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
William Paterson University has been awarded a $2 million, six-year grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue and expand its Mathematics and Computer Science Scholars (MaCS) Program – a transformative initiative that first launched on campus in 2020 to expand access and opportunity to STEM degrees.
The grant, awarded through the NSF’s S-STEM (“Scholarships in STEM”) program, will provide scholarships and comprehensive academic and career support to 40 low-income undergraduate students majoring in computer science, information technology, and mathematics. The NSF funds only a few dozen S-STEM projects nationwide each year.
“This highly competitive award reflects the strength of our academic programs, our commitment to student success, and the dedication of our faculty leadership,” says Venkat Sharma, dean of the University’s College of Science and Health, citing the grant’s “rigorous” peer-review process. “This second phase of the MaCS program reflects our shared mission to expand opportunity, foster innovation, and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The grant leadership team includes principal investigator Jyoti Champanerkar (mathematics), with fellow professors and co-principal investigators Paul von Dohlen (mathematics), Cyril S. Ku (computer science), and Nan Wang (computer science). Dean Sharma will provide administrative and institutional oversight for the grant.
Expanding Access and Strengthening STEM Pathways
Phase II of the MaCS program will provide annual scholarships of up to $15,000 per student per academic year for up to four years, along with faculty mentoring, research assistantships, internship opportunities, and structured career preparation. The program is designed to create strong pathways to STEM careers and graduate study while strengthening retention and graduation outcomes.
The new award builds on the success of the University’s previous MaCS grant, which exceeded its recruitment goal and saw high student retention rates. Most program graduates have gone into professional roles and some are pursuing graduate degrees, Champanerkar notes.
“The MaCS program has been successful because we have been able to provide students with a support system that includes not only financial assistance, but also highly personalized guidance, encouragement, and mentoring. The goal has been to tailor the experience to each scholar, providing support as needed,” Champanerkar says.
She also credits Djanna Hill, associate dean of WP’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, who coached the program’s math and computer science faculty on culturally responsive mentoring – an approach that incorporates students’ cultural identities, lived experiences, and strengths into mentoring relationships.
Some MaCS scholars required extra help navigating the college experience, while others needed a stronger sense of belonging, Champanerkar continues. “We let our knowledge of the student’s particular situation guide the assistance we provide.”
Phase II will deepen engagement with regional industry partners and expand experiential learning opportunities, further aligning academic preparation with workforce needs. Industry leaders who serve on the College of Science and Health Advisory Council will help guide the program by offering workshops, mentoring, and internship opportunities for participating students.
" 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
