In March, SUNY Polytechnic Institute proudly joins the State University of New York (SUNY) Research Foundation in celebrating women in research, recognizing trailblazing scholars who push the frontiers of knowledge across diverse fields. By showcasing their innovative work and dedication, SUNY Poly emphasizes the critical role women play in advancing science, technology, and human understanding. The following profiles highlight remarkable professors whose research excellence, collaborative spirit, and passion for discovery continue to inspire and shape their respective disciplines.
Dr. Kazuko Behrens, Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Kazuko Behrens is a distinguished developmental psychologist celebrated for her pioneering contributions to attachment research. With a Ph.D. in Human Development from the University of California, Berkeley, she has built a formidable reputation by mastering gold-standard assessment measures such as the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) and the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP).
As one of the few certified AAI trainers globally, Dr. Behrens has orchestrated and led international workshops in Japan, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and through virtual platforms, always upholding the highest standards of research methodology. Her rigorous investigations now delve into the neural underpinnings of maternal sensitivity using electroencephalography (EEG), aiming to elucidate how subtle brain responses during mother-child interactions relate to long-term attachment outcomes.
Her prolific output, which includes more than 35 publications and 57 conference presentations, is complemented by prestigious recognitions such as the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and the inaugural Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence at SUNY Poly.
Reflecting on her work, Dr. Behrens shares, “I deeply appreciate the opportunity to connect with every family that visits our lab—each interaction enriches our understanding of human development and inspires collaborative breakthroughs.”
Dr. Sarah Niu, Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Xinrui (Sarah) Niu, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, has forged an impressive career dedicated to advancing nature-inspired materials for wellness, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Her research delves into the mechanical and physical behaviors of these innovative materials and structures, encompassing smart manufacturing processes, non-linear elastic behavior of solids, and cutting-edge polymer-based composites.
At SUNY Poly, Dr. Niu leads transformative projects that blend theoretical insight with practical applications. Before joining SUNY Poly, she served as a tenured Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at the City University of Hong Kong, where she was the sole female tenure-track faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering. Earlier in her career, as an R&D engineer at MicroPort Medical (Shanghai), she spearheaded the design of durable biodegradable stents and directed a company-wide finite element analysis platform that supported various endovascular innovations. Dr. Niu’s academic journey began at Tsinghua University with a B.E. in Engineering Mechanics and an M.E. in Solid Mechanics, followed by an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. from Princeton University.
An active contributor to her field, she has served in leadership roles with the Hong Kong Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, contributed to the editorial board of Scientific Reports, and reviewed for over 40 SCI-indexed journals, alongside publishing more than 40 journal articles, authoring book chapters, and securing multiple patents.
Dr. Margarita Orlova, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Orlova is a leading researcher in the fields of animal behavior and chemical ecology, with a particular focus on the social dynamics of bees. Her research program investigates the intricate processes of behavior and chemical communication in social bees, including both honeybees and various species of bumblebees.
By integrating fieldwork with physiological, behavioral, and molecular methods, Dr. Orlova explores how signal production and perception evolve alongside social complexity. Her work not only advances the fundamental understanding of chemical communication but also addresses the pressing impacts of anthropogenic stressors on these critical pollinators.
In 2023, she secured funding from the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign to examine how pesticide exposure combined with nutritional deficiencies affects queen-worker communication in honeybees—a study that has already uncovered compounded adverse effects on queen attendance. In recognition of her innovative research, Dr. Orlova is slated to present her findings at the 2024 annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, a platform that will help raise awareness about the often-overlooked sublethal effects of pesticide exposure.
On what she finds most fulfilling about her research, Dr. Orlova states, “I love fieldwork and behavioral observations because working outdoors and connecting with nature allows me to truly understand living creatures so different from myself.”
Dr. Aarthi Sekaran, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Aarthi Sekaran, an assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering, has built a distinguished career by bridging theoretical fluid dynamics with practical solutions that address critical industrial, environmental, and biomedical challenges. Her academic journey began at Texas A&M University and advanced through influential postdoctoral roles in India and the United States, where she honed her expertise in both computational fluid dynamics and experimental research.
At SUNY Poly, Dr. Sekaran leads innovative projects focused on the fluid dynamics of the upper trachea. Her work aims to optimize endotracheal tube design to reduce the risk of respiratory infections—a goal supported by a SUNY Poly Research Seed Grant. In addition to her research, Dr. Sekaran is a passionate advocate for engineering education, consistently integrating project-based learning into her curriculum. Her initiatives, including flow visualization exhibits and interactive video game models that bring fluid mechanics to life, have significantly enriched the academic experience of her students, empowering them to explore and innovate.
When asked about her passion for research, Dr. Sekaran remarks, “The blend of rigorous science and creative problem-solving is what excites me every day—it’s immensely rewarding to see students and colleagues push boundaries together.”