Meet Dr. Erik Hoy, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry within the College of Science & Mathematics and the School of Health Professions.
Share an “aha!” moment that you’ve had within your discipline that made you feel passionate about your field.
As a theoretical scientist, one of the most exciting moments for me is when a new theory or method is “born.” Developing a new computational or theoretical method can take weeks or months of work and study, but I find that there is often an “aha” moment right at the end where the ideas and equations finally come together.
I will never forget when, as a postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University, I created the new theoretical approach for studying electron transport that is the basis for much of my research today. The “aha” moment came when I finally figured out the final form of the transport equations. The excitement of bringing a new idea into the world that I could call my own was a moment that validated all of the hard work and study required to get to that point.
Describe for us an experience you’ve had with a student that made you feel excited about educating the next generation in your field.
Although I’ve been at Rowan for less than a year, I didn’t have wait long to meet an impressive student. After my very first day of teaching, a student came up to me asking to join my research group. He had a strong interest in nanoscale and materials science problems, so my group was a perfect fit. I was deeply impressed by the level of self-motivation that the student had. He has since become one of my top research students and is currently writing his own research software.
What’s your favorite thing about being on campus on a typical Tuesday?
On a typical Tuesday I often find myself walking around the third floor of Science Hall, and I often find students from my classes. Students usually sit in the central area of the floor and will often stop me to ask questions or just chat. This kind of organic interaction with students is one of my favorite things about Rowan. It brightens my day when I’m able to see how they are doing and answer their questions promptly.
What is your area of expertise?
My general area of expertise is theoretical and computational quantum chemistry. Basically, I focus on developing new theories within the field of quantum mechanics and then build computer models to study problems in chemistry. I’m particularly interested in problems that involve the transport of electrons at the quantum level. One major area of interest for me are electronic components (such as the transistors, resistors or switches) based on common organic molecules for use. These devices can replace the current generation of silicon-based components, yielding faster and more efficient consumer electronics like phones or laptops.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your academic discipline or your research focus?
As my area of research is a fairly technical field, many people have the impression that you need special skills or talents to do undergraduate research in quantum chemistry, especially since some of what we do is not covered by any course.
You don’t need any previous experience or skills to start research researching in quantum chemistry. I currently have students in my group ranging from freshmen to juniors all with varying levels of prior knowledge. In fact, those same technical skills, such as programming or working with supercomputers, can be seen as an advantage rather than a barrier. Computer skills in particular are always valued.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story By:
Dr. Erik Hoy, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Edited By:
Justin Borelli, senior advertising major
Photography by:
Dean Powers, sophomore radio/television/film major
“The rigor for this doctorate was intense, the amount of research requirements helped me to become a stronger writer and speaker, and the cohort portion allowed me to grow from others with different perspectives,” Danielle revealed. The cohort allows students to build off one another in the program, providing an experience with diversity and multiple facets for students to grow from.
event allows the student to present all findings while arguing their research to a committee that will judge whether you’re ready to receive the title of doctor.
Another wonderful experience provided by the Rowan Journalism department was the opportunity to take a class and cover the Democratic National Convention in 2016. This experience made him feel like a true reporter. He even referred to this as “the Super Bowl for journalists.” He covered protests, made livestreams and networked all from a South Jersey perspective. He said this experience helped in the transition from college journalist to professional.
After his internship at the Ellen Show, Purvis moved onto another big-name internship, “Good Morning America,” where he learned how to create a morning TV show at the network level. Along with getting the network TV experience under his belt, he also made some recognizable friends along the way! Once again Purvis followed one amazing internship with another. In fall 2017, he began his work for “The Today Show.”
Financial Aid: 
Subsidized Loan: 
Like what you see, come visit us!
Through RIPPAC, Jason applied for the Rick Rosenberg Junior Memorial Scholarship, which allows students to take unpaid political internships. Most political internships are unpaid, meaning that most students can’t afford to take these important experiences. Through the generosity of the Rosenberg family, students who are awarded the scholarship are provided with the financial cushion that will allow them to further their careers.
After studying counseling and graduating from Rutgers University, Carroll worked for the Department of Child Protection and Permanency for nearly a decade. He then decided he wanted to have a greater impact on the medical field. In order to do so, he needed to study medicine. After extensive research on the medical schools in New Jersey, he fell in love with the one offered right 
his MBA at an accelerated rate and complete it within a year. In between attending classes at Rowan, he used his free time to start up businesses and charities in the medical field. The classes that had the most impact on Carroll’s career moving forward were Organizational Theory, International Business in Society, Statistical Methods and Marketing. Dr. Dominik, a Rowan professor, gave Carroll a worldly perspective and kept him engaged throughout his time at Rowan. 
Group opened the door of opportunity for Transfer Post to become more known and get their name out there with other popular local bands. Here’s a story of how a talented self-taught musician, was provided with every opportunity and made his aspirations a reality.
Christina, a lifelong Prof, found her love for teaching at an early age and knew Rowan University would be the school to help her achieve this dream. “I knew Rowan was the choice for me,” said Christina. “I was most impressed with the devotion its faculty and staff have towards education and truly teaching it like a calling.” During her time within the 
complete a 
working towards an Ed.D while still gaining that higher education.
Kathy Vause shares her own experience as a parent on how she helped her recently graduated daughter adjust to “adulting.” 
summer presenting the event, hosted by a local organization, Nexus Properties.
stay active, but how do we manage to do so while juggling classes and a social life? To begin, it is of the utmost importance to schedule your time and hold yourself accountable. I strongly recommend investing in a planner and sitting down on Sunday nights and taking the time to write out your responsibilities.
When Rowan Bucks run low, however, using the school’s cafeteria, such as the Marketplace in the Student Center or Glassworks Eatery in Holly Pointe Commons, is another easy option. There are a variety of nutritious options to help you stay healthy. Treating yourself is always okay but be sure to use moderation and keep your health in mind. And if you’re having trouble, Rowan’s nutritionist can always offer tips and advice.
“When you’ve been parenting for eighteen years, you’re just so used to having your student around,” says Cindy Bitzer, mother of two Rowan Students; senior business major Lauren Bitzer and senior computer science major Josh Bitzer. “It’s okay to be concerned about your student’s grades, social life, and other aspects of the college experience, but I’ve learned to recognize that you can’t manage their whole life.”
to eating healthy in a time management-friendly way is to prep all of your meals in advance. “Meal-prepping” can sound like an intimidating term reserved for the fitness-savvy and health freaks. In reality, it is very simple and can save unbelievable amounts of time for busy college students.
Inn – ending with multiple people being ‘roughed up’ and arrested. 
Landing Great Plaza, you are able to enter for a nominal fee of $15, giving you access to food and drink vendors, musical entertainment, and plenty of room to celebrate.
Through her involvement at Rowan, Shivani became connected with EY’s recruiters, leading to an internship at the company. She held the internship while finishing her graduate program; eventually ending with an offer for a full-time position. “The reason I got this job was because of Rowan and having the opportunity to work alongside the EY recruiters,” Shivani revealed. Through the MBA program, Shivani got to work alongside similar minded people – students who want to be there and see you achieve your goals.
During Shivani’s freshman year she quickly took the initiative, joining various clubs including the 
time to transfer to a four-year institution was approaching. I needed to decide quickly and be absolutely certain I made the right choice. Eventually I came to the aviation industry – settling on the idea that I wanted to become a pilot. This decision lead me to a university out in northern Arizona. 
I just didn’t know of any other options that would fit me.
Rowan I received a student worker position as a digital content contributor for Rowan’s Division of Student Affairs. A position I received from interacting with one of my professors (who I now work with). She inspired me to pursue various aspects of public relations – eventually leading me to my passions in 
hung out in our free time. I personally spent time networking with some amazing people from universities all across the east coast. I exchanged numbers with tons of people and made some amazing connections over this trip. Nearly 40 institutions gathered together at this event and it showed. Every workshop, presentation, and cheesy icebreaker were electrifying. Finally, one of the best parts is that all the presentations were run by students. It created a relaxing, informative, and fun atmosphere for nearly every session.
All in all, the NODA Region VIII Conference was an awesome leadership experience. I know the word “leadership” can be scary to many of us, however; I would challenge those of us who aren’t involved in leadership on Rowan’s campus to try taking that first step. Run for executive board for an organization or club, apply to be apart of PROS or become a Resident Assistant. Find opportunities to take that first step because you’ll never know where it can take you. Who knows? Maybe it could land you an opportunity to go to a conference yourself someday.
First-generation college students, Chase will major in biological sciences within the 
At Rowan University, we require at least one letter of recommendation and we accept up to five. So, who should be writing your student’s letter of recommendation?!
Coming from a small town, I was not exposed to many careers that I could possibly commit to one day. Rowan first accepted me as an Exploratory Studies major, which helped me to explore different classes that may have interested me. My advisor recommended I take Essentials of Psychology and I fell in love with the subject. 
As a Psychology major, I have already accomplished things I never thought I could. I was the President of the 
challenges that are integral to the engineering field. More specifically, my work within engineering entrepreneurship focuses on the development of an entrepreneurial mindset.
everything that they do and is eager and open to learning whatever is necessary to be successful.
through failure, and can manage risk.
affordability. Although, once here Joseph quickly realized that the professors were another strength Rowan held. “The professors are all extremely accessible,” Joseph continues, “and they make themselves available beyond what I would consider their duty.”
cases involving children at risk of abuse or being cared for by unfit parents. “Through working here I have the opportunity to see the behind the scenes action; being a part of the process that most people aren’t witnesses to.” Joseph explains, “Gaining this experience further prepared me for more intense and involved work.” Through Joseph’s hard work and assistance from his professors at Rowan he gets to be a real help to children who aren’t in the best situations.
associated with cancer treatments and compare them to the cost of transitioning to more environmental-friendly methods. Overall, Joseph clearly has a mindset a strong ambition to make the world a better place for everyone to live in.
By joining Rowan’s EMS team students join one of the nation’s top collegiate units — standing as the only collegiate unit in the nation awarded bronze, silver, and gold awards from NCEMSF (National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation) for the organization’s preparation and readiness. Volunteers stand among peers who are required to maintain GPA standards, but still managed to accumulate a collective total of 16,000 volunteer hours as a group for the year. This organization operates as a family — relying on one another, helping one another, and laughing with one another.
certification a member goes through a six to nine month training program held at the Gloucester County EMT Training Academy paid for by the organization. Chief Howery stated, “In addition to arranging the training at no cost, we have a continual no-cost-training program. So every month, Cooper Hospital, as part of the contract that we have with them, will come to Rowan and hold training classes in various topics we suggest or recommend.”
Typical scenarios volunteers might find themselves in include medical and injury responses, transport services for medical appointments and prescription drug pick-up, emergency medical transport, community engagement, mental health responses, training and awareness spreading of proper CPR techniques and AED usage, and the installation and maintenance of campus AEDs.
colleges I wanted to go to. Did I want a big school or small school? Did I want to live in an urban area? Rural? Suburban? I had no idea. 
Now what? I had already bought a sweatshirt, I told everyone this is where I was going. I felt so embarrassed and just let down. 
Now what? I still knew Rowan was where I wanted to be, despite being denied the first time around. I felt confident in the courses I took at my community college and had a stellar GPA. I told myself that there is no way I could be denied again. 
“I always knew I wanted to do something more on the creative side,” Shaylin reflects. “I’m a visual learner and I like talking to people, so I wanted to do something where I’d be in a fast pace environment and constantly meeting new people.” Becoming a member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority confirmed her love of public relations, because of their philanthropic work and involvement with nonprofits. “Public relations is at the base of a lot of nonprofits, so getting involved with them really narrowed it down for me, that this is what I want to pursue.”
Around the time she discovered the article, Jo was part of a class called New Ventures Development, where students expand on an idea for a potential startup business or product, and experience the process of bringing it to life. “In that class, I came up with the concept of a personal filtration system within a water bottle, called RefresH2O,” Jo says. “Wherever you are – hiking, spending time outdoors – you can scoop up water from a nearby body of water, and it will be filtered fresh. This will alleviate our plastic usage, and make us wiser about how we source our water.” Another class, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, helped Jo finalize the marketing plan and details for her product, including the target market and purpose. “I wanted to make a product that even a three year old could use. Everyone needs clean water — it’s a human right, but not everyone is lucky enough to have that,” she explains.
Her future plans include owning her own environmentally sustainable holdings or manufacturing company, and possibly even attending graduate school for a degree in engineering management, to continue to grow. She advises freshmen coming into the field to not let the idea of ‘perfection’ interfere with your goals. “‘Good’ is good enough; just get your name and idea out in the world and continue to work on your idea as you progress,” she says. “And keep track of your commitments! Juggling school work, being on the track team and my internship, senior year has been the most challenging year yet, but planning it all out and prioritizing made it a lot better.”
“Participating in social activities is the best way to make friends,” says Ahmad Kindawi, a first-generation college student (now graduate!) from Syria, who rents a house off-campus, within walking distance of campus. Ahmad graduated with a master’s degree in history from the 
programs, courtesy of the Exploratory Studies program, I decided to pursue a 
Commuter and first-generation college student (now graduate!) Cheyenne Rickabaugh of Cape May, NJ (Cape May County) says the best way to make friends at college is, “Show up to things! Talk in class! Not during lecture, though.” She also says that the best way to get the most out of your college experience is to, “Just get out there and do things! Have fun.” Congrats, Cheyenne, on earning your geography degree from the 
During her first computer science course on campus, Monica learned the ins and outs of the industry, as well as coding and communication skills that she would use later on. Her first professor in the field, Professor Chia Chien, “has been a huge help throughout my college experience. She really encouraged me and opened my eyes to great opportunities.” Professor Chien even introduced her to her current resume-builder, as a co-op worker for the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC). Through the AFMS (ASRC Federal Mission Solutions) program with the Rowan computer science department, students can partake in a real-life work environment and contribute to meaningful projects that improve their skills. “The program allows students to immerse themselves in a real job, full time, with the option to take classes part time, at night or online,” Monica explains. “You partner with industry companies and really learn how they function and how your knowledge can contribute.” 
Coming in as an exploratory studies major really helped me to solidify what I wanted to do as a career.
was a high school senior I felt the pressure of this in the back of my mind. I picked the school farthest away in an environment nothing like my current one because that’s what I thought I was supposed to do. If I could go back and give myself any advice it would be to not pick a school for anyone but myself. I was too busy focusing on fitting the image, that I didn’t realize I wasn’t ready to go 8 hours from home. For some people going away is the fresh start that they need, but it wasn’t for me and that’s okay. Transferring to Rowan allowed me to grow and succeed in ways I never imagined. I’ve studied abroad in Europe, held local, state, and federal internships, and met some of my best friends. The biggest lesson to be learned is that there is no one size fits all college experience and to choose a college that best helps you grow.
America’s independence, Japan donated over a thousand cherry blossom trees to Philly in the early 1900s. Philly continues to celebrate this gift and connection to Japan for a full week every spring season. 
This past week, I strolled through fresh and full-bloomed cherry blossom trees at Fairmount Park’s Horticultural Center (definitely a must-see). Throughout the week, Fairmount Park invites visitors to see the trees, participate in Japanese-themed activities and check out the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.
