NJ Governor’s STEM Scholars Explore Sustainability and Science at Rutgers SEBS

Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) recently welcomed students from the prestigious Governor’s STEM Scholars program for an immersive day of scientific exploration and sustainability-focused learning. The program was hosted at the Ludwig Global Village Living Learning Center and featured a full day of activities focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Governor’s STEM Scholars program is designed to engage the next generation of STEM leaders, high school and college students, in the state’s innovation economy. Since its launch in 2013, it has supported more than 1,000 students from all 21 New Jersey counties. The program provides these scholars with connections, mentors and relationships within the state’s research community to help set them on an academic and career path to become New Jersey’s future STEM professionals and secures our state’s talent pipeline.”

Karla Esquilín-Lebrón, teaching instructor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, is the research advisor for the program. She provides scientific and technical leadership to the program, while guiding scholars as they design and carry out their team research projects. She mentors students by offering subject-matter expertise and helps to ensure projects are both rigorous and impactful.

Esquilín-Lebrón and program director Alise Roderer, worked with the SEBS Office of Research, and the Associate Dean of Research Impact, RCEI affiliate Janice McDonnell, to provide the scholars with four dynamic tours led by Rutgers experts, each supporting the students in learning about Rutgers research.

RCEI affiliate A.J. Both, extension specialist in the Department of Environmental Sciences and a leading horticultural engineer, guided students through the Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program installation, showcasing the innovative research that integrates solar energy production with sustainable agriculture. Both’s work focuses on designing energy-efficient greenhouses and hydroponic systems that conserve natural resources while enhancing food production. Scholars traveled by bus to the farm and engaged in discussions about the future of farming and land stewardship.

The scholars also visited the Rutgers Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RUCOOL) in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences. The tour was led by Michael Crowley, RUCOOL technical manager, who highlighted the lab’s underwater robots or gliders used to study ocean dynamics, storm impacts and climate change. The scholars learned how Rutgers researchers are helping protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

The Waksman Museum, located in Martin Hall on the Cook campus, was also a stop on the tour. SEBS student Angel Robinson showcased the antibiotic research history at Rutgers and the impact of the NJ State Microbe Streptomyces griseus while sharing her current research as a G.H. Cook scholar in the laboratory of Distinguished Professor and RCEI affiliate Max Häggblom in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology.

Sue Shapses, professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, led a tour of Foran Hall and the Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health (IFNH). Her research focuses on nutrition, metabolism, and bone health. Shapses shared insights into how diet and science intersect to combat obesity and promote healthy aging. Reflecting on the visit, she remarked that “my students had a few “I can’t believe” and “I didn’t know” statements about the topic of nutrition and the research!  I hope we made a difference and to see them at Rutgers in the near future.” 

The visit offered the scholars a glimpse into Rutgers’ commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global impact—planting seeds for future scientists and changemakers.

This article was originally published by SEBS/NJAES Newsroom.