Four Stockton University students were announced in May as recipients of the Board of Trustees Fellowship for Distinguished Students.
Ian Bouie, director of Academic Achievement Programs, said, “This year’s Board of Trustees Fellowship recipients represent the very best of what our students can achieve, combining academic excellence with meaningful impact. From advancing environmental sustainability and public art to exploring brain health and promoting inclusive play, each project reflects a deep commitment to innovation, community and real-world application. We are proud to support their work and look forward to the impact it will have on both campus and beyond.”
The fellowship program was established by the board in 1986 and supports student-initiated projects focused on undergraduate research or creative work aligned with Stockton’s educational philosophy. Each recipient receives $1,000.
The spring cohort includes Dale Patterson (junior, Biology), whose Butterfly Conservation Microhabitat Project at the university’s Sustainability Farm aims to enhance butterfly biodiversity through native pollinator habitats. Patterson said, “By assessing the ecological impact of integrated habitat design, this project aims to provide a practical, low-cost and scalable model for enhancing pollinator biodiversity in community-scale landscapes and university-based agricultural systems.”
Krista Rasiul (senior, Visual Arts) proposed creating a large-scale mural titled ‘Wish You Were Here: A Mural for Stockton University.’ Rasiul said, “The purpose of this project is to create an accessible and engaging piece of public art that reflects the identity of the Stockton community while promoting a sense of belonging and campus pride.” William Klein (junior, Computer Science/Mathematics) is developing a machine learning model using EEG data to estimate brain age. Klein said his goal is “to determine how accurately this simple signal feature can estimate age and whether it could serve as a lightweight biomarker for brain health.” Megan Dumas (senior, Education and Human Development) plans an adaptive swing installation at Roland Rogers Elementary School in Galloway; Dumas said her aim is “to create a space where every child feels valued, supported and able to participate. This project will ensure that recess can be enjoyed by everybody and every body.”
Each student worked under faculty advisement relevant to their field.
