Our Research

Each member of the SSTAR Lab team is leading a research project oriented toward student success. SSTAR works under the supervision of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) authorized by the Office of Research Compliance. Oversight on research and data collection comes from the auspices of that office.

Research topics covered by the IRB include, but are not limited to:

• Innovative retention initiatives
• Deconstructing student success
• Academic performance both inside and outside of the classroom
• Academic standing
• Division of Undergraduate Education programs

 

 

Past Projects

• Defining Student Success

  Defining Student Success: This research investigates first-generation students’ perceptions of academic success using a counterstorytelling framework to deconstruct existing narratives and elevate students' voices.

  Lead Researcher: Jennifer Rodriguez, Associate Director,  U-RISE

  Relevant References:

  • Evans, R., Stansberry, D., Bullington, K. E., & Burnett, D. (2020). First in college: A qualitative exploration of experiences of first-generation students. Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges, 23(1), 7–38. Retrieved from https://commons.vccs.edu/inquiry/vol23/iss1/5
  • Weatherton, M. & Schussler, E. E. (2021). Success for all? A call to re-examine how student success is defined in higher education. CBE Life Sciences Education, 20(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.20-09-0223
• Academic Warning Messaging With The Growth Mindset Framework

  Academic Warning Messaging With The Growth Mindset Framework: This research explores how academic warning messaging designed with the growth mindset framework influences students' experience in a program intended to promote improved academic performance.

  Lead Researcher: Robert Drago, Associate Director,  U-RISE

  Relevant References:

  • Buchanan, T. M., Brown, A., Chirco, P., Klein, D., & Purgason, A. M. (2022). Messaging matters: The impact of advising micromessages on student affect and behavior across diverse university campuses. NACADA Journal, 42(2), 45–61. https://doi.org/10.12930/nacada-22-04
  • Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
  • Kyte, S. B., Collins, E., & Deil-Amen, R. (2020). Mindset messaging: Fostering student support and confidence through micro-messaging in advisor communication. NACADA Journal, 40(1), 36–48. https://doi.org/10.12930/nacada-19-08 

  Please contact Robert.Drago@stonybrook.edu regarding presentation materials.

• A Focus on Assets

  A Focus on Assets: Students’ Experience of Academic Probation: This project aims to shed light on the experiences and stories of students who have experienced academic probation and identify key characteristics, strengths, resources, strategies, and supports that can be applied on a larger scale to improve outcomes for more students during the academic probation process.

  Lead Researcher: Michelle Setnikar, Associate Director,  U-RISE

  Relevant References:

  • Brady, S. T., Kroeper, K. M., Ozier, E. M., Henderson, A. G., Mathias, K. M., Walton, G. M. & the College Transition Collaborative (2021). Academic probation and the role of notification letters [Research Brief]. http://collegetransitioncollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/sass_toolkit_researchbrief_2021.pdf 
  • Kellogg, B. T. (2021). An Asset-Based Approach to Understanding College Students as Sources of Support. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/152102512110252 

 

Publications and Presentations

Publications
Drago, R., & Setnikar, M. (2023). Where to start? Asset-based approaches for practitioners in higher education. The Vermont Connection, 44(1). https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/tvc/vol44/iss1/

Setnikar, M. (2023, September 1). From setbacks to superpowers. MASK The Magazine (The Power of Prevention Issue), Volume 13, 71-72.

Tomczak, R. (2024, July). Are these truths self-evident? Students recreate the Second Continental Congress. Perspectives on History, The American Historical Association.

Tomczak, R. (2025, May). The economics of belonging: A new way of thinking about student success. Times Higher Education. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/economics-belonging-new-way-thinking-about-student-success

Conference / Research Presentations

Bjertnes, B., Hall, K., Poma, J., & Rodriguez, J. (2023, March). Supporting students through transitions [Conference session]. CELT Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium, Stony Brook, NY.

Drago, R. (2023, October 15-18). Influence of messaging designed with the growth mindset framework on student behavior [Conference session]. NODA Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Drago, R., & Dailey, D. (2025, February). Investing in students: Designing an early alert mini-grant program for college students [Presentation]. SSTAR Lab Town Hall, Stony Brook, NY.

Drago, R., & Rodriguez, J. (2023, April). Developing a comprehensive winter session support program to promote credit momentum among first-year students [Conference session]. SUNY Student Success Summit, online.

Germana, R., & Setnikar, M. (2025, January). Holistic student success for at-promise students: Stony Brook University Summer Academic Resilience Program [Conference presentation]. UERU National Conference, Washington, D.C. 

Rodriguez, J. (2025, March). Creating safe and affirming advising spaces: How asset-based practices contribute to students’ success and retention [Presentation]. Division of Undergraduate Education Advisor Development Series, Stony Brook, NY.

Rodriguez, J. (2023, November). Understanding the Gen Z student [Roundtable session]. LICSPA Annual Conference, Garden City, NY.

Setnikar, M., & Martin, W. (2025, February). Summer academic resilience program (SARP) study [Presentation]. SSTAR Lab Town Hall, Stony Brook, NY.

Tomczak, R., Rodriguez, J., & De Jesus, T. (2025, February). The moral economy of retention: An innovative intervention for humanities and social science majors at risk for attrition [Presentation]. SSTAR Lab Town Hall, Stony Brook, NY.

Tomczak, R., Rodriguez, J., & De Jesus, T. (2025, June). The moral economy of retention: An innovative intervention for humanities and social science majors at risk for attrition [Conference presentation]. NASPA Student Success in Higher Education Conference, Denver, CO.