Hofstra University is proud to announce the spring 2026 winners of the Undergraduate Library Research Award (ULRA). Student researchers are nominated for this honor by a Hofstra faculty member, and submissions are evaluated by a selection committee based on originality, depth of inquiry, clarity of presentation, and effective use of library resources.
Lorrie McAllister, dean of the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library at Hofstra University, said, “Our Undergraduate Library Research Award winners exemplify the creativity, innovation, and impact of Hofstra students through their outstanding work.”
Meet the ULRA recipients:
Sarah Hardeo ’26
Major: Health Science
Faculty Advisor: Irma Hidayana, assistant professor of population health
“Cultural Identity and Mental Health: Exploring Indo-Caribbean Undergraduate Students’ Experiences During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic”
Hardeo explored how cultural identity shapes mental health perceptions among Indo-Caribbean undergraduate students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Through interviews with Hofstra students and recent alumni, her study examined how stigma, generational attitudes, family expectations, and cultural representation influence willingness to discuss and seek mental health support. Hardeo found that older generations often viewed mental illness negatively, while younger Indo-Caribbean students were more open to mental health conversations, influenced in part by school-based education and social media. Participants also described balancing pride in their cultural identity with pressure to meet family expectations. Her research highlights the importance of culturally responsive mental health resources and greater representation of Indo-Caribbean professionals in mental health care.
Teresa Karoff ’26
Major: Psychology
Faculty Advisor: Yuliya Cheban-Gore, assistant professor of psychology
“Performing Through the Cycle: How Organizational Culture and Psychological Safety Shape Menstruation in High-Performance Contexts”
Karoff examined how organizational culture and psychological safety shape conversations about menstruation in elite sports and high-performance workplaces. Drawing on research in psychology, organizational behavior, and sports studies, her thesis argues that many performance-driven environments still treat menstruation as something to be concealed rather than openly addressed. Karoff analyzed how workplace norms emphasizing constant productivity and “ideal worker” expectations can discourage employees and athletes from seeking accommodations or discussing symptoms. Her research also explored how supportive leadership and psychologically safe environments can reduce stigma and encourage healthier communication. Karoff’s work highlights the growing recognition of menstrual health as a legitimate performance and wellness issue, while emphasizing the need for more inclusive organizational policies and practices.
Shreya Prasad ’26
Major: Biochemistry
Faculty Advisor: Mary T. Rooney, assistant professor of chemistry
“Interaction of Copper Tripeptide-1 with Unsaturated Acyl Chains in Phospholipid Bilayers”
Prasad investigated how a copper-binding peptide commonly used in anti-aging skincare products interacts with cell membrane models under oxidative stress conditions. Her research focused on GHK, a naturally occurring peptide known for regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties and compared the effects of its copper-bound and copper-free forms. Using laboratory-created lipid vesicles and UV-visible spectroscopy, Prasad measured the formation of oxidized lipid species associated with cellular damage. She found that the copper-bound form of the peptide produced less oxidative damage than free copper ions, but more than the copper-free peptide. Her findings suggest that the copper-free form of GHK may provide stronger protective effects at the cellular level and contribute to a better understanding of how these widely used cosmetic ingredients function biologically.
The spring 2026 ULRA winners receive a $500 prize, and their work will be published on the competition’s website (hofstra.edu/ulra). Their projects serve to inspire peers and highlight the vital role that research plays in academic and professional development at Hofstra.
The ULRA is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate students at Hofstra and welcomes submissions across academic disciplines, including multilingual and collaborative research. By recognizing and sharing the outstanding work of its recipients, the ULRA affirms Hofstra University Library’s mission to foster a culture of inquiry and to empower students as creators of knowledge.
Last year, Hofstra earned the distinction of a High Research Spending and Doctorate Production University (R2) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, marking a significant milestone in the University’s academic and research trajectory. This award and similar initiatives spotlight the University’s commitment to advancing research that drives change and supporting student success at Hofstra, a pillar of the Hofstra 100 strategic plan.
