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’s study, “How Accessible Public Universities Can Enhance Social Mobility Through Comprehensive Support Services,” 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. “I’m incredibly proud that our work highlights the well-being of students at Brooklyn College and across CUNY,” Shavkatov said. “Through the Tow Mentoring Initiative, I learned how to conduct real research—interviewing students, analyzing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions. I’m 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.” 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’s long-lasting impact. “This project is part of a series of research initiatives I’ve led over the years at Brooklyn College that are focused on helping students from challenging backgrounds reach their full potential,” Pham said. “I’m 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.”
