Research Centers and Initiatives
The Bloustein School is host to several nationally recognized research centers and collaborative programs, established by the University’s Board of Governors. These specialized centers carry out large-scale projects and are supported by external funding, which maximize the school’s ability to perform in-depth research; extend its activities beyond the classroom through public service; and provide students with the opportunity to develop professional skills and experience.
The school serves as an intellectual focal point at Rutgers University for the examination of societal problems and solutions. Research undertakings are governed by a strong commitment to quality through the use of sound social science theory and methods and to full dissemination of results and peer review of findings. Research is carried out on a wide variety of challenging topics.
Many of these centers offer continuing education and training programs for government officials, nonprofit leaders, and career professionals, enabling the school to broaden its outreach endeavors.
Students at the Bloustein School have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research through appointments as researchers employed by the school’s centers and initiatives in such areas as community development, transportation, health, workforce development, green building and energy policy, and state and municipal government activities.
Featured Research
Kathe Newman elected as Chair of Board, Urban Affairs Association
Her research explores urban change, what it is, why it happens, and what it means and has explored gentrification, foreclosure, urban redevelopment, food security, community economic development and community participation.
Andrews, et.al assess heat and air quality in low-income housing
Standard air quality and heat monitors don’t capture the full picture, especially for vulnerable residents in low-income public housing. This study uses wearable devices and indoor sensors to reveal stark disparities in real-world exposure to extreme heat and PM2.5 pollution across different groups, with seniors and youth facing the highest risks.
Ahmed (PhD ’28), Smart, and Noland Review Carbon Emissions and Remote Work
The authors report findings on carbon emissions associated with driving to the respective campuses and the modes used and perform an analysis of the potential effect of changing the university’s remote work policy for staff. They find, unsurprisingly, that mandating additional days in the office increases commuting emissions.
Kopp and Climate Scholars Assess Atlantic Coast Seasonal Flood Drivers
The authors found that north of Boston, MA, the most extreme flooding occurs in the cool season, while south of Wilmington, NC, the most extreme flooding occurs in the warm season. In the mid‐Atlantic region, both seasons contribute significantly to flood events. At all locations, cool‐season storms drive the more routine extreme sea levels. These findings highlight the importance of studying winter storms to improve coastal flood preparedness.
Public Transit User Experiences and Feelings of Safety among Marginalized Genders
LGBTQ+ respondents are more vulnerable to harassment on public transportation than respondents who identify as cisgender and straight. Policy and planning measures aiming to address safety and harassment on public transit may not be effective for SGMs.
NJ State Financial Aid Outcomes Dashboard Released
The New Jersey Statewide Data System (NJSDS) is pleased to present the first release of the New Jersey State Financial Aid Outcomes Dashboard. This dashboard shows outcomes calculated by linking longitudinal higher education data from the Office of the Secretary of...


















