How the Brain Turns Down Fear to Turn Up Connection

Why do some neural signals increase our willingness to engage socially while others reinforce fear and avoidance? This project explores how a specific receptor, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3), may regulate the balance between social engagement and emotional inhibition by modulating communication between key brain regions involved in stress and behavior. The research was presented at… continue reading

Mapping the Neural Pathways of Sociability

Impairments in social behavior are a hallmark of many psychiatric disorders, yet the neural mechanisms that regulate sociability remain incompletely understood. What if activating a specific receptor in the brain could enhance social interaction by quieting fear-related circuits? This research was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition during the 2025 SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art,… continue reading

Global Nitrogen Pollution Research Hosted in Germany

From atmospheric pollution to the chemistry of life itself, Angélica L. González studies how human activity reshapes natural systems at a global scale. As Director of the Biology MS program at Rutgers University-Camden, she brings that perspective directly into graduate education. Her latest study appears in the December 9 issue of Nature Communications. The article,… continue reading

From Patagonia to the Galápagos: Why Fieldwork Matters

Ever wondered what it’s like to take your biology lessons to some of the most breathtaking ecosystems on Earth? In her compelling piece, Professor’s Passion for Biology Inspires Once-in-a-Lifetime Courses, Caroline Brobeil takes us into the world of Dr. Alejandro Vagelli, whose love for fieldwork and marine conservation inspires transformative learning experiences for students at… continue reading

A Graduate School That Connects the World

What makes Rutgers Graduate School-Camden unique? Its remarkable mix of students from across the globe. From local states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York to countries on every continent—except Australia and Antarctica—this is a place where diverse perspectives create a dynamic learning environment. Ahmed Abi A. Warsame, a Biology MS student from Ethiopia, shares… continue reading

Thiolated Gold & Pharmacy PhD Goals

From India to the transplant laboratory at Penn Medicine, Karena Catherine Joy’s journey is a testament to academic excellence and a passion for science. As an alumna of Rutgers University-Camden’s Master of Science in Biology program, she earned recognition for her achievements, including the Dr. Owen and Ronald Rahman Award and the Scarlet Scholar Award…. continue reading