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
Cyril Ku, professor of computer science, Balmurli Natrajan, professor of anthropology, and Danielle Wallace, associate professor of Africana-world studies, were recognized during the University’s 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 28 as the recipients of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards.
Provost Joshua Powers presented the awards. Ku received the 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Expression; Natrajan received the 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Service, and Wallace received the 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching; The awards were instituted in 2004 to recognize faculty achievement and contributions as the University celebrates the success of students at their graduation.
Ku was honored for his distinguished record of research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scholarly leadership in the fields of data science, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, data mining, and software engineering. A member of the faculty since 2002, Ku gained scholarly recognition through pioneering work in deductive databases and intelligent information systems. His research, which has expanded to include publications that examine the application of text mining and AI in healthcare and criminal justice research, the integration of AI technologies into software engineering and education, and ethical frameworks for responsible AI development, has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals. Ku has served as principal or co-principal investigator on multiple major grants, including $3.3 million in funding through National Science Foundation programs and projects funded through the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Through the Data Science Research Lab, which he founded and directs, Ku has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers in AI, big data analytics, and machine learning, resulting in student publications, conference presentations, and meaningful research experiences.
Natrajan, who joined the faculty in 2005, was recognized for his engagement and leadership in a wide range of service to the institution. Currently serving a third term as chair of the Faculty Senate, he engaged faculty representatives in a strategic analysis of key areas for development in support of the strategic planning process. Natrajan, who has served as a department chair, is the founding director of WP’s Ghandian Forum for Peace and Justice. He was the inaugural director overseeing the launch of the University Core Curriculum (UCC) program in 2010 and again served as UCC director over the past two years to support the program’s revision, advancing programs centered on social justice and interdisciplinary learning. A member of various University committees and councils, including the Council for Equity and Justice, Natrajan has worked to develop innovative curricular programs in a variety of disciplines, and is active nationally in advancing inclusive scholarship and pedagogy, as well as research in his field of cultural anthropology. Natrajan’s grant initiatives include a Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad to advance international educational experiences for area teachers. He is an advisory member of the Impact Passaic Steering Committee focusing on youth empowerment.
Wallace was honored for her consistent and transformative excellence in teaching, mentorship, curricular leadership, and University service since joining the faculty in 2012. Her excellence in teaching has received multiple campus honors, including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award and the Roland Watts’ Outstanding Mentor Award presented by the Educational Opportunity Fund Program. Wallace, chair of the Department of Community and Social Justice Studies, teaches a wide range of undergraduate courses in Africana-world studies and leadership and professional studies, directs the Honors College Social Sciences Track, and serves as a mentor for doctoral students in the Doctor of Education in Leadership program. Building on a strong sociological foundation, many of Wallace’s scholarly publications and presentations focus on pedagogy and curricular innovation in Black studies. An Ubuntu Teaching Fellow with the Center for Teaching Excellence, Wallace leads the Social Justice Project on campus, which provides faculty development for those who wish to better integrate issues of race and ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality into their courses.
" 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
