WRI has received a $150,000 grant, in collaboration with Dr. Mark Aakhus and his team in New Brunswick, to conduct interdisciplinary population health research. Camden and New Brunswick campuses will provide matching funds to support the effort. Sarah Allred, WRI Faculty Director, commented, “we at WRI appreciate the recognition of this important work and are excited about the opportunity to partner with Mark. Thanks also to Benedetto Piccoli, Associate Provost for Research, for helping to raise these funds.”

An interdisciplinary research group on the Camden campus, including representatives from all five schools — Business, Law, Arts and Sciences, and Nursing and Social Work – will organize and promote research activities and funding of projects at WRI and across Rutgers – Camden. The team will build on the momentum of current and recent population health efforts, such as those exploring facets of housing and homelessness, food insecurity, legal needs of community clinic patients, and the accelerating South Jersey Type II diabetes crisis, among others. The group will work in partnership with Dr. Aakhus’ interdisciplinary Human Centered Design for Health and Wellness group centered in the School of Communication and Information.