At St. Francis College, Dr. Kita plays a central role within the Biology Department, combining teaching, mentoring, and hands-on research to create meaningful opportunities for students. His work spans across the discipline, and the results of his leadership are already making an impact.

In the fall of 2022, just a few months into his position at SFC, he attended his very first in-person academic meeting at the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists annual conference at SUNY Old Westbury. Later that winter, he made his return to a national and international stage at the American Society for Cell Biology and European Molecular Biology Organization meeting in Washington, D.C., this time bringing SFC students with him.

The fall of 2024 marked another proud milestone when his research students won first place in the poster presentation competition at the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists annual meeting, hosted by CUNY Bronx Community College.

These achievements reflect not only Dr. Kita’s professional contributions but also the success of students who are engaging in authentic research. For him, each “first” is about opening doors and setting a foundation for the next generation of scientists.