Downstate Advances AI and Neuroscience at SUNY Research Expo
By Office of the President | Mar 31, 2026
Downstate was among 10 campuses represented at the recent SUNY Research Expo in Albany. The event convened state leaders, faculty, and students to highlight research that improves health, strengthens the economy, and advances innovation across New York, where Chancellor John B. King Jr. opened the Expo by emphasizing the statewide impact of SUNY research on improving the lives of New Yorkers and advancing the state’s research agenda.
Downstate’s presence reflected strength in basic, translational, and clinically grounded science. Representing the university were David Christini, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies; Carole Morel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology; and Salvador Durá-Bernal, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology and co-Director of the Global Center for AI in Mental Health.
Drs. Durá-Bernal and Morel highlighted advances in computational and laboratory neuroscience, with a focus on mental health and neurodegenerative disease, building on Downstate’s leadership in the field. Dr. Morel showcased how preclinical researchers at Downstate develop and leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as longitudinal whole-brain and in vivo single-neuron microscopy imaging and complex behavioral approaches, to unravel the biological basis of resilience and vulnerability to psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, with the ultimate goal of developing new treatments for major brain disorders.
Dr. Durá-Bernal presented a live demonstration of Ther-Assist, an artificial intelligence tool developed at Downstate to support clinicians in delivering evidence-based psychotherapy. Designed to keep the therapist at the center of care, the platform analyzes session conversations via a secure interface. It provides guidance based on established approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. It can also assist with documentation, identify patterns across sessions, and suggest treatment-aligned follow-up.
Across the Expo, SUNY researchers showcased work with direct real-world applications, including virtual reality for rehabilitation, robotics, detection of AI-generated media, and advances in biomedical engineering and biotechnology.
The event connected this work with policymakers and reinforced SUNY institutions’ role in addressing complex challenges across New York. Downstate’s participation reflected its continued focus on linking scientific discovery, clinical insight, and public impact.
Downstate continues to expand its role in the responsible development and application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. By integrating AI with clinical expertise, research, and education, the institution is shaping approaches that improve care delivery while keeping patients and providers at the center. This work reflects a broader commitment to advancing innovation that is both practical and accountable to the communities we serve.
Tags: Research