Research & Development Council of New Jersey names Dr. Houshmand Educator of the Year

The Research & Development Council of New Jersey presented Rowan University’s president, Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, with its Educator of the Year award at the 39th Edison Patent Awards Ceremony & Reception held at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City on Nov. 1. 

The council recognized Houshmand for contributions to science and technology, successful public-private partnerships that drive innovation and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

The council cited Houshmand for overseeing the opening of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden as well as the integration of the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford; Rowan’s partnership with Rutgers-Camden to develop a research hub in the life sciences in the City of Camden and the University’s commitment of $50 million to support research there; and Rowan’s strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin to develop a unique, industry-leading workforce credentialing program.

“While I am honored to have been named Educator of the Year, I recognize that this award truly honors Rowan University; our faculty, staff and students; our partners; and the greater community,” Houshmand said. “Together we are committed to advancing research in STEM fields and in ensuring New Jersey remains a powerhouse in innovation.”

The council also honored 15 winning organizations with the 2018 Edison Patent Awards and recognized 61 inventors. A committee of top state researchers across STEM disciplines reviews nominations and decides on the awards, which memorialize the state’s most prolific inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, and highlight New Jersey’s continuous pipeline of exceptional innovation work.

“New Jersey is home to so much innovation that the inventors and organizations doing this incredible work deserve to be recognized,” said Larry O’Connell, Research & Development Council of New Jersey Chair and IBM’s Vice President Global Technical Leadership. “For nearly 40 years now the Council has made part of its mission to highlight New Jersey’s diverse and substantial innovation economy, and patents are the foundation of it.”

The Research & Development Council of New Jersey collaborates with industry, academia and government to grow and strengthen STEM in education, innovation and the economy. The nonprofit council includes representatives from academia, government and industry. More information can be found at www.rdnj.