Biotechnology Conference Explores New AI Frontiers in Healthcare

On March 7, the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences hosted the Fifth Annual Biotechnology Conference at New York Tech’s Long Island campus. Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and New York Tech faculty, students, and staff gathered to exchange innovative research and share ideas centered around the conference’s theme: Therapeutics, AI, and Technology: New Directions in Healthcare.

The conference enabled experts from across disciplines to connect and collaborate, furthering the goal to transform the future of medicine and therapeutics through artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technologies.

President Hank Foley, Ph.D., kicked off the conference by welcoming the guests. He reminded the audience that Long Island is a hub of innovative technological development and celebrated New York Tech’s contributions to that culture, inviting everyone to tour the newly completed Biomedical Research, Innovation, and Imaging Center (BRIIC) on campus.

Babak D. Beheshti, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, complimented  attendees on their cutting-edge work to radically enhance patient success in the medical field. “The challenges we face today—whether in healthcare, sustainability, or technology—demand bold solutions,” he said, “and I have no doubt that the discussions and discoveries made here will shape the future of biotechnology.” He urged attendees to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with fellow pioneers in healthcare and computing.

Evan Shlofmitz, FACC (D.O. ’10), director of intravascular imaging at St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center, shared in his keynote address how AI can enhance medical professionals’ diagnostic capabilities. “Experience matters,” he affirmed, but not all physicians have adequate experience with the procedures they’re performing on patients. AI, however, “brings the promise of bridging that gap.” He hopes that wider use of AI will help physicians become more comfortable with a larger range of medical procedures and lead to more accurate patient diagnoses.

Other presentations included how medical affairs employees could benefit from AI, the role of computing in integrated structural biology, and how AI could advance stem cell maturity detection in cardiovascular disease treatment.

David Putrino, Ph.D., professor of rehabilitation and human performance at Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, explained how brain computer interfaces can improve autonomy and privacy for people with neurological disabilities. The audience watched a video of a man controlling his desktop computer using only his brain. Putrino pointed out the man’s smile, demonstrating how technological solutions can drastically enhance healthcare accessibility.

The conference continued with a Q&A featuring biotechnology startup founders: College of Arts and Sciences student Ryan Ahmed of Niura; Thrasyvoulos (Thras) Karydis, M.Sc., of DeepCure; and Kaveh Vejdani, Ph.D., of Darmiyan. The three entrepreneurs shared insight on attracting investors, building their teams, and navigating growth.

The final session included presentations on using deep learning to identify tumors early in young children and how to use AI in medical education. Milan Toma, Ph.D., assistant professor of clinical sciences at the College of Osteopathic Medicine, warned the audience to be wary of AI until it is robust enough to be clinically applicable. AI diagnostic models “demonstrate their accuracy,” he said, “but they don’t demonstrate how reliable their accuracy is.”

Stephen P. Welby, Ph.D., former special assistant to the president for science and technology policy, closed the conference by examining the intersection of biotechnology, AI, and public policy. He expressed optimism for all of AI’s potential uses. “It’s early; there’s still so much work to be done in these spaces!” he excitedly proclaimed.

Although several presenters came from a computer science background, all were enthusiastic about the possibilities of applying computing to healthcare. “It’s interesting seeing how AI is being implemented in medicine,” said Nicole McCormack, a computer science student. “I like learning what avenues I can take in AI development.”

Afterward, attendees examined posters showing the cutting-edge biotechnology research being conducted by New York Tech faculty and students, along with impressive prototypes of NASA patents developed by New York Tech’s Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center.

Professors, industry experts, global leaders, and student innovators mingled at the concluding luncheon, demonstrating how conferences like these can unite people from across departments, disciplines, and career paths. With new connections formed and relationships forged, guests left the 2025 Biotechnology Conference ready to build the life-saving technology of the future.

By Sophie Yoakum, programs and retention coordinator in the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences