Rowan Research Day highlights diverse expertise, achievements

The transformative impact of scientific inquiry on health, well-being and society was on display Wednesday, March 25, during Rowan University’s annual Research Day, where faculty and students highlighted some of New Jersey’s most pressing issues—from public health and animal welfare to urban policy and community safety. 

During the lunchtime keynote address, New Jersey Acting Secretary of Higher Education Margo Chaly said Rowan is part of a statewide ecosystem of innovation that turns “ideas into practical solutions,” while working closely with businesses and local communities. 

“Research is a public good, full stop,” said Chaly, whose nomination by Gov. Mikie Sherrill was approved Monday by the state Senate. “Research drives medical breakthroughs that save lives. Research informs policies that strengthen our communities and research fuels discoveries that shape how we live, work and connect with one another.” 

“I believe that higher education is foundationally about preparing residents for careers and empowering economic mobility,” Chaly added. “It also uplifts communities and produces the ideas and innovations that drive our collective progress.” 

Innovation centers link research to real‑world impact

Tim Rollender, director of strategic initiatives for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, encouraged attendees to support the state’s new Strategic Innovation Centers, designed to incubate and accelerate startup companies. Rowan is an academic partner in SICs in Trenton (maternal health), Camden and Mullica Hill (medtech) and Atlantic County (aerospace). 

“I want you to get involved in the SICs,” Rollender said. “If you've got colleagues, if you've got students, we want to see them inside these facilities where they can get the training they need, get the access they need, the resources they need, and be able to serve as that next generation of innovators.” 

Faculty spotlight diverse research efforts

The daylong event also featured breakout sessions and lightning-round talks by Rowan faculty representing diverse areas of expertise.

Elena Contreras, an associate professor of animal welfare and behavior at Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, outlined how scientists are seeking objective measures to understand what life is like for animals, particularly those in research labs. Through observation, brain imaging, hormone levels and artificial intelligence tools, researchers are searching for ways to better understand the life experience of animals. 

Rui Shi, an associate professor of communication studies, noted the research behind improving public health messaging to combat misinformation about health. Knowledge-based messaging doesn’t work, Shi said, while messaging about specific products is more effective.

John Shjarback, associate professor of law and justice, discussed innovative police reform in Camden, once among the country’s most dangerous cities. His award-winning book, “Chasing Change in Camden,” covers the dissolution of the city’s police force and the creation of an entirely new county department in its place, as well as the pervasive use of surveillance technology. 

During a morning breakout session, Erick Ford, president of the New Jersey Energy Policy Coalition, stressed the importance of sound, reliable energy policy and generation in the Garden State. The coalition represents 46 companies and organizations and supports  infrastructure-focused energy development. 

Awardees earn recognition for research excellence

Throughout the day, students discussed their research under the guidance of their professors and advisors—and some earned awards. 

Biomedical engineer Rachel Riley, Ph.D., received the Faculty Research Achievement Award for her work in engineering lipid nanoparticles to study and treat conditions of pregnancy. 

Louis Paone, Ph.D., a biomedical engineering researcher, won the Three‑Minute Thesis competition, an event where researchers explain their work to a general audience in just three minutes. His talk focused on developing brain organoids—tiny, lab‑grown models that mimic key features of the human brain—to improve the study of neurological disease and drug testing.

Nicholas Pagliocca, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Marcella McMahon, a chemical engineering major, both earned the University’s recognition for excellence in research. 

Four students representing the Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences, the School of Earth & Environment, and the Henry M. College of Engineering also earned recognition for their work in the second annual Art of Rowan Research Contest.