Staff Spotlight
By Office of the President | Nov 3, 2026
A Personal Connection to a Shared Mission — Sharon Levine-Sealy
For Sharon Sealy, the work behind research is ultimately about people—the researchers asking important questions, the staff helping them move forward, and the patients and communities who may benefit from their discoveries.
As Associate Vice President and Operations Manager for the Office of Research Administration at the Research Foundation, Sharon helps keep that work moving. She brings nearly 30 years of research administration experience to a role overseeing sponsored programs administration and finance, clinical trials, human resources, accounts payable, and procurement.
Her path into the field began unexpectedly at Columbia University’s New York State Psychiatric Institute. A department administrator preparing for maternity leave introduced Sharon to the process of reviewing and submitting grant applications. They scheduled several training meetings so that Sharon could quickly get up to speed, but as the administrator unexpectedly delivered her daughter the next day, the training plan changed quickly! Sharon discovered she enjoyed the work, took on more responsibility, and eventually became a department administrator. What began as an unexpected assignment grew into a career.
Sharon first came to Downstate in 2014 as a consultant after 16 years in the Columbia University system. Here, she rediscovered something she missed: regular interaction with researchers and a closer connection to the work her administrative expertise supported. She was encouraged to apply for the Director of Pre-Award Operations position, and welcomed the opportunity.
Her commitment was evident early with a Sunday evening dinner and an 8 a.m. Monday meeting scheduled in Saratoga Springs, Sharon left a New York Giants game after the third quarter to catch a flight to Albany and drive to the gathering. It was the first of many meetings supporting the development of what is now the MyResearch (PACS) system.
Her connection to Downstate also has personal roots. Kelley, Sharon’s wife of 22 years, whose uncle, Dr. Alvin Lovell, was a clinician for many years before retiring, often shared stories about his experiences. In her neighborhood, Sharon hears another side of Downstate’s impact from neighbors who come here for care and speak highly of our hospital.
Meeting Dr. Clinton Brown and Dr. Peter Gillette brought those connections together. Learning about their clinical research and hearing their memories of her uncle-in-law deepened her appreciation for Downstate’s place in so many lives.
“I stayed because what we do here matters, from the research and academics to the clinical care, all of it,” Sharon said. “It’s bigger than all of us individually, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
That sense of purpose guides her approach to leadership. Sharon has helped reorganize research administration to improve coordination across teams, clarify responsibilities, and make it easier for researchers to find the support they need. She also places a strong emphasis on training and mentorship, helping colleagues build their knowledge and confidence.
Sharon’s commitment to professional development extends beyond campus. She has presented at national and international research administration conferences, contributed to SUNY Research Foundation training programs, and served as a mentor. In 2025, she co-authored “Stay Interviews: Creating a Culture of Openness,” offering guidance on conversations that help leaders understand and support their staff.
Outside work, Sharon enjoys traveling with Kelley. A 2017 conference presentation in Iceland sparked a lasting affection for the country, and she tries to return every two to three years with friends and family. Closer to home, she is an avid WNBA fan and a New York Liberty season-ticket holder.
Whether supporting a colleague, helping a researcher navigate a grant, or cheering from the stands, Sharon brings commitment and enthusiasm to the people and pursuits that matter to her. At Downstate, that means helping others do work whose impact reaches well beyond campus.
Tags: Faculty / Staff