Research Vice Chancellor is Creating an Impact
The new Vice Chancellor for Research at Rutgers–Camden delivers on a longstanding reputation for pioneering research and academic excellence as the university seeks to expand its Carnegie Classification from R2 toward R1.
Newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Research Thomas S. Risch, Ph.D., brings to Rutgers University in Camden a broad and dedicated understanding of the value of research at the university level—along with his personal experience as an innovative scientist and committed environmentalist. He recognizes the timely opportunity at Rutgers–Camden to elevate the university’s Carnegie R2 status toward R1, and is excited to take the lead on galvanizing the momentum needed to execute this key change in the university’s classification.
Risch earned more than 20 years of higher education leadership experience prior to accepting his position at Rutgers–Camden. He served as vice provost for research and technology transfer at Arkansas State University—also a Carnegie R2 institution—where he was responsible for the strategy and implementation of a highly visible campaign to promote the growth of research funding and scholarly productivity. Risch was also executive director of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, where he oversaw research in various areas, including genomics, radioactive materials, and health sciences.
Risch has successfully journeyed through years of teaching biosciences to excelling in deep, executive experience at ASU. He is recognized as a leader who can provide vision and strategic direction to research initiatives across Rutgers–Camden’s schools, departments, centers, and institutes. And he is a leader who is championing research collaborations within Rutgers–Camden and across Rutgers, as well as with other research institutions, increasing the university’s impact and recognition while encouraging external investment in research enterprise.
Risch holds a doctoral degree in zoology from Auburn University, a master’s degree in wildlife management from Frostburg State University, and a bachelor of science degree in environmental studies from Stockton State College (now Stockton University).
Dr. Thomas Risch removing a bat from a net in Nicaraugua
Dr. Thomas Risch removing a bat from a net in Nicaraugua
Dr. Thomas Risch removing a flying squirrel from a live trap
Dr. Thomas Risch removing a flying squirrel from a live trap
Dr. Thomas Risch installing a detector to record flying squirrels in South Carolina during his dissertation research
Dr. Thomas Risch installing a detector to record flying squirrels in South Carolina during his dissertation research
Yet Risch knows that almost anyone with whom he discusses his Ph.D. dissertation on the social behavior of southern flying squirrels will reference the most well-known representative of that species, Rocket J. Squirrel, a.k.a. Rocky the Flying Squirrel. Without missing a beat, Risch argues that Rocky has much to offer by way of understanding the animal kingdom. Even though Rocky is a cartoon character, Risch recognizes that this singular and beloved creature (and others like him) can serve as welcome ambassadors and entry points for those curious about, and interested in, the study of animal behavior.
Risch is confident that no matter how he brings dedicated learners and researchers to the table of understanding animals and their relevant ecosystems, this work, more than ever, is essential for the wellbeing of the planet.
“Ecosystems are what sustain the planet,” Risch said. “One seed-dispersing bird or animal can create new forestation. But start to remove links in this chain, like destroying animal habitats or polluting waterways, then the systems degrade and ultimately fail.
“I experienced the connectivity of life during my summer camp days in the Adirondacks. My love of the outdoors led me to want to study wildlife. Fortunately, I found an academic pathway.”
Risch’s career path began as a helicopter-borne mosquito control inspector over Ocean County’s salt marshes at the Jersey Shore, but his personal commitment to biosciences is wide-ranging, from teaching to publishing his own research. He recently mentored an Arkansas State student, Dinesh Neupane, whose research in Nepal focuses on the trouble, and danger, caused by elephants’ increasingly too-close interface with humans and how they wreak havoc upon homes and properties. More importantly, this research highlights how human/elephant habitat conflict brings distress to the elephants who are simply doing what elephants in the wild do.
Elephants destroyed a house in a Nepali village (photo courtesy of Dinesh Neupane)
Elephants destroyed a house in a Nepali village (photo courtesy of Dinesh Neupane)
“The elephants are trying to survive,” said Risch. “But their habitat loss is causing them to invade villages. This is a problem for the villagers and for the elephants as herds search for increasingly scarce food sources.”
Risch is enthusiastic about helming research at Rutgers–Camden, where he is a powerful advocate for connecting students at the university to exceptional opportunities for hands-on research. “Because this is a small, engaged community of students, they are able to participate in leading-edge faculty research from as early as their sophomore year,” Risch said. “And that is something to celebrate.”
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