WRI welcomes collaborations with university faculty, centers, and departments that are interested in focusing their research questions on Southern New Jersey, and/or wish to join WRI in conducting research in the region. WRI has a variety of opportunities that provide a pathway for faculty and students to engage in community-facing research in geographic areas of great need across South Jersey.  

Research Partnerships

Partner with WRI or faculty-led grants and/or contracts to conduct research in the region.  

Faculty Fellowships

In an effort to further its mission, the Institute’s Faculty Fellow program encourages faculty research on Southern New Jersey and issues of importance to the region. Faculty Fellow research is intended to promote regional discussion, so ideal research projects will advance knowledge on topics of concern to South Jersey residents. The range of previously-funded research projects is broad: a comparison of state funding to municipalities in Southern New Jersey, an analysis of diabetes incidence in Southern New Jersey, a study of how treatment for breast cancer in Southern New Jersey compares to treatments elsewhere, and an investigation into whether homeless services in South Jersey match the needs of the existing homeless populations. 

After receipt of their award, Faculty Fellows are expected to: (1) Complete their project in the agreed-upon time-frame; (2) Produce a scholarly paper for publication on the Institute’s website; (3) Work with WRI staff to prepare a public-facing research document based on the findings; (4) Present their research findings to relevant Southern New Jersey stakeholders. 

The next round of faculty fellowship calls for proposals will be announced in 2024 – stay tuned! 

Research Support for University Initiatives 

WRI often lends its research expertise to support university initiatives. We are available to evaluate programs and projects and help the university answer pressing research questions within the Rutgers-Camden campus.  

Guest Lectures and Courses  

WRI staff are able to visit classes in any discipline to discuss the South Jersey content and the value and process of conducting community-facing research.  

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Reach out to WRI’s Director, Mavis Asiedu-Frimpong (mavis.asiedu-frimpong@rutgers.edu), to discuss any of these opportunities.