Students presented and discussed the work they have been developing for the past months.
For many students in the South Bronx, systemic barriers and a lack of representation make pursuing careers in STEM seem daunting. Hostos Community College is committed to changing that narrative by fostering a supportive environment where students from historically underrepresented backgrounds can thrive in fields like research, engineering, and other STEM disciplines. With seven concurrently operating grants from the National Science Foundation, the College provides cutting-edge research opportunities, from innovative cancer studies to engineering projects tackling food insecurity, positioning itself as a leader in addressing local challenges while nurturing talent.
This commitment was exemplified during the College's 2024 Science Week Open House, a five-day celebration of discovery, learning, and innovation held from November 18–22 at the Hostos Research Center and other locations across campus.
“This week-long celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, and administration to talk about true science – much needed in these times,” said Professor Yoel Rodríguez, Chair of the Natural Sciences Department and one of the main organizers of the week’s events. He added, “We have had a myriad of activities including teach-ins, an olympiad, science games and demonstrations, and STEM conversations, among others. Our Natural Sciences team is very committed to continuing providing the highest quality education with excellence to our students and the community. Thanks to all who were a part of this. We are very grateful to you.”
Building on this spirit of collaboration and excellence, Dr. Bianca Rivera-Peña's keynote address during the opening ceremony held on Wednesday, November 20, titled "Bridging Science and Community: Advancing Cancer Research, Awareness, and Wellness in the Bronx," delivered an inspiring message that resonated deeply with attendees.
Dr. Rivera-Peña’s speech highlighted the stark health disparities in cancer outcomes across the Bronx. While the borough has made strides in cancer research, significant challenges remain. For example, the neighborhoods of Riverdale, Fieldston, and Kingsbridge report some of the highest rates of new breast cancer cases. Conversely, Pelham Parkway, Morris Park, and Laconia exhibit the lowest rates of new cases. This disparity underscores the importance of localized research and community engagement in improving cancer outcomes.
Dr. Rivera-Peña during her keynote speech.
Dr. Rivera-Peña stressed that addressing these health inequities requires more than cutting-edge science; it demands community collaboration and cultural competence. She shared how her own journey as a Latina scientist shaped her mission to bridge these gaps, emphasizing that understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities is as critical as conducting lab-based research.
“Science cannot be siloed,” she said. “To make a real impact, it must engage with the communities it serves. Only then can it heal.”
One of the standout moments of the keynote was the introduction of the Bronx Oncology Living Daily (BOLD) Program, a groundbreaking initiative that reflects the values Dr. Rivera-Peña champions. The BOLD program focuses on patient engagement, behavioral research, and cancer wellness programming, aiming to improve the quality of life for cancer patients in the Bronx.
For Hostos students, as announced by Dr. Rivera-Peña, the BOLD program will offer a unique opportunity: a one-year hybrid internship designed to provide hands-on experience in patient care, behavioral research, and program operations. This initiative bridges academic learning with real-world application, equipping students with the tools to make a tangible difference in their communities.
Many students expressed excitement about the opportunity. “This internship is a game-changer,” said one student attendee. “It’s not just about learning; it’s about being part of something bigger — helping our own thrive.”
All panelists and presenters of Science Week.
Another highlight of the day was a presentation by CSTEP (Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program) students, who unveiled their self-sustaining, low-maintenance terrarium prototype. This innovative design aims to combat food insecurity by encouraging individuals to grow their fruits and vegetables with minimal effort from the user.
The terrarium, which operates efficiently with minimal upkeep, was praised for its potential to empower Bronx residents to combat food insecurity. During the panel discussion, project member Louvinious Shuhari explained the inspiration behind the project, stating, “It’s our hope that with our terrarium, we’ll encourage more people to grow their fruits and vegetables to offset their food budgets.”
Student researchers talking about the self-sustaining terrarium prototype.
The terrarium sparked lively discussions among attendees, with many noting its relevance to urban environments like the Bronx. The project not only showcases Hostos students' ingenuity but also highlights the college's commitment to tackling real-world challenges.
The event’s second panel, focused on research and engineering by CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) and Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) students, provided valuable insights for students aspiring to enter STEM fields. Panelists emphasized the importance of perseverance and passion in scientific inquiry, sharing personal anecdotes and advice.
One standout takeaway was the encouragement to “do the difficult things” and “enjoy yourself and what you do,” said researcher and student Susan Hu. Panelists stressed that while research can be challenging, it is also deeply rewarding for those who are passionate about their work. In addition, the “STEM Conversation - Internship Experiences” third panel was very meaningful for our current students. In it, the panelists Sor Bello Meléndez, José A Keppis, and John Santana shared their experiences during their summer research at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in Maryland, and Caltech, California. Another panelist, Kobe Jacobs, shared what it means to become a four-year student and how well Hostos prepared them to face the new challenges at The Grove School of Engineering at The City College of New York.
(L-R) Prof. Rodríguez, student presenters Kobe Jacobs, José Keppis, Sor Bello Meléndez, and John Santana.
The 2024 Science Week Open House at Hostos was more than just a celebration of science — it was a testament to the power of the collective innovating together.