In classical mythology, the Muses were the source of all knowledge pertaining to the arts and sciences, and throughout the ages, these goddesses have served as a wellspring of inspiration for the great thinkers and creators.
At TCNJ, MUSE is short for Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience—an intensive, eight-week program during which students and faculty collaborate on scholarly and creative projects. It, too, inspires new learning and creativity in a multitude of disciplines by giving TCNJ students—including these 2013 MUSE participants—the opportunity to work in close, mentored collaboration with the College’s teacher-scholars.
Faculty-student scholarly and creative collaborative activities are a hallmark of the educational experience at TCNJ, providing powerful learning experiences that prepare undergraduates for graduate work or professional endeavors. Click here to learn more.
What’s your MUSE?
- I study cell division—more specifically, tubulin glutamylation in C. elegans —Jessica Lee ’15
- I’m helping to create a documentary film that showcases the production of a play by Trenton youth —Joshua Lewkowicz ’15
- I’m studying the impact of mechanical strain on the differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells into tendon cells. —Christina Rabolli ’15
- I’m comparing the physiological benefits of running and lifting combined workouts to popular metabolic running programs —Matthew Wells ’15
- I’m studying population genetics of the threatened freshwater mussel species Lampsilis cariosa for conservation. —Meaghan Ly ’14
- I’m investigating the underlying neural mechanisms of respiratory function in genetically engineered serotonin-deficient Pet-1 knockout mice —Renuka Reddy ’15
- I’m studying how a plant group evolved using a region of their DNA known as microsatellites —Syndi Barish ’16
- I’m using mathematical equations to model tumor growth and invasion based on the surrounding blood vessels –Jessica Perez ’15
- I’m analyzing how the New Jersey education system is addressing the rise in autism rates. —Nick Malmi ’14
- I’m researching the factors that influence certain theories in memory and aging —Kim Newberry ’14
- I’m analyzing satellite telescope data to study how active galaxies vary in brightness over time —Mitchell Revalski ’14
- I’m studying how environmental effects on development alter the expression of genetic variation in threespine stickleback fish —Sadia Tahir ’14
- I’m developing a device for monitoring the state of the power grid —Tim Nugent ’14
- I’m reading and analyzing racism and its physical and psychological effects in American literature. —Samantha Pena ’14
- I’m examining the effects someone’s emotions have on their choice of food —Noelle Calvello ’14