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
Four William Paterson alumni pursuing careers in public health shared their insights and advice on how to navigate the current job market during the College of Science and Health fall 2026 SHINE (Science and Health Industries Network for Excellence) event on campus on October 15.
The program, in its fourth year, is a collaboration between the College of Science and Health, the Career Development Center, and the Office of Institutional Advancement designed to connect WP students with alumni in a variety of science and health fields. Previous panels have focused on careers in the healthcare, technology, and pharmaceutical industries.
Nahshon Bolton ’18, Public Health Educator, Bergen County Department of Health; Shellecia Smith ’20, Doula Program Compliance Specialist, New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority; Christopher Merkel ’98, Health Officer, City of Atlantic City; and Beagy Fils-Aime ’17, Speaker Bureau Specialist, Jazz Pharma; spoke to students about their various roles, their paths to careers in public health, and their advice to graduates seeking to enter the field.
Bolton, who began as a biology major before switching to public health, described himself as an extrovert, and found that public health was a better fit. “I realized that there is a public health aspect to many organizations,” he said. In his current role, he works with many organizations making presentations about health issues. He encouraged students to think broadly about their potential career path. “I believe that public health educators serve as a translator of health information for a lot of people, which is very important today,” he said. Bolton, who was vice president of the SGA and helped re-vitalize the Public Health Club during his time on campus, encouraged students to join as many clubs and organizations as possible in order to build leadership skills.
Smith, who was a public health major, planned to pursue a career in a public health department. As a graduate who entered the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was given an opportunity to work in an immunization program, which led to a position at the New Jersey Department of Health. A training course she took to learn about how to be a doula became a passion and resulted in her current position training doulas throughout the state. “You have to be flexible and able to pivot,” she said. “Be curious; you never know what that might lead to.”
Merkel, who originally planned to major in nursing, says he always knew he wanted to help people, “and I found public health.” He began his career as an environmental health officer inspecting restaurants in rural Salem County, New Jersey. “I knew I wanted to be a health officer,” he said. Today, as the health officer for Atlantic City, he is immersed in large public health issues for underserved populations, from homelessness to substance abuse. “I don’t think you need to chart your path today, because it will change based on your experiences,” he added. He encouraged students to “get out there and start networking,” to acquire skills such as public speaking and listening, and “to advocate for the profession” in the face of cuts to government funding.
Fils-Aime, also a public health major, told the students that a job in the pharmacy at CVS during her junior year sparked her interest in the pharmaceutical field; an internship in marketing at a hospital cemented that interest. “Put yourself in spaces where you can go and learn,” she said. “Meet people who are like-minded and get involved. Make yourself a trusted partner.” She told the students to use LinkedIn as a vehicle to build connections and relationships, as well as attendance at professional events. “Who you are sitting next to right now may help you in the future.”
“Our alumni were once sitting in your seats, exploring their interests, and wondering where their skills might take them,” said Venkat Sharma, dean of the College of Science and Health. “Listen to their advice that might help you chart your own path.”
" 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
