The change suggests a wider cultural acceptance of the 鈥渟inister鈥� hand preference, and offers representation for lefty fans of the beloved animated films.

The findings, 鈥淧rincess hands: Handedness of protagonists versus antagonists in Disney鈥檚 鈥楶rincess鈥� animated movies,鈥� were recently published in the academic journal .

Main findings

• Before about 1992, princesses were more right-handed than villains. Over time, princesses got more left-handed, while villains’ handedness stayed the same.
• In general, the characters were less strongly handed than in real life 鈥� most would be considered ambidextrous by the researchers鈥� definitions.
• Tiana (鈥淭he Princess and the Frog鈥�) and Belle (鈥淏eauty and the Beast鈥�), both princesses, are the most left-handed; Villains Jafar (鈥淎laddin鈥�), Dr. Facilier (鈥淭he Princess and the Frog鈥�) and Namaari (鈥淩aya and the Last Dragon鈥�) were also left-handed.
• Mor’Du (鈥淏rave”) and Maleficent (鈥淪leeping Beauty鈥�) 鈥� both villains 鈥� were identified strongly right-handed.

More about the study

The research team, which included two undergraduate students at 麻豆传媒在线, examined hand use of princesses and villains in 13 official Disney Princess movies. They counted how many times each princess or villain performed various activities with one hand or the other, using three different handedness questionnaires including the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI).

鈥淥ur goal was to see if villains were more left-handed than princesses because culturally, evil is associated with the left-handed, and whether any left-evil associations had changed over time, given changes in culture,鈥� says Ruth Propper, lead researcher and professor of Psychology.

Each Disney princess and villain was assigned a handedness score (-100 being perfectly lefty and +100 perfectly righty) and the results show that over time, princesses have become less right-handed, especially after about 1992, while villains have remained stable in their handedness.

Overall, the characters were much less right-handed than the human population.

What the researchers say

Prior to 1992, Propper explains, princesses were more right-handed than villains, while after 1992 princesses became more left-handed than villains.

So, what changed?

鈥淲e suspect that there are many factors at play here.鈥� Propper says. 鈥淥ne possibility is that around the early 1990s the 鈥楴ine Old Men,鈥� the animators responsible for most Disney movies from the 1930s to the 1990s, retired.

鈥淚t鈥檚 possible that the new animators who were hired had less bias against left-handedness, as cultural views about lefties had changed. Certainly there are likely pragmatic reasons as well, and we don’t know the actual handedness of the animators, which could also have been a factor.鈥�

Why it matters

The research and methodology were inspired by existing research Propper encountered analyzing early 1900s documentary footage to estimate rates of left-handedness at that time. Propper and her research team took the innovative approach a step further, utilizing Disney princess films that offer clear distinctions between protagonists and antagonists and allow for meaningful comparisons across character types.

Additionally, 鈥渂ecause the characters are animated, handedness is a deliberate choice made by animators, which may reflect cultural assumptions or biases, rather than simply the natural handedness of an actor,鈥� Propper says. Since the Disney princess films span roughly 80 years, this also gave researchers an opportunity to examine potential cultural shifts over time.

Propper says this study demonstrates that research does not always need to be complex or highly technical. And, it speaks to representation.

鈥淟eft-handed individuals have often been described as lacking a clear cultural identity and may feel overlooked or negatively stereotyped,鈥� says Propper. 鈥淪eeing left-handed traits reflected in familiar and beloved figures, such as Disney princesses, can contribute to a sense of inclusion and reduce feelings of isolation.鈥�

The findings also suggest a societal shift over the last 80 years: left-handedness appears to be more accepted today than in the past, and is no longer associated with the same negative or stigmatized beliefs as it once was.

鈥淭hese films are culturally iconic, widely recognized, and meaningful to many audiences, which makes them a relevant context for this type of analysis,鈥� Propper says.

For media inquiries

Contact the Media Relations team to schedule an interview with the researcher about this topic. See more Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.

As an international student from Mexico, she was drawn to 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 computing program and the chance to build a tech career. After she excelled in a German language course, that success became the first step toward multiple degrees, as faculty encouraged her to add German, explore linguistics and step into teaching and research roles she had never considered. She even turned her work with children in German into a research project on how programs like the SPARK Lab influence college students鈥� interest in teaching.

鈥淥ne of the most important things I鈥檝e learned at 麻豆传媒在线 is that you don鈥檛 have to limit yourself to just one thing,鈥� Zarate Gonzalez says.

At 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 SPARK Lab, Isabella Zarate Gonzalez collaborates with fellow students to plan German lessons for local schoolchildren as part of a national 鈥楽PARK for German鈥� teaching network. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Community鈥慹ngaged learning that opens doors

The SPARK Lab is a partnership between 麻豆传媒在线 and nearby schools, giving children early access to world languages while mentoring college students into community鈥慺ocused leadership roles. It is part of a national network supported by the . Zarate Gonzalez is among the students who teach German to elementary school children one hour a week for six weeks each semester, including a Meistergruppe for kids who speak German as a heritage language.

Children in 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 SPARK Lab listen to German fairy tales. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

As part of a multi鈥憉niversity research project with the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the University of St. Thomas and the University of Chicago, she led data collection and analysis on how SPARK affects college students. She focused on whether experiences like the SPARK Lab encourage students to consider teaching German and what broadly applicable professional skills they gain, surveying 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 student instructors about their motivations and how teaching had changed their career plans.

The research findings, co鈥慳uthored with faculty and collaborators at the four campuses, were and presented at the 2023 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages conference in Chicago.

At 麻豆传媒在线, Isabella Zarate Gonzalez found support to grow a single major into three degrees 鈥� Data Science, Language, Business and Culture, and German 鈥� plus a minor in Linguistics. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Studying abroad with scholarship support

Scholarship support opened the world for Zarate Gonzalez.

Through the聽 麻豆传媒在线鈥揋raz Sister City Scholarship, she spent the 2024鈥�25 academic year studying in Graz, Austria. The full scholarship, funded by 麻豆传媒在线, 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Overseas Neighbors and the City of Graz, provides free tuition, room and a small stipend and sends two 麻豆传媒在线 undergraduates each year to study in 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 sister city.

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 status as a Hispanic鈥慡erving Institution also helped her win a full scholarship to Middlebury鈥檚 prestigious German Language School, a summer immersion program.

鈥淭here aren鈥檛 a lot of people who can say, 鈥楾his university allowed me to do three bachelor鈥檚 degrees, win full scholarships and study abroad in Europe,鈥欌�� she says.

Isabella Zarate Gonzalez talks with Associate Professor Pascale LaFountain in 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 SPARK Lab. In addition to their work there, Zarate Gonzalez joined LaFountain on a translation project for an archive of Austrian Jewish history. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Hands-on research and a peek into history

Advanced language study also led Zarate Gonzalez into meaningful work and helped her discover the academic field that ties her interests together. With Associate Professor Pascale LaFountain and local resident Diane Forman, she worked on a translation project for an extraordinary archive of Austrian Jewish history centered on Forman鈥檚 grandfather, composer Wilhelm Grosz.

The team organized and translated Grosz鈥檚 letters 鈥� including correspondence with figures such as Leonard Bernstein and Langston Hughes 鈥� along with his musical manuscripts, Nazi鈥慹ra property documents and personal library, preparing the materials for the Exil.arte Jewish music archive in Austria.

For Zarate Gonzalez, working so closely with those documents made the Holocaust feel personal and showed her how language skills and data鈥慸riven thinking could come together in fields like Computational Linguistics.

Looking ahead

When Zarate Gonzalez graduates in May 2026, she will have earned degrees in Data Science; Language, Business and Culture; and German, plus a minor in Linguistics 鈥� all completed in four years.

Now, as she looks ahead, she is exploring teaching opportunities in both German and STEM fields and planning for a future master鈥檚 program in Computational Linguistics.听

鈥淚 think about what would have happened if I had chosen not to come to 麻豆传媒在线,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y life would be completely different. I genuinely believe I got the most out of it.鈥�

Ready to start your 麻豆传媒在线 journey? Learn more about the College of Science and Mathematics and the Department of World Languages and Cultures at 麻豆传媒在线.

Accepted students: Make it official by submitting your new student deposit and registering to attend Accepted Students Day.

He shares this year鈥檚 honor with Tommy Foster 鈥�23, an associate producer at Good Morning America whose rapid rise in national broadcast media began on 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 campus and now serves as a model for young people imagining careers in journalism and sports media. Together, the two honorees embodied the spirit of the 2026 MEGA Symposium: moving students from access to achievement and from passion to profession.

Trailblazer Award honorees Tommy Foster and Leslie Wilson, center, gather with 麻豆传媒在线 leaders Rahjaun Gordon, left, senior director of EOF and Success Programs, and Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs, EOF and Academic Success. (Photo by Ian Peters)

A Historian Shaped by Harlem

Wilson鈥檚 journey as a historian began in Harlem, where the streets outside his bedroom window doubled as his first classroom. Surrounded by artists, clergy and scholars, he absorbed lessons in civic and cultural life that would shape his future work. Among his early influences were neighbors such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Bill 鈥淏ojangles鈥� Robinson and Leo Whipper and community figures including Jackie Robinson, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Mabel Smythe.

Those early experiences stayed with Wilson as he advanced through Cheshire Academy and the New Lincoln School and later to Cornell University and the City University of New York. Trained in the history of science, Africana Studies and American history, he built a body of work that is intentionally intersectional, examining how race, place and power intersect in American life. His research centers on 19th- and 20th-century American and African American history, with projects on New York City churches, urban and suburban migration, school segregation and environmental racism 鈥� issues that continue to shape communities today.

鈥淒r. Wilson has a gift for making every scholar in the room feel like they belong there,鈥� says Daniel Jean, associate provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs, EOF and Academic Success. 鈥淗is passion for scholar success, especially his unwavering commitment to supporting students in academic jeopardy, is undeniable.鈥�

From Campus Leader to National Producer

Tommy Foster 鈥�23 received the Alumni Trailblazer Award for his achievements in broadcast journalism and his ongoing mentorship of young scholars. While earning dual degrees in Television and Digital Media and in Sports Media and Journalism, Foster balanced his studies with community outreach, mentoring high school students in Newark.

During his junior year, Foster landed a competitive internship with Good Morning America and ABC News in New York City, where he contributed to coverage of major national stories. One day after walking across the Commencement stage at 麻豆传媒在线, he accepted a full-time role at the show. He now serves as a sports producer, covering the Super Bowl, NBA Finals and World Series and booking interviews that bring powerful stories to millions of viewers each morning.

鈥淭ommy was nominated for the Alumni Trailblazer Award for his continuous growth as a leader, from his time on campus to his thriving professional career,鈥� says Rahjaun Gordon, senior director of EOF and Success Programs. 鈥淎s a 麻豆传媒在线 student, his leadership was grounded in learning, hard work and humility. He has carried those values into his work covering marquee events and uses his experiences to guide high school and college students as they navigate their own career journeys.鈥�

Inspiring the Next Generation

The MEGA Symposium, held March 6, brought together more than 350 students from high schools in Newark, East Orange, Paterson, Trenton, Plainfield and across New Jersey, alongside college scholars from 麻豆传媒在线, Rutgers, Princeton, Rowan and community colleges statewide.

MEGA is part of 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 broader effort to improve educational outcomes for all students by moving them from enrollment to graduation and into meaningful careers. Organizers say that honoring Foster and Wilson at this year鈥檚 symposium underscored that mission, showing students how passion paired with persistence and purpose can open doors.

Ready to start your 麻豆传媒在线 journey? Learn more about our College Access and Enrollment Programs.

Accepted students: Make it official by submitting your new student deposit and registering to attend Accepted Student Day.

Looking back, Aguilar, a double major in Political Science and Child Advocacy and Policy, is surprised by where those experiences have taken him.

If, as a high school senior, you told me I鈥檇 have these opportunities, I would have said absolutely not. I knew I wanted to work in government, but I didn鈥檛 think the Governor鈥檚 Office or these fellowships were for me. Having a strong support system has given me values and confidence that I belong in those spaces.鈥� 鈥� Jose Carlos Aguilar ’26

Learning Through Internships and Fellowships

For 麻豆传媒在线, his story is one example behind its recognition as a top 30 public university nationally 鈥� rankings that highlight how well its graduates are prepared for strong outcomes after college.

From state offices to child welfare agencies, Aguilar has worked in a variety of settings during his time at 麻豆传媒在线, including:

• The Division of Child Protection and Permanency, where he helped children who had been removed from their households and worked to place them in new homes or reunify them with family.
• The Governor鈥檚 Office, where he contributed to outreach efforts in the Labor Relations and Stakeholders Engagement Unit and saw how government initiatives can support underserved communities.
• Supporting the research of Professor Emily Douglas in the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy, analyzing child maltreatment data across the United States.
• A combined undergraduate and graduate research team, led by Douglas, examining safe haven relinquishment data in partnership with the National Safe Haven Alliance; the team surveyed 麻豆传媒在线 students about their attitudes and opinions on safe havens, and their work was recently accepted for publication in an open-access journal later this year.
• Campaign and leadership development experiences, from putting lessons from his Campaign Politics course into practice by phone banking, canvassing and knocking on doors for a candidate to participating in fellowships such as America Needs You and the Governor鈥檚 Hispanic Fellows Program.

Inspired by a First-Gen Grad

Aguilar鈥檚 path to 麻豆传媒在线 began years earlier, when his aunt, 麻豆传媒在线 alumna Daisy Layme 鈥�20, a Molecular Biology major, brought him to campus as a sixth grader to study in breakout rooms; she tutored him in science while he helped her with Greek mythology, one of his passions.

Seeing his aunt as the first in the family to go to college, at a Hispanic-Serving Institution filled with people who shared their background, convinced him that 麻豆传媒在线 was both aspirational and attainable.

Jose Carlos Aguilar carries forward an improv mindset that guides how he listens, learns and serves others. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Theater as Training for Public Life

Aguilar, who grew up in both Passaic and Clifton, also visited campus for theater events and programs with his vocational high school. At that school, he focused on theater, working both onstage and behind the scenes. The experience made him comfortable speaking to different audiences and aware of how he moves and communicates. 鈥淚鈥檝e been able to take that away and put that into the field that I鈥檓 in now,鈥� he says.

Aguilar carries forward an improv principle that guides how he engages with others. 鈥淚 believe in 鈥榶es, and,鈥� a technique where you listen and then continue the conversation. That鈥檚 important for someone like me who wants to go into policy and public service. Listening to people, gaining their experiences and driving the conversation forward to better serve them 鈥� that excites me.鈥�

COVID: A Turning Point Toward Policy

It was during his senior year of high school, the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, that Aguilar began to set his sights on serving others.听

鈥淚 saw people going through unfortunate circumstances and the federal policies enacted didn鈥檛 seem to be in the best interest of the public. I started acquiring more knowledge. I became fascinated by what was going on globally, locally and statewide. I went beyond politics to wonder how policy worked 鈥� who drives these things.鈥�

鈥淪eeing leaders pushing forward agendas and policy that I align with, I thought to myself, how can I put in the work to do that?鈥�

Next Steps in Public Service

As he prepares to graduate in May 2026, Aguilar, an Educational Opportunity Fund scholar, continues to serve in leadership roles with three student clubs: Child Advocacy and Policy, NJAEA Future Educators Association and Spark Pride Alliance.

鈥淚f my career allows me to better my community, the State of New Jersey and help others, I鈥檒l feel satisfied,鈥� he says.

鈥淗aving been given so much, I can鈥檛 be a taker 鈥� I have to be a giver. That鈥檚 my commitment right now, and wherever I end up, I know for sure I want to serve the public.鈥�

Ready to start your 麻豆传媒在线 journey?

• Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.
• Prospective Students: Visit campus and apply to 麻豆传媒在线.
• Journalists: Contact 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview.

Shadowing a lobbyist with the New Jersey Education Association during its 鈥淭ier One for Everyone鈥� pension campaign, the 麻豆传媒在线 Political Science major watched legislators stream past.

鈥淚t was my first time lobbying, and I heard 鈥榥o鈥� more often than 鈥榶es鈥� 鈥� a crash course in how messy and how meaningful education policy work can be,鈥� she says.

For Rodriguez, that moment is part of a broader story: how 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 strong transfer support, mentorship, and community helped her grow from an unsure transfer student into an emerging voice in the education policies shaping the profession.

From Community College to 麻豆传媒在线

Rodriguez鈥檚 path to 麻豆传媒在线 started at County College of Morris, where she changed majors several times before finding what truly fit.

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 commitment to making the transfer process straightforward and supportive helped turn that next step into a natural move and gave her a clear path to get involved on campus. That support now includes a new Transfer Credit Equivalent Database that lets students preview how their courses might transfer before they even apply.

鈥淚 always tell other students: If you don鈥檛 know what you want to do, go to county college, then transfer to a four-year school,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the best paths.鈥�

Even with that sense of direction, stepping onto a larger campus felt daunting. 鈥淎t first, when I came to 麻豆传媒在线, I felt nervous and scared,鈥� she says. 鈥淭here were a lot of 鈥業 don鈥檛 fit in. Where do I go? Where do I meet the right connections?鈥欌��

Getting involved changed that. 鈥淏eing in a club really helped,鈥� she says. 鈥淪tudent government helped me find a group where I could say, 鈥極kay, this feels like home now.鈥欌�� Feeling grounded at 麻豆传媒在线 became a springboard for her work with the , an arm of the NJEA that organizes and advocates for future teachers.

Putting Learning into Practice

Rodriguez hosts a podcast created through NJ Aspiring Educators that amplifies the voices of teachers, student teachers and advocates across the state, with episodes that openly address mental health and well-being in schools.

Her advocacy doesn鈥檛 stop with the podcast. Rodriguez is also co鈥慶reator of the , a group focused on ensuring that school construction and renovation projects are done responsibly and with equity in mind.

She has also been selected for U.S. Sen. Andy Kim鈥檚 , which teaches the fundamentals of running effective campaigns and organizing at the community level.

Thriving as a Commuter Student

Rodriguez commutes more than an hour to 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 campus. She grew up in Mount Olive and recently moved to Blairstown. 鈥淔rom Blairstown it鈥檚 about an hour and ten,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 worth it. I love the energy of campus, but I also love going home to a quieter, rural environment. I always say I have the best of both worlds 鈥� Hannah Montana style.鈥�

She knows many commuters worry they will miss out on campus life. 鈥淚 tell them: Attend something. Please, just do something for yourself. You鈥檒l thank yourself later.鈥�

She points to 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 commuter events, pit stops and student organizations as the structures that made it easier to plug in, even with a long drive.

Showing up became her guiding principle, and it led to one unexpected opportunity: making Puerto Rican mofongo on camera with 麻豆传媒在线 President Jonathan Koppell for an episode of

As she prepares to graduate in May 2026, Rodriguez still sometimes thinks about how unlikely this moment once felt.

鈥淚 never thought I鈥檇 graduate from college because my path felt so all over the place,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 never envisioned myself at a four-year institution. Even now, getting my senior pictures back, it feels like imposter syndrome. I鈥檓 25, and I finally did it,鈥� she adds. 鈥淚t feels good to finally see the checkered flag.鈥�

Ready to Start Your 麻豆传媒在线 Journey?

Transfer to 麻豆传媒在线 with Confidence

• Use our new Transfer Credit Equivalent Database to preview how your courses might transfer before you apply.
  • Enter your coursework from other institutions to see how they translate to 麻豆传媒在线 courses and fulfill degree requirements.
• Take advantage of 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 partnership with community colleges through a 2+2 Program for a supportive pathway:
  • Work with advisors from 麻豆传媒在线 and your community college to complete your AA or AS in two years.
  • Upon graduation and meeting program criteria, transfer to 麻豆传媒在线 with junior standing and all general education requirements waived.
  • Begin upper-level courses right away.
• Explore accredited online programs for transfer students with 45+ college credits, including Business Administration, Economics, Family Science and Human Development, Liberal Studies, Psychology and RN to BSN.

Horatio Wauchope鈥檚 story moves the way he does 鈥� fluidly, between the arts, fashion and social science. Growing up between Jamaica and New Jersey, he learned to express himself through music, photography and conversation, blending creativity with curiosity about how people connect.

A decade ago, after two semesters at 麻豆传媒在线, he left school to launch a career in photography and fashion as an agent and director. 鈥淚 went deep into my career, but after a while I stopped seeing progress and felt my ideas weren鈥檛 being taken seriously,鈥� Horatio, 34, explains.听

鈥淓ventually I got fed up and started seeing signs pointing me back to school.鈥�

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 readmit program helps students like Horatio return to finish their degrees, offering flexible options to take courses online, in person or in a hybrid format so they can balance school with work, commuting and family commitments.鈥�

When Horatio reapplied, financing his education was a major concern. 麻豆传媒在线 provided the Red Hawk Advantage Award, which helps eligible New Jersey students with tuition if they鈥檙e working on their first bachelor鈥檚 degree, have under 60 credits and meet income and GPA requirements.听

鈥淚 had no idea schools had their own funding like that. I thought I鈥檇 tried everything.鈥�

Morning Hustle

Horatio begins his mornings making deliveries to help meet his college costs. 鈥淚鈥檓 a full鈥憈ime student, so in between classes, before and after, whenever I have a break, I drive for Uber or Uber Eats to help make everything work.鈥�

Picking up medication on an Uber run.

鈥淐oming back after 10 years, I鈥檝e been surprised by how many people stepped up for me once I was honest about what I needed,鈥� he says.

On a recent winter day, , inviting Photographer Mike Peters to ride with him while he made deliveries and sit in on his classes. 鈥淲e met before my first class in Bloomfield so I could grab coffee and then squeeze in an hour of work. I did a couple of trips, picking up someone鈥檚 breakfast at Wawa and a pharmacy run for someone鈥檚 medication.鈥�

In Class and In Motion

Horatio took a class on advanced Excel skills at Bloomfield College of 麻豆传媒在线. Here, he charts and organizes data for a class project analyzing companies and their inventories.

A Sociology major, Horatio took Spreadsheet Essentials at the Bloomfield campus to build data analyst skills because that location better fit his schedule. Students from both locations are able to take courses across campuses. 鈥淚t was my first time on the Bloomfield campus since the merger, and it was interesting to experience a different environment while still being a 麻豆传媒在线 student.鈥�

After his class in Bloomfield, Horatio heads to 麻豆传媒在线, where he meets up with his friend and fellow Sociology major, Gustavo Quintero.

The friends grab lunch in the Student Center and walk across campus to a favorite study spot.

Horatio and Gustavo eat together, study and help keep each other motivated. 鈥淲e push each other to stay focused and get through the semester.鈥�

A decade ago, when Horatio first attended 麻豆传媒在线, he published a photography book for a class project called The Commuter, which mirrored his experiences as a college commuter. 鈥淚 always had my camera with me, and I鈥檇 take photos of people going down the escalator at New York Penn Station or head to Hoboken to shoot birds. I got a really good grade for the class, which inspired me to keep pursuing photography.鈥�

This time around, Horatio is focused on new interests. Last semester, he completed an internship at 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Project AROS (Applied Research On Social Issues) Lab, mentored by Arnaud Kurze, associate professor of Justice Studies and the lab鈥檚 director. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an interdisciplinary research program,鈥� Horatio explains. 鈥淣o matter what field you want to go into 鈥� history, technology or medicine 鈥� it gives us room to learn how to do real-life research and shadow professionals on their projects.鈥濃��

Horatio鈥檚 research examined climate change in Liberia. 鈥淚 learned how to map vulnerabilities and create graphs to visualize where floods hit hardest. It focused on erosion, flooding and how those changes affect communities, especially women who fish and provide for their families.鈥�

Finding Mentors, Building Momentum

In the late afternoon, Horatio attends Statistics of Social Research with Sociology Chairperson Sangeeta Parashar, who has become a guiding voice in his journey.鈥�

In addition to his internship, Horatio is finding mentorship in his classes. 鈥淧rofessor Parashar has been like a mom to me this semester,鈥� he says. 鈥淗er class is tough, very old鈥憇chool 鈥� pencils, paper, lots of problem sets 鈥� but it gave me a strong foundation.鈥�

Horatio, who expects to graduate in either May or December 2027, doesn鈥檛 yet know what shape his next chapter will take 鈥� but the direction feels right.

I don鈥檛 know exactly where I鈥檒l end up 鈥� data science, research or something else 鈥� but I know I鈥檓 on the right track. I鈥檓 taking every opportunity as it comes and trusting that the work, the mentors and the connections will lead me to the next step.鈥�

Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Through this photo essay, part of an ongoing series, we highlight how 麻豆传媒在线 students, faculty and staff embody the University鈥檚 mission in the classroom, on campus and beyond 鈥� empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.

Ready to start your 麻豆传媒在线 journey?

• Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.
• Prospective Students: Visit campus and apply to 麻豆传媒在线.
• Journalists: Contact 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview.

鈥淚 am a go-getter. I like to do as many things as possible. If I’m not busy, I feel like something’s wrong,鈥� says Correa, who thrived by taking flexible online courses designed for students balancing work, service and study.

Her story mirrors 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 mission as a public, Hispanic-Serving Institution: meeting students where they are, supporting military-connected learners and helping first-generation graduates transform their communities.

Balancing my coursework while working as an EMT, as well as serving this country as a soldier in the New Jersey Army National Guard, taught me that strength doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like showing up tired. Sometimes it looks like choosing not to quit. And sometimes, it looks like believing in yourself long before you see the results.鈥�

That quiet strength has defined Correa鈥檚 life, beginning in high school when she enrolled in the medical arts program at Passaic County Technical Institute, trained as an EMT and simultaneously earned her EMS (emergency medical services) license.

Rooted in Paterson, Driven to Serve

鈥淏eing an EMT was never part of my original plan, but I don’t think half of my life was,鈥� says Correa, who credits her family and their Puerto Rican culture for supporting her as she embraced different opportunities. 鈥淢y family is small, but we’re huge when it comes to love and affection and caring.鈥�

Her next step came unexpectedly 鈥� shipping out on her 18th birthday with the Army National Guard in July 2022. 鈥淎t the time of my enlistment, I did not know my purpose. I didn’t know why I wanted to join. Obviously they had good benefits that stood out to me, meaning they would pay for college. I decided to use that as my starter.鈥澛�

Correa graduated from National Guard training as a signal support system specialist, working with communications and radios. The experience was transforming. 鈥淪erving my country has shown me so many new opportunities. It’s given me more insight on where I want to go in life.鈥�

Finding 麻豆传媒在线 鈥� and a Calling to Serve

Using her National Guard education benefits, Correa enrolled at 麻豆传媒在线, where she discovered a supportive network for military-connected students in the Veteran and Military Resource Office.

She was working as a full-time EMT and fulfilling National Guard duties as a recruiter, working shifts from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. 鈥淭here was no way I could sit in a class. I was lucky that all of my classes I needed at certain points were online. I ended up doing fall, spring, summer, winter, and I maxed out on all my credits and finished super fast.鈥�

鈥淚 have the discipline that it takes to be able to take so many online classes without forgetting one or falling behind,鈥� she says. 鈥淲hether it came from my parents or whether it came from the military, I was on top of my stuff.鈥�

Studying Psychology, she added the Social Work minor after meeting a counselor who helps veterans struggling with PTSD or substance abuse. She realized that social work was a path that could connect 鈥渕y civilian world with my military world鈥� and lead to a meaningful career after college.

That includes a new job as a registered behavioral technician, working with children with autism, striving for a promotion in the Army National Guard by taking the Basic Leader Course and applying to graduate school at 麻豆传媒在线 for Counseling.

Reflecting on how far she鈥檚 come, Correa says, 鈥淭here are times I get emotional. I’ve completed so much at the age of 21. I cannot believe I’m only 21. I have such a great support system that I feel anything I put my mind to, I can accomplish.鈥�

This story is part of a series celebrating 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 graduates 鈥� students who embody the University鈥檚 mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Ready to start your 麻豆传媒在线 journey?

Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.

Prospective Students: Visit and .

Journalists: Contact 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview.

Is CHSS closing?

No.

The University is not dismantling, closing, or shrinking CHSS. No degree programs or majors will be cut.

No faculty or staff positions are being cut.

The plan is being developed collaboratively with participation of faculty, staff and students. The only set element at this stage is the grouping of programs and their faculty by themes (such as languages and literature or social and political systems) rather than relying exclusively on discipline-based departments. This does not mean departments are being eliminated but it is intended to reduce barriers to creating interdisciplinary opportunities for students and provide the flexibility to improve processes and share resources.

CHSS will remain the academic home for all of its current majors and programs.

If CHSS is not closing, then what is being considered?

The College is developing a plan to re-align its structure to address the complex challenges of contemporary life, organize its administration and functions around students鈥� needs and expectations, and promote innovation and impact by cultivating cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Where does the restructuring process currently stand?

The basics of the new organizational structure has been set.

The College will consist of four yet-to-be-named Schools that will house degree programs and faculty. The naming process for the Schools will be collaborative. The College鈥檚 faculty and staff are continuing the work of refining the internal organizations and functioning of the schools, including the role of departments.

The College may also add additional Centers, which will reflect areas of research excellence and community engagement, and participate in the development of Institutes which emphasize research collaboration across colleges.

Has the University decided to eliminate academic departments?

No. Faculty, chairs and staff are working to design the schools. That work is ongoing and is focusing on potential models that retain departmental structure.

Why is the College doing this, and how will it benefit students?

CHSS remains the heart of the university’s core curriculum, but the number of students choosing specific humanities majors has declined. Some majors are down in total enrollment by more than 20% over a five-year period (2021-2025).

The vision is to develop a college oriented around purpose. We want students to understand why we study the humanities and social sciences. At a time when study in these fields is being disparaged in popular press and discourse, these disciplines offer useful lenses to understand fundamental issues affecting humanity today.

The restructuring also seeks to reinvigorate these programs by reducing administrative work, increasing opportunities for faculty-student mentoring, and growing students鈥� access to interdisciplinary opportunities by removing obstacles to the creation of innovative courses, experiences and programs.

Are you really replacing names like “Department of English” with broad titles like “School of Human Narratives”? Won鈥檛 this confuse students and employers?

First, no academic programs are receiving new names. Students will still choose their major based on the name of the program and graduate with a “BA in English” or a “BA in History.” The degree names 鈥� the credential that is listed on the diploma and matters to employers 鈥� will remain unchanged.

Second, no decision has been made with respect to the future of departments. Models being developed by faculty include departments.

The School structure simply allows students to explore the connections between related fields (like political science and sociology, history and literature) more clearly, facilitating double majors and richer elective choices.

Third, the names of the Schools have not yet been determined

Are you eventually going to cut all Humanities majors and become a business college like Marymount University?

Absolutely not. This initiative is not the first phase of a plan to ultimately eliminate majors or programs. To insinuate otherwise, by likening this effort to an institution that eliminated humanities majors, is patently false.

The goal is to increase interest in critically important disciplines through a new organizational structure that provides greater space for interdisciplinary opportunities for students and enhances efficiency.

Is the University prioritizing international students and thereby taking away opportunities from prospective students in America and current 麻豆传媒在线 students?

Absolutely not. The University is committed to expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities for all students.

Enrolling more international students is part of the University鈥檚 overall strategy, to both enliven the intellectual community and create a sound financial condition. This is beneficial to all 麻豆传媒在线 students 鈥� from New Jersey, other US states and the rest of the world 鈥� because it allows the expansion of opportunities at 麻豆传媒在线.

Any insinuation that current or future students will be deprived anything based on growth in international enrollment is false.

Recent media coverage suggests this restructuring will erase traditional disciplines like History or English. Is the University devaluing these fields?

No. We value the humanities highly and want them to thrive in a modern context and attract more interest.

The traditional silo model has seen declining enrollments and reduced visibility nationwide. By critically examining structure as a barrier to innovation and interdisciplinarity, we are not erasing disciplines but trying to create an environment for them to thrive. The degrees, the faculty, and the rigor remain in place as do the many institutions that support disciplines beyond the University (such as academic journals, professional associations, conferences and peer review).

Critics also argue that the new structure uses “corporate” or “vacuous” language 鈥� such as “synergy” and “schools” 鈥� to mask a reduction in faculty autonomy and an increase in administrative control. Is this true?

No. Many institutions 鈥� from liberal arts colleges to major research institutions 鈥� have embraced multidisciplinary “Schools” to foster collaboration. Faculty will remain the stewards of the curriculum and retain their role in their hiring process. Restructuring would change bureaucracy, not dictate course content.

Is this restructuring really just a way to cut costs or eliminate tenured faculty positions?

No. We want to be crystal clear: There are no layoffs of tenured or tenure-track faculty associated with this restructuring. There are also no layoffs of staff.

We are always working to direct more resources toward student advising, faculty research support and program development.

Will students get new advisors?

No. Advisors will remain the same. For example, Philosophy majors will continue to be advised by Philosophy professors.

Who will be in charge of the curriculum?

Faculty. The creation and approval of curricula will remain the faculty鈥檚 responsibilities. This will not change regardless of structure.

Would faculty hiring change under a new structure?

No. Hiring processes and decisions will still be guided by the same University-wide policies set forth by the provost office.

What are the next steps in the process?

Faculty and staff are now working to design the rest of the structure – including the names for the four interdisciplinary Schools – in consultation with administration. The target launch date for the new structure has not yet been determined.

Where can I go if I have questions?

Email the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at chss@montclair.edu.

Mondays are especially packed for Sara, beginning in her dorm room with an 8 a.m. Zoom meeting for the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program.

As she begins another week at 麻豆传媒在线, Sara Flores is already moving with purpose. A Linguistics major and honors student, she starts her busy Monday with an early-morning Zoom alongside campus leaders. By evening, she鈥檚 in Paterson, helping adult ESL learners at Eastside High School as part of the University鈥檚 One-Square Mile initiative.

Flores reflects on her journey 鈥� balancing classes, service and her passion to empower those who are often overlooked.

Pursuing Excellence, Honoring Family

A classmate squeezes in a few extra minutes of sleep before class, while Sara catches up on emails. Despite being in her second year at 麻豆传媒在线, Sara鈥檚 college-level work in high school means she鈥檚 already classified as a junior.

As first gen, I want to make it worth my parents鈥� money, time and sacrifices 鈥� and for myself too. Education is a privilege; you have to take the opportunities in front of you because this environment doesn鈥檛 exist elsewhere.鈥�

Her schedule includes Introduction to Cognitive Science with Associate Professor Lauren Covey, an opportunity to better understand how the mind works.

Campus Life: Finding Balance

Sara manages her busy Mondays by using moments of downtime to relax 鈥� especially outdoors on campus when the weather is nice.

Lunch on the go: Sara runs on Dunkin鈥�, grabbing an iced coffee and croissant sandwich between commitments.

After a stop at her room in Dinallo Heights, she鈥檚 off again for another campus event.

Connecting with Martinson Honors EDGE

Sara sets up for a student event with 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 John Martinson Honors EDGE Program. Thanks to a $5 million gift from philanthropist John Martinson, honors students now benefit from expanded academic, creative and leadership opportunities as well as $5,000 Creative Learning stipends for study abroad, internships and research.

The classes in Honors encourage you to rethink your beliefs and the way things are structured, and then apply that to your field.鈥�

Sara chats with other Honors students during Field Day.

As an officer, I鈥檓 always thinking about making events inclusive 鈥� considering commuters, timing and exam weeks. We work hard to make sure students feel supported.鈥�

Experiential Learning in Linguistics

Beyond Honors, Sara holds a paid internship in the Linguistics lab. Her work involves annotating speech 鈥� tracking starts, stops and word emphasis.

Sara arrives at Eastside High School in Paterson, where funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and Paterson Public Schools support a full-service community school, including English classes for adults.

Unlocking Possibilities Through Language

The language classes at Eastside 鈥� center of the One Square Mile initiative 鈥� help adults unlock new possibilities. Sara works with beginners on introducing themselves and sharing their origins, encouraging real-life questions and translation support.

Working with adult ESL learners in Paterson has shown me how many people in my community have had opportunities kept from them for so long. I want to help others continue their dreams, in whatever way I can.鈥�

Sara shows fellow Bonner volunteers how to search for training opportunities and track their volunteer hours.

Language, Identity, Mutual Learning

Sara grew up speaking Spanish at home but only learned to read the language at age 13.

Learning Spanish has been an adjustment for me. I still sometimes use informal words or slang. When I tutor, I warn students about my Spanish and ask them to correct me. In the same way they鈥檙e learning English, I鈥檓 learning 鈥� and improving 鈥� my Spanish. It鈥檚 a good relationship because we both learn.鈥�

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren

for a complete look at Sara鈥檚 day as a student, campus leader and ESL teacher.

Ready to start your 麻豆传媒在线 journey?

Visit campus, or .

Oscaterin Bautista begins her day at 5 a.m., carving out quiet hours to study before her four children wake. At 35, she balances motherhood, a full-time job and a double major at 麻豆传媒在线 鈥� all while championing young children鈥檚 school readiness. This documentary photo essay follows her journey in her own words, capturing the determination, setbacks and inspiration fueling her pursuit of higher education.

鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to contribute to something meaningful, to inspire others to begin their educational journey and to show that it鈥檚 never too late if we have the motivation and desire to grow,鈥� she says.

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren

Study Time

Oscaterin Bautista sits at her dining room table at dawn, typing a discussion post for her summer class, Working with Diverse Families.

Even if I only get three hours of sleep, I know it鈥檚 worth it. Soon, I鈥檒l have my degree and that will open more doors for us. I want my kids to see that it鈥檚 possible.鈥�

Oscaterin Bautista starts each morning with an energy drink and study session, keeping her on track to graduate in December 2025.

I remind myself this is a temporary sacrifice … I want to be a role model for my kids 鈥� I can鈥檛 expect them to be something I鈥檓 not.鈥�

Breakfast and Family Routine

Oscaterin cooks breakfast with Kaylah, 8, as her older children 鈥� Ethan, Kamila and Liam 鈥� start on morning chores. The family鈥檚 routine is simple: before anyone uses a phone or tablet, every household task is completed together.

I鈥檓 really thankful for my kids; they help me a lot. My 15-year-old takes care of the younger ones when I have evening classes.鈥�

On the Job: Advocating for Families

At her desk, Oscaterin champions children鈥檚 success and guides families toward self-reliance through her work at 麻豆传媒在线 Child Development Center in Glen Ridge.

We have families of every background. I see the worries and the hopes. My job is to remind them help is not a punishment and you are not alone.鈥�

During her internship, Oscaterin assisted in enhancing family engagement strategies and collaborated with staff to support children and families. She gained hands-on experience with the Referral for Assistance process and contributed a Special Needs Guideline Sheet to help families navigate the Child Study Team referral process and access individualized support.

I have a caseload of 113 families. I help them with self-assessments and services, even paperwork they鈥檙e afraid to fill out. Sometimes I see what鈥檚 missing 鈥� maybe a child isn鈥檛 getting vaccines or a family needs food. If I can, I help them in my office 鈥� especially if they鈥檙e afraid of being misunderstood or if there are language barriers.鈥�

Oscaterin saves and treasures handwritten notes from children she鈥檚 supported at the 麻豆传媒在线 Child Development Center, reminders of the impact she鈥檚 had on their lives.

I keep the notes as special reminders of my connection with the children, especially throughout their journey to kindergarten. I鈥檝e been part of some families鈥� lives for one to three years, and when they leave our program, a real connection remains 鈥� because I see their faces daily and a bond is built. Creating an impact on the little ones is truly priceless, even if they might not remember me when they grow up.鈥�

Evening: Family, Homework and Baseball

After work, Oscaterin heads home to her second shift 鈥� taking the family to her son鈥檚 baseball game.

I鈥檓 there as his number one fan, even if he strikes out.鈥�

Back to School

Oscaterin walks across the 麻豆传媒在线 campus on the first day of her final semester. She鈥檚 on track to earn degrees in Child Advocacy and Policy and Family Science and Human Development.

At first, I was scared to go back to college. I was 30 with four children, surrounded by classmates half my age. But I met others like me and I learned I wasn鈥檛 alone.鈥�

The flexibility of online and in-person classes has allowed Oscaterin to balance her education, work and family in ways she didn鈥檛 think possible.

The support from professors and the resources available have prepared me to grow stronger as a family advocate 鈥� Sometimes, while working on ourselves, we can lose sight of who we are, but the feedback from my professors reminds me of who I want to become and why I am here.鈥�

Oscaterin speaks with Assistant Professor Roxanna Ast during the Child Welfare Research and Evaluation class in University Hall.

After I graduate, I want to get my master鈥檚 in social work and create a nonprofit that makes sure no family falls through the cracks. I want to use my experiences to make things easier for other families. If I鈥檝e struggled, so have others 鈥� and no one should face that journey alone.鈥�

for a more complete look at Oscaterin鈥檚 day as a mother, student and family advocate.

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