Rutgers School of Nursing Taps World-Renowned NIH Investigator as Inaugural Vice Dean of Research

A Rutgers professor and researcher examining fatigue in cancer patients, Leorey Saligan has expertise in international collaborations, grant funding and professional development through mentorship

Leorey Saligan has been named the inaugural vice dean of research at the Rutgers School of Nursing, following his service as a tenured senior investigator at the National Institutes of Health.

Saligan, who joined the Rutgers School of Nursingas an adjunct professor last September, brings more than 30 years of nursing experience and has advanced nursing science and health care through innovative clinical trials and translational research at the National Institute of Nursing Research, Division of Intramural Research. His NIH-funded research focuses on the nature and causes of fatigue resulting from cancer and its treatments.

In his vice dean role, which began February 1, Saligan will identify and advance the School of Nursing's research priorities, cultivate externally funded, faculty-led programs of research with an emphasis on NIH or NIH-equivalent funding, mentor research-focused faculty and aid in the recruitment of research-focused faculty.

"This appointment celebrates the strength and momentum of research at Rutgers School of Nursing, and we are delighted to welcome Dr. Saligan into this new role," said Dean and Professor Angela Starkweather. "Building on our school's strong foundation, Leo's globally recognized scholarship and innovative leadership will help amplify our research enterprise and expand the reach and impact of our faculty's work in improving health across communities and health systems."

Over the years at the NIH, I built a consortium of early-career and mid-career researchers who have collaborated, creating standardized research outcomes and common databases that they use to publish papers and apply for grants. I plan to bring the same template to the School of Nursing.

Leorey Saligan

Vice Dean of Research, Rutgers School of Nursing

A nationally certified family nurse practitioner, Saligan joined NIH-the nation's medical research agency-in 2006. He examines persistent cancer-related fatigue and associated symptoms, including cognitive impairment, pain, and sleep disturbances with the goal of improving quality of life for cancer patients, survivors and their families. He brings with him a collaborating network of scientists and experts based at the NIH as well as at universities nationwide and internationally.

"This network of expertise will help Rutgers School of Nursing faculty connect with other researchers and build partnerships and infrastructures that promote translational research within our school," Saligan said.

"At the heart of my work is mentorship," Saligan continued. "Over the years at the NIH, I built a consortium of early-career and mid-career researchers who have collaborated, creating standardized research outcomes and common databases that they use to publish papers and apply for grants. I plan to bring the same template to the School of Nursing."

Saligan cited the diversity and community engagement he witnessed at Rutgers while working at the NIH as factors that attracted him to the university. "When I joined Rutgers, I was amazed and inspired by the welcoming atmosphere across the community, which helps make connections easier," he said.

Saligan is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and his honors also include the 2024 Outstanding Mentor Award from the National Institute of Nursing Research and the 2024 Outstanding Service Medal from the Office of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

He earned his master of science in family nursing and doctor of philosophy in nursing from Hampton University in Virginia. In the Philippines, he earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Liceo de Cagayan University and bachelor of science in medical technology from Silliman University.