Norcross Announces Nearly $1.7M for Research & Training at South Jersey Universities

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have awarded $1,668,052 to Rutgers University-Camden and Rowan University for scientific, medical and technological research and training.

“The frontiers of scientific advancement and medical innovation are being explored right here in South Jersey,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. “These grants will help advance the impressive work at two of New Jersey’s premiere educational institutions, and I look forward to seeing the next game-changing discovery happen right here in our backyard. As these top-notch programs continue shaping the next generation of students, researchers and workers, our area will make its mark in science and medicine.”

Rowan University to receive:

• $750,000 from HHS to the School of Osteopathic Medicine for their Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program.
• $483,000 from HHS to the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University for research on arthritis, musculoskeletal and skin diseases.
• $299,592 from NSF to the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering for research into safe and reliable autonomy in sensor-driven systems.

Rutgers University-Camden to receive:

• $135,046 from HHS to for pharmacology, physiology and biological chemistry research.

“This award to Dr. Bouaynaya and her colleagues in the United Kingdom recognizes the significance of this technology, which is at the forefront of innovation. Their efforts will enhance the accuracy, safety and trustworthiness of autonomous systems that are used in transportation, health care, homeland security and other areas,” said Dr. Ali Houshmand, president of Rowan University. “Indeed, their work has the potential to improve economic opportunities and government programs as well as daily life for individuals. Their research potentially will have worldwide impact, and we are proud to be conducting it in South Jersey.”

“Research innovation happens every day at Rutgers University–Camden, where our faculty and students generate original thinking and new ideas that advance our state and our nation,” said Phoebe A. Haddon, Chancellor of Rutgers University–Camden.  “This significant grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will allow more students to receive the support they need in order to become the next generation of medical practitioners and scientists that we need to propel South Jersey’s continued growth. The program also will address the critical need to increase diversity in the biomedical fields. We thank and applaud Congressman Norcross for his commitment to growing South Jersey as a hub for the biosciences and for his support of Rutgers–Camden.”

“The New Jersey Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program is the kind of ‘boots-on-the-ground’ project that has made our School of Osteopathic Medicine one of the nation’s leaders in geriatric medical education,” said Dr. Thomas Cavalieri, Dean of the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. “We are proud to be working with our partner organizations to provide training for health care professionals throughout the State – as well as support programs for families and caregivers – that enhances the quality of life for older adults in New Jersey.”

“At Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, it has been our goal to not just impart medical knowledge to future physicians, but to be part of discovering and developing new technology and treatments for diseases and conditions,” said Annette C. Reboli, M.D, Dean of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. “The award to CMSRU biomedical scientist Dr. James Holaska will support his important work investigating muscle stem cell function in an effort to identify new therapeutic targets for treating muscle diseases.”

The NSF is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 to promote the progress of science and to advance the national health, prosperity and welfare of our country. The organization supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in this country.

HHS is federal agency created to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans. Their mission is to provide effective health and human services and foster advances in medicine, public health, and social services.

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