In just the two plus months since Governor Cuomo declared a State of Emergency because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Stony Brook University researchers launched more than 180 Covid-19 related studies in order to battle the virus and examine circumstances where it has or will change our societal landscape.

The body of work spans 45 academic departments from eight different colleges and schools within the University.

The research not only includes investigating prevention and treatment of the virus but also focuses on topics such as the psychological impacts of social distancing measures, tracking levels of community distress, and examining the impact of the pandemic on students.

“It is the responsibility of a research-intense academic medical center, such as Stony Brook Medicine, to not only provide outstanding care for patients afflicted with Covid-19, but also to mine all the clinical data, generate hypotheses helping to explain the interaction of virus and host, understand the pathophysiology of the various manifestations of the disease, and explore novel approaches to the best possible treatment for the disease,” said Kenneth Kaushansky, MD, Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine and Senior Vice President for Health Sciences.

“The overwhelming response from our researchers in this time of need shows the breadth of Stony Brook’s expertise, which spans healthcare, physical and social sciences and many other academic disciplines,” said Richard J. Reeder, Vice President of Research at Stony Brook University. “Their innovative work during this crisis will help to solve many of the challenges we face now and in the future because of Covid-19.”

Read the full story: https://news.stonybrook.edu/newsroom/press-release/medical/more-than-180-covid-19-studies-launched-at-stony-brook-since-start-of-pandemic/

On the morning of LA-based dance company BODYTRAFFIC‘s performance at Staller Center on February 8, the dancers headed over to the new Stony Brook Children’s Hospital to spend time with a few of its patients. It was there, within newly painted and decorated walls lined with oceanic themed paintings and paper mache art, they met with and performed for about a dozen of the 40 patients in the hospital that day.

“It’s always very rewarding to be able to give back to the community and spread the joy of dance with everyone, but especially with those who are really in need of a pick-me-up,” said Jamal White, a dancer, and BODYTRAFFIC’s social media manager. The last little girl he visited became his favorite because of her delighted laughter. She sat giggling and clapping along while two of his colleagues went through some of their steps. “It was the cherry on top.”

Splitting off into smaller groups, the dancers were able to visit a few patients in their rooms where they showed off a modified version of a dance they would later perform in front of hundreds at the sold-out Staller Center show. A few children joined in, learning some of the steps after some encouragement from the dancers.

The outreach program was coordinated by Staller Center, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and BODYTRAFFIC. “It was a wonderful collaboration, and we look forward to working with the Children’s Hospital again soon,” said Staller Center Outreach Director Paul Newland.

Read the full story: BODYTRAFFIC Visits Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Before Staller Center Show

On September 10, 2020, student leaders from across New York State participated in a virtual Town Hall meeting hosted by Cornell University’s Student Government Relations. Participants from Stony Brook University, Syracuse, Niagara, and the University of Rochester formed a virtual panel to discuss ways that college students could plan to support their campus and greater college town communities in managing the pandemic this semester. In addition, community members were also invited to listen in and ask questions about their concerns.

Two Stony Brook University student leaders were invited to be panelists through the SBU Government and Community Relations Office — Enrica Lee, a senior with a double major in psychology and biology and president of SBU’s Music and Medicine club, and Jennifer Krustanovich, a senior majoring in business and health sciences who also serves as a sexual health peer educator with the Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO).

Both Lee and Krustanovich, as well as the other student leaders, are confident that sharing thoughts and fostering collaboration is a critical element of learning and growing together over the next several months. The meeting ended with a plea for community members to reach out to their local college with any cares or concerns. The students are happy to hear from the community and want to encourage open dialogue.

Questions or comments can be directed to the Government and Community Relations Office at 631.632.9117.

Read the full story: Stony Brook Student Leaders Participate in Statewide COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall