At Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP) our research moves beyond discovery—it drives better care.
Our faculty pursue science with purpose, creating evidence-based solutions that improve health for individuals, communities, and entire populations. They are developing tools, therapies, and technologies that translate into real outcomes.
Among current research initiatives, faculty are harnessing mobile health technologies to expand access and promote health care equity. With support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Zhaomeng Niu, assistant professor of health informatics, is developing a mobile intervention to help prevent skin cancer among Hispanic populations, who face a higher risk of late-stage melanoma. In rehabilitation science, a group of researchers supported by the NIH and the National Science Foundation (NSF) is working to improve stroke recovery by mapping how brain connections influence movement—applying insights from neuroscience to restore function.
Our research responds to real, urgent needs. To ensure we can sustain and grow this work, we have sharpened our research focus, targeting federal grants that support long-term programs and expand our reach in the community. That shift is already paying off with record-high NIH funding.
These gains mean we’re better equipped than ever to conduct high-quality studies that matter.
“These grants fund research that helps us build programs that deliver better care, reach underserved populations, and shape the future of health care,” said Antonina Mitrofanova, associate dean for research. “Our commitment to community impact through science has never been stronger.”
HELPING PEOPLE RECOVER FROM OPIOID USE DISORDER
Suchismita Ray, associate professor in health informatics, received a five-year NIH grant for a groundbreaking study combining mindfulness meditation and medication (guanfacine) to support long-term recovery from opioid use disorder.
REACHING WOMEN AND MEN WITH ALCOHOL USE DISORDER THROUGH TELEHEALTH
Ray is also a principal investigator on a five-year NIH study testing a telehealth approach to treating alcohol use disorder in women and men.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Ni Gao, professor in psychiatric rehabilitation, received a three-year grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) to develop a digital toolkit that helps students with disabilities succeed in career and technical education programs.
EXPANDING NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Ann Murphy, associate professor in psychiatric rehabilitation, is co-leading a national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) project to strengthen how mental health programs are shared and sustained across the country.
