The Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering at Rowan University

Rowan Rocketry is currently in Texas preparing to launch their rocket, aiming for a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet! 🚀

This student-led team from the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering continues to push boundaries through hands-on design, testing, teamwork, and innovation.

We’re proud to cheer them on as they take their work from campus to the launch site. Good luck, team — we can’t wait to see you soar!

Could growing crystals in space lead to better drugs?

Gerard Capellades, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemical engineering, is sending crystallization experiments to the International Space Station to better understand how microgravity could improve the production of pharmaceuticals.

Read more: https://today.rowan.edu/news/2026/05/could-growing-crystals-in-space-improve-drugs.html

Spinal cord injuries remain one of the most complex challenges in regenerative medicine, often limiting the body's ability to repair damaged nerve tissue.

Peter Galie, Ph.D., and Louis S. Paone, Ph.D of the Department of Biomedical Engineering are advancing a new approach to spinal cord regeneration through the development of a multifunctional injectable hydrogel designed to deliver multiple therapies directly to the injury site.

Their research explores how engineered biomaterials can reduce scar formation, support nerve regeneration and improve recovery outcomes.

Conducted in collaboration with researchers at Drexel University College of Medicine, this work represents a promising step toward new treatment strategies for individuals living with spinal cord injuries.

This is one of the many stories featured in the 2025 College Highlights: https://www.flipsnack.com/A6E8F8EEFB5/2025-college-highlights-henry-m-rowan-college-of-engineering?p=38

Maintaining thousands of bridges requires more than routine inspections. It demands smarter tools that can help agencies identify risks, prioritize repairs and make better use of public resources.

Islam M. Mantawy, PhD, PE, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, is leading a $700,000 New Jersey Department of Transportation grant to advance AI-driven bridge management strategies.

Working alongside Nidhal Carla Bouaynaya, Ph.D., and Trias Blanco, Ph.D., Mantawy is combining machine learning, LiDAR technology and predictive analytics to assess bridge conditions, detect damage and forecast deterioration.

By integrating artificial intelligence with advanced sensing technologies, the research aims to improve infrastructure planning, enhance public safety and extend the lifespan of critical transportation assets.

This is one of the many stories featured in the 2025 College Highlights:
https://www.flipsnack.com/A6E8F8EEFB5/2025-college-highlights-henry-m-rowan-college-of-engineering?p=40

The Spring/Summer 2026 Engineering Newsletter is now available.

This issue highlights recent accomplishments across the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, including impactful research, student and alumni achievements, industry partnerships, faculty recognition and the celebration of our newest graduates. It is a look back at a busy and successful semester and the people helping shape the future of engineering.

Read the full newsletter: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/2026---Spring-Engineering-Newsletter.html?soid=1103854200825&aid=SZWaUKQ1cuw

Engineering solutions require more than technical expertise. They also demand ethical judgment, critical thinking and an understanding of how decisions impact society.

Kevin Dahm, Ph.D., professor of chemical engineering, is advancing new approaches to engineering ethics education through a National Science Foundation (NSF)-supported project focused on strengthening how ethics is taught and assessed in engineering programs. By combining interactive learning experiences with innovative assessment methods, the research aims to help students develop more holistic and informed approaches to decision-making.

Through this work, future engineers are being better prepared to navigate complex challenges with responsibility, integrity and care.

This is one of the many stories featured in our 2025 College Highlights: https://www.flipsnack.com/A6E8F8EEFB5/2025-college-highlights-henry-m-rowan-college-of-engineering?p=38

Protecting clean water and healthy ecosystems requires innovative solutions to some of today's most pressing environmental challenges.

Zhiming Zhang, Ph.D., assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, is advancing technologies designed to clean contaminated water and soil. His research combines laboratory experimentation with environmental modeling to better understand how pollutants move through natural and engineered systems and how sustainable treatment methods can remove them more effectively.

Working alongside students, Zhang's team is exploring solutions that bridge environmental engineering, chemistry, biology and materials science to develop scalable strategies that help protect water resources and improve public health.

This is one of the many stories featured in our 2025 College Highlights:
https://www.flipsnack.com/A6E8F8EEFB5/2025-college-highlights-henry-m-rowan-college-of-engineering?p=40

Congratulations to our very own George Lecakes, Jr, PhD, on being named to the 2026 INNOVATE100, a recognition of New Jersey leaders advancing innovation across industry, academia and entrepreneurship.

As director of immersive technology and learning and associate director of virtual reality at Rowan University's Machine & Artificial Intelligence Virtual Reality Center (MAVRC), Dr. Lecakes is helping transform education through immersive technologies, virtual reality and experiential learning. His leadership of Rowan's Dreamscape Learn program is creating innovative learning experiences that enhance student engagement and real-world problem-solving.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and Dr. Lecakes' continued contributions to innovation at Rowan University and beyond.

Read more: https://today.rowan.edu/news/2026/05/innovate100-2026.html

Innovation, teamwork and hands-on learning are driving Rowan University’s Formula SAE team as students design and build the next generation of electric race vehicles.

Part of Rowan Motorsports and the Rowan SAE chapter, the student-led team is developing an EV Formula-style race car that integrates mechanical design, electrical systems, controls, safety and manufacturing. From concept and simulation to fabrication and testing, students gain valuable experience solving real-world engineering challenges while preparing for careers in automotive, electrification and advanced manufacturing industries.

With approximately 40 undergraduate students involved, the project showcases the power of experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration at the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering.

This is one of the many stories featured in our 2025 College Highlights: https://www.flipsnack.com/A6E8F8EEFB5/2025-college-highlights-henry-m-rowan-college-of-engineering?p=44