A Message from President Riley
By Office of the President | Mar 17, 2026
Research, Recognition, and Community at Downstate
Dear Downstate Community,
This issue of the President’s Bulletin reflects the breadth of work taking place at Downstate. From discoveries in the laboratory and clinical research to national recognition for our students, faculty, and staff, our community continues to advance research, education, and patient care.
Downstate’s Applied Behavior Analysis program has been ranked first nationally in per-faculty research productivity, reflecting sustained effort by faculty, students, and leadership in the School of Health Professions. Downstate research also continues to reach international audiences. Dr. Tom Wallach recently presented new work in pediatric mental health at the Paediatric Research for the Future of Children Global Forum in Geneva, joining investigators focused on improving children’s health.
This issue also highlights how research advances patient care. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of a therapy for cerebral folate deficiency builds on research conducted by Dr. Edward Quadros, whose work helped identify the biological mechanism of the disorder and contributed to the development of a diagnostic test used by clinicians.
These accomplishments reflect the connection between discovery and service that defines our work. Research at Downstate grows from the experiences of our clinics, classrooms, and the communities we serve across Brooklyn.
This commitment is also reflected in the work of our Graduate Medical Education community, which was represented at the 2026 ACGME Annual Educational Conference. Faculty and program coordinators shared their work in medical education with two members of our community receiving national recognition.
March also provides an opportunity to recognize members of our community whose work supports patients and families. During Social Work Month, we thank our social workers for the care, advocacy, and guidance they provide every day.
As we observe Women’s History Month, I encourage you to attend an upcoming conversation between Lori Escallier, Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC, FAAN, Dean of the College of Nursing, and Laura Kavanagh, former Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department, the first woman to serve in that role. Their discussion will explore leadership in public service and the responsibilities that come with serving communities during times of crisis.
The Dr. Joel S. Levine Lectureship Series will also feature Dr. Dave Chokshi, former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. His experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and his continued work in public health policy offer a perspective on how healthcare systems and public health agencies work together to protect communities.
Finally, I encourage eligible employees to participate in the Employee Engagement Survey. Your feedback helps us understand where we are making progress and identify areas for improvement. The survey provides an opportunity for members of the Downstate community to share their perspectives, and I hope you will take a few minutes to complete it.
Thank you for all you do to uplift Downstate.