. in Biology B.S. in Forensic Science
Thesis Title Investigating the Efficacy of DNA Damage with Bleach in Forensic Laboratories and at Crime Scenes Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a MS in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of New Haven. Research Experience Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2019) Bleach Decontamination in the Forensic Laboratory and at the Crime Scene: Investigating the Efficacy of DNA Damage in Native versus Naked Templates
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Ryan Zdenek •
North Babylon, New York
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B.S. in Forensic Science
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B.S. in Chemistry
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Forensic Investigation of 3D Printed Polymers Using Vibrational Spectroscopy Plans after graduation I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry (analytical) at Penn State University. Award and Research Experience • John D. Hatfield Scholar (2019-20) • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2019) Forensic Analysis of 3D Printed Polymers Pre- and Post- Manufacturing
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Christopher Conner •
Milford, Connecticut
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B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Thesis Title The Impact of Small-Scale Wind Turbines in the Northeast Region
Megan Georges • • •
Franklin, Massachusetts B.S. in Criminal Justice Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Comparison by State: The Implications of Domestic Violence Resources and Arrest Policies for Intimate Partner Femicide Rates
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Megan Mahar •
Trumbull, Connecticut
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B.S. in Business Management
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Cum Laude
Thesis Title Exploring Interdisciplinary Activities Supporting Music Industry Careers
Anna Dominique Mariano • •
Clifton, New Jersey B.S. in Marine Biology
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B.S. in Environmental Science
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Cum Laude
Thesis Title Varying Conditions of Aiptasia padilla and its Effect on the growth of Aeolidiella stephanieae
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Amanda Pepler •
Middletown, Connecticut
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B.S. in Forensic Science
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B.S. in Chemistry
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title Nanoparticle Enhanced Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in the Analysis of Explosive Residues
Destyne Prosper-Wood • •
Ashburn, Virginia B.S. in Forensic Science
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B.S. in Chemistry
Thesis Title The Effect of Cosmetic Treatment on the Adsorption of Environmental Drugs on Human Hair
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Grace Tokarski • •
Shelton, Connecticut B.S. in National Security
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Summa Cum Laude
Thesis Title Differences in Cultures: Arab and American
Erica Trask •
East Wareham, Massachusetts
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B.S. in Criminal Justice
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B.S. in National Security Studies
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Magna Cum Laude
Thesis Title A Preliminary Policy Evaluation of Hostage Negotiation Procedures
Honors Program - Class of 2020 Taylor Westerberg • •
Farmington, Connecticut B.S. in National Security
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Cum Laude
Thesis Title Dulos Case: The Variations in Perceptions of Guilt in Connection to Language Used in the Media