Rowan REACTS
Rowan REACTS
Welcome to Rowan REACTS : PhD Student Fellowship Opportunities
REACTS : Shaping the Next Generation of Researchers, Educators, And Leaders in Chemical Technologies for Sustainability
What is Rowan REACTS?
Rowan REACTS is a PhD Fellowship Program within the Department of Chemical Engineering at Rowan University, funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) initiative. This program provides financial support to graduate students pursuing doctoral degrees in areas critical to the nation’s needs, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through Rowan REACTS, up to ten PhD fellowships will be awarded to support students conducting research and skills training across a diverse portfolio of projects related to chemical sustainability.
Why Rowan REACTS?
Rowan’s REACTS program offers PhD fellows the opportunity to engage in impactful research aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to drive technological advancements that promote global sustainability solutions and responsible stewardship. Alongside their research, PhD fellows will receive faculty-guided training to develop teaching, mentoring, and leadership skills. Our goal is to develop well-rounded PhD graduates who can lead successful careers in teaching and research focused on sustainability.
Our PhD fellows will be closely mentored by our faculty on projects focused on chemical sustainability in fields such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy, clean water, sustainable resources and fuels, and advanced materials & manufacturing. Fellows will also benefit from collaborative opportunities with industry partners in the Greater Philadelphia and Mid-Atlantic region. Additionally, they will develop their teaching skills through Rowan’s STEM Teaching Efficacy and Practice for Situated Learning Skills (STEPS) Program and engage in leadership roles through mentoring K-12 outreach and mentoring undergraduate students.
The vision of Rowan’s Chemical Engineering department is to advance innovation and cultivate future leaders in chemical sustainability. The REACTS program is supported by a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, funding ten GAANN PhD fellowships in this critical area. In 2024, the department’s faculty were awarded two NSF CAREER Awards, $1.5M U.S. Department of Energy funding through the DOE Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) partnership, and a $36M US Army grant on convergent manufacturing platforms for materials innovations.
What does the ROWAN REACTS PhD Fellowship provide?
The fellowship provides a generous support package that includes:
- Living stipend of up to $37,000 per year based on demonstrated financial need
- Fully paid tuition and fees
- Health insurance subsidy
- Travel and other support for professional development
How can I apply? Am I eligible?
To apply, please submit an online application** to our Chemical Engineering PhD Program, and include the required materials (https://global.rowan.edu/programs/phd-in-chemical-engineering.html):
- Curriculum vitae
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (3.0 GPA minimum on 4.0 scale; degree at the Bachelor’s level should be in Chemical Engineering or a related field)
- Three letters of recommendation (letters on official letterhead)
- Personal statement, describing in particular your interest in chemical sustainability, professional objectives and career aspirations, and any research and/or leadership experiences
**The application fee will be waived if you send an email to global@rowan.edu and request the fee waiver.
Please note that, to be considered for the Rowan REACTS fellowship, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- Admitted or enrolled full-time in the Chemical Engineering PhD program at Rowan University
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Demonstrated financial need based on FAFSA
- Strong academic background with an interest in sustainable chemical technologies
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all fellowship positions are filled. Priority will be given to applications received by May 31, 2025.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
For inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Andrea Vernengo
Director, Rowan REACTS GAANN Program
Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering
vernengo@rowan.edu
What are some Rowan REACTS research projects that a fellow can pursue?
Our PhD fellows will have the opportunity to pursue their research interests and goals from a broad range of projects in chemical sustainability.
Who are the faculty involved in the ROWAN REACTS program?
The Rowan REACTS Program is led by Dr. Andrea Vernengo (CHE). She leads a team of nine CHE faculty & two faculty in Rowan’s Experiential Engineering Education (ExEEd) department involved with the engineering education & assessment aspects of the program.
PhD Program Info : Rowan University Chemical Engineering
This webinar provides details of the PhD program within Rowan University's Chemical Engineering Department, including the latest PhD fellowship opportunities and research project openings.