NYMC Celebrates Opening of Newly Renovated BSB Laboratories

The newly renovated area includes 17,000 square feet of multi-disciplinary research space, 3,000 square feet of shared core instrumentation space and the installation of flexible casework systems and best-in-class equipment to foster innovation and collaboration.

Salomon Amar, D.D.S., Ph.D., second from right, vice president of research, New York Medical College (NYMC), and senior vice president for research affairs, Touro University (TU), welcomed guests to the event and highlighted the three most important things for the successful project, which was not without challenges as it continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and while conducting active research: 1) an investment in human resources including faculty and students, 2) an investment in real estate and 3) funds to complete and maintain the project. “We are here this evening to celebrate the accomplishment of completing the renovations of this state-of-the-art environment that is versatile enough to accommodate changes in the next 25 years,” said Dr. Amar.

A meaningful message was given by Rabbi Moshe D. Krupka, M.S., right, executive vice president, TU, who told the story of the flood in the times of Noah and lessons to be learned. “We are here tonight to celebrate NYMC’s and TU’s commitment to work hard, accomplish and be proactive in the area of research so that can cure disease and help society,” said Rabbi Krupka. “Maybe what we all need to do in these trying times is to do more to be proactive and help build a healthier, more peaceful and more accomplished human society.”

The project would not have been possible without the support of local leaders and Westchester Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins, who was on hand to express the County’s support. “This is a great opportunity tonight to talk about and recognize the great accomplishment of NYMC opening state-of-the-art laboratories that are going to continue to attract the kind of researchers that will ensure the College continues on this outstanding path of leadership,” he said.

Alan Kadish, M.D., fourth from left, president, NYMC and TU, offered his thanks to the village that brought the project to fruition. “This state-of-the art laboratory facility will help us do better science, help our students learn better and help recruit and retain world class talent to NYMC and Westchester. This ribbon cutting is not actually a culmination, but rather a beginning as we are already on to other new exciting projects…,” Dr. Kadish told the audience. “I am optimistic about the future of NYMC and the future of science at NYMC.”

Carl I. Thompson, Ph.D., professor of physiology and president of the Faculty Senate, spoke on behalf of the faculty who are reaping the benefits of this new space and reflected on the history of the BSB since its opening and dedication on October 26, 1972, more than 50 years ago. “Throughout its history the BSB has played a key role in not only the research endeavors of the College, but in the teaching effort as well,” said Dr. Thompson. “For our faculty and students, having state-of-the-art resources is important, but perhaps equally important is the need for modern facilities that provide a ‘mood lifting’ environment. We all perform best when in an inviting space that makes us think about the future. I hope that the next 50 years is as exciting as the last have been.”

“We now have bright open lab space that promotes the type of collaborative work we want to do. It promotes interaction and multi-disciplinary science which is something we are really known for at NYMC. Nobody here wants to work in a silo. Everyone wants to collaborate and move the progress forward,” said Marina K. Holz, Ph.D., M.P.H. ’23, third from left, dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. “We are moving in all directions of our research enterprise, and we really want to make an impact.”

The evening concluded with tours of several of the new labs and presentations on the pioneering research being conducted in them. 

Videos of various NYMC events are available on the NYMC Youtube Channel.