Meet Our Researchers
Meet Our Researchers
Research That Makes A Difference
Rowan University focuses on applied research, solving real-world problems that affect everyone. We partner on research and development with business and industry, government and nonprofits. Our undergraduate and graduate students are essential to this work, often presenting at national conferences, sharing credits in professional publications and winning regional and national awards.Untold stories of Soviet-era history
Soviet-era archives reveal how shadow economies were critical to living in a repressive dictatorship. Meet Dr. James Heinzen, historian.
Understanding the brain's "blue spot"
The brain's nucleus locus coeruleus, or "blue spot," is linked to various serious medical conditions. Researchers want to know more about how it works. Meet Dr. Barry Waterhouse, neuroscientist.
Advancing chemical analysis
Chemical analysis using liquid chromatography can be more efficient, sustainable, less expensive, and accessible to researchers. Meet Dr. James Grinias, chemist.
Finding eco-friendly solutions
Mathematical modeling, process design, and simulation can help forecast cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to manage chemicals and waste. Meet Dr. Kirti Yenkie, chemical engineer.
Health impacts of sleep deprivation
Sleep well, stay well. Researchers are looking at an integrated approach of better sleep and diet to reduce hypertension and heart disease. Meet Dr. Diana Martinez, neuroscientist and physiologist.
Novel, sustainable materials
He's using silk and other natural fibers to create novel, sustainable materials with properties designed for biomedical and other technical applications. Meet Dr. Xiao Hu, materials scientist.
Investigating science deniers online
The internet is a popular news source, but identifying misinformation can be tricky. Meet Dr. Miles Coleman, science communication researcher.
Cultural and global history
Over time, our cultural practices, such as the food we eat and how we eat it, have shaped population growth and the modern landscape. Meet Dr. Q. Edward Wang, historian.
Addiction treatment
Learning more about patient behavior may improve individualized drug addiction treatment plans. Meet Dr. Martin Job, addiction research scientist.
Treating inflammation
Promising research may lead to a treatment for sepsis and other severe inflammatory responses to infection. Meet Dr. Kingsley Yin, pharmacologist and immunologist.
Climate change
Computer modeling indicates the intensity of hurricanes will continue to increase due to climate change. Meet Dr. Andra Garner, climate scientist.
Healthy behavior
Providing immediate incentives may help treat unhealthy behaviors and harmful addictions. Meet Dr. Bethany Raiff, psychologist.
Transportation safety
Distracted driving is the leading cause of fatal crashes in New Jersey. Researchers hope increasing public awareness will save lives. Meet Dr. Mohammad Jalayer, transportation engineer.
Political science
Examining the current political climate in Eurasia provides insight on violence, authoritarianism and other pressing issues. Meet Dr. Lawrence Markowitz, political scientist.
Neuropharmacology
Can altering brain receptors prevent opioid addiction? Meet Dr. Amanda Fakira, neuropharmacologist.
Advanced materials science
Developing new materials takes an interdisciplinary approach. Meet Dr. Sam Lofland, condensed matter physicist.
Healing through education
Educators can develop innovative strategies and support mechanisms for children exposed to trauma, violence and economic hardships. Meet Dr. Adam Alvarez, youth trauma researcher.
Untold history
It takes an expert storyteller to uncover the experiences of people of the past, like women and children, whose voices have not been heard. Meet Dr. Melissa Klapper, historian.
Violence prevention
Mass public shootings are incomprehensible crimes. But it’s crucial to pinpoint their causes in order to prevent them. Meet Dr. Joel Capellan, criminologist.
Engineering education
Every day, engineers in chemical plants make decisions that could have major safety repercussions—and it’s important they make the right ones. Meet Dr. Cheryl Bodnar, engineering educator.
Pain management
When patients treated for pain become addicted to opioids, they need help, not shame. Meet Dr. Richard Jermyn, pain management and addiction treatment specialist.
Climate change
Much can be learned about our rapidly warming planet through the study of nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide. Meet Dr. Charles Schutte, aquatic biogeochemist.
Computer engineering
Artificial intelligence has great potential and could even save human life. But can a machine learn how to teach itself? Meet Dr. Ghulam Rasool, computer engineer.
Health disparities
Community health is best improved with help from its members—and careful listening. Meet Dr. Nicole Vaughn, community health and wellness researcher.
Climate change
Arctic Ocean water holds clues to climate change, but scientists must venture to find them. Meet Dr. Lauren Kipp, environmental scientist.
Sustainable materials
The planet needs renewable sources of new materials, perhaps from trees and plants. Meet Dr. Joe Stanzione, chemical engineer.
Honey bees
Microbes in the guts of honey bees may impact their memories and social behavior. Meet Dr. Svjetlana “Lana” Vojvodic Kruse, biologist.
Alzheimer’s disease
A blood test to detect early signs of many diseases could lead to faster diagnosis and treatment. Meet Dr. Robert Nagele, cell biologist.
Cultural violence
We don’t remember American cultural violence the same way. That can change. Meet Dr. William Carrigan, historian.
Ancient human remains
Ancient human remains help us understand our roots. Meet Dr. Maria Rosado, anthropologist.
Inclusive education
Children with disabilities deserve an equitable education, no matter where they live. Meet Dr. Brent C. Elder, educator and advocate.
Artificial intelligence
In the right hands, artificial intelligence can do a lot more than beat chess masters or drive a vehicle. It can save lives. Meet Dr. Nidhal Bouaynaya, computer scientist.
Engineering systems
Careful study is required to make complicated systems work best for people, no matter their strengths or weaknesses. Meet Dr. Patrice "Polly" Tremoulet, human factors scientist.
NASA asteroid research
After a journey of some two billion miles, the NASA spacecraft OSIRIS-REx dropped a robotic arm and completed a touch-and-go collection maneuver above the asteroid Bennu. Meet Dr. Harold Connolly, geologist.
Cold spray technologies
A $14.5 million research grant will allow researchers to develop technology to modernize the Army and improve the safety of soldiers. Additionally, they will explore applications for civilian and commercial use.
Miss America
Through a unique partnership with the Miss America Organization, Rowan University students are working to digitize the organization's expansive archives, which spans 100 years.
Heart monitoring
Wei Xue, Ph.D., talks about a skin patch under development that measures heart rhythms and the aid he has received from Rowan University in applying for a patent and grants.
3D knee joint
Shivakumar Ranganathan, Ph.D., and Tae Won Kim, M.D., explain the advantages of a temporary knee joint made on a 3D printer and the help they received from Rowan University in applying for a patent and grants.
Genetic research
Paola Leone, Ph.D., details her groundbreaking research on Canavan disease and the help she received from Rowan University in transitioning clinical trial information to a pharmaceutical company.
Roadway solutions
Whether you are a parent rushing a child to school or a manufacturer rushing a product to market, CREATES will help ensure your family and your merchandise reach their destinations as safely and efficiently as possible.
