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
Computer science students at William Paterson University will benefit from a unconventional learning tool in their lab work — a humanoid robot powered by artificial intelligence. The Unitree G1 Edu Humanoid was acquired through a U.S. Department of Education grant supporting the University’s ASPIRE (Access to STEM Pathways through Integrated Research and Engagement) program, which recently earned national recognition for advancing STEM education and innovation.
Blending cutting-edge AI engineering with interactive design, the humanoid robot stands upright on two legs with articulated arms and three-fingered hands. Its sleek, human-like form includes a display “face” capable of showing expressions, helping it communicate and engage naturally with users. Powered by ChatGPT as its “brain,” the robot can hold conversations, answer questions, and respond to people in real time – just as ChatGPT does in text, but through spoken dialogue and motion.Students will be learning how to teach AI by means of the robot.
“Today’s computer science graduates need more than coding skills; they need experience working with intelligent systems that think, move, and respond,” says Venkat Sharma, Dean of the College of Science and Health. “This kind of technology immerses our students in real-world problem solving and prepares them to lead in an AI-driven world.”
Computer science professor Nan Wang and student Adarsha Mishra ‘28 are currently programming and training the robot for classroom and research use.
“Right now, this robot is a research project — we’re still learning about it and teaching it at the same time,” Wang explains. “It can talk, walk, sing a song for you, and even dance, but it can only travel on flat surfaces. I’m trying to train the robot to use the stairs.”
Wang praises the robot’s balance, responsiveness, and potential as a learning tool.
“Working with the humanoid robot has been an incredible experience,” says Mishra, a computer science major. “We’re not just coding—we’re learning how AI, robotics, and natural language processing come together in real-world systems.”
Looking ahead, Wang and her students, in collaboration with other computer science faculty and their students, plan to expand the robot’s capabilities, including programming it to perform a pop song complete with choreography. The project reflects the department’s broader mission to explore how AI can learn through human interaction, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving.
" 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
