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’s School of Nursing—home to the largest nursing enrollment on any college campus in New Jersey—has upgraded its Simulation Lab to feature state-of-the-art training technology and hospital-grade equipment that mirror modern healthcare.
The upgrades were made possible through a special $1 million New Jersey State appropriation that was secured for William Paterson last year by then-Assemblyman, now Senator, Benjie Wimberly.
“With advanced simulation technology and the latest and most popular hospital-grade equipment, we’re giving our students the most realistic clinical training possible before they begin training with real patients,” says Minerva Salinas Guttman, associate dean of the School of Nursing. “This immersive training builds the confidence and clinical judgment to deliver exceptional patient care from day one.”
Combining high-tech hospital simulation rooms with flexible classroom and practice areas designed for teamwork, critical thinking, and skill mastery, the Simulation Lab immerses students in a true-to-life clinical environment.
State-of-the-Art “patients”
At the heart of the nursing lab’s transformation are new top-of-the-line Elevate Healthcare simulators—high-tech “patients” so realistic they can breathe, blink, bleed, speak, and respond to treatment like real people. Built for emergency field training, the wireless simulators can be programmed to show symptoms ranging from asthma attacks to cardiac arrest.
They even provide real-time feedback during CPR training—alerting students if they’re applying the correct amount of pressure.
“What we can do with these new patient simulators is really amazing,” says Juliana Lisi, nursing simulation lab coordinator. “We are raising the bar in clinical training with technology capable of realistic physiological responses, including dynamic changes in vital signs, to better simulate real-life clinical scenarios. Students can practice in a controlled, safe environment without fear of judgment or mistake.”
Additionally, new software expands the range of training scenarios to include rare but critical conditions. “A nurse may never encounter one of these specific heart murmurs or lung sounds in real life, but if they do, they’ll recognize it thanks to the training they received here,” Lisi explains. “That kind of preparation can literally save people’s lives.”
The lab also boasts 20 new Stryker medical-surgical beds identical to those in top hospitals today. Each bed includes built-in scales for monitoring patient weights and adjustable positioning controls for cardiac and mobility patients. Updated IV pumps, nebulizers, and core medical equipment ensure students learn on the same tools they’ll encounter in professional healthcare settings.
A portion of the State funding also supported improvements to the University’s biology and speech-language pathology facilities—helping advance William Paterson’s commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
" 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
