Bloustein School announces faculty promotions

June 18, 2020

The Bloustein School is pleased to announce the recent promotion of several school faculty by the Rutgers University Board of Governors. In May, the school announced the promotion of Dr. Mi Shih to associate professor with tenure.

“These promotions are well deserved and reflect the high standards of teaching and research for which the Bloustein School is known,” said Dean Piyushimita (Vonu) Thakuriah. “Congratulations to our colleagues who make the Bloustein community an outstanding school in which to learn and conduct research.”

The following teaching faculty have been promoted to associate teaching professor. Dean Thakuriah noted, “The school could not function without the dedication and expertise of our teaching professors.​ Their devotion to our students makes the Bloustein learning experience unique.”

Dr. Amy Abruzzi has conducted research involving multiple primary cancers as well as on liver cancer associated with HBV or HCV and co-infection with schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease. She also has a general interest in public health informatics as well as the history and philosophy of epidemiology, public health, and medicine.

Dr. Debra Borie-Holtz’s academic research interests include policy formation, implementation and politics, legislative leadership, and governing in the states, regulations, and rulemaking processes, women in government and gendered leadership, as well as methods.

Dr. Alan Cander’s primary research interest is urban redevelopment.  He is particularly concerned with how, in a changing regulatory climate that has attempted to place limits on blight declaration and the use of eminent domain, public and private entities in older or declining cities collaborate in both transparent and non-transparent ways to revalorize contested urban space. 

Dr. Anita Franzione has been in the field of health care for over 30 years working in all sectors of health care from ambulatory care settings to acute care hospitals, nonprofit agencies, long term care organizations, for-profit insurance companies, and quality improvement organizations and in different specialties, including mental health and HIV/AIDS services.  She has broad experience in public health, research, and policy.

Dr. Alexandra Lopez has been training professionals in the counseling and addiction field for over 15 years and travels extensively providing workshops, motivational speaking, and continuing education credits. She has extensive experience in school law and policy.


Dr. Kathe Newman has been promoted to professor with tenure.  Dr. Newman’s research explores urban change, what it is, why it happens, and what it means.  Her research has explored gentrification, foreclosure, urban redevelopment, food security, community economic development and community participation.  Kathe is director of the Ralph W.  Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement at the Bloustein School.

Recent Posts

Susan Krum, 2024 Rose Teaching Excellence Award Recipient

The Bloustein School is pleased to announce that Susan Krum, Au.D., interim Executive Director of Health Administration & Associate Teaching Professor is the 2024 recipient of the Jerome G. Rose Excellence in Teaching Award. The award is presented annually to a...

Research Day 2024 Recap: Winners and Videos

The Bloustein School's 3rd Annual Research Day took place in person at the Gov. James J. Florio Special Events Forum on Friday, April 12th. The event was an opportunity for Bloustein students, faculty, and staff to showcase their research, receive feedback, and build...

Voices of Inclusion: Advancing Disability Justice and Advocacy

The words diversity, equity, and inclusion have been at the forefront of many conversations during the past few years. In late March, the Bloustein School hosted an event focusing on the disability community, and disability justice in particular. “Some of the...

Research: Powering Bikeshare in New York City

Powering bikeshare in New York City: does the usage of e-bikes differ from regular bikes? Abstract In this study, we investigate the difference between shared electric bicycles (e-bikes) and conventional shared bikes operated by Citi Bike in New York City. We examine...

The Biggest Barrier to a Vibrant Second-Hand EV Market? Price

New policies and broader subsides are needed to help lower-income buyers afford used electric vehicles, according to a Rutgers study As early adopters of electric vehicles (EVs) trade up for the latest models, the used EV market is beginning to mature in the United...

Upcoming Events

Placemaking in Context: Honoring the Culture and History of Communities

Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United States

Placemaking strengthens the connection between people and places. Join us as we examine placemaking through a lens of arts and humanities with transportation, highlighting the culture and histories of local […]

Rutgers Day

Rutgers University

Rutgers Day is set for Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on the Busch Campus in Piscataway and the College Avenue and Cook/Douglass campuses in New Brunswick. Get […]