"...it's important to recognize the needs of industry and what is at the forefront so we can better prepare our students."

- Jinan Jaber

A spectrum contains six individual colors, but each blends into the next, forming a continuous sequence. Like a spectrum, the College of Science and Mathematics (CSAM) aims to blend science with other disciplines by developing broad-based programs that interest people from all the colleges and schools.

"CSAM's motto is 'a spectrum of possibilities,' " said Assistant Dean Jinan Jaber. "Dean [Robert] Prezant says CSAM has unlimited possibilities, and we truly believe that."

Jaber said she, Prezant and Associate Dean Michael Kruge constantly bounce ideas off each other to cultivate collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry and other universities, and to develop seminars, programs, courses and degree programs.

Jaber recently talked about CSAM's new programs, including Pharmfest, the annual career fair, the lecture series, a new bachelor's degree in science informatics [Read News to learn more about the program] and a doctoral degree in environmental management, expected to begin in the fall.

Q. What can we expect from PharmFest 2003?
A. PharmFest 2003 will be held April 30, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. A panel discussion by experts, as well as breakout groups by career interests that will be facilitated by people from industry. Plans for this year's program are similar to last year's with two differences--we're expanding the small group discussions with an additional breakout session on how to prepare for entry into the industry, which includes educational and career paths. Hours are being extended in a larger space for the career fair.

Q. What is the purpose of the CSAM seminar series?
A. It is an opportunity for our faculty and students to learn about current research and new directions in the field. Experts from industries and other universities are invited to lead an hour-long seminar. The series is discipline-based, but presenters are expected to take an interdisciplinary approach. For instance, we may sponsor a presenter in biology and molecular biology, but the topic of discussion would interest and benefit people in chemistry, computer science and math. The next seminar, scheduled for Feb. 27, is in earth and environmental studies. (See What's Happening for more information on the seminar.)

Q. Tell us about the new degree programs CSAM is getting ready to unveil.
A. The new bachelor's degree in science informatics combines computer science and the other sciences. An internship component is built into the program that involves research and collaboration with a faculty member and an externship placement with the pharmaceutical industry.

We also expect to receive approval this month to introduce a doctor of environmental management in fall 2003. It's also an interdisciplinary program that combines the sciences with management. It is targeted at individuals who are already employed in the environmental and pharmaceutical industries.

Q. Are there any other programs on the horizon?
A. Pre-pharm is an intercollegiate program with Rutgers that is in the works. It's designed for MSU students to complete three years in science with a prescribed curriculum, then, in the fourth year, move over to the School of Pharmacy at Rutgers. That fourth year is a bridge in which students complete our undergraduate degree requirements while completing the first year of the pharmacy program at Rutgers. By the end of the seventh year they will receive both a bachelor of science from Montclair State and a doctor of pharmacy from Rutgers. Part of the program is an internship because leaders in the pharmacy industry want students to gain hands-on experience. We're also going to propose a five-year bachelor's/master's program in aquatic sciences. Students who are admitted into the program will graduate with a master's degree.

Q. What does CSAM hope to accomplish by crossing disciplines and through collaborations?
A. This is the direction the world is headed. Cross disciplines are emerging because there are no real defined boundaries. For instance, students who major in business and later realize it may not be for them may come back and become science teachers. That doesn't mean what they learned in business is inappropriate or unusable because those science teachers can bring their management and people skills into the classroom. We're also preparing the future workforce for the industry in the New York metropolitan area, so it's important to recognize the needs of industry and what is at the forefront so we can better prepare our students.

Q. What is your role in terms of student services?
A. I'm sensitive and receptive to our students' needs. Finding resources and dealing with students' needs and retention are part of my responsibilities. I also hope to take an active role on the CSAM floor in the residence halls, whether that means bringing in speakers, holding group discussions, group counseling or study periods, that is something I am interested in.

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