A new CUNY-wide initiative, the CUNY Immersive Research Experience (CIRE), aims to engage students in even more enriching research experiences at CUNY Senior Colleges. Over the course of a year, CIRE Scholars will each conduct 400 hours of research, attend trainings and workshops, and receive a $6,000 in stipend. Their research will culminate in the Summer 2025 Symposium, organized by the CUNY Office of Research, where they will present their findings.
“At John Jay, our CIRE cohort of nine undergraduate researchers, the largest at CUNY, encompasses research in toxicology, molecular biology, forensic science, environmental chemistry, psychology, history and economics and represents the incredible diversity of talent found across our institution,” says Edgardo Sanabria-Valentín, Associate Program Director of Program for Research Initiatives in Science and Math (PRISM) and Director of the CUNY Immersive Research Experience at John Jay College. “With the amazing support of CUNY and the CUNY Office of Research, we hope to impact the professional trajectories of our CIRE Scholars as they begin their careers or apply to post-graduate programs.”
We spoke with several John Jay CIRE Scholars to learn more about the program’s impact.
Sarah Marks ’25
Major: B.S. in Forensic Science with a concentration in Toxicology
CIRE Mentor: Elise Champeil, Ph.D., Professor of Organic Chemistry
CIRE Research: Developing treatments to effectively combat difficult cancers
Hometown: Little Rock, AR; Manhattan, NY
Career Aspiration: Forensic Toxicologist
CIRE provides such a unique opportunity for CUNY students interested in science. It connects us to incredible resources and opens up the world of research. As a CIRE scholar, I connect with scientists from various CUNY institutions and disciplines and attend events with other scholars, and I’m able to obtain certifications through the program, such as “Research Conduct of CUNY” and “Human Research, Basic Conduct”—that look great on my resume and are skills I’ll be able to use throughout my career. The level of learning and exposure I’m gaining through CIRE is so valuable. I especially love the extensive research I’m able to do with my mentor Dr. Champeil. Working with her has already changed my life for the better. She’s allowed me to shadow her in the lab, taught me to become an independent scientist and believes in my scientific abilities. Being able to do this cancer research with her, that could potentially save lives one day, is so incredible.
Andrew Vargas ’25
Major: B.S. in Toxicology
CIRE Mentor: Anthony Carpi, Ph.D., Vice Provost and Dean of Research
CIRE Research: Identifying the gene in bacteria that enables mercury emissions from soil
Hometown: Middletown, NY
Career Aspiration: Environmental Studies Professor
A program like CIRE is super important because it allows underrepresented students to research subjects directly impacting us, such as environmental issues. Marginalized populations—which are often people of color—are the most vulnerable and most impacted by climate change. Our perspectives matter, and doing research gives us a voice. The opportunity to conduct this kind of research has motivated me to become an advocate for my community. The financial component of CIRE is also critical. Students can focus on their research instead of finding a second job to support themselves and their families. For someone like me, who’s paying rent, the stipend is a huge help. It allows me to focus on my research and applying to Ph.D. programs.
Olsmael Merisier ’25
Major: B.S. in Forensic Science (PRISM)
CIRE Mentor: Peter Diaczuk, Ph.D., Professor of Forensic Science
CIRE Research: Gun barrel lubrication’s effect on the marks left behind on casings
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY; Haiti
Career Aspiration: Special Agent, Air Force Office of Investigations
CUNY’s CIRE program demonstrates a strong commitment to seeing students excel as researchers. Engaging in 400+ hours of research, attending workshops, and meeting with faculty, administrators, and students from across CUNY has been a profound and transformative learning experience. I also get the chance to work with one of the best in the forensic science community, my mentor Dr. Diaczuk. He has been so helpful throughout this research process and an incredible source of information. Getting to do this kind of research with him, one that could possibly lead to a more just investigative process, is so meaningful. When I think of CIRE, the thing that resonates most is the chance the program gives to students—especially students typically underrepresented in STEM fields—to take their studies and talent to a new level. The program is opening the doors of opportunity for many and helping to enrich, diversify, and improve the STEM fields. I’m so proud to be a CIRE Scholar.
Nayelle Pace ’25
Major: B.A. in Forensic Psychology
CIRE Mentor: Peggilee Wupperman, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology
CIRE Research: Impact of mindfulness on dysregulated behaviors
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Career Aspiration: Psychologist
The CIRE program is an amazing opportunity for students to create a pathway toward their post-graduate dreams. As someone who wants to be a psychologist, being named a CIRE scholar meant I could fully immerse myself in research and broaden my understanding of the psychology field. It’s been such a gift to do this kind of in-depth research and work closely with my mentor Dr. Wupperman. Every day I’m growing as a researcher, brainstorming ideas, getting feedback, reaching my research goals, and learning so much about mindfulness in college students. That’s the gift CIRE gives us. It helps us make the most of our research experiences and enables us to become a driving force for change in our fields. As a John Jay student and CIRE scholar, it’s an incredible feeling knowing that I have the proper support in place to develop as a researcher, produce innovative work, and establish a community.
