'Kean Research' Welcome Message from the Vice President for Research

Welcome to the Spring 2024 Issue of Kean Research. 

This issue showcases cutting-edge research across Kean’s campuses. You will be amazed by how researchers are using AI to predict pollen counts and how another research team is helping K-12 teachers integrate climate change into curriculum. You will also meet an amazing Kean medicinal chemist (Dr. Supratik Kar), a new ORSP staff member (Dr. Nate Rigel), and a senior biology major studying stress (Angel Ihie).

I want to give a special shout out to my incredible team in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). Last week we spent an afternoon at Toni’s Kitchen in Montclair helping to build a food secure community. Toni's Kitchen provides food to our neighbors in need in ways that respect their dignity, improve health and foster independence. Volunteering supports one of Kean’s core values – creating positive change in our communities.

Our Annual Research Days celebration is coming up in April – on Monday, April 15 at Kean Ocean and Tuesday-Wednesday, April 16-17 on the main campus. Tuesday morning, we will launch pre-recorded oral presentations as well as hold in-person panel discussions. In the afternoon, we will celebrate faculty scholarship and creative works. The following day, we’ll hold a poster session for our undergraduate researchers in the morning (Downs Hall) and our graduate students in the afternoon (Liberty Hall). Please save the dates and join us in celebrating our incredible faculty and student scholars and researchers. The future holds new and exciting challenges for Kean University.

To let us know about your research or learn more about research opportunities at Kean, email orsp@kean.edu. Go Cougars!