![CSAM research days, posters and students fill the room.](/sites/default/files/styles/400x192/public/2026-07/091824_49068%20_CSAM%20Student%20Research%20Symposium-X2.jpg?h=29234840&itok=LHMQ2TFj) # Research at Montclair State University Montclair State University researchers translate bold ideas into real-world impact. By blending scientific discovery, technological innovation and artistic inquiry, our faculty and students tackle society’s most urgent challenges, from climate resilience and AI advancement to community health and educational equity. As an R2-designated, public-serving institution, we push the boundaries to advance solutions in the sciences, humanities and business in New Jersey and beyond. ## A Research-Driven University Montclair State University is a dynamic research institution, designated an **R2 – Doctoral University – High Research Activity** by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. ![R2 Carnegie Seal](/sites/default/files/styles/770x420/public/2026-07/Untitled%20-%20July%2024%2C%202026%20at%2010.22.40.jpeg?h=d1cb525d&itok=E8DEcq25) ## Research News - ![A woman in a knit sweater with lobsters on it standing in a lab full of fishtanks](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-03/030626_009145_CSAM-student-Kelly-Witters_MP.jpg?h=97ab9901&itok=iEiYWzZc) Research [ How Montclair’s 4+1 Program Turned My Childhood Science Project into Real Marine Biology Research](/news-media/news-stories/how-montclairs-41-program-turned-my-childhood-science-project-real-marine-biology-research) March 11, 2026 - ![Kaori Sakae stands, arms crossed, in front of food-filled shelves at Red Hawk Pantry.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-03/121525_85615_Red-Hawk-Pantry_MP.jpg?h=79cefd99&itok=hOxUwpE9) Research [ Montclair Offers Food-Insecure Students Support and Resources through Red Hawk Pantry, Other Services](/news-media/news-stories/montclair-offers-food-insecure-students-support-and-resources-through-red-hawk-pantry-other-services) January 8, 2026 - ![8-year-old Colette Fougere says ‘r’ into a microphone while Alexis Gallagher looks on.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-03/NDS.00_02_04_23.Still004-2.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=1LnM0vHL) Research [ Groundbreaking Speech Therapy Research Helps Child Master the ‘r’ Sound in Weeks](/news-media/news-stories/groundbreaking-speech-therapy-research-helps-child-master-r-sound-weeks) December 16, 2025 ## Montclair research, scholarship and creative activity by the numbers $44M Annual research and development expenditures 8 NSF Early Career Grant Awardees ![](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/diff-card-graphic.svg) 6 Emmy Award Winners ![](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/diff-card-graphic.svg) 43 Faculty Fulbright Scholars spanning 26 disciplines ![](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/diff-card-graphic.svg) ## Research Institutes, Centers and Facilities Directed by leading discipline experts, Montclair’s research units help inform and advance critical policy, power workforce development and foster deep community partnerships. They serve as vital hubs for our research enterprise and hands-on student learning. ### [ Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health (CAECMH)](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/education/ceel-center-consortium/autism-and-early-childhood-mental-health-center) The Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health (CAECMH) advances the well-being of young children and families through: - Services: Therapy, family support, and community care. - Learning: Professional development and specialized student coursework. - Impact: Statewide research and systems-level consultation across New Jersey. ### [ Center for Business Analytics and Innovative Technologies (CBAIT)](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/business/center-business-analytics-and-innovative-technologies-cbait) CBAIT advances research and collaboration in business analytics, leveraging innovative technologies to power data-driven decision-making. ### [ Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS)](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/education/ceel-center-consortium/research-and-evalution-education-and-human-services-center) CREEHS is committed to “helping people who help people” in the areas of education, public health and human services. We partner with state agencies, school districts, colleges and universities and community nonprofits. ### [ Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center (CESAC)](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/math-science/clean-energy-and-sustainability-analytics-center-cesac) The Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center (CESAC) bridges research and real-world application to drive long-term environmental and economic solutions. How CESAC makes an impact: - Research & Policy: Quantifying clean energy impacts to facilitate smarter energy planning. - Education & Practices: Supporting the adoption of clean technology through targeted educational programs. - Collaborative Impact: Uniting industry, government and academia to build long-term economic and environmental resilience. ### [ Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Laboratory (MMRL)](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/math-science/microscopy-and-microanalysis-research-laboratory) MMRL is Montclair's hub for advanced imaging technology and hands-on microanalysis instruction using state-of-the-art tools, such as SEM, TEM, Scanning Probe and Confocal Laser Scanning microscopy. ### [ PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/math-science/pseg-institute-sustainability-studies) The PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies (ISS) at Montclair State University plays a transformative role in transdisciplinary research and education. The Institute advances sustainability by developing community-engaged research projects and building educational programs through academic-corporate-public partnerships. ### [ Research on Youth Thriving and Evaluation Institute (RYTE)](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/cchl/ryte-institute) The RYTE Institute applies systems science to understand youth development and evaluate the programs that support them through: - Research: Exploring the science of youth thriving and human development. - Evaluation: Guiding program planning and measuring real-world impact. ### [ Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/math-science/sokol-institute) The Margaret and Herman Sokol Institute fosters cross-disciplinary research to engineer next-generation solutions for tomorrow’s global health challenges. Key focus areas include pharmaceutical research, advanced materials and collaborative innovation that connects Montclair researchers with industry partners. ## Montclair Research in the News - ### [Report says NJ food stamp spending benefits families, stores, economy](https://newjerseymonitor.com/briefs/nj-food-stamp-spending-report/) Research from Montclair is cited in this[ New Jersey Monitor](https://newjerseymonitor.com/briefs/nj-food-stamp-spending-report/) article about food stamp spending. ***New Jersey Monitor*** - ### [Left-Handedness in Disney Princesses and Why it Matters](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-asymmetric-brain/202603/left-handedness-in-disney-princesses-and-why-it-matters) [Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-asymmetric-brain/202603/left-handedness-in-disney-princesses-and-why-it-matters),[ News 12](https://newjersey.news12.com/disney-princesses-have-become-more-left-handed-over-time-montclair-state-study-finds) and[ 1010 WINS](http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=c6c21be8-346f-40d1-a6ef-41409cc0eed8) highlighted recently published research led by **Ruth Propper** (Psychology) about how left-handedness in Disney princesses has evolved over time. ***Psychology Today*** - ### [Kid Rock, Joe Rogan, Elon Musk: The R-word isn’t edgy — it’s cowardly. N.J. won’t play along.](https://www.nj.com/opinion/2026/02/kid-rock-joe-rogan-elon-musk-the-r-word-isnt-edgy-its-cowardly-nj-wont-play-along.html) An[ NJ.com op-ed](https://www.nj.com/opinion/2026/02/kid-rock-joe-rogan-elon-musk-the-r-word-isnt-edgy-its-cowardly-nj-wont-play-along.html) written by the acting and deputy commissioners for Disability and Aging Services in New Jersey cited research by **Bond Benton** (Strategic Communication) and **Daniela Peterka-Benton** (Justice Studies) on the resurgence of the use of the “r” word. The research has also been cited by[ *Rolling Stone* Magazine](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/r-word-maga-slur-history-1235476412/) and[ *The Chicago Tribune*](https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/06/donald-trump-r-word-slur/)*.* ***NJ.com*** ## Questions? We’re Here to Help. [Office of Research](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/research-office) The Office of Research helps move Montclair's research enterprise forward. From finding funding and developing proposals to managing awards and navigating research compliance, our team provides guidance, tools and support to turn ideas into impact. -