Research Salon
Research Salons
The Mercy University Research Salon is a monthly presentation series designed to help faculty develop their research in a supportive, low-stakes setting. They also represent an opportunity for the Mercy community (including faculty, staff, and students) to learn more about our colleagues’ research and scholarly contributions. Sessions typically feature 45 minutes of presentation followed by 45 minutes of Q + A.
Salon meetings are open to the university community, and are coordinated by Dr. Saul Fisher, Associate Provost for Research, Grants, and Academic Initiatives. Please direct all questions and inquiries about the Research Salon Series to research@mercy.edu.You can find more information about the Salons scheduled for this academic year below.
Presenters: Kumudu Vitro and Melissa Ramdas
Title: "When Loss Changse the Self: Secondary Loss Identity Crisis"
Date: January 22nd, 2026
Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Location: Charter Room, Verrazzano Hall (Dobbs Ferry Campus)
Modality: Hybrid
Links: RSVP here
Abstract: While grief is often associated with the primary loss of a loved one, it also disrupts self-concept, roles, and social identity, producing a cascade of secondary losses (Neimeyer, 2019). The purpose of this research is to examine how secondary losses to identity emerge when individuals experience grief. This study employs a meta-analysis of existing empirical research on grief, identity, and meaning reconstruction to identify patterns in how role changes, cultural factors, and disrupted identity contribute to the grieving process (Gillies et al., 2014). This review will provide faculty across disciplines with insights into how grief impacts students’ academic and personal identities, equipping educators to foster supportive, inclusive learning environments (Attig, 2011).
All salons will take place at 2:00pm in the Verrazzano Hall Charter Room unless otherwise noted. Titles may be tentative.
October 9th (3:00pm): Stephanie Grier, "The S.C.O.R.E Program". RSVP here.
November 13th: Angelle Richardson, "Adoption and Kinship Legacy: An Oral History Project". RSVP here.
December 11th: John Yoon, "Steganography: a Technique For Sending Sensitive Data Securely". RSVP here.
January 22nd: Melissa Ramdas & Kumudumali Vitro, "When Loss Changes the Self: Secondary Loss Identity Crisis". RSVP here.
February 12th: Jessica Fountas, "Awakening Clinical Intuition: A Phenomenological Exploration of MFT Graduate Training". RSVP here.
March 12th: Angelle Richardson, Melissa Ramdas, & Salaha Kabir, "Safe Practice, Real Impact: Using Simulation to Train Graduate Students for Domestic Violence Response". RSVP here.
April 9th: Boria Sax, "Finding a Place in Academia". RSVP here.
May 14th: Naushad Kollikkathara, "Bridging Classroom Learning and Industry Projects: Strategies and Insights from Running Experiential Learning Online". RSVP here.
Applications for the AY25-26 Research Salon series are now closed.