Rutgers–Camden Awarded $700,000 from the Clare Boothe Luce Program for Women in STEM

Rutgers University–Camden has received a five-year, $700,000 award from the Henry Luce Foundation's Clare Boothe Luce Program for Women in STEM. The funding will support professorships and initiatives that strengthen women’s participation in the science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines. 

The university was among just seven higher education institutions across the nation to be selected for the foundation’s grant, which this year totaled $4.4 million in funding. 

The Clare Boothe Luce Program expands opportunities for women to study and teach in the STEM disciplines in which they have been historically underrepresented. 

Haydee Herrera-Guzman, professor of mathematical sciences and director of the department’s graduate program, and Julie Griepenburg, assistant professor of physics, will serve as Clare Boothe Luce Professors during the funding period. Through the grant, university funds will be reallocated to develop a multifaceted program offering mentorship for STEM faculty and students, community outreach, and curriculum reform.

“The Clare Boothe Luce Program is advancing Rutgers University–Camden’s commitment to inclusive excellence in STEM by investing in both faculty leadership and student opportunity,” said Sandra Richtermeyer, executive vice chancellor and provost. “Through the leadership of Professors Haydee Herrera-Guzman and Julie Griepenburg, this award will strengthen mentorship, research, and learning for women in STEM at Rutgers–Camden and beyond.”

The Clare Boothe Luce Program has funded scholarships, fellowships, and professorships for women students and professors since 1989. The program is part of the Henry Luce Foundation, which seeks to deepen knowledge and understanding in pursuit of a more democratic and just world.