News Byte: New York Tech Shines at LISTnet Awards
Several members of the New York Tech community were among those honored recently at an awards ceremony hosted by the Long Island Software & Technology Network (LISTnet). The Long Island SummIT Awards (LISA) honor companies and individuals achieving success while helping to grow Long Island’s technology ecosystem.

Members of the New York Tech community celebrate this year’s LISA honorees, including Dean Babak D. Beheshti (back row, second from left), Associate Professor Frank Lee (front row, fifth from left), and students Ryan Ahmed (front row, third from left) and Pari Patel (front row, fourth from right).
The 27th Annual LISA Awards honorees include:
Babak D. Beheshti, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, received the John Kominicki Leadership Award, which is given to a local leader for promoting Long Island.
Frank Lee, Ph.D., chair and associate professor of computer science, is among the winners of the inaugural Tech Teachers award. According to Beheshti, this is due in part to his successful efforts to grow the Department of Computer Science in both teaching and research and his ongoing commitment to students.
Receiving the Rookie of the Year award is the startup Niura, under the leadership of Ryan Ahmed, an undergraduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences, and fellow New York Tech student Pari Patel, who is pursuing a degree in biology. Niura, wearable smart technology with brain health implications, was featured recently as the cover story in the spring 2024 issue New York Institute of Technology Magazine.
“It is an honor for the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences to have such a prominent presence among the LISA 2024 awardees. This is a testament to New York Tech’s commitment to student success, innovation, and creativity, as well as the growth of the Long Island high-tech economy,” says Beheshti.
More News
Exploring Data and AI
Computer science graduate student Rudriben (Rudri) Trivedi attended two Google events in New York City to deepen her understanding of the field.
Using Technology for Good
Computer science student Edrich Silva wants a career in technology where he can practice his skills and create social good.
2026 Honorary Degree Recipients
Kevin S. Law, executive vice president and partner at TRITEC Development Group, and Krishan Kumar, M.D., an NYITCOM clinical professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine, will receive honorary degrees at New York Tech’s 65th commencement.
SOLI Scholarship Helps Transfer Students Thrive
As recipients of the 2024 Stay on Long Island (SOLI) Scholarship, Sidra Ali and Nicole McCormack are building toward careers that combine creativity, technology, and problem-solving.
Examining the Role of Inequality in Human Migration
Mathematical models fall short in their predictions of migration. Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Alain Boldini, Ph.D., seeks to improve these models by including conflicts, natural disasters, and economic factors.
Student Wins Best Presentation in Puerto Rico
Life sciences/osteopathic medicine student Talia Lilikakis traveled to Puerto Rico for the Annual Meeting of the Society of Thoracic Radiology, where she won Best Student Oral Scientific Presentation.