Island Federal Credit Union (Island Federal) awarded college scholarships to 11 graduating high school seniors totaling $50,000 on May 21.
“For nearly seven decades, Island Federal has been a trusted financial partner to tens of thousands of Long Island families, helping them to achieve their dreams, from buying their first car to owning a home to affording a college education for their children,” said Craig Booth, Interim President/CEO, Island Federal. “We are thrilled to be able to help make college more affordable through our Island Federal Scholarship Program.”
Kyle Hickam of Oceanside High School , Leah Vanderborgh of Sayville High School, and Megan Young of Bayport-BluePoint High School each received a $10,000 scholarship.
Wendy Bonilla of Brentwood High School, Christopher Brito of West Babylon High School, Julieanna D’Amato of Rocky Point High School, Haley S. Orehek of Commack High School, Skyla Peltzman of Half Hollow Hills East High School in Dix Hills, Rachel Petri of Bellport High School, Angeli Rubinstein of Division Avenue High School in Levitown and Brian Schoemmell of Ward Melville High School in East Setauket each received a $2,500 scholarship.
Since the inception of the Scholarship program in 1992, Island Federal has awarded scholarships to 375 local high school graduates totaling $910,000.
“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.”
~ Maya Angelo
With a name synonymous with “warrior”, three-year-old Sloan is no stranger to adversity. Born into a hoarding situation, she, along with several others, was given another chance by Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center. After finding what was supposed to be her permanent home, Sloan sadly again found herself in a situation where she wasn’t able to be cared for properly, prompting her relinquishment to Road to Home Rescue Support.
Sloan
After Sloan underwent blood work along with other necessary medical care, it was recognized that she suffered from a seizure disorder. Already settled into a loving foster home, it was then that her link to Little Shelter was discovered, prompting a collaboration between two incredible organizations. Working together to ultimately ensure her safety, future happiness, and well-being, both are invested in finding the best outcome for Sloan, putting her needs first and foremost.
Making remarkable strides with her foster mom, she is receiving her meds regularly and has not had another seizure under her current prescribed regime. Estimated to cost only $32.00/month, her twice daily medication has kept her seizures at bay and she has received a clean bill of health from her neurologist. She is spayed and up-to-date on her vaccines, as well as microchipped.
Thriving in her current living situation, she is finally able to just be her best self, engaging in playtime and enjoying cuddles, revealing an adorable, funny, and lovable personality. She has harmonious relationships with cats and other small dogs, is crate, leash, and wee wee pad trained (while making progress with going outside) and is just about perfect in every way that counts. Now, Sloan is ready to experience what all dogs deserve, a place where she is loved and cherished as part of a real family, in a forever home of her very own.
If you’re willing to open your heart to this remarkable girl, please contact Little Shelter Rescue and Adoption Center at 631-368-8770 ext 21 for information on how to adopt Sloan.
An international panel of sleep experts including researchers at Stony Brook University formally agree in a consensus statement that reducing pre-bedtime digital media, especially for children and adolescents, will improve sleep health. Getty Images
SBU Professor Lauren Hale Chairs the National Sleep Foundation’s panel that published a consensus statement
Since the smartphone’s emergence in 2007, digital screen time has ballooned in use over the years for children and adults. How use of smartphones and other digital screen devices affects sleep continues to be debated. In a review of 574 peer-reviewed published studies on the issue, an international panel of sleep experts selected by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) has drawn up a consensus statement about digital screen use and sleep.
The consensus statement, titled “The Impact of Screen Use on Sleep Health Across the Lifespan: A National Sleep Foundation Consensus Statement,” is published in Sleep Health, the journal of the NSF. They assessed studies on screen time and its effects on sleep including research on children, adolescents, and/or adults.
After an extensive review of this large collection of studies over the course of a year, the panel reached consensus on a number of key points.
They agreed that: 1) In general, screen use impairs sleep health among children and adolescents; 2) The content of screen use before sleep impairs sleep health of children and adolescents, and 3) Behavioral strategies and interventions may attenuate the negative effects of screen use on sleep health.
”Upon review of the current literature, our panel achieved consensus on the importance of reducing pre-bedtime digital media to improve sleep health, especially for children and adolescents,” says Lauren Hale, PhD, Chair of the Consensus Panel and Professor in the Program of Public Health at Stony Brook University, and in the Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook. “We also identified the gaps in the literature and the need for future research.”
The NSF provides recommendations for best practices to reduce the impact of screen use on sleep.
In summary, they suggest:
Avoiding stimulating or upsetting material near bedtime
Implementing early, regular, and relaxing bedtime routines without screens
Setting time limits around screen use, especially in the evening and at night
Parents talking with children about how using tech and screens can impact sleep
Parents modeling appropriate nighttime screen use for children
“The expert panel examined available scientific evidence, paying close attention to studies that examined whether, how, and for whom screen use might negatively impact sleep health. We found that stimulating content of screen use, particularly at night, has a negative effect on sleep health in young people,” adds NSF Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs, Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD.
Lauren Hale and three other coauthors on the consensus statement were from Stony Brook University: Gina Marie Mathew, Isaac Rodriguez, and librarian Jessica A. Koos, who helped identify the published peer-reviewed original research and literature reviews using databases, including the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed, Elsevier’s EMBASE, and Clarivate’s Web of Science.
Insufficient sleep duration is both widespread and associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Having inconsistent sleep schedules is also associated with adverse health outcomes. For more information about sleep health, see this NSF webpage on Sleep Health Topics.
Walking routinely can reduce your risk of dialysis.Stock photo
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
In my recent article about chronic kidney disease (CKD), I wrote that about 90 percentof the estimated 35.5 million U.S. adults who have CKD are not even aware they have it (1).
How is this possible?
CKD is typically asymptomatic in its early stages. Once it reaches moderate stages, vague symptoms like fatigue, malaise and loss of appetite can surface. It’s when it reaches advanced stages that symptoms become more evident. Those at highest risk for CKD include patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and those with first-degree relatives who have advanced disease.
What is the effect of CKD?
Your kidneys are essentially little blood filters. They remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from your body. They also play roles in controlling your blood pressure, producing red blood cells, maintaining bone health, and regulating natural chemicals in your blood. When your kidneys aren’t operating at full capacity, it can cause heart disease, stroke, anemia, infection, and depression — among others.
How often should you be screened for CKD?
If you have diabetes, you should have your kidney function checked every year (2). If you have other risk factors, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, talk to your physician about a regular screening schedule. A 2023 Stanford School of Medicine study recommends screening all U.S. residents over age 35. The authors conclude that the cost of screening and early treatment would be lower than the long-term cost of treatment for those undiagnosed until they are in advanced stages (3). In addition, they project it will improve life expectancy.
Does basic exercise help?
One study shows that walking reduces the risk of death by 33 percent and the need for dialysis by 21 percent (4). Those who walked more often saw greater results: participants who walked one-to-two times a week had a 17 percent reduction in death and a 19 percent reduction in kidney replacement therapy, while those who walked at least seven times per week experienced a more impressive 59 percent reduction in death and a 44 percent reduction in the risk of dialysis. The study included 6,363 participants with an average age of 70 who were followed for an average of 1.3 years.
How does protein consumption affect CKD?
With CKD, more protein is not necessarily better. It may even be harmful. In a meta-analysis of 17 studies of non-diabetic CKD patients who were not on dialysis, results showed that the risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease, including the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant, was reduced 36 percent in those who consumed a very low-protein diet, rather than a low-protein or a normal protein diet (5).
How much should I reduce mysodium consumption?
In a study, results showed that a modest sodium reduction in our diet may be sufficient to help prevent proteinuria (protein in the urine) (6). Here, less than 2000 mg per day was shown to be beneficial, something all of us can achieve.
Are some high blood pressure medications better than others?
We routinely give certain medications, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, to patients who have diabetes to protect their kidneys. What about patients who do not have diabetes? ACEs and ARBs are two classes of high blood pressure medications that work on the kidney systems responsible for blood pressure and water balance (7). Results of a study show that these medications reduced the risk of death significantly in patients with moderate CKD. Most of the patients were considered hypertensive.
However, there was a high discontinuation rate among those taking the medications. If you include the discontinuations and regard them as failures, then all who participated showed a 19 percent reduction in risk of death, which was significant. However, if you exclude discontinuations, the results are much more robust with a 63 percent reduction. To get a more realistic picture, this result, including both participants and dropouts, is probably close to what will occur in clinical practice unless patients are highly motivated.
Should you take NSAIDs?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include ibuprofen and naproxen, have been associated with CKD progression and with kidney injury in those without CKD (1). NSAIDs can also interfere with the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Talk to your doctor about your prescription NSAIDs and any other over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking.
What should I remember?
It’s critical to protect your kidneys. Fortunately, basic lifestyle modifications can help; lowering sodium modestly, walking frequently, and lowering your protein consumption may all be viable options. Talk to your physician about your medications and supplements and about whether you need regular screening. High-risk patients with hypertension or diabetes should definitely be screened; however, those with vague symptoms of lethargy, aches and pains might benefit, as well.
References:
(1) cdc.gov. (2) niddk.nih.gov (3) Annals of Int Med. 2023;176(6):online. (4) Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014;9(7):1183-9. (5) Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;(10):CD001892. (6) Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2014;23(6):533-540. (7) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;63(7):650-658.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.
As a trustee of my local library, I signed up for a trainingabout “ALA and Sustainability” given by the American Library Association. What I learned was that the ALA at its Annual Conference in 2015 passed a resolution noting that libraries play an important and unique role in wider community communications about resilience, climate change and a sustainable future.
A resolution for the Adoption of Sustainability as a Core Value of Librarianship was adopted in 2019, stating “To be truly sustainable, an organization or community must embody practices that are environmentally sound AND economically feasible AND socially equitable.
In adopting sustainability as a core value of librarianship, ALA recognizes the findings of the UN that the immediate consequences of climate change are far more dire than originally predicted. Libraries today should play a large role in informing and involving the public in actions to transform our local economies to reduce carbon emissions by learning about renewable energy efforts being created locally, by involving residents in efforts to reuse and repair our recyclables, and by sponsoring programs to explain the circular economy that would reduce our waste.
Libraries with youth members could involve them at an early age in activities to reduce waste. For patrons who have questions about climate change, and what it really is, the library is a good place to offer speakers or materials to help them learn more.
Libraries that demonstrate good stewardship of the resources entrusted to them will build community support that leads to sustainable funding. Indeed, most of our local libraries are seen as strong and authentic and rely on an annual vote by community residents. Making choices about their building management can also set an example about the need to reduce carbon emissions and how to do it.
A resolution passed in 2015 noted that libraries play a unique role. They are often positioned to reach residents throughout the community and can offer programs to meet the needs of all residents, depending on the time of day that is most convenient, and what language is appropriate. Library patrons can address environmental injustice conditions in their community and learn from other patrons or library staff how to address the issues and encourage the civic participation with others.
Libraries have been known as a place to borrow books. Today, they provide access also to connections to computers, research and referral topics, and information from diverse sources about many topics as well as groups to explore activities, often with instruction or materials provided by the library. For children, the ALA Round Table Book List includes children’s books on nature, health, conservation, and communities that reflect the mission “to exchange ideas and opportunities regarding sustainability in order to move toward amore equitable, healthy, and economically viable society.”
Can libraries accomplish these goals? In fact, many local libraries have begun to do so. They offer a wide range of talks, activities, and displays to answer patrons’ questions or broaden their expertise. Some sponsor “carbon crews,” which are small groups of residents working toward reducing their carbon footprints with support from a leader and other members. Some have started “repair cafes” where patrons can get help from other patrons to fix items they want to keep using.
The Suffolk Cooperative Library System has shown the way. Between 2016 and 2023, the system reduced the cost of its electricity consumption by 76.8%. It has calculated the reduction of its use of energy by 85.4% by changing to LED lighting, turning lights off automatically, regularly maintaining of the HVAC system, and improved insulation and auto-sleep settings on computers and copiers and the conversion to laptops, as well as the purchase of solar panels. Local Suffolk libraries that are enrolled in the ALA’s Sustainable Library Certification Program get recognized and are encouraged to host a certification ceremony for the community.
Learn about programs your library sponsors to reduce yourcommunity’s carbon footprint. If you have suggestions for library programs, contact your library administration.
Nancy Marr is Vice-President of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County.
Approximately 50 girls from The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) honored Long Island military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation by planting American Flags at their graves at Calverton National Cemetery on May 25 in advance of Memorial Day.
The annual event is part of the GSSC county-wide Service Unit 48 activities and included girls ages 5 to 16 from Mastic Beach, Shirley and Moriches.
Many of the girls have been participating in the activity for years.
“As an older Girl Scout it’s important to be a role model for the younger girls and to keep the tradition alive,” said Olivia Philips, of Mastic, who has been planting flags for nearly 10 years.
“Im proud of the girls that they take the time out,” said Laura Sorgie of Shirley, who is a troop leader and member of Service Unit 48, which organized the event. “So many people think this is just a long holiday weekend for barbecues. I’m so proud of them for coming out here and doing what’s really important.”
The girls also earned a special “Calverton National Cemetery” patch to wear on their sashes and vests.
About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us.
Senior Citizens Dept. appreciation lunch on 05/01/24. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Senior Citizens Dept. appreciation lunch on 05/01/24. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Senior Citizens Dept. appreciation lunch on 05/01/24. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Senior Citizens Dept. appreciation lunch on 05/01/24. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Senior Citizens Dept. appreciation lunch on 05/01/24. Photo from Town of Smithtown
On Wednesday May 1st, the Town of Smithtown Senior Citizens Department honored over 100 unsung heroes who dedicate their time and energy to helping others. Department Director; Doreen Perrino, together with Smithtown Councilwoman Lynn Nowick and Senior Citizens Center staff presented each volunteer with an official Certificate of Appreciation from the Town of Smithtown.
“It was an absolute pleasure celebrating the volunteers for their generous commitment and dedication to our Senior Citizen Center. Their kindness and support make a world of difference and we are truly grateful for all they do. Selflessly lending their time and talents to enrich the lives of their neighbors embodies the very best of what a community is about.” – Councilwoman Lynn Norwick
The Volunteers at the Senior Citizens Department have devoted their time, skill set and altruistic spirit, within the community in a variety of ways, including delivering meals, donating quilts and other handmade gifts to veterans, hospitals, nursing homes and homeless shelters. In addition to aiding the center staff with a vast number of services, clubs and other amenities, volunteers have donated handcrafted projects to organizations such as: Brooksite MultiCare, Luxor Mills Pond Nursing and Rehabilitation, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare, St. Johnland Nursing Center, The Hamlet Nursing and Rehabilitation, Long Island Veterans Home – Stony Brook, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Northport American Legion.
Additionally, the Smithtown Senior Citizen Center Volunteers assist in facilitating on site activities such as the Garden Club, Video Exercise and operating the boutique. The Center Committee volunteers work to support the Senior Citizens Department through fundraising and with the annual Tender Years Treasury event.
“Volunteers are the lifeline of this department. Whether you’re a home delivered meals volunteer driver, a crocheter, knitter or quilter creating works of art to be donated to local nursing home residents and veterans, a member of our Creative Club, designing handmade cards for the community, a volunteer teaching others to play Canasta, or you play piano for all to enjoy – your efforts are appreciated more than you know. You all matter. You all make a difference and your generosity of time and spirit has a profound, lasting impact on our community. Volunteers make a commitment to share their time, and in doing so, makes life better for those in need. While I know you volunteer without expectation, we are proud to host this luncheon each year to let you know we are forever grateful for your contributions to the community through the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department. Giving selflessly to help others speaks to your character and strength. We are proud of all our volunteers and look forward to many more years together, making a difference” – Doreen Perrino, Smithtown Senior Citizen Center Director
Bill Maynard, a navy veteran and retired Lieutenant for the FDNY, was highlighted during the luncheon ceremony, for his 30 years of service in delivering for themeals on wheels program at the Senior Center. Maynard and his wife have been married 32 years, are blessed with four children, and eight grandchildren. Bill Maynard is also a member of the Smithtown American Legion and Board member for the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce.
Also recognized for longevity, was Serafina Marolla who has been a volunteer at the center for 29 years. Marolla currently volunteers for the Senior Center’s Creative Club, dedicating her time to creating beautiful handmade cards, each one personalized with a heartfelt sentiment of encouragement, support and inspiration. The cards are then distributed to local nursing home residents. When the Senior Center hosts celebrations Serafina is famous for her “chicken dance” skills. Serafina Marolla recently celebrated her 90th Birthday!
For further information regarding the programs available at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center or to learn more about becoming a volunteer, call the Senior Center at 631-360-7616.
This week’s Shelter Pet is Peanut Butter, up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. This adorable female, tan Dachshund mix is approximately ten years young and by all definitions, is absolutely perfect. Peanut Butter was living in a home with her people as an only child until her mom and dad welcomed a new baby. When the dynamic in the household changed, Peanut Butter’s family decided that managing an active toddler and a furry child was simply too much to handle. This poor baby was surrendered to the shelter through no fault of her own.
Peanut Butter is as delicious as her name… She adores being in the company of people and will not hesitate to greet new friends with hopes of receiving a good petting in return. This sweet girl has a fondness for snuggles and has a lot of unconditional love to give one lucky family. Peanut Butter’s ideal home can include a calm doggie sibling, possibly cats and kids preferably over the age of twelve. Little Peanut Butter deserves to have the happy ever after she was cheated out of. Let’s all help share Peanut Butter’s story, in hopes of giving her the very best life imaginable.
If you are interested in meeting Peanut Butter please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.
The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.
From left, Nilanjan Chakraborty, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at SBU and IV Ramakrishnan, Professor of Computer Science, demonstrate how CART could hold a cup and move its arm. Photo by John Griffin/SBU
By Daniel Dunaief
Caretakers of those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (or “Lou Gehrig’s disease”) have an enormous responsibility, particularly as the disease progresses. People in the latter stages of the disease can require around-the-clock care with everything from moving their limbs to providing sustenance.
IV Ramakrishnan, Professor of Computer Science and an Associate Dean in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Stony Brook University, recently received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Army to lead a team that is building a Caregiving Robot Assistant, or CART, for ALS patients and their caregivers.
The grant, which is for three years, will cover the cost of building, testing and refining a robot that a caregiver can help train and that can provide a helping hand in challenging circumstances.
Using off the shelf robot parts, Ramakrishnan envisions CART as a robotic arm on a mobile base, which can move around and, ultimately, help feed someone, get them some water and help them drink or open and close a door. They are also developing a special gripper that would allow the robotic arm to switch a channel on a TV or move a phone closer.
In working through the grant process, Ramakrishnan emphasized the ability of the robot, which can learn and respond through artificial intelligence programs he will create, to take care of a patient and offer help to meet the needs of people and their caregivers who are battling a progressive disease.
“As the needs evolve, the caregiver can show the robot” how to perform new tasks, Ramakrishnan said.
The project includes collaborators in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, the Renaissance School of Medicine, and clinical and support staff from the Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence in the Neuroscience Institute at Stony Brook Medicine.
At this point, Ramakrishnan and his team have sent out fliers to recruit patients and caregivers to understand the physical challenges of daily living.
Ramakrishnan would like to know “what are the kinds of tasks we should be doing,” he said, which will be different in the stages of the disease. They know what kinds of tasks the robot can do within limits. It can’t lift and move a heavy load.
Once the team chooses the tasks the robot can perform, they can try to program and test them in the lab, with the help of therapists and students from the nursing school.
After they develop the hardware and software to accomplish a set of actions, the team will recruit about a dozen patients who will test the robot for one to two weeks. Members of the ALS community interested in the project can reach out to Ramakrishnan by email.
A biostatistician will be a part of that group, monitoring and calculating the success rate.
At this point, the development and testing of the robot represents a pilot study. After the group has proven it can work, they plan to submit a follow up proposal and, eventually, to apply for approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
Ramakrishnan estimates the robot will cost around $30,000, which is about the same cost as a motorized wheelchair. He is unsure whether Medicare will cover this expense.
As a part of the development, Ramakrishnan recognizes that the first goal, similar to the Hippocratic Oath doctors take, is to do no harm. He and his team are incorporating safety features that make the robot withdraw automatically if it gets too close to someone.
A key part of the team
Members of the CART team: Vibha Mullick, and her husband, ALS patient Anuraag Mullick, are in the center. Back row, from left: Clare Whitney, Nilanjan Chakraborty, Theresa Imperato, C.R. Ramakrishnan, and Wei Zhu. Front row, from left, are Maria Milazzo and I.V. Ramakrishnan. Photo by John Griffin
Vibha Mullick, a Senior Web and Database Analyst in Computer Science and resident of South Setauket, will be a key team member on the project.
Mullick has been caring for her husband Anuraag Mullick, who is 64 and was diagnosed with ALS in 2016. Anuraag Mullick is confined to a wheelchair where he can’t swallow or breathe on his own.
“My husband also wants to participate” in the development, said Mullick, who spends considerable time reading his lips.
Caring for her husband is a full-time job. She said she can’t leave him alone for more than five or 10 minutes, as she has to suction out saliva he can’t swallow and that would cause him to choke. When she’s at work, a nurse takes care of him. At night, if she can’t get a nurse, she remains on call.
If her husband, who is in the last stage of ALS, needs to turn at night, use the bathroom or needs anything he makes a clicking sound, which wakes her up so she can tend to his needs.
“It tires me out,” Mullick said. In addition, she struggles to take care of typical household chores, which means she can’t always do the dishes or wash the laundry. She suggested a robot could help caregivers as well as ALS patients.
In the earlier stages of ALS, people can have issues with falling. Mullick suggests a robot could steady the person so they can walk. She has shared the news about the project with other members of the ALS community.
“They are excited about it and encouraged,” she said.
Origin of the project
The idea for this effort started with a meeting between Ramakrishnan and the late Brooke Ellison, a well-known and much beloved Associate Professor at Stony Brook University who didn’t allow a paralyzing car accident to keep her from inspiring, educating and advocating for people with disabilities.
Encouraged by SBU Distinguished Professor Miriam Rafailovich, who was a friend of Ellison’s, Ramakrishnan met with Ellison, whose mother Jean spent years working tirelessly by her side when she earned a degree at Harvard and worked at Stony Brook.
Ramakrishnan, who developed assistive computer interactions technologies for people with vision impairments, asked Ellison what a robot arm could do for her and mean for her.
He recalled Ellison telling him that a robot arm would “transform my life,” by helping feed her, set her hair, or even scratch an itch.
“That moved me a lot,” said Ramakrishnan.
While CART will work with one population of patients, it could become a useful tool for patients and their caregivers in other circumstances, possibly as a nursing assistant or for aging in place.
Road to Stony Brook
Ramakrishnan, who is a resident of East Setauket, was born in Southern Tamil Nadu in India and attended high school in what was then called Bombay and is now Mumbai.
He earned his undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.
Ramakrishnan is married to Pramila Venkateswaran, an award-winning poet and is retiring this summer after 33 years as a Professor of English at Nassau Community College. The couple has two grown children, Aditi Ramakrishnan, who is a physician scientist at the Washington University in St. Louis and Amrita Mitchell-Krishnan, who is a clinical pediatric psychologist.
As for the work on CART, Ramakrishnan is eager to help patients and caregivers. The ultimate goal is to “reduce the caregiving burden,” he said.
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