New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo recently recognized Dr. Yiwei She at the Women of Distinction Ceremony held at the State Capital. Dr. She was honored as the 2025 Woman of Distinction for the First Senate District due to her significant contributions to medical innovation and rare disease research.
Senator Palumbo praised Dr. She’s efforts, stating, “Dr. She is truly an inspiration to us all. The story of her son’s rare disease and a mother’s effort to find a cure could as easily be found in a medical journal or a Hollywood script.” He highlighted her determination and research that led to advancements in treating extremely rare neurodevelopmental diseases, providing hope for affected families.
Dr. She founded the TNPO2 Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on creating accessible diagnostic and treatment options for children with ultra-rare diseases. This initiative followed her son Leo’s diagnosis with an ultra-rare neurodevelopmental disorder linked to a mutation in his Transportin-2 (TNPO2) gene. Her work has paved new paths in addressing rare genetic mutations.
Senator Palumbo concluded by congratulating Dr. She: “Congratulations Dr. She on this well-deserved recognition. We applaud your achievements and continued efforts to make the world a better and healthier place.”
Dr. Yiwei She’s academic background includes a B.S. in Mathematics from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Chicago. She resides in Setauket with her family.
