“These shorebirds are important, but it’s just as important to know which areas need to be monitored and protected to support the horseshoe crabs,” Witters says. “If we lose the habitat and areas they use to breed and lay eggs, it will be hard to get that habitat back and keep the populations sustained.”

As a nationally recognized high-research university, ĚÇĐÄvlog gives students early access to faculty-led projects, which allowed Witters to join a lab in her first year and keep building her research skills in one continuous five-year path.

That early start is built into ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s academic model: Montclair offers more combined programs than any other institution in New Jersey, giving students a head start on graduate study and careers. For Witters, that has meant not just upper-level science courses, but real ownership of a research question and presenting her findings at scientific conferences.

“I always thought it would be a fantasy to actually work with horseshoe crabs,” Witters says. “They were just my favorite animals. They’re so weird and unique – they have blue blood, they’re called crabs but are more closely related to spiders – and being able to build my own research around them really changed my life and showed me what I want to do.”

Kelly Witters holds a horseshoe crab molt the team collected while gathering samples. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Turning a favorite animal into publishable research

Witters and her twin sister, Caitlin – who also majored in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences, graduated in January 2026 and plans to join the U.S. Coast Guard – first joined Biology Professor Paul Bologna’s lab as freshmen, finding not just mentors but a close‑knit community of students working side by side in the field and lab.Ěý

When Bologna invited students to propose independent projects, Witters seized the chance to study her favorite animal more deeply, and together she and Bologna focused on a question that hadn’t been fully explored in New Jersey: whether quiet lagoonal back‑bay beaches are important spawning habitat for horseshoe crabs, not just the better‑known oceanfront beaches along Delaware Bay and the open Jersey Shore.

She times fieldwork with lunar cycles and high tides when spawning peaks. Back in the lab, she counts eggs and analyzes sediment types to see where egg densities are highest. The results are striking, and the work led to a peer-reviewed article co‑authored with Bologna in . Seeing her name on a scientific paper is powerful confirmation that her research matters, she says.

Because Witters is in a 4+1 program, the project didn’t end when she finished her bachelor’s degree – it became the foundation of her master’s thesis. She had already begun taking graduate-level classes while completing her undergraduate requirements, so the transition to full-time graduate study felt natural. “We’re out in the field, on the water and in the lab, and the five-year program lets me start graduate-level work early and build my research over several summers,” she says.

Kelly Witters examines horseshoe crab eggs under a microscope after collecting 20-centimeter sediment cores in Barnegat Bay. In the lab, she runs each core through a sieve series to separate eggs by size, then counts them and records their developmental stage. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Building toward a PhD and beyond

By the time she graduates with her master’s in 2027, Witters expects to have three summers of data on horseshoe crab spawning, experience presenting at national conferences and at least one publication – with more analyses underway. Along the way, she has also discovered a passion for teaching as a graduate assistant for introductory biology labs, working closely with undergraduates who, like she once did, are testing out a future in science. She continues to balance research with life on campus, from long days in the back bays of the Jersey Shore to training with ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s varsity cross country team.

“Being able to build my own research around the animal I loved in third grade really showed me what I want my life to look like,” she says.

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The DNP at Montclair is designed to educate working RNs for direct care as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to provide care as family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.

Master’s prepared Certified Nurse Practitioners will enter the program without a concentration.

The program can be completed in 2 years (6 semesters), 3 years (8 semesters), or 5 years (14 semesters) depending on the student’s previous level of education and choice of full or part time study.

“Launching our new DNP program is a significant step forward in the evolution of the School of Nursing,” says . “Our experienced faculty look forward to working with nurses who seek to advance their clinical practice by coordinating and managing care to address the needs of individuals, families, and communities across settings and over time.Ěý This program will give practicing nurses the tools they need for leadership as the next generation enters the field.”

Classes are fully online and asynchronous to fit a working nurse’s busy schedule. In-person clinical hours and three on-campus immersions ensure hands-on rigor and real-world readiness.

The online DNP is the first online doctoral program at ĚÇĐÄvlog. for ĚýSpring 2026 and Fall 2026 and are accepted on a rolling basis.

“We know the demand for healthcare practitioners in New Jersey is growing, and the need for doctorate-prepared Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners is especially high,” says Marc Austin, Vice Provost and Managing Director for Montclair Unbound. “These new degrees have a ‘healthcare multiplier’ effect for the state. We are very pleased to offer them fully online so working professionals can advance their knowledge and their careers without disrupting their already busy lives.”

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“I couldn’t hear or see anything,” Eloy says. “I had no clue the photo was being taken. All I could feel – see, sense – was joy.”

Eloy earned her Master of Public Health degree and works as an Assistant Community Director at the Village Apartments. Her celebration on the Prudential Center floor marked more than just the end of a degree – it was the fulfillment of years of dedication, resilience and faith.

“In that moment, all of the hard work, prayers, trials and obstacles that I had overcome were brought to remembrance. This is a celebration of the journey ahead and the many more milestones I will accomplish.”

From Graduation to Global Impact

While pursuing her MPH, Eloy interned at Be Well Women’s Health, an OBGYN practice in Northfield, New Jersey, where she connected her coursework to clinical practice.

“In my time there, I worked on cultural competency, addressing health disparities, and ensuring quality patient care,” she says.

Eloy isn’t done yet. She plans to continue her education and attend medical school – driven by a lifelong passion for health care and a desire to give back.

“I spent much of my childhood in Haiti, and over the years I’ve witnessed the challenges many face due to a lack of medical resources,” she says. “A long-term goal is to open a clinic in Haiti and provide care to those who otherwise might go without.”

As she looks ahead, Eloy says she’s more confident than ever in her calling.

“I’ve grown to see the light that shines within me, and I can’t wait to let that light shine out into the world – a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.”

This story is part of a series celebrating ĚÇĐÄvlog’s Spring Commencement 2025 graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning and contribute to the common good.

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• Prospective Students: Learn more about Montclair admissions, our Graduate School, and the College for Community Health.
• Journalists: Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.

The Montclair programs that participate in the annual survey include Education, Public Health, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology and the University’s Part-Time MBA program.

Highlights from the 2025 Best Graduate Programs Rankings:

• ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s graduate education specialization in Elementary Teacher Education ranked No. 21 in the nation
• ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s Doctor of Audiology and Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology programs, in a new addition to the annual rankings, ranked No. 61 and No. 105 (and second in N.J.), respectively
• The institution’s overall ranked No. 108 overall and second in N.J.
• The University’s Master of Public Health ranked No. 168 overall
• ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s Part-Time MBA program ranked No. 197, up ten spots from last year’s rankings

˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s Graduate Offerings

Montclair offers 116 master’s and eight doctoral programs across a range of disciplines in its 13 colleges and schools.

“Our graduate programs prepare students to enter the next phase of their careers with the skills needed to thrive in their chosen fields,” says Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales. “These rankings are the latest indication that ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s stature as a comprehensive research university with cutting-edge programs continues to ascend.”

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New online degree programs at Montclair:

• Online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Media, a fully asynchronous program with the exception of an optional hybrid Industry Bootcamp that will prepare students for the communication and media jobs of the digital age by developing skills in areas including social media strategy, data analytics, content creation, audience analysis and crisis communication.
• Online Bachelor’s in Family Science and Human Development, a nationally-recognized Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) program where students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the various factors that impact individuals, families and communities and be prepared for high-demand jobs in human services, mental health, non-profit organizations, community advocacy, and research.
• Online Bachelor’s in Economics, a program through the AACSB-accredited Feliciano School of Business that will prepare students to succeed in today’s global marketplace by building expertise that offers a natural path into business, finance, law, research or policy-making.
• Online Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management, the only program of its kind in New Jersey, will offer a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates cutting-edge supply chain strategies and sustainable practices to prepare students for high-demand jobs including Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Manager, Demand Planner, and Operations Manager.

The university offers more than 30 online degree and certificate programs in a wide range of in-demand fields, including:

• Accounting
• Child Advocacy and Policy
• Educational Leadership
• Applied Information Technology
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Social Research and Data Analysis
• Social Work

Students in these online programs receive comprehensive support, with access to advising and career resources, all while enjoying the flexibility to earn their degrees while balancing work and other responsibilities outside of the classroom.

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Prospective Student? Learn more about our online program offerings or take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

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Andrea Uguna-Solano, an international student from Ecuador, vividly remembers the challenges of her first semester at ĚÇĐÄvlog. Struggling with English, homesickness, and seasonal depression, she was ready to quit. “I felt like an outsider, struggling with language barriers and wondering if I could ever find my place,” she recalls.

At her husband’s urging, Uguna-Solano decided to stick it out for just one semester. That decision proved life-altering in multiple ways.

Recalling Albert Einstein’s famous quote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” Uguna-Solano decided it was time to change things up and take action. “I started to ask questions, joined student organizations, took extra courses, and, most importantly, volunteered, which slowly helped me to find my voice,” she explains.

Today, Uguna-Solano celebrates her persistence and accomplishments as a graduate of ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s College for Community Health, receiving a Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science at Winter Commencement 2025 at Prudential Center.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Uguna-Solano’s journey to Montclair began when she moved to the United States to join her husband, who was pursuing a master’s degree in structural engineering at Manhattan College. She volunteered to translate for Spanish-speaking patients at a hospital to improve her English. After a couple of years, she felt ready to tackle graduate school in the U.S.

She applied and was accepted to several but ultimately chose Montclair because she felt welcomed as an international student and people were willing to answer her many questions. Back in Ecuador, Uguna-Solano had earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the State University of Cuenca. But despite her academic background, the transition to graduate school was far from seamless. She soon discovered that “speaking English is not the same as taking a class in English,” she says.

Additionally, not all of her credits transferred and she had to retake courses she had already completed in Ecuador to complete her Certification of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She also found herself in a daunting research class that she believed was unrelated to her career goals. “It didn’t make any sense to me at that moment,” Uguna-Solano recalls. However, her willingness to volunteer with professors soon revealed the importance of that research class and her own potential. Leveraging her Spanish fluency, Uguna-Solano contributed to projects on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, and lactation programs in New Jersey, reigniting her passion for academic research.

Academic and Professional Growth

Uguna-Solano’s perseverance paid off. She is a member of Alpha Epsilon Lambda Honor Society. She co-authored several research papers with Montclair Nutrition and Food Studies professors and presented findings at conferences, including one in Minneapolis and another in Galway, Ireland, where she presented part of an abstract she co-authored with professors Yeon Bai and Soyoung Lee. She also collaborated with Professor Lauren Dinour on a food insecurity report focused on Montclair students. In addition, she analyzed data relating to lactation research.Ěý

These opportunities not only allowed Uguna-Solano to showcase her expertise but also deepened her sense of belonging. Ultimately, she became a research assistant to both professors. “At Montclair, I discovered a family,” she says. “The Red Hawks community surrounded me with friends, professors, mentors, and classmates who made me feel that I belonged. I found my inner voice here, the strength to stand confidently, and the courage to pursue meaningful goals.”

Her accomplishments were recognized when she won several scholarships and awards, including the Katharine B. Hall Family & Child Studies Scholarship from ĚÇĐÄvlog, from the American Society for Nutrition and the (FNCE) for the second consecutive year. At the Minneapolis FNCE conference, she publicly thanked her mentors, professors Bai and Dinour.

Even ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s signature red, a color she once disliked, became symbolic of her transformation. She now embraces it as representative of empowerment, she says. “It was as if the University ignited a power in me that had been waiting to be seen, encouraging me to step up and be part of something bigger.”

A Supportive Community

Uguna-Solano credits ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s supportive environment for much of her success, particularly during that first semester. From faculty and staff to student organizations and the Office of Global Engagement, she felt embraced by the campus community. During International Student Orientation, CAPS staff reassured her and other students that feelings of homesickness and sadness were to be expected, and University Police’s assurances of student safety provided her peace of mind.

Uguna-Solano recalls: “A lot of people in my country want to come to the U.S. to have opportunities, including myself. However, after arriving, I was not happy at that moment,” she recalls. “I was completely sad. I missed my country and my family. Thankfully, during orientation, I connected with other people who share similar histories, and we were told that this was common.”

Looking Ahead: Goals Rooted in Service

Uguna-Solano is ready to embark on the next chapter of her career. This summer, she will complete a dietetic internship and exam to become a registered dietitian. She also plans to stay in the U.S. for at least a couple more years and pursue certification as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.

Her ultimate goal is to open her own lactation practice and help people to fight hunger. “Montclair has changed my life, uncovered strengths and given me the final puzzle piece,” she says. “I feel ready to start a new chapter with infinite possibilities on the horizon.”

Story by Staff Writer Sylvia A. Martinez.

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Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about Nutrition and Food Science or other programs in the College for Community Health or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

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Sailume Walo-Roberts came close to stepping away from her doctoral studies. It was her terminally ill daughter who urged her to keep going. “Do you want this, mom? Do you really want this?” her daughter asked. Walo-Roberts replied yes. “Then do it! Finish it!” Walo-Roberts made a promise – and she’s about to honor it.

Walo-Roberts will fulfill that promise to her daughter and herself by walking across the stage to receive her PhD in Counselor Education at ĚÇĐÄvlog’s Winter Commencement 2025 on January 13. The milestone will be bittersweet. At 22, Dinsio Nia Adassa Walo-Wright, who inspired her mother’s perseverance, passed away in her mother’s arms in “a beautifully sad moment” in 2019 after a battle with brain cancer.

“Dinsio’s words carried me through when the weight of responsibilities, expectations and self-doubt felt too heavy to carry,” says Walo-Roberts, whose husband, Joel, sons Noah and Nyon, mother, Edith Smith, and numerous family members and friends – “my community,” she notes – will be on hand to witness her achievement.

As a chosen Commencement speaker, Walo-Roberts plans to tell her fellow College for Community Health graduates: “Each of us carries our own story, a series of battles fought and won – and those stories have shaped us into who we are today. This degree is not just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to our resilience and courage. But what will we do with it? Let’s use this achievement to open doors for others, to speak up for those unheard, and to build a world that’s more just, inclusive and compassionate.”

Walo-Roberts is committed to inclusivity and compassion. “Sailume is a warm, thoughtful and generous person, and she gives her everything to her students, colleagues, and, of course, her friends, family and community,” says Department of Counseling Interim Chair Muninder Kaur Ahluwalia, who served as Walo-Roberts’ advisor and dissertation chair.

Ahluwalia says that Walo-Robert’s dissertation, which she dedicated to her daughter, on Liberian women’s testimony of war, trauma and acculturation, “is strong, inspiring and hard to read because it gives you a real understanding of what Liberian refugees experienced, how they made meaning of these experiences and how they moved forward.”

Overcoming Loss and Advocating for Justice

Walo-Roberts has experienced more than her share of tragedy and loss, and it’s made her resolute in her commitment to social justice and helping others.

A native of Liberia, West Africa, Walo-Roberts came to the United States in 1986 as a teenager, joining her mother, who was serving with the Liberian Mission to the United Nations. Shortly after, the First Liberian Civil War broke out, leading to her family’s application for political asylum. While she and her immediate family found safety in the U.S., they lost nearly 40 family members during the 14-year war, while others were scattered as refugees worldwide.

For more than a decade, Walo-Roberts served as the director of a countywide rape crisis center, where she provided counseling, advocacy and community training to prevent sexual violence. A licensed professional counselor, she was a key contributor to the New Jersey Attorney General’s committee that developed statewide standards for treating sexual assault survivors.

Montclair: A Community that Inspired Confidence

While pursuing a doctoral degree had long been in the back of her mind, the timing never seemed right, says Walo-Roberts. When years of listening to women’s stories of rape and abuse led to burnout, Walo-Roberts walked away from her demanding role at the crisis center. That break led her to Montclair, where she found a sense of belonging and personal growth.

“When I think of Montclair, I think of the relationships and connections that I made,” she says. “I came into my own at Montclair in terms of the confidence that I got as a clinician, as a scholar, as a researcher – all of those skills that were honed at Montclair.”

Today, Walo-Roberts is an adjunct professor at New York University’s Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program. She also runs her private practice, Sankofa Counseling Services LLC, in New Jersey. Her research and expertise focus on violence against women, gender equity, trauma, refugee acculturation, multicultural counseling and the experiences of people of color in higher education.

Guided by the principle, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” she remains dedicated to using her platform to foster a more just and equitable world.

Grief, Resilience and Legacy

Walo-Roberts describes the loss of her daughter as “profound and life-altering,” and says it has impacted her research and her work as a counselor, making her more empathetic.

“While I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, it has shaped me in ways that have made me a more empathetic, compassionate and impactful counselor and researcher. I now approach my clients with a heightened sense of empathy and openness. I’m able to sit with their pain and suffering in a way that I couldn’t before, and I strive to create a safe space for my clients to share their stories and find healing.”

Her research explores the intersection of grief, trauma and resilience, with a particular focus on how individuals and communities navigate profound loss. “My personal journey has given me a unique perspective and a deep commitment to this important work.”

Before she goes to her Commencement, Walo-Roberts will undoubtedly speak to her daughter. She’s built an altar for her ashes and photos on a bookcase, the first thing she sees when she descends the stairs in her Maplewood home every morning. “I talk to her throughout the day. I encourage family and friends to talk about her because that’s how we keep our loved ones alive,” she says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to honor my daughter’s memory by using my experiences to help others.”

She knows Dinsio would be proud and say, “Congratulations, Dr. Mom.”

Story by Staff Writer Sylvia A. Martinez.

Are you a…Ěý

Prospective StudentĚý or Parent? Learn more about Counseling or other programs in the College for Community Health or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

Journalist? Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.

New online degree programs at Montclair:

• Online Bachelor’s in Psychology, a fully asynchronous program which allows graduates to find success in a wide variety of career paths including roles in social services, marketing research, counseling, mental health, education, business, finance, human resources and more.
• Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration, a highly ranked and AACSB-accredited program with concentrations in Marketing, Management, and Finance. The program’s innovative courses help students master the business theories and best practices that promote continuous advancement in the fast-paced workforce of the future.
• Online Master’s in Accounting, designed for career changers looking to enter the accounting field or those interested in preparing to sit for the New Jersey CPA examination. This AACSB-accredited program allows highly qualified graduates to go on to work in corporations, nonprofit institutions and in the public sector.
• Online Master of Social Work (MSW), which prepares graduates to provide social work practice and advocacy services to help individuals, families, groups, and communities. The Children, Youth and Families concentration is uniquely focused on supporting children and families within diverse groups and populations.

The university offers more than 30 online degree and certificate programs in a wide range of in-demand fields, including:

• Educational Leadership
• Applied Information Technology
• Nursing
• Social Research

Students in these online programs receive comprehensive support, with access to advising and career resources, all while enjoying the flexibility to earn their degrees while balancing work and other responsibilities outside of the classroom.

“At Montclair, we believe in breaking down barriers to success for our students,” says Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales. “Offering these new bachelor’s and master’s programs in flexible learning modalities allows us to set up our graduates for careers in many in-demand fields.”

For more information about ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s online degree programs, visit: montclair.edu/online/online-degree-programs.

As a comprehensive research university, ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s Student Research Symposium provides both undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to share their findings through poster presentations. Organized by the Office of Research, this year’s event featured 241 posters highlighting the research of 139 undergraduate, 68 master’s and 34 doctoral students mentored by 110 faculty members.

“Montclair’s Student Research Symposium is an opportunity for our students to share their work, receive feedback, brainstorm ideas for next steps in their projects, and to develop research presentation skills and document those skills on professional resumes,” says Acting Vice Provost for Research Stefanie Brachfeld. “Presenting the results of research and scholarship requires students to explain the key elements of their work and its significance in a way that is exciting and accessible and provides practice for students who will attend professional conferences and who have upcoming thesis and dissertation defenses. It’s also an opportunity to network with faculty members and collaborators, as well as other attendees from the community.”

Associate Justice Studies Professor Jason Williams, a mentor to a number of students, says about the Symposium: “As an R2 public institution that is engaged in community-based research and initiatives, it’s an obligation. We have to give our students these opportunities, not only to do research in the community, but to present it publicly.”

Among the many presenters were:

Julie Chowdhury and Erin Scott, both Family Science and Human Development graduate students in the doctoral program, and Kamalika Vora, a sophomore at Livingston High School, presented their findings on the experiences of formerly incarcerated people reintegrating into society with their poster titled “Understanding the Lived Experiences of Returning Citizens.” The poster outlined their “comprehensive approach, examining the citizens’ narratives on trauma, family and community ties, the criminal justice system, reentry and personal identity.”Ěý

A former federal and state probation officer and current doctoral student, Chowdhury says she wanted to flip the narrative of reentering citizens from being viewed as a problem, to showcasing “their lived experience in a way that told a meaningful story…So, I’m doing the best I can to empower their voices.”Ěý

The doctoral students interviewed formerly incarcerated people and found “that many of them actually do not recidivate, not because we’ve fixed a problem, but because they have a strong support system and they care about their wellness and they care about their families and they finally see their potential. A lot of it has to do with human agency,” says Chowdhury.

Her research partner Scott, a licensed professional counselor in private practice, examined how labeling of those formerly incarcerated “affects their mental health and how that can trigger depression. It can trigger a lot of insecurity, issues and things that sometimes get in the way of them working to be on the right path.”

Vora, who has an interest in criminal justice and research, reached out to Williams, who teamed her with his two graduate assistants Chowdry and Scott. Vora examined the economic aspects of recidivism and policies that help citizens reintegrate into society. “I had the opportunity to review the audio files of the interviews and transcribe them, so being able to hear their stories gave me a new perspective,” she says. “To see how they were able to overcome what they’ve done in the past, it was truly inspiring.”

Angelique Maniego, a senior Jurisprudence, Law and Society major, examined racial inequality in education and the roles of affirmative action and legacy admissions. She found that “instead of focusing on leveraging people of color up to the same level in the society, which is rooted in racial and social stratification…we should dismantle systems that allow systems in society certain advantages over certain groups.” By “dismantling the use of legacy admissions, it could be a step towards educational equality for everyone,” she says.Ěý

Kimberly Gonzalez, a sophomore Hospitality, Sports, Events and Tourism major, researched the use of robots in tourism and hospitality, which is increasingly on the rise. She found that while there is room for robots, they don’t have that human touch, which can enhance guest experiences. “Service robots can help with smaller or more tedious tasks, such as check-in or room service, that don’t really need that human aspect,” she says, adding that using them will give “human employees time to focus on the value of creating connections that elevate experiences and help the industry stay competitive.”

Imaari Andrews explored the causes of increases in mass shootings in the country, including mental health and Supreme Court rulings related to the Second Amendment. Andrews, who lost his father to gun violence in Newark when he was a child, is not optimistic that mass shootings will decrease. “The Second Amendment continues to be a hotly debated topic, because increasingly those shootings continue to happen.Ěý It’s been going on for so many years; nothing has really changed.”

Andrews, who is working to become a trooper with the New Jersey State Police after graduating with a bachelor’s in Political Science and Law, says that finding a balance between gun rights and public safety “remains a pressing task for policymakers and society at large.”

In between poster sessions, students and other attendees heard from professors about scholarship, study abroad and other opportunities. Justice Studies Professor Jessica Henry discussed her journey from a public defender to Montclair faculty and a 2022 distinguished scholar. She shared that as a first-generation college student, she didn’t know what she didn’t know, and she offered students three pieces of advice: “Use your resources, including professors, advisors and Career Services. Second, follow your passion. Third, do the work, even if it’s hard.”

Henry congratulated students on their poster presentation: “What an amazing day to bring such beautiful minds in one room to celebrate your research.”

Brachfeld notes that the Symposium also helps students in other ways. “Not all students can afford to take time away from school, family, employment and personal obligations to attend a professional conference, and so our Symposium is tremendously important for providing access to professional development opportunities.”

Williams says: “Initiatives like these really help us hammer home that we are an exceptional institution. You can come here and do research, and not just in the classroom context, but you can be in a field of your professors collecting data, working with community-based organizations, you can come here and literally, do it all.”

PHOTO GALLERY

Story by Staff Writer Sylvia A. Martinez. PhotosĚýby University Photographer Mike Peters.

The Montclair programs that participate in the annual survey include Education, Public Health and the University’s Part-Time MBA program.

Highlights from the 2024 Best Graduate Programs Rankings:

• Two of ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s graduate education specializations – Elementary Teacher Education and Curriculum and Instruction – ranked tied for No. 22 and tied for No. 24 in the nation, respectively
• The University’s Master of Public Health climbed 10 spots to No. 140 overall and second in New Jersey in only its second year in the rankings
• The institution’s overall ranked No. 107 (tied for second in N.J.)
• ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s Part-Time MBA program ranked No. 207, up one position from last year’s rankings

˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s Graduate Offerings

Montclair offers 115 master’s and eight doctoral programs across a range of disciplines in its 13 colleges and schools.

“Our graduate programs are designed to prepare professionals to advance in their chosen careers by equipping them with the skills needed both now and in the future,” says Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales. “These rankings are the latest indication that ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s stature as a comprehensive research university continues to ascend.”

For more information about graduate programs at ĚÇĐÄvlog, visit montclair.edu/graduate/.