Research News

Spring 2026

Exterior view of the Virtua Health College Research Center at Rowan University, a modern, multi-story glass research building.

Rowan University, Virtua Health and community partners celebrated the opening of the Virtua Health College Research Center, a new hub designed to accelerate biomedical discovery. The center brings research closer to patients and strengthens health innovation across South Jersey. Read story

Diagram of planned areas of development on Rowan University's West Campus.

$690M West Campus Development Project to drive research

Rowan University announced plans for a $690 million West Campus Development Project that includes a Wellness Village and a Center for Manufacturing Innovation. The project creates an integrated district for health, manufacturing, and workforce development and is expected to generate more than 5,000 jobs across South Jersey. Read story

Two scientists in a lab reviewing a diagram of a mosquito specimen.

New Jersey Health Foundation fuels 25 Rowan projects

From disease detection to drug delivery systems, Rowan researchers are advancing early-stage ideas with the potential to improve health outcomes and save lives. Support from the New Jersey Health Foundation is helping move this work forward. Read story

Studio portrait of Suzy Kohout wearing glasses and a long‑sleeved blouse against a gray background.

Biophysicist named AAAS Fellow

Susy Kohout of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University has been elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Class of 2025 Fellows. Kohout is recognized for her research in biophysics and cellular signaling. Read story

Mohammad Abedin Nasab stands in a laboratory beside Robossis Alpha, a robotic surgical system featuring articulated mechanical arms, a curved positioning component, and a mounted display screen.

Robotic technology improves bone fracture surgery

Researcher Mohammad Abedin-Nasab, an associate professor in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, is leading the development of Robossis Alpha, a robotic system designed to help surgeons precisely align fractured long bones. Read story

John Shjarback stands outdoors in front of a police vehicle with emergency lights visible in the background.

Evidence-based police reform

John Shjarback, an associate professor of law and justice studies at the Ric Edelman College, examines how evidence-based policing reforms improve public safety and build trust between police and communities. His award-winning book, “Chasing Change in Camden,” explores those lessons in practice. Read story

Exterior view of multistory Cooper Medical School of Rowan University building with skyline in the background.

Lab expands neuroscience research

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University is accelerating neuroscience research with the opening of a new laboratory designed to deepen collaboration and advance discovery in neurological disease. Read story

Miniature figures on a network of lines illustrate the interconnectedness of health and community.

Community health programs get boost

The South Jersey Institute for Population Health awarded new funding to support community‑engaged research led by Rowan University and partners. Research projects focus on food access, aging, chronic disease and environmental health to reduce disparities and improve well‑being across the region. Read story

Maxi Heitmayer stands on a busy sidewalk with people walking behind him.

Smartphone scroll

How much time do you spend on your smartphone? Maxi Heitmayer, assistant professor of psychology in the College of Science & Mathematics, studies human-computer interaction and how we engage with digital technologies. Using wearable cameras, Heitmayer records how people really use their devices. Read story

Rowan Research magazine cover for Spring 2026 showing a hand holding 3D-printed discs.

Read the latest issue of Rowan Research to explore groundbreaking work happening in South Jersey.

From advances in sound wave science to treatments for high‑risk pregnancies, Rowan researchers and scholars are doing work that matters.

Read more Rowan news

Award highlights

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering

NJ DMAA Sustainable Facilities Center Combined Builder/Audits/ISR Projects, New Jersey Department of Military Affairs, William Riddell, Civil & Environmental Engineering

Twin Crystallizer Configuration for the Isolation of Poorly Soluble Impurities, Merck, Gerard Capellades, Chemical Engineering

Growth of Crystalline Pharmaceutical Alloys in Microgravity P2, NASA, Subcontract with Redwire Space Technologies, Inc., Gerard Capellades, Chemical Engineering

Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences

South Jersey Institute for Population Health Cycle 5 Research Engagement, Rowan University-Rutgers University Joint Board of Governors, Nicole Vaughn, Health & Exercise Science

College of Education

NJ DOL Worker's Voice Council Creation and Facilitation, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Zeynep Isik-Ercan, Early Childhood, Elementary Education & Critical Foundations

School of Earth & Environment

Assessment of Change in Carbon Flux after Vegetation Reestablishment in New Jersey Tidal Marshes, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Charles Schutte, Environmental Science

Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University

Seeds to STEM: Cultivating Early Nutrition, Literacy, Numeracy, and STEM Knowledge and Skills in Teachers, 3-5 Year Olds, and Families Through a Bilingual Asset-based Curriculum in Two Major Cities, National Institutes of Health, Jacqueline Genovesi

research.rowan.edu

rowan.edu/defy