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
Associate Dean, School of Nursing
EMAIL: guttmanm@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-3491
OFFICE: University Hall #342
Corey Basch, a professor of public health at William Paterson University whose recent work focused on the growing influence of social media on public health, has been selected as a 2026 NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes honoree. The awards recognize excellence, promote innovation, and honor the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of health care in New Jersey. Basch is being honored in the Education category.
The NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes Award honorees were chosen by a panel of independent judges and include individuals and organizations across 11 categories.
“We congratulate Dr. Basch on this well-deserved recognition,” said President Richard J. Helldobler. “At a time when more people, especially young people, are getting and acting on health information from social media, Dr. Basch’s work is critical to informing public health communication policy and strategies. It exemplifies the kind of high-level research with real-world applications that is being conducted by William Paterson faculty.”
Basch is a leading voice in public health communication. She has shaped how critical health information is understood and shared across New Jersey and beyond, with a focus on empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
Most recently, she has explored how social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram influence the spread of health information, misinformation, and public response during health crises. For example, Basch analyzed 100 videos on TikTok with the hashtag #mentalhealth that had collectively received more than 1 billion views. Her results showed that adolescents appeared to be turning to TikTok as a source of support. While noting that such support may build community, “a great concern is that adolescents may be making faulty self-diagnoses and treatment plans in the absence of professional insight,” she told the New York Times.
Basch has explored numerous other topics, such as hormonal contraceptive discussions on TikTok, social media depictions of noise pollution, TikTok videos posted under the hashtag #Ozempic, COVID-19, chronic disease, cancer education, distracted walking, and perceptions of artificial intelligence. She is the author of more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, and she frequently cited in national media including The Washington Post, CBS, NBC, and Parents. She received the William Paterson University Faculty Excellence Award for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Expression in 2017.
A Certified Health Education Specialist, Basch teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in public health and mentors future health leaders. She holds multiple master’s degrees and a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, as well as an MPH from University of Massachusetts Amherst. She served two terms as chair of WP’s Department of Public Health and held editorial roles with the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
" 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
