16th Annual Faculty Scholars Reception Celebrates Research and Achievements

Photo: Assistant Professor Gavin McStay, Ph.D., (left) presents his research with Interim President Rahmat Shoureshi, Ph.D.

From mice and Methamphetamine to synthetic butterflies taking flight, faculty members were honored for their research and achievements at the annual Faculty Scholars Recognition reception in March.

“Today we recognize and salute some of the finest and most distinguished minds at NYIT,” said Interim President Rahmat Shoureshi, Ph.D., in his opening remarks. “Your creative and scholarly pursuits inspire students, staff, colleagues—indeed, the entire NYIT community. But it’s not just NYIT that appreciates your achievements; the greater world is also the beneficiary of your achievements.”

Highlights from 2016 include:

• 163 honorees with a total of 713 entries
• 92 authors with 236 works
• 76 presenters at meetings and conferences
• 1 patent
• 12 global faculty members: 3 Vancouver, 7 Nanjing, 1 Beijing, 1 Abu Dhabi

Held at NYIT de Seversky Mansion, the reception offered a chance for faculty members to mingle and see their colleagues’ work on display, including published papers, books, posters, and more. In addition, seven faculty members gave short presentations about their research:

• Raddy L. Ramos, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical science, discussed his research on brain development and brain malformations, and how brain cells play a key role. Students from NYITCOM and life sciences are assisting with his projects.

• Dorinamaria Carka, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is examining how magnetic nanoparticles can be used in multiferroic biomedical devices and other applications. For example, scientists may be able to deliver drugs directly to tumors via nanoparticles.

• Luis R. Martinez, Ph.D., associate professor of biomedical sciences, is studying Methamphetamine’s (METH) effects on mice in order to better understand the impact of the drug on human users, including its addictive properties and how it leads to infections and immunity issues.

• Yuka Oda, M.F.A., associate professor of digital art and design, showcased Unbearable Lightness and Heaviness of Being. The work combines installation art, digital sculpture, and animation. In it, objects ascend from the earth into the air, transforming from roots to butterflies. She exhibited the piece at SIGGRAPH Asia in December.

• Gavin McStay, Ph.D., assistant professor of life sciences, examines how life—and death—happens at the cellular level. In particular, he looks at the role mitochondria plays in physiology and disease. McStay also discussed his NYIT Institutional Support for Research and Creativity (ISRC) funded project on caspase mutants in cancer and his work with students to identify gene mutations.

• Zehra Ahmed, M.B.B.S., assistant professor and chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, wants people to think about global health in ways that go beyond medicine. She challenged the audience to find ways to contribute via their own fields of expertise and to educate and inspire students to do more to impact global health.

• Jonathan Voris, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science, is working with his master’s students on adaptive network defense—that is, methods to protect computer networks from relentless attacks by hackers. He outlined several existing solutions, such as “honeypots” (computers that are set up to intentionally lure attackers away from a company’s main system), and how he his team is working to change or improve upon them.

The recognition reception was hosted by co-convenors Shoureshi, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Global Health Jerry R. Balentine, D.O., and Assistant Provost Allison Andors, Ph.D. It honors faculty who have received an external or internal research, pedagogical, or infrastructural grant; published or edited a book or journal; published original research in an internationally recognized peer-reviewed journal or in a book; presented original research or creative work in a major public forum; produced a major creative work; obtained a patent; or received a prize or award from an outside organization honoring creative activity or scholarly attainment during the previous calendar year.