Seven Centenary University Students Awarded Scholarships to Support Undergraduate Research Excellence

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, April 22, 2026—Seven Centenary University students have been awarded scholarships to support research excellence through Schering-Plough and the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey (ICUNJ), an organization representing the state’s 13 nonprofit, private institutions of higher education. The students presented their independent research at ICUNJ’s recent Undergraduate Research Symposium attended by student-researchers from Centenary and other New Jersey independent institutions.

The annual symposium challenges students to explore science and technology through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Working closely with leading faculty on their campuses, students test innovative concepts, prepare poster presentations, and defend their results to judges. Student research is funded through sponsorships and ICUNJ research-focused scholarships.

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At Centenary University, the School of Natural, Health, Social, and Behavioral Sciences offers small class sizes and personal attention from faculty to encourage students to participate in opportunities like undergraduate research, professional internships, and other initiatives to prepare for graduate school and careers. This year, the Centenary students worked under the supervision of Assistant Professor of Biology Yeon Lang Cha, Ph.D., to prepare for the ICUNJ Undergraduate Research Symposium.

“I am so proud of Centenary’s students,” said Dr. Cha, who also served as a judge at this year’s symposium. “We may be one of the smallest universities in the state, but I believe we send one of the greatest number of students to this symposium. Centenary students are passionate about science—that passion showed when we swept four scholarships.”

Centenary University students who presented at this year’s ICUNJ Undergraduate Research Symposium are:

Angelina Glaskey of Hackettstown, Kayley Besbris of Newton, and Jillian Ulanowski of Great Meadows; Oxidative damage in E.coli; recipients of the Schering-Plough Undergraduate Research Endeavors (SURE) scholarship; faculty mentor: Cristiana Savore, Ph.D.

Luke McGovern of Allamuchy; Hydrogel as drug delivery; recipient of the Johnson & Johnson Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship; faculty mentor: Mourad Frites, Ph.D.

Jayson Morton of Hopatcong and Adrianna Sterling of Hopatcong; GMO detection in Fruits using PCR method; recipient of the Novartis Science Scholars Program Scholarship; faculty mentor: Yeon Lang Cha, Ph.D.

Joshua Scialom of Westfield; Energy harvesting using Solar Panel; Nokia Bell Labs Scholarship for Advancing Opportunities to Engage in Research; faculty mentor: Mourad Frites, Ph.D.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867 by the United Methodist Church, Centenary University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation and career-focused learning. Located in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with an equestrian center in Washington Township, Centenary provides students with hands-on, personalized educational experiences that prepare them for success in a global and evolving workforce. Guided by its commitment to student success, university vitality, and changing the world, Centenary empowers students to lead lives of purpose, impact, and lifelong achievement.