A collaborative research project by Ngoc Cindy Pham, assistant professor of management, marketing, and entrepreneurship in the Koppelman School of Business, and psychology major Damir Shavkatov has been accepted for publication in the Northeast Journal of Legal Studies. The project, funded by the Tow Mentoring and Research Program, will appear in the journal’s December 2025 issue.
The Tow Mentoring and Research Program supports meaningful partnerships between faculty mentors and undergraduate student mentees across disciplines. It provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, explore scholarly publications in their field, balance teamwork with independent inquiry, and refine their academic and professional interests.
Pham and Shavkatov鈥檚 study, 鈥淗ow Accessible Public Universities Can Enhance Social Mobility Through Comprehensive Support Services,鈥� investigates how students at public institutions overcome institutional barriers with the aid of financial support, academic advising, mental health resources, and career development programs. Their findings underscore the essential role of holistic student support systems in promoting upward mobility.
Student Damir Shavkatov (left) presents his research to peers.
Shavkatov, who is pursuing a psychology major and a marketing minor, played an integral role in both the research and writing phases. He described the experience as one of the most impactful of his college journey.
鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly proud that our work highlights the well-being of students at 可乐视频 and across CUNY,鈥� Shavkatov said. 鈥淭hrough the Tow Mentoring Initiative, I learned how to conduct real research鈥攊nterviewing students, analyzing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions. I鈥檓 deeply grateful to Professor Pham for her mentorship and belief in me, and to [Associate] Professor Allan Amanik for helping build a program that truly empowers students to grow and lead.鈥�
This summer, Pham presented their findings at several international academic gatherings, including the European Decision Sciences Institute (EDSI) Conference at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. EDSI brings together scholars, practitioners, and students dedicated to improving decision-making in both public and private organizations.
Reflecting on the experience, Pham emphasized the program鈥檚 long-lasting impact.
鈥淭his project is part of a series of research initiatives I鈥檝e led over the years at 可乐视频 that are focused on helping students from challenging backgrounds reach their full potential,鈥� Pham said. 鈥淚鈥檓 especially proud that this study was co-led by our talented student Damir and am thankful for the support from the Tow Mentoring and Research Program.鈥�
