Welcome to Kean Research Days 2026

Reenat Munshi 
Director of Student Research & Innovation
Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships | CURF

Research Days—what started as a modest gathering has grown into a defining hallmark of our university’s academic identity.

From 90 participants in 2009 to nearly 1,600 student presenters in 2026, that growth tells a powerful story about who we’ve become. Over the years, what began as a small initiative has evolved into a vibrant, campus-wide culture of research, driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to discovery. Being able to witness and be a part of Kean’s transformation from a teaching university to an urban research university brings a deep sense of pride. It reflects not only the progress of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF), but also the broader evolution of the university into a place where research and innovation truly thrive.

Kean’s R2 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education, achieved last year, further underscores this momentum and the university’s continued rise as a dynamic urban research institution. This progress would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our faculty and the passion and drive of our student researchers. Today, research activity across campus is stronger than ever. Students are asking bold questions, exploring new ideas, and making meaningful contributions to their fields. 

At the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF), we remain committed to supporting and nurturing this energy. Together, we’re building the foundation for a research culture that will keep growing and thriving for years to come.

Keith Bostian, PhD
Associate Provost for Science & Technology
Interim Vice President for Research

We’re excited to have you join us in celebrating the power of research and discovery at Kean. Whether you're presenting your research, exploring new ideas, or connecting with fellow scholars, Research Days is a space to share knowledge, spark curiosity, and inspire collaboration. College Showcases and Research Spotlights will provide new windows into the exciting research and opportunities happening on our campus and in our community, in addition to the student poster presentations.

The powerful result of research is discovery, whether by examining scientific challenges, exploring social questions, developing new technologies, or engaging in creative scholarship. It expands knowledge, leads to innovation and progress and sparks new questions and ideas. It is the exhilarating moment when you find or realize something new that wasn’t known or understood before. We therefore encourage you to take time to engage with the presenters, ask questions, and learn about the ideas that are shaping their work. We invite you to be inspired by the diversity of thought and the spirit of inquiry that define their pursuit of knowledge, and we hope that your trail of discovery at this 2026 Kean Research Days broadens your horizons in new ways.   Thank you for being part of this special event.