Galloway, N.J. — Four Stockton University students were announced this month as the latest recipients of the Board of Trustees Fellowship for Distinguished Students.

“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,” said Ian Bouie, director of Academic Achievement Programs. “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 of undergraduate research and/or creative work in keeping with the educational philosophy and mission of Stockton. Each student will receive $1,000.

The spring cohort and their projects are:

Dale Patterson, junior, Biology, Manahawkin

Project: Stockton Butterfly Conservation Microhabitat Project

The Butterfly Conservation Microhabitat Project, initiated in March 2025 at the Stockton University Sustainability Farm, seeks to enhance butterfly biodiversity through the intentional design of native pollinator habitats. This study integrates host and nectar plant restoration with microhabitat features that reflect Pine Barrens ecology. This project evaluates whether designed pollinator microhabitats, paired with pollinator rows and sustainable land management, can increase butterfly species richness, abundance and visitation compared to unmanaged areas.

From Patterson: “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."

Advisor: Ron Hutchison, associate professor of Sustainability

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Krista Rasiul, senior, Visual Arts with concentration in Visual Arts K-12 Certification, Egg Harbor Township

Project: Wish You Were Here: A Mural for Stockton University

This project proposes the design and creation of a large-scale, vintage postcard-style mural on Stockton’s campus. The mural will feature a sunset view of Lake Fred with an osprey in the foreground, accompanied by the phrase “Greetings from Stockton University.” The concept will draw on the visual aesthetic of traditional postcards, while the artwork is intended to evoke a sense of place and memory; emphasizing and reflecting our shared experience among students, faculty and visitors.

From Rasiul: “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."

Advisor: Jacob Feige, associate professor of Art

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William Klein, junior, Computer Science/Mathematics, Cape May Court House

Project: Brain Age Prediction from EEG via 1/f Spectral Dynamics

This project aims to develop a machine learning model that can estimate an individual’s “brain age” using electroencephalography (EEG) data. Brain age refers to how old a person’s brain appears to be based on its activity patterns, which may differ from their actual chronological age. Specifically, this study focuses on the “1/f slope,” a feature of brain signals that reflects how neural activity is distributed across different frequencies and has been linked to aging and cognitive function.

From Klein: “The 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, allowing for further research and analysis”

Advisor: Jessica Fleck, professor of Psychology

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Megan Dumas, senior, Education and Human Development, Absecon

Project: Recess for Every Body

This project proposes the installation of an adaptive swing to promote inclusive play and equitable access to outdoor recreation for students at Roland Rogers Elementary School in Galloway. Currently, students with physical disabilities or sensory processing challenges have limited opportunities to safely and independently engage in playground activities alongside their peers. The addition of an adaptive swing will address this gap by providing a secure, supportive seating option designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities.

From Dumas: “Inclusive play spaces foster empathy, cooperation and a stronger sense of belonging among all students. By integrating this equipment into the existing playground, we aim 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."

Advisor: Erin O'Hanlon, teaching specialist, Education and Human Development

— Story by Mark Melhorn, photos by Abbigail Erbacher