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School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Rutgers logo
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

NJAES Leadership

Laura Lawson

Martin Hall, Room 104

Executive Dean, SEBS
Executive Director, NJAES

Martin Hall, Room 104

Executive Dean Lawson provides leadership and oversight for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. She works closely with university leaders to develop and implement strategic initiatives that reflect and advance the university's research, education, and outreach missions

Josh Kohut headshot.

Josh Kohut

Martin Hall, Room 216

Dean of Research, SEBS
Director of Research, NJAES
Senior Associate Director, NJAES

Martin Hall, Room 216

Josh Kohut works closely and collaboratively with faculty, chairs, staff, and administration to support our land-grant mission and research excellence. He oversees all aspects of our research enterprise, including federal capacity funds and compliance, assuring all research follows appropriate ethical standards, financial sustainability, and academic excellence. He is an active member of the Executive Dean’s leadership team. He also represent SEBS/NJAES on the Deans of Research Council of the Vice Provost for Research.

James Oehmke headshot.

James Oehmke

Cook Office Building

Director, Office of Economic Development, NJAES

Cook Office Building

James Oehmke is responsible for the development and implementation of new economic development initiatives at NJAES such as the Rutgers Food Innovation Center, as well as administrative oversight of existing programs such as the Rutgers EcoComplex, Center for Advanced Food Technology, the Multispecies Aquaculture Demonstration Facility and the NJAES Technology Transfer program. He also provides economic assessments and operational recommendations for NJAES programs.

Brian Schilling headshot.

Brian Schilling

Martin Hall, Room 309

Director, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJAES
Senior Associate Director, NJAES

Martin Hall, Room 309

Brian Schilling leads all Cooperative Extension programs. Rutgers Cooperative Extension helps New Jersey's diverse population to adapt to a rapidly changing society and improve their lives and communities through an educational process that uses science-based knowledge.