COLLEGE AT OLD WESTBURY PROF HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING RESEARCH SUNY College at Old Westbury - 11-29-2004
The Research Foundation of the State University of New York recently honored Dr. George Stefano, a distinguished teaching professor in the biological sciences department at SUNY College at Old Westbury, as one of New York's most important scholars. Stefano was among 48 researchers recognized for their breakthrough research in bioscience, neuroscience, environmental science, nanoscience, chemistry, engineering, econometrics, and other fields.
?The SUNY researchers we are honoring tonight, and many others on 64 SUNY campuses, help New York State businesses harness next generation ideas and launch new ventures in key emerging areas every day,? said Vice Chancellor John J. O?Connor, president, The Research Foundation, at the Recognition Dinner Honoring Innovation, Creation, and Discovery held recently at the University at Albany.
?The entire Old Westbury community is proud to call George Stefano one of its own,? said Old Westbury President Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III. ?He has shown through his innovation and intelligence how far one can reach when seeking knowledge that will help his fellow man. We commend him for all that he has done, and look forward to all that he can still achieve.?
Stefano was recognized after having earned a patent, along with former Old Westbury researcher Dr. Caterina Fimiani, for finding methods to identify estrogen surface receptor agonists. In this work, the inventors discovered how to identify opiate and estrogen surface receptors, manipulate them to cause a biological response, and treat cancers, inflammatory conditions, sepsis conditions, viral infections, and cardiovascular diseases. This finding opens the door to new methods of treating pain, addiction, and disease. For example, a mammal with an inflammatory condition is given the respective signal molecule that is designed to promote anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive activity in the mammal.
This research has led to several patent applications involving key signaling molecules that stimulate the release of nitric oxides, which simultaneously exerts anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and immune and vascular properties to promote health. Dr. Stefano?s work on establishing the presence of a naturally occurring morphine precursor that can enhance endogenous morphine levels in neural tissues was recently cited in an article in Wired News.
Along with his faculty rank and Research Foundation position, Dr. Stefano serves as the Director of the Neuroscience Research Institute, as Vice Chair of the Research Foundation of SUNY Board of Directors, as well as a member of its Executive Committee. He is the editor of Medical Science Monitor, as well as several other international journals and has published over 275 peer reviewed reports. His work is funded from The National Institute on Mental Health, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the NIH-Fogarty International Center.
Located on the historic North Shore of New York?s Long Island, the State University of New York College at Old Westbury is a small public college that teaches students to lead at work, in the community and in life. In an environment that demands academic excellence and offers close interaction among students and faculty, Old Westbury offers more than 40 undergraduate opportunities in liberal arts and professional programs that lead to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Professional Studies degrees. In fall 2004, Old Westbury will begin offering a Master of Science in Accounting, the College?s first graduate degree program. For more information on the State University of New York College at Old Westbury, visit www.oldwestbury.edu.
For more information, please contact: Michael Kinane
Phone Number : 516-876-3162
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