Starting in July, Sheena Murphy, an accomplished physicist, will take on the role of vice president for research at Binghamton University. Currently, she is the associate vice president for research development at West Virginia University.
Murphy’s journey began in the private sector at IBM and AT&T Bell Labs. She later became a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma, where she spent over two decades. She has a deep understanding of research that goes beyond just funding. “I think of research as a broad concept, including scholarly work and its community impact,” she said. Her collaborative leadership style reflects her commitment to uniting various academic and administrative departments.
She takes over from Bahgat Sammakia, who stepped down in 2025 but remains involved as the director of the S3IP Center of Excellence. Murphy has a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a doctorate from Cornell University. As a first-generation college student from the Bronx, she values the research opportunities that shaped her career.
Binghamton President Anne D’Alleva praised Murphy’s experience at an R1 institution like WVU, which secured over $259 million in research funding. Binghamton had its best funding year in 2025, reaching $87.3 million. “Sheena offers a bold vision that can elevate Binghamton’s national and global presence,” D’Alleva noted.
At WVU, Murphy promoted cross-disciplinary collaboration and aimed to align research with state and national goals. Notably, she was part of a team working on a finalist project for a $160 million National Science Foundation award. This program supports initiatives like the Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, led by Binghamton University.
Donald Hall, Binghamton’s provost, highlighted Murphy’s expertise with the NSF Engines program as vital for developing the university’s battery ecosystem. “Her insights will be crucial as we work to grow our research portfolio,” Hall stated. He also emphasized her commitment to fostering inclusive research environments that support scholars at every career stage.
Murphy is a former NSF CAREER Award winner and has secured over $20 million in research funding throughout her career. Mark Poliks, co-chair of the search committee and SUNY distinguished professor, noted Murphy’s ability to build competitive research initiatives. “Her long-term collaborations will enhance our outreach to industry, benefiting both undergraduate and graduate students,” Poliks added.
Research has shown that diverse and inclusive environments boost innovation and creativity. According to a 2022 study by McKinsey, companies with more diverse teams often outperform their peers. Murphy’s vision for collaborative research could lead to even more breakthroughs at Binghamton University, showcasing the importance of community impact along the way.
