SUNY Distinguished Professor Rowan Ricardo Phillips. Photo by Sue Kw0n
Stony Brook University Distinguished Professor Rowan Ricardo Phillips, from the College of Arts and Sciences Department of English, was recently recognized by the American Academy of Arts as a 2025 Arts and Letters Award winner.
“Art is its own reward,” said Professor Phillips. “But, even with that said, I feel honored to be in such fine company.”
The American Academy of Arts and Letters is an honor society of artists, architects, composers, and writers who foster and sustain interest in the arts. The Arts and Letters Award, established in 1941, was established to encourage creative work in the arts. The award is $10,000, granted annually to four architects, five artists, eight writers, and four composers.
“My sincere congratulations to Rowan Ricardo Phillips for yet another highly prestigious honor,” said David Wrobel, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “This has been an exciting year of recognition for Rowan’s creative work. His book, Silver, recently made the longlist for both the National Book Award and for the Laurel Prize. Now, Rowan has been selected as one of eight writers across all genres to receive the Arts and Letters Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. We are so proud that Rowan is part of our intellectual and creative community. He is a brilliant ambassador for the Humanities at Stony Brook.”
“This is a significant honor from a very prestigious arts organization,” said Benedict Robinson, professor and chair of the Department of English. “The membership of the American Academy of Arts and Letters reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of all the arts in the contemporary U.S., and the list of honorees being recognized this year includes some of the most significant contributors to contemporary art and culture. It’s a tremendous honor for the Department of English and for Stony Brook University as a whole. We’re extremely lucky to have Professor Phillips as a colleague and teacher.”
Phillips was recently longlisted for the National Book Award and the Laurel Prize for his book, Silver. Phillips’ poem “The First and Final Poem Is the Sun” also was included in Best American Poetry 2024.
Phillips earned his doctorate in English Literature from Brown University in 2003. He is recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including the Nicolás Guillén Outstanding Book Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, the PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sports writing, a fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, the PEN/Joyce Osterweil Award for Poetry, a Whiting Award, and the GLCA New Writers Award. He has also been a finalist for the National Book Award for his poetry collection, Heaven, the Griffin International Poetry Prize, the NAACP Award for Outstanding Work in Poetry, and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle in the Town Hall parking lot. Photo from TOB
In another sign that spring is right around the corner, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle has announced that the Town of Brookhaven will be distributing double-grind woodchips and mulch for Brookhaven residents at the following locations starting March 15:
Please note that the free compost and mulch is for residential use only.
On Long Island we have a sandy soil structure that allows water and fertilizers to drain down into the water table and run-off into our surrounding waterways. Using compost and mulch in your garden or landscape is a great way to improve soil structure and continuously provide nutrients to growing plants. Compost and mulch also retain moisture, allowing plants to better endure hot and dry weather.
Heather Zinkin, MD, next to the Varian Ethos HyperSight for radiation cancer therapy machine at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Greenlawn. Photo credit: Northwell Health
Northwell Cancer Institute’s radiation therapy centers in Greenlawn and Lake Success are the first on Long Island to offer state-of-the-art Varian Ethos™ radiation therapy with HyperSight™ imaging technology. This cutting-edge technology delivers advanced external beam radiation therapy treatments, which boosts precision and effectiveness for patients undergoing radiation therapy for numerous cancers.
HyperSight provides high-quality, daily pre-treatment imaging in a single six-second breath hold, improving the ability for radiation oncologists to see and target a tumor. Ethos offers a new treatment called adaptive radiation therapy, which allows for real-time adjustments based on tumor response and daily changes in normal anatomy, optimizing accuracy, reducing exposure to healthy tissue, and minimizing side effects. The technology minimizes side effects by leveraging artificial intelligence and the fastest on-table imaging in the field to enhance accuracy and patient comfort.
“With the introduction of the new technology, we’re offering patients access to the most modern and fastest imaging and treatment technology available anywhere in the world,” said Heather Zinkin, MD, chief of radiation oncology at Huntington Hospital. “Patients benefit from the convenience of consulting with their radiation oncologist, undergoing planning, and receiving treatment all in one location close to home, ensuring a seamless, personal and efficient care experience.”
As part of a $4 million investment, the Greenlawn center has also undergone significant renovations and expansion. Enhancements include a second treatment vault, modern waiting area, updated restrooms, expanded changing rooms, and additional exam rooms and office space. The improvements provide a more comfortable and accommodating environment for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Additionally, the Greenlawn center has introduced a new CT simulator, offering patients the latest and fastest imaging technology available. This simulator enhances the treatment planning process by providing highly detailed images that guide radiation oncologists and medical physicists in developing customized treatment protocols. It also has 4- dimension (4D) capability to track tumor motion. At the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center in Lake Success, the Ethos and HyperSight technology enhances one of the largest radiation therapy centers in the region offering an extensive array of internal and external radiation therapy treatments and technology. The total investment there cost $5.1 million.
“Northwell’s Radiation Medicine Department has a long history of investing in the latest radiation therapy technology. We were the first in New York State to offer HyperSight at Lenox Hill Hospital and are thrilled to now offer extraordinary imaging and treatment technology on Long Island,” said Louis Potters, MD, SVP and deputy physician-in-chief, Northwell Health Cancer Institute. “In addition to being extremely precise, this new technology enhances patient comfort by getting patients in and out quickly, with an average on-table time of just 10 minutes or less.”
Pictured from left, Commack Superintendent Jordan Cox, Research
Coordinator Jeanette Collette, Legislator Rob Trotta, Regeneron finalist Ishana Chandha,
Principal Carrie Lipenholz, Science Director Laura Longo and Ishana’s mother. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office
“As a graduate of Commack High School North, I am always proud to recognize the achievements of Commack’s students,” said Legislator Rob Trotta at the March 4 General Meeting of the Legislature as he introduced Ishana Chadha who was selected as one of the 40 finalists in the annual Regeneron science competition. The contest had 2,471 entrants from 795 high schools.
For her project, she researched a protein gene that affects cognitive disabilities. It is entitled, “Understanding Neuronal Migration in Brain Development: The Role of Oligophrenin1 in Modulating Radial Migration of Pyramidal Neurons by Interaction with Pacsin2.” Ishana is particularly interested in this field as her great grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease and she recalls the impact it had on her great grandmother, parents and herself. In addition, she aspires to be a neurosurgeon.
Legislator Trotta noted that Commack has a tradition of students excelling in this competition as they have had 13 other Regeneron scholars over the years. He congratulated Ishana and thanked the school officials for their support, as well as her parents.
Three Village Central School District Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty, left, and Legislator Steven Englebright, right, with the Ward Melville High School Cheerleading Team. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office
Legislator Steven Englebright (center) with Three Village Central School District Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty, left, Head Coach John Diel, second from left, members of the Ward Melville High School girls soccer team and Assistant Coach Louise Williams. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office
Three Village Central School District Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty with the Ward Melville High School Cheerleading Team. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office
Three Village Central School District Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty, Head Coach John Diel and Assistant Coach Louise Williams with members of the Ward Melville High School girls soccer team. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office
Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) honored two Ward Melville High School teams at the Legislature’s General Meeting on March 4.
On hand to receive proclamations from Englebright were the high school’s cheerleading and girls soccer team members. Both teams were recognized for their wins at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) championship games in November.
Cheerleading
The cheerleading team, coached by Head Coach Georgia Curtis and Assistant Coach Maggie Hurley, emerged as the 2024 Class A state Game Day Champions at a competition held at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy on November 10. The team earned the state title with a 90.6. In March 2024, they also were the state champions after winning the Competitive Class A title.
“To the Ward Melville cheerleaders thank you for cheering on the Ward Melville Patriots football and basketball teams and for providing moral support to your fellow athletes,” Englebright said. “Most important of all, congratulations to all of you on your hard work and athletic accomplishments that make your school district and our county and community proud of each and every one of you.”
A few days after their trip to the County Legislature, the team traveled to the state championship in Binghamton, where they walked away the Competitive Class A champions once again.
Girls soccer
The Ward Melville Patriots Girl’s Soccer Team won the 2024 state Class AAA final, 1-0, at SUNY Cortland on November 17. The win was their third consecutive victory at the state championships.
In addition to winning the three state finals in a row, the team – led by Captains Maddie Costello, Breena Harrigan, and Sarah Jablonsky and coached by Head Coach John Diehl and Assistant Coach Louise Williams – hasn’t lost a game in three seasons. They completed the 2024 season, 20-0-1. According to Newsday records, the Patriots’ 63 games without a loss is a Long Island girls soccer record.
“The skillful seniors on this team will have wonderful memories of being part of a stellar team and leave a legacy that, I am confident, their younger counterparts will take good care of in upcoming seasons,” Englebright said.
Jonathan Kornreich. Photo by Michael Rosengard/North Island Photography and Films
By Jonathan Kornreich, Brookhaven Town Councilmember
There is no question that the cost of housing in many areas of Brookhaven has surged in recent years. While some homeowners have benefited from dramatic increases in home equity, the pressure of high property taxes remains a heavy burden. For renters, the situation is even more daunting, with studio and one-bedroom apartments often starting at $2,500 per month or more. Clearly, both older residents on fixed incomes and younger people trying to establish themselves face significant challenges due to the high cost and scarcity of truly affordable housing options.
Developers often propose a simple solution: build more housing. However, this approach comes with complications. The rental prices for each new project seem to be higher than the last, making affordability elusive. Additionally, increasing population density puts strain on our infrastructure. Traffic congestion worsens as side streets become race tracks for drivers avoiding clogged main roads. Our underground aquifer is being drained at increasing rates, and every increase in population carries environmental costs—sewage, waste, and air pollution all take their toll. At what point do we conclude that this fragile sandbar we call home has reached its carrying capacity?
Developers, however, continue to insist that more housing is the answer. The logic goes: build more housing near workplaces and public transit to reduce commuting; build in areas with sewer access to limit cesspool contamination; build more to drive down rental prices. But one reason multifamily housing is so appealing to developers is its profitability—high demand guarantees high occupancy rates and allows landlords to charge premium prices. This has led to aggressive development proposals, even when projects may not align with sound planning principles or the public interest.
Recent cases highlight these challenges. Not long ago, our community faced a proposal from Northville to build a multifamily development wrapped around their gas tanks on Belle Meade Road. The community was given an ultimatum: support rezoning for multifamily housing, or face the construction of a shipping warehouse. The request was denied, and to date, no warehouse application has moved forward.
A similar situation is unfolding on Baylis Avenue in Port Jefferson Station, where residents have been presented with the same false choice—accept a zoning change for multifamily housing or contend with a shipping warehouse that could clog roadways with truck traffic.
The fact is that multifamily development can serve as a valuable tool for revitalization when applied strategically. The Route 112 corridor in Port Jefferson Station presents opportunities for transit-oriented development and the creation of a vibrant downtown. The Jefferson Station project by Staller Associates is one such example, demonstrating how mixed-use redevelopment can enhance an area. By incentivizing good development in targeted locations, we can revitalize blighted spaces while avoiding undue strain on infrastructure. Still, this tool must be used sparingly to keep from making our existing challenges worse.
Despite what developers claim, we cannot simply build our way out of the affordable housing crisis. Addressing affordability through unbridled construction would require such an influx of new units that it would fundamentally alter the character of our communities and cause irreparable environmental harm. But viable solutions exist.
Public funds can be provided by the state or federal government to offer low-interest loans to developers in exchange for the construction of affordable units. By reducing borrowing costs and providing tax incentives, we can encourage developers to prioritize affordability without sacrificing profitability.
Beyond assisting developers, we must also support our residents struggling to maintain their homes. The Town of Brookhaven already allows accessory apartments, but the process should be streamlined to encourage more homeowners to participate. Providing homeowners with access to low-cost loans, similar to those offered to developers, would enable them to create legal rental units while maintaining low-density development.
Too many residents, pressured by economic realities, have resorted to building illegal and potentially unsafe rental units in garages and basements, placing both homeowners and tenants at risk. Making it easier to construct legal accessory apartments would not only enhance safety but also provide homeowners with economic security and a way to offset their tax burdens.
The path forward requires a thoughtful approach. While housing development is necessary, it must be done prudently—addressing affordability without overburdening our infrastructure or harming our environment. By using policy tools wisely, investing in targeted development and empowering homeowners, we can create sustainable housing solutions that work for everyone in our community.
Pictured left to right are Councilman Michael Loguercio; Town Clerk Kevin LaValle; Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig; Councilman Neil Foley; Matthew Schettino, Senior VP of Marketing with Suffolk Credit Union; Councilman Neil Manzella; Alex Gershowitz, Non-Ferrous Metals Trader with Gershow Recycling; Michael White, Special Projects Coordinator with Winters Bros/WM and Supervisor Dan Panico. Photo from TOB
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel J. Panico and members of the Town Council accepted a check for $20,000 from the four sponsors of the 2025 Town of Brookhaven Spring and Fall Recycling Events on March 6. The sponsors are Suffolk Credit Union; Gershow Recycling; Maggio Environmental, LLC; and Winters Bros. A WM Company. Each contributed $5000 to sponsor the events.
While accepting the check, Supervisor Panico said, “Thanks to the continued partnership with our generous sponsors, these recycling events offer residents a responsible way to dispose of materials that could otherwise harm our environment. I strongly encourage all Brookhaven residents to take advantage of these convenient opportunities and help make a positive difference in our town.”
Thirteen E-Waste, Paper Shredding and Drug Take Back events will be held in the spring and fall at various locations in the Town of Brookhaven (see the schedule below). The 13 recycling events will provide Brookhaven residents with convenient opportunities to safely shred documents, dispose of electronic waste and old prescription medications, thus keeping harmful material out of landfills and waterways.
In addition, the Town of Brookhaven will for the first time allow residents to drop off their cardboard recycling at these events as well. All shredded paper documents will be recycled.
Town of Brookhaven recycling events schedule:
Council District 1 Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich
Saturday, April 12, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station
Council District 5 Councilman Neil Foley
Saturday, May 3, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville
Council District 3 Councilman Neil Manzella
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook
Council District 2 Councilwoman Jane Bonner
Saturday, May 31, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Rose Caracappa Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai
Council District 6 Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig
Saturday, June 7, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Center Moriches Library 235 Montauk Hwy, Center Moriches
Council District 4 Councilman Michael Loguercio
Saturday, June 14, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Middle Island Fire Department, 31 Arnold Drive, Middle Island
Supervisor Dan Panico
Friday, July 25, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Brookhaven Town Hall, South Parking Lot, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville
Council District 5 Councilman Neil Foley
Saturday, September 13, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bayport Bluepoint Public Library, 186 Middle Road, Blue Point
Council District 3 Councilman Neil Manzella
Saturday, September 27, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach
Council District 2 Councilwoman Jane Bonner
Saturday, October 4, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Rose Caracappa Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai
Council District 1 Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich
Saturday, October 18, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Setauket Fire Department, 394 Nicolls Road, Setauket
Council District 6 Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig
Saturday, October 25, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
William Floyd High School 240 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach
Council District 4 Councilman Michael Loguercio
Saturday, November 1, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
South Country Public Library, 22 Station Road, Bellport
The 2025 recycling events are open to all Brookhaven residents. For more information, go to BrookhavenNY.gov/RecyclingEvents.
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook welcomes one of its inductees—legendary Hip-Hop artist DJ Johnny“Juice” Rosado —as an official member of its board of directors.
DJ Johnny ‘Juice’ Rosado
“The LIMEHOF is essential in archiving Long Island’s artistry,” Rosado said. “My decision to join the board was to provide diversity regarding the curating and presentation of artists who otherwise may have gone unnoticed. Hopefully, my voice, along with the other esteemed members of the board, will accurately reflect the full spectrum of innovative artists that Long Island has been known to produce.”
Throughout his life and career, Johnny “Juice” Rosado has been known and admired in many roles. These roles include Emmy and NAACP Image-nominated composer, award-winning producer, turntablist, sound and electronic engineer, musician, b-boy, educator, lecturer, and mentor. He was originally from the Bronx and grew up in Uniondale. With almost 40 years in the music industry, he has contributed to some of Hip-Hop’s greatest works. In addition to being in Public Enemy, over the years, he has lent his production, composition, engineering, and scratching skills to projects by other legendary artists such as the Mandrill, Mavis Staples, Ben Harper, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Leaders of the New School, KRS One, DMC, and C&C Music Factory.
“We are thrilled to bring someone of Johnny‘s musical stature to our board,” said LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo. “We are looking forward to implementing his ideas and insights and assisting to make LIMEHOF one of the most important musical institutions in the country.”
Inducted to LIMEHOF in 2008 with Public Enemy, Johnny “Juice” has remained a longtime friend and strong supporter of the LIMEHOF organization and museum location in Stony Brook as far back as its first press conference announcement of the signing of the lease for the building in 2022. Before the doors even opened to the public, he DJed at the first museum press conference. Since then, he’s enthusiastically participated, spoken, emceed and lent his talents in several of the concerts and special events. These events included the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop celebration and Q&A panel, the induction of The Fat Boys, and the most recent inductions of DJ Hurricane, Davy DMX, and DJ Jazzy Jay. As a former educator himself, he also is a strong supporter of LIMEHOF’s education programs, and he’s even participated in one of Stevie Van Zandt’s TeachRock workshops held at LIMEHOF.
DJ Johny Juice Rosado is still very active in his music career and is currently on tour with Public Enemy as part of its 2025 Guns N’ Roses tour. For more information about LIMEHOF’s board of directors, visithttps://www.limusichalloffame.org/board-of-directors/
JOHNNY “JUICE” ROSADO Official Biography
DJ Johnny “Juice” Rosado is an Emmy and NAACP Image-nominated composer, award-winning producer, turntablist, sound and electronic engineer, musician, b-boy, educator, lecturer, and mentor. Originally from the Bronx, he witnessed the birth of Hip-Hop right on his doorstep. He is the Global Vice President of The Bronx Boys Rocking Crew, the 1st Latino rocking (breaking) crew and the founders of the original style of floor rocking, established in 1975.
Moving to Uniondale, Long Island in the early 80s, he immediately made an impact on Long Island’s budding Hip-Hop scene. His work, especially with Public Enemy, has been embedded into Hip-Hop history. With almost 40 years in the industry, he has contributed to some of Hip-Hop’s greatest works. Over the years, he has lent his production, composition, engineering, and scratching skills to projects by other legendary artists such as the Mandrill, Mavis Staples, Ben Harper, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Leaders of the New School, KRS One, DMC, and C&C Music Factory.
Juice also produces and composes music for TV and film scores and soundtracks. He was nominated for an Outstanding Music Composition Emmy for his work on ESPN’s “Ali Rap,” as well as being nominated for 3 NAACP Image Awards, including Best Album for the soundtrack to the movie “On the Shoulders of Giants.”
Juice is one half of the duo, The Odyssey. Their unique brand of music—blending jazz, soul, funk, pop, and Hip-Hop—won them Best Alternative Video and Video of the Year for their song “Bang Bang” at the International Independent Music Video Awards in 2020. He is also working with the Long Island alternative rock band My World. They are currently performing around the country as well as locally on Long Island. He also works with the youth as a mentor and instructor at Energetic Enterprise Youth Community Studio in Uniondale.
In 2008, he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame as a member of Public Enemy, and in 2013 he took the stage and performed as Public Enemy were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is currently the Music Director and DJ for Public Enemy.
Outside of his music, he is a computer scientist, electronic engineer, a lifelong martial artist (becoming a Junior Olympic medalist in Tae Kwon Do), and a proud US military veteran.
About LIMEHOF
Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators. ###
The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board have selected Stony Brook University Distinguished Teaching Professor MarciLobel, PhD, from the Department of Psychology, as the recipient of a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award for 2025-2026. She was awarded this recognition for her expertise in stress, coping, and their effects on health, particularly reproductive health. Her studies have established the harmful impact of stress on pregnant women and their offspring and identified factors that elevate or alleviate stress.
Professor Lobel will spend part of the next academic year beginning January 2026 at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, where she will conduct research on stress in pregnant Czech women and teach a unique course in the Psychology of Women’s Health that she introduced at Stony Brook. This class is now a model for courses at numerous other universities.
“We’re thrilled that Dr. Lobel has received this award,” said Joanne Davila, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences. “She’s so well deserving of it. It’s an important opportunity both for her and for her colleagues in the Czech Republic.”
In her teaching, Professor Lobel focuses on women’s unique health experiences and differences between men and women in disease symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, and outcome. These topics, Professor Lobel notes, are critical areas of understanding for healthcare professionals, scientists, and others concerned about women’s health.
“Our research and other studies confirm that high stress during pregnancy increases risk for low birthweight and preterm birth, which are major contributors to poor health and development in infants, children, and adults,” said Professor Lobel. “Yet stress in Czech pregnant women has received little attention. Identifying stress prenatally facilitates prevention and interventions to improve health outcomes for women and children. Masaryk University is an ideal place to expand knowledge about women’s health. The course that I will teach and my research to investigate stress in pregnant Czech women will fill important gaps in the study and treatment of women’s health in the Czech Republic. I am eager to learn about the mental and physical health of Czech women and share innovations between the US and the Czech Republic to promote the health and well-being of women, children, and their families in both countries. I expect to gain new perspectives for my research and teaching from this exciting Fulbright experience.”
Professor Lobel has been an award-winning faculty member in Stony Brook’s Department of Psychology for 35 years and she holds a joint appointment in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine at Stony Brook Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and her PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles.
“My sincere congratulations to Distinguished Professor MarciLobel on this wonderful news,” said David Wrobel, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The prestigious Fulbright program is a fantastic opportunity for Professor Lobel to continue the important work she is doing to expand knowledge of women’s health. I could not be more pleased that Professor Lobel will be a cultural and intellectual ambassador for the US, CAS and Stony Brook University.”
Research from the Stress and Reproduction Laboratory (STAR Lab) that she directs addresses critical public health issues, including the impact of discrimination on racial disparities in birth outcomes, pandemic-related prenatal stress effects, and psychosocial aspects of infertility and assisted reproductive technologies. Professor Lobel has authored more than 300 scientific articles and presentations and she collaborates in multiple international research projects. She is a recipient of national and university awards for her research, teaching, mentoring, and service. Professor Lobel also conducts research on mentoring and leads workshops on teaching and mentoring.
Fulbright Distinguished Scholar awards are viewed as the most prestigious appointments in the Fulbright Scholar Program. These awards are presented to scholars who have substantial experience in their discipline or area of expertise. Distinguished Scholars are expected to actively engage host institutions in a spirit of promoting mutual understanding and sharing knowledge.
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournament
held at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, on
March 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
The Smithtown Central School District community came together on March 5 to honor the memory of beloved student, Valerie Kratochvil, who passed away in 2024.
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournament at Smithtown High School East, featuring former field hockey and track teammates of Valerie, as well as athletes from Smithtown High School West.
Valerie was involved in field hockey, track, the club Athletes Helping Athletes and was an All-County musician.
The Smithtown High School East Chamber Choir started the event with a beautiful rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” East student Maggie Worontzoff addressed those in attendance. “Let’s play today with the same passion and spirit that Valerie had, and let’s carry her spirit with us always,” she said.
A raffle was held with all proceeds benefitting the Kratochvil family.