Dr. Carol A. Carter Elected to U.S. National Academy of Sciences

Congratulations to Dr. Carol A. Carter, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM), who was recently elected aa a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS.

The NAS is made up of the country’s leading researchers, who are elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Election is considered one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive.

Dr. Carter is best known as an early pioneer in HIV research. At the onset of the AIDS pandemic, she advanced understanding of the viral-encoded protease and purified the viral capsid protein for structural and biochemical studies. She has also conducted research on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Virus-2 (SARS CoV-2), pathogens causing organ transplant rejection and COVID-19, respectively.

The Center for Biotechnology has had supported Dr. Carter’s interests in exploring the potential commercial applications of her research through our NIH-REACH program and Long Island Bioscience Hub (LIBH).

Read more about Dr. Carter’s work and her recent nomination here.

Fueling BioEntrepreneurship at Stony Brook University 

The Life Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship (LiSIE) program at Stony Brook is looking to give students a jump-start in the bioscience industry. The program is a joint effort between the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the College of Business and the Center for Biotechnology. “From the lab to leadership”, the program aims to teach key business principles to life sciences students so they’re equipped to work in the business side of science.

Read the recent SBU News feature on the program and the CFB Appointed Director Director of the Program in Life Sciences Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Louis A. Peña.

NY Governor Launches $6 Million Innovation Matching Grant Program to Support Small Businesses Participating in SBIR/STTR Programs 

Governor Hochul has launched ESD’s $6 million Innovation Matching Grants Program, which was first proposed in her 2023 State of the State address. This program provides application support and technical assistance to New York companies applying for the federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant programs, which incentivize small businesses to engage in research and development with the potential for commercialization.

Under the program, ESD will match up to $100,000 for a successful concept development, or Phase I award, and up to $200,000 for a prototype development, or Phase II award. The Division will also provide technical assistance resources for Phase II and Phase III awardees. Applications and guidelines can be found here: https://esd.ny.gov/innovation-matching-grants-program

Dr. Dee Dao Appointed Associate Director for Business Development

The Center for Biotechnology has announced the appointment of Dr. Dee Dao as Associate Director for Business Development and Investment. In her new role, Dr. Dao will serve as the primary contact on issues related to research, technology development and commercialization for the Center for Biotechnology. Additionally, Dr. Dao will foster new collaborative relationships in order to bolster sponsored research agreements and strategic alliances.

Prior to joining the CFB, Dr. Dao served as a Venture Associate for the NYU Innovation Venture Fund, where she focused on investment opportunities in life science and healthcare. Prior to NYU, Dr. Dao was at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research where she contributed to early oncology therapeutic development planning and oversaw intellectual property (IP) strategy to support the clinical development of the Institute’s therapeutics. Before that, Dr. Dao investigated bacterial virulence and immunity to identify new vaccines against Tuberculosis as a postdoctoral fellow in an HHMI laboratory at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Currently, Dr. Dao also serves as a mentor for entrepreneurs participating in the Entrepreneurship Lab, a NYCEDC initiative. Dr. Dao received a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics/Developmental Biology at Columbia University and a B.S. in Chemistry from University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Dao is also an alumnus of the Center for Biotechnology’s Fundamentals of the Bioscience Program in 2010.

“We are thrilled to have Dee join the Center for Biotechnology to lead our technology and business development efforts on behalf of innovators and emerging companies in New York” Diane Fabel, Director of Operations at the Center for Biotechnology said. She continued “Dee brings deep experience working with and funding innovation to her role at the Center which our clients and community will greatly benefit from.”

“I am very happy to join the team at the Center for Biotechnology. I’ve admired the work the Center for Biotechnology has done when it comes to supporting and accelerating the development of biomedical technology in New York State” Dr. Dao said. “I’m looking forward to helping lead the technology and business development efforts of the Center and increase the impact the organization can have on the wealth of innovations in the region”.

Download a PDF of the announcement here.