In recognition of the School’s wide-ranging faculty expertise, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) hosted the Inaugural Full-Time Faculty Research & Projects Celebration on March 4, 2026.
The event, hosted in person with a virtual option, featured nine members of the School’s full-time faculty body who presented their recent research and projects in a series of dynamic lightning presentations. These were followed by engaging Q&A sessions designed to foster conversation and connection.
Developed by CUNY SPS Dean Lisa R. Braverman, the Inaugural Full-Time Faculty Research & Projects Celebration sought to both recognize faculty scholarship and engage with the vibrant intellectual life of the School. The nine projects presented at the event showcased the ways that faculty inquiry advances knowledge, informs innovative pedagogy, and strengthens CUNY SPS’ mission of access, relevance, and public impact.
In her opening remarks, Dean Braverman acknowledged the importance of the day’s celebration. “In the busy pace of an academic year…we don’t always get time to appreciate the depth of thought leadership, research, and pedagogical innovation that you, our faculty, are contributing to your fields and to our School. You are not just dedicated educators but also scholars, creators, and trailblazers whose work shapes the direction of your disciplines, inspires your colleagues and students, and strengthens the CUNY SPS community,” Dean Braverman said. “Today’s presentations offer our community a glimpse into your innovativeness; they reflect the diversity of inquiry and creativity that define our faculty. I hope the dialogue that follows will spark new ideas, connections, and perhaps even future collaborations.”
Chief Academic Officer / Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Jennifer Sparrow also offered some inspiring words to the attendees. “An online professor’s life runs on a 24/7 stream of to-dos…The list never really ends, and it can be hard to catch your breath,” Dr. Sparrow said. “But there is also the work that renews us. Even work that sparks joy! Research that invigorates and gives meaning. Work that reminds us of how and why we got here… So today we pause to take a breath, have some lunch, and to celebrate this work.”
A complete list of the faculty and the projects featured at the Inaugural Full-Time Faculty Research & Projects Celebration is included below.
- “Bridging Learning and Career Readiness with the NACE Tool” Chandra Mongoo, General Education
- “How Generative AI is Changing Job Roles and Organizational Structures: Some Emerging Evidence” Arthur O’Connor, Data Science, Generative AI, and Information Science
- “Diagnostic Assessment and Achievement of College Skills” Jason Bryer, Data Science, Generative AI, and Information Science
- “Teaching Empathy in Sociology” Melanie Lorek, Interdisciplinary Studies and Sociology
- “Consumer Motivation and the Privacy Paradox” Diane Merians Penaloza, Online Business Programs
- “Measuring the Impact of a Generative Artificial Intelligent Self-Care Educational Intervention (AI-SCI) on Nursing Students Burn-Out: RCT” Lilly Matthew, Nursing Informatics
- “Online Business Programs Z Degrees” Tara Lanni, Online Business Programs
- “Success with Collaborative Experiential Learning Projects” Joseph Foy, Online Business Programs
- “Intergenerational Change Initiative” Sarah Zeller-Berkman, Youth Studies
Watch a recording of the event here:
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With over 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
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