Welcoming a New Director to the Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Dear Jacobs School community, 

I am pleased to announce two important leadership transitions at the University at Buffalo’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) — a cornerstone of our efforts to transform scientific discoveries into tangible health improvements for our community.

Sanjay Sethi, MD, has been appointed senior associate dean for clinical and translational research and director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, succeeding Timothy F. Murphy, MD, who has led the institute with distinction since its founding in 2009. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Murphy’s service and lasting impact.

Dr. Sethi, a nationally respected physician-scientist, has long been a driving force in UB’s research enterprise. As chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, assistant vice president for health sciences, and director of the Clinical Research Office, he has advanced UB’s clinical research infrastructure and mentored investigators across disciplines. In his role as deputy director of the CTSI, he helped streamline research operations and strengthen community-engaged science. His work in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections has shaped clinical practice and earned national recognition.

I am also excited to share that Daniel Woo, MD, professor and Irvin and Rosemary Smith Endowed Chair of the Department of Neurology, will step into the role of deputy director of the CTSI, previously held by Dr. Sethi.

Dr. Woo joined UB in 2024 and brings extensive experience in clinical trials, stroke research, and health disparities. His leadership in building multidisciplinary teams and mentoring early-career investigators aligns perfectly with the CTSI’s mission to accelerate discoveries that improve health in our communities. 

Together, Drs. Sethi and Woo will lead the CTSI into its next chapter, continuing to strengthen UB’s role as a national leader in clinical and translational science.

Please join me in congratulating both leaders on their new roles and in supporting their efforts to advance the health and well-being of Western New York and beyond.

Warmly,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Vice President for Health Sciences
President and CEO, UBMD Physicians' Group