Women Researchers Drive Science Innovation

By Office of the President | Apr 28, 2026

Downstate researchers Anna Babinska, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine (Nephrology), and Rena Orman, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology, have been recognized by the SUNY Research Foundation in a system-wide spotlight on women advancing innovation. Their work reflects Downstate’s focus on translating research into clinical application, alongside increased participation of women in patent development. More than 20 percent of SUNY patents include at least one woman inventor, exceeding the global average.

Dr. Babinska’s research focuses on the F11 receptor (F11R), a protein associated with cardiovascular and kidney disease. Her work has led to multiple patents and therapeutic candidates targeting neointimal hyperplasia, a condition that narrows blood vessels and complicates dialysis and other vascular procedures.

This research is advancing toward clinical use through Vasocure, a Downstate incubator company led by Moro O. Salifu, M.D., MBA, MPH, MACP, Chair of Medicine, Chief of Nephrology, and Director of Interventional Nephrology. Dr. Salifu co-founded the company with Dr. Babinska and Elizabeth Kornecki, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Cell Biology and Medicine.

Within this effort, Dr. Babinska developed peptides that inhibit abnormal smooth muscle cell growth, a key factor in vascular disease. In preclinical animal studies, these peptides restored vascular function without repeat surgical intervention, suggesting the potential to reduce procedure frequency for patients requiring long-term dialysis access.

Dr. Orman’s research examines communication across brain regions, including how signaling changes with aging and disease. Using experimental models such as the short-tailed fruit bat, she studies how neural signaling affects physiological function.

She is also working with Mark Stewart, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology and Neurology, to develop a patent-pending wearable device to detect respiratory distress signals in children during sleep and prevent sudden, unexpected deaths. Her broader research on brain signaling continues to contribute to understanding physiological changes across the lifespan.

Their work continues to shape how research moves into care, improving outcomes across patient populations.

Tags: Research