Derrick Swinton

As Associate Dean of Research for the Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology (HCSMT), my role involves developing and leading academic programs, policies, and initiatives that promote faculty success and student achievement. My career work spans multiple STEM disciplines, where I have designed innovative, multi-faceted programs that expand participation pathways, integrate undergraduate research, and prepare underrepresented students for advanced study and careers in science and technology.

I lead institutional efforts to strengthen research capacity by mentoring faculty in competitive grant development, initiating cross-disciplinary collaborations, and implementing evidence-based mentoring strategies for undergraduate and graduate researchers. These efforts include establishing mini-grant programs, professional development workshops, and structured mentoring frameworks that not only foster faculty success but also enhance Kean University’s research infrastructure and culture.

Since 2003, I have served as PI or Co-PI on numerous federally funded grants that have advanced STEM education through scholarships, research opportunities, new academic programs, and evidence-based pedagogical interventions. Notable initiatives include:

• NEAGEP (Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education for the Professoriate): Directed at Lincoln University, where I awarded $200,000 in scholarships; Kean University remains an alliance member, with demonstrable success in advancing underrepresented students to graduate STEM degrees.

• Lincoln University/University of Iowa Prostate Cancer Research Program: Engaged nearly 120 students, 90% of whom pursued graduate or medical education. This ongoing partnership with the University of Iowa’s Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center now extends to Kean University.

• Lincoln University’s Excellent Academic Program in Science (LEAPS): Co-PI on three consecutive NSF awards totaling $4.2M (2010–2021). The program significantly improved STEM student retention and success, supporting 113 undergraduate teaching assistants, 164 faculty-mentored research experiences, and 31 faculty research mini-grants.

At Kean University, I continue to secure external support and lead projects that advance STEM education and research. Current and recent awards include:

• NIH U-RISE Program (PI, 2024–2029): Establishing sustainable trainee pathways in biomedical research.

• NSF Social Science Data Analytics (Co-PI, 2023–2026): Building interdisciplinary data visualization and research capacity.

• NSF Fostering Communities of Practice (Co-PI, 2023–2028): Advancing peer mentoring and research networks.

In addition to my administrative leadership, I maintain an active research program focused on nanoparticle–protein interactions, with particular emphasis on understanding the protein corona and its influence on cellular recognition and uptake. My current NSF-supported project integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning to design and evaluate hybrid nanoparticles for theranostic applications, in collaboration with Delaware State University, Claflin University, and the University of Delaware.

I have authored publications on STEM education, pedagogy, and nanotechnology, and I continue to build national partnerships with federal agencies, R1 institutions, and cancer research centers to sustain pathways for minority students in STEM. My career reflects a commitment to advancing student opportunity, faculty development, and institutional research capacity through innovative programming, collaborative leadership, and externally funded initiatives.