Derrick Swinton, Ph.D.

Derrick Swinton, Ph.D., joined Kean University in 2021 as Associate Dean of the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics (NCSTM). As chief research officer for the NJCSTM, Dr. Swinton is responsible for the leadership, promotion, development and maintenance of faculty and student scholarly research programs, publications, community-based research collaborations and externally funded research and service activities across the Center and in collaboration with other Colleges and Schools within the University and the broader academic and industry communities; is responsible for improvements in the quality and impact of that research, and the growth of local, national and international research collaborations; and does related work as required.

Dr. Swinton brings years of progressive experience in development and oversight of academic programs, policies, and initiatives to promote student growth & achievement, serving students across multiple organizations with expertise in development, implementation, and continuous improvement of challenging and inspiring curricula. He has extensive experience in the innovative design and development of multi-faceted programs that create pathways for participation in the STEM enterprise for underprepared and underrepresented minority students, cultivates opportunities for students to participate in undergraduate research experiences and attend graduate and professional schools. Since 2003, Dr. Swinton has co-authored and individually authored proposals to secure grants leading to the provision of scholarships for STEM students, employment opportunities for all students, new STEM programs, and research on developing and implementing best pedagogical practices to prepare underprepared and underrepresented students for success in STEM.