Research Institutes and Centers
At Kean, our ongoing commitment to research innovation is reflected in the quality of our facilities, educators and mentors. Beginning at the undergraduate level, Kean students have opportunities to conduct real-world research in drug discovery, sustainability, education and other in-demand fields.
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Multimedia and Network Laboratory
Research projects in a broad range of topics in network communications including network architectures, wireless sensor networks, multimedia system design, and applications, particularly in environmental and health areas (Patricia Morreale)
Food Scraps Composting Laboratory (FSCL)
THE FSCL is concerned with expanding the science of aerobic in-vessel digestion of food scraps as well as the science of using compost as a soil amendment (Dongyan Mu)
Plant Ecology Laboratory
Medicinal plant research and the influence of human activity on plant biodiversity (Daniela Shebitz)
Aquaponics Demonstration and Research System
A bench scale system to clean lake water with an aquaponic system integrating fish growing and vegetable growing. Plans to apply for external funding to build a large aquaponics or hydroponics at Kean. (Dongyan Mu)
Marine biology and coastal conservation projects along the Jersey Shore and in the Pine Barrens.
Environmental Biology: groupings of courses and related research projects in Forest Ecology and Wildlife.
With NSF funding, plans to establish a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site at Kean Skylands in summer 2022. (Daniela Shebitz)
CAVE ™ Computer Assisted Virtual Environment
Specific research projects include topics in biochemistry, environmental studies, biology, meteorology, applied mathematics, psychology and computer science (David Joiner)
Center for Aerobiological Research
The Kean Center for Aerobiological Research (Kean CARes) in the NJCSTM was established to build research, outreach, education, and grant writing opportunities centered around aerobiology. The Center’s goals include 1) establishing aerobiological stations at schools to increase data inputs and involvement of students, disseminating the 'local pollen count' and educating the community on the linkage of air quality and related allergic airway disorders, in concert with local allergists, 2) increasing aerobiology research opportunities, expanding on preliminary accomplishments such as the mobile pollen tracking app (AccuPollen) and development of automated detection and cataloguing systems for pollen station data, and 3) Creating a STEM aerobiology educational initiative to include biomedicine students, addressing health issues related to aerobiology.
Center for Biological Imaging
The Kean Center for Biological Imaging is housed in the NJCSTM and encompasses light and digital microscopy, confocal super-resolution imaging and analysis, and other means of imaging biological systems at the cellular and organismal levels. Our flagship system is a Leica STELLARIS 5 Confocal Microscope suite. The Center’s goals include 1) providing high quality imaging system capabilities for research of various types, such as embryological stem cell studies, cancer cell biology, pollen imaging, and others, 2) teaching imaging techniques, including workshops on confocal microscopy, and 3) introducing students to the complexities and varieties of imaging used in biological studies.
Center for Clinical Laboratory Science and Pandemic Research – Spring 2021
Kean University has established a new interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Laboratory Science and Pandemic Research (CCLSPR) with a broad mission to help create and sustain a preeminent, nationally recognized program of education and research in clinical diagnostics and pandemic research at Kean. CCLSPR includes community COVID testing and opportunities for research in data analysis, public health management and crisis communications. (Keith Bostian, Robert Pyatt)
Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship
ILSE is a life science technology accelerator, business incubator and a science-driven research institute focused in the areas of microbiology, bio-catalysis, microbial genomics and bioinformatics, microbiome research, clinical microbiology, antibiotic resistance (Keith Bostian)
Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP)
Research experience for high school students who work with faculty and staff conducting original and authentic experiments in Analytical Chemistry, Virtual Reality & Scientific Visualization, Microbiology, Cancer Biology, Computational Mathematics, Developmental Biology and Modern Drug Discovery (2020 GSSRP Research Stream Leaders: George Avirappattu, Salvatore Coniglio, Mohamed El-Sherbeini, David Joiner, Matthew Niepielko, Dilirukish Ramanathan)
Research First Initiative (RFI)
RFI is a research-mentoring program designed to train undergraduate students and improve learning through research in the STEM fields (Faculty Research Stream Leaders: Salvatore Coniglio, David Joiner, Matthew Niepielko, Dilirukish Ramanathan)
College of Liberal Arts
Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
Provides opportunities to advance collaborative teaching and research and to expand interdisciplinary affiliations and partnerships across campus. (Sara Compion, Director)
Liberty Hall Academic Center and Special Collections Research Library and Archives
Liberty Hall Academic Center and Exhibition Hall hosts lectures and seminars, curated exhibitions, and performances. It also provides remote educational resources. The Research Library and Archives provides public access to historical correspondence, Congressional papers, institutional records and rare books and serves as a resource for curriculum support, researchers, scholars and civilian historians. (Lynette Zimmerman, Executive Director Liberty Hall; Erin Alghandoor, Head Archivist)
College of Business and Public Management
Provides industry professionals, government agencies, academics, and students necessary skills to develop proper awareness, preparedness, and resiliency when they encounter cybersecurity related issues (James Drylie, Executive Director; Stanley Mierzwa, Assistant Director)
College of Health Professions and Human Services
Center for Autism and Assessment Research Services (CAARS)
Specialty clinic offering evidence-based assessment and supportive services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families (Aaron Gubi, Director)
Center for Communication Disorders
Diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic intervention for speech and language communication problems for both children and adults and diagnostic and therapeutic audiology services (Susan Mandel, Clinic Director; Alan Gertner, Audiology Director)
Community Wellness and Counseling Center
Provides Child-Parent Relationship (Filial) Therapy, individual counseling, Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy and group counseling. (Jane Webber, Director)
Institute for Adults Living with Communication Disabilities
Conducts clinical research to document the long-term recovery of communication skills in adults (Mahchid Namazi, Director)
Kean Community Cares Occupational Therapy Clinic
Provides occupational therapy services for children and youth, rehabilitation and disability, mental health, productive aging, and health and wellness (Kelly Sullivan, Clinic Director)
Provides comprehensive evaluations and intervention services free-of-charge for children, adolescents, and adults in ADHD assessment, anxiety treatment, chronic pain treatment, depression treatment, learning disabilities assessment, mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies, and trauma informed treatment (Donald Marks, Director)
Wenzhou Kean
Wenzhou Industry Research Base
Principle faculty: Dr. Tony Zheng, Dr. Jiang Cao
WKU Autism Research Center
Principle faculty: Dr. Tiffany Tang, Dr. Pinata Winoto
WKU Institute of Asia Industry Competitiveness
Principle faculty: Dr. Candy Lim Chiu, Dr. Han-Chiang Ho, Dr. Somkiat Mansumitrchai
WKU Creative City Research Center
Principle faculty: Dr. Tony Zheng
WKU Center for Social Enterprise and Charity
Principle faculty: Frank Wang, Dr. Jerry Jeonghwan Choi
WKU Public Architecture and Design Research Institute
Principle faculty: Vincent per Duvallon, Spencer Steenblick, David Mohney
WKU China-U.S. Cultural Exchange Research Center
Principle faculty: Dr. Xiaopeng Yan
WKU Branding Research Institute
Principle faculty: Dr. Jiang Cao
WKU Interactive Learning Immersive Virtual Reality Institute
Principle faculty: Dr. Yu-Hsin Chen
WKU Institute of Societal & Contemporary Computing
Principle faculty: Dr. Sujatha Krishnamoorthy
Zhejiang-Kean Institute of Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE)
Principle faculty: Frank Wang, Dr. Eric Yang, Chun Jin
Non-academic Units
Supports education, activism and research on human rights topics; hosts an annual international conference; hosts “learning lab” travel-learn courses related to human rights issues. (Lauretta Farrell, Director)
Fosters and reinforces ongoing awareness of the Holocaust through testimony collections, research resources, public forums, commemorative events and teacher training. (Adara Goldberg, Director; Spencer Martin, Collections Coordinator)
John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research
The John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research celebrates the legacy of pioneering New Jersey Assemblyman John S. Watson. The institute comprises integrated policy centers and initiatives that support informed public policy. We serve as a vital, non-partisan resource for New Jersey decision-makers, supporting the development and implementation of real-world solutions. Learn more about our history and how we act as a catalyst for positive social change.
The Institute focuses on seven core causes: addiction, animal welfare, community service, criminal and social justice, curbing gun violence, education and environmental protection, and offers forums, events, theater performances and other educational opportunities. (Sarah Mack)