INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University’s College of Science and Health provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs and state-of-the-art facilities that place the University at the forefront of science education in New Jersey.
The College encompasses our School of Nursing, which was established in 2023 and has grown to become the largest in Northern New Jersey and among public regional universities in the state. The College also includes the departments of biology, chemistry, computer science, speech language pathology, environmental science, kinesiology, mathematical sciences, and public health.
Our more than 100 full-time faculty are accomplished teachers, researchers, and grant winners. They foster an environment that combines intellectual inquiry with the learning of practical skills, while nurturing and guiding students toward success in their future roles as knowledgeable and responsible employees and citizens.
When you enroll in the College of Science and Health, you will benefit from a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities in our advanced facilities, including our Science Complex, which features smart classrooms and sophisticated research laboratories designed to encourage an interactive learning environment; 3D Anatomy and Virtual Dissection lab; and a cybersecurity lab, among others. Biological and environmental studies students utilize woods, ponds, streams, and a waterfall, all accessible from the campus.
Students in health-related subjects receive valuable experience in the many health facilities in northern New Jersey. In addition, nursing students benefit from the Nel Bolger, RN, Nursing Laboratory, a high-tech patient simulation laboratory suite that enables them to enhance proficiency with decision-making and procedures in a sophisticated, clinical facility. Students in our kinesiology programs have access to resources including a Human Performance Lab, Phlebotomy Lab, and Human Motion Lab, among others. In addition, our on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic also offers clinical experience opportunities to graduate students in our speech-language pathology program.
The mission of the College of Science and Health is threefold:
Goals of the College of Science and Health:
Dean, College of Science and Health
EMAIL: sharmav@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-2194
OFFICE: Science Hall East #3019
Associate Dean, College of Science and Health
EMAIL: zelekem@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-3415
OFFICE: Science Hall East #3017
Interim Associate, Dean School of Nursing
EMAIL: nocellaj1@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-3491
OFFICE: University Hall #342
A new study led by William Paterson University public health professor Naa-Solo Tettey found that confidence, access to information, and familiarity with emergency response tools influence African Americans’ willingness to perform Hands-Only CPR during a cardiac emergency. The findings may help inform efforts to reduce longstanding racial disparities in survival rates following sudden cardiac arrest.
“With sudden cardiac arrest, health inequity can become fatal within minutes, and the study shows that saving lives requires more than awareness,” Tettey says. “Communities need trusted education, confidence building, and access to lifesaving tools like CPR training and AEDs (automated external defibrillators). The broader lesson is that health disparities are reduced when people are not only informed but also equipped and empowered to act.”
Her study analyzed survey responses from 372 adults who participated in HeartSmarts, a faith- and community-based cardiovascular health education program serving predominantly African Americans. Tettey is creator and director of the program, which launched in New York City and now serves communities throughout the Tri-State Area. Survey participants completed a Hands-Only CPR educational module and then answered questions about their confidence and willingness to respond during a cardiac emergency.Among the study's most significant findings was the role of fear-related barriers. Individuals frequently cited concerns about causing harm or performing CPR incorrectly.
“What surprised me was that even after Hands-Only CPR education, participants were still more comfortable helping a family member or friend than a stranger,” Tettey explains. “CPR training is meant to build confidence to act, but this finding shows that education alone may not fully overcome fear and hesitation. In many cardiac emergencies, survival depends on whether a stranger is willing to step in.”
The research also found that access to emergency preparedness resources, including AEDs and AED training, increased participants' confidence and willingness to help others in an emergency.
According to Tettey, the findings suggest that community-based education programs, culturally responsive health messaging, and expanded access to CPR and AED training can help build the confidence bystanders need to intervene when every second counts.
"The study highlights that CPR education must go beyond teaching the steps,” Tettey says. “People need training that addresses fear, uncertainty, legal concerns, and real-life hesitation. It also underscores the need for AEDs and emergency preparedness resources in the places where people live, work, worship, and gather. Preparedness should not depend on zip code.”
The study, titled "Reducing Racial Disparities in Bystander CPR: Psychological and Environmental Determinants of Hands-Only CPR Willingness in African American Communities," was co-authored by Holly Andersen of Weill Cornell Medical College. It was published April 22, 2026, in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.
" From the time I started at William Paterson, I’ve been able to connect with my professors, including doing research over the summer, working in a biology lab."
Francisco Perez Ramos Biology/Pre-medical professions major | Class of 2025
"Majoring in Exercise Physiology here at William Paterson University has enriched my educational journey and my personal growth. This program provides in-depth hands-on experience, allows you to develop a great relationship with our amazing professors, and offers excellent internship opportunities; the professors give you many options and really want to find the perfect fit for you. Overall, this major equips students with all the knowledge and skills they need to be successful: It empowers individuals to make a big impact on the well-being of others."
Diana Zuta Exercise physiology major | Class of 2025
“Since I stepped foot into William Paterson, I’ve continuously been guided with support every step of the way. Thank you to the amazing Dr. Martin, who has invited me to partake in his research … to the ASPIRE STEM program, who have always been by my side offering me support … and to William Paterson’s professors in the College of Science and Health for continuously pushing me and supporting my dreams of becoming a physician.”
Jerline Nathaly Sanchez Biology/Premedical professions| Class of 2027
