Interdisciplinary Research in Mental Health & Criminal Justice

A fascination with the intersections of mental health and criminal justice has shaped Catherine Heitz’s journey from clinical psychology to groundbreaking research as a PhD student in the Prevention Science program at Rutgers-Camden. Driven by a desire to address the root causes of societal challenges, she now explores critical issues such as community violence, firearm… continue reading

Raising a Family, Pursuing a PhD, & Changing Lives

Balancing motherhood, work, and education, a determined teenage mother transformed her life into one marked by academic excellence and impactful research. Janene Ryan, a PhD candidate in the Childhood Studies program at Rutgers-Camden, has dedicated her academic journey to amplifying the voices of children often unheard. From exploring childhood trauma to examining the psychological impacts… continue reading

How Campus Life & Research Shape a Data Science Journey

Driven by a passion for solving real-world problems through data, Harsh Gujarathi’s journey to Rutgers-Camden’s Master’s in Data Science program combines curiosity, hands-on experience, and an eagerness to innovate. From his roots in Pune, India, to building friendships at events like Dodgeball and Masala Madness, Harsh has fully embraced campus life while taking advantage of… continue reading

A Mayor’s Focus on Community Growth

Dunellen, New Jersey, has been led by Mayor Jason F. Cilento since January 1, 2020, but his journey into public service began long before. A Rutgers-Camden Public Administration (EMPA) alumnus, Cilento made history at just 20 years old by joining the Borough Council. Today, his leadership is focused on driving economic development, addressing infrastructure needs,… continue reading

Celebrating Poetry’s Place in Culture

Poetry isn’t just words on a page—it’s rhythm, voice, and history intertwined. In Rhyme and Reason, Eileen Reinhard explores how Tyler Hoffman, chair of the Department of English and Communication at Rutgers University–Camden, brings poetry to life for students and scholars alike. With a career dedicated to studying poets such as Robert Frost and Walt… continue reading

Teaching, Research, & the Power of Play

From poetry slams to Arthurian board games, storytelling has always been at the heart of what matters most. As Program Director for the new Emerging Media program, Dr. Claire Stricklin brings that passion to Rutgers-Camden, where she explores how narratives emerge in both digital and analog spaces. Her research dives into the intersections of play,… continue reading