The University Libraries has a long and successful relationship with organizers, presenters, and attendees at the annual Petersheim Academic Exposition sponsored by Seton Hall University which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Counted among the upcoming and already successful presentations sponsored through the University Libraries include the following events . . .
Thursday, April 23rd 2026
DataLab: Advancing Research Through Student-Faculty Collaboration
Organizer: Samah Alshrief, Ph.D.
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Walsh Library, 2nd Floor Common Area and Virtual (Click to join the event on Microsoft Teams »)
This DataLab session highlights interdisciplinary student research supported by Research Data Services in collaboration with faculty mentors across multiple departments. Students will present projects demonstrating the application of data analysis, computational methods, and research technologies to address real-world research questions. The following presentations showcase the work of DataLab student researchers and their faculty mentors across participating departments.
- “Themes in Diverse vs. Non-diverse Jury Deliberations”
Student Researcher: Nadia Aboukaram, Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Amanda Bergold, Department of Psychology
RDS Representative: Dr. Samah Alshrief, Michael Murphy, Emily Cerri
Abstract: This project analyzes conversations from juries deliberating in a mock criminal trial to identify themes in decisionmaking across diverse and nondiverse juries using qualitative coding methods in Atlas.ti. - “Testing a New Sphere Packing Algorithm”
Student Researcher: Chris Henderson, Physics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Peter Morse, Department of Physics
RDS Representative: Dr. Samah Alshrief, Natalie Lau, Victor Carrillo
Abstract: This project evaluates a recently developed sphere packing algorithm by testing its performance in lower physical dimensions through computational modeling using Python, C++, and MATLAB. - “Testing a New Sphere Packing Algorithm”
Student Researcher: Daniel Gilliland, Physics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Peter Morse, Department of Physics
RDS Representative: Dr. Samah Alshrief, Natalie Lau, Victor Carrillo
Abstract: This research investigates the efficiency of a new sphere packing algorithm in lower dimensions using computational simulations to understand scaling behavior and potential applications in data storage and cryptography. - “CyberSmart”
Student Researcher: Marco Ponce, Computer Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shajina Anand, Department of Computer Science
RDS Representative: Dr. Samah Alshrief
Time Machines Symposium
Organizer: Sarah Ponichtera
2 – 4 p.m. | Walsh Library, 24/7 Study Room
This session shares the research projects of five undergraduate students who worked in Special Collections, delving into a specific object or collection over the course of an academic year. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the actual objects students worked with, which will be on display as they present their work:
- Ariel Espinoza (Advisor: Anthony Sciglitano) — The life and legacy of Luna Kaufman, explored through interviews with her relatives and related archival materials
- Brooke Hurrell (Advisor: Laura Hapke) — The imagery and historical context of the D’Argenio Roman coin collection
- Justin Lotito (Advisor: James Kimble) — Binary rhetoric in coverage of the 2003 Iraq War in The Setonian
- Amelia Olson (Advisor: Sara Fieldston) — Seton Hall student reactions to the Vietnam War
- Agostina Pieri (Advisor: Sara Fieldston) — Early 20th-century Irish pamphlets and the struggle for Irish independence
In the second hour, faculty will present on their archival research, highlighting shared challenges and discoveries common to both student and faculty research experiences. Professor James Kimble will speak about his research on “the Kid in Upper 4,” an advertising campaign by the New Haven Railroad during World War 2 which highlighted the human cost of the war. Laura Hapke and Emily Handlin will speak about museum research, discussing discoveries made during their work tracing the history of objects in Seton Hall’s collection. Finally, Sarah Ponichtera will discuss the research and preservation work that led to the discovery of the Yiddish science fiction novella she translated.
Wednesday, April 22nd 2026
2026 Petersheim Faculty Research Expo
Organizers: Maria Alonso; Norma Rubio
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Walsh Library, 24/7 Study Room
This year, we proudly celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Petersheim Academic Exposition—a milestone that reflects three decades of curiosity, innovation, and scholarly excellence at Seton Hall University. Throughout its history, the Exposition has shown the remarkable diversity of ideas and research that define our academic community. This year’s event invites us to witness how bold questions, disciplined inquiry, and the pursuit of truth can spark new possibilities. It is a testament to the power of research to illuminate challenges, inspire solutions, and help shape a better, more thoughtful world.
Muse: Art and Design Student Exhibition
Organizer: Christine Lhowe
5 – 7 p.m. | Walsh Library, Gallery
The College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, along with the Walsh Gallery, will be hosting an opening reception for Muse—a student art and design exhibition. While this is the 22nd annual exhibition, the exhibition has been held virtually since 2020. We are excited to be back in person this year. The exhibition will showcase approximately 100 projects from students in 15 classes in the Art, Design and Interactive Multimedia program. With a range of disciplines including graphic design, fine art, digital art, package design, user experience and interface design, game design, and animation it will be an evening of inspiration and community!
Connected Events
Exhibit: Ukraine’s People Revealed! Early Eighteenth-Century Paintings of Ukrainian Society
Organizer: Nathaniel Knight
February 25 – May 1 | Walsh Library, Silent Study Room
An exhibit of ethnographic images from the Swedish National Museum in Stockholm.
The Petersheim Committee for 2026 includes Faculty Librarians Natalie Lau, Lisa Rose-Wiles, and Alan Delozier.
For additional information please feel free to contact us via e-mail via the University Libraries Homepage.
