March 2015 NewsCenter Archive

More than 600 science research students and teachers from 42 NYS schools convene at the 30th Annual Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium on March 12 and 13 at the University. The event is among the most prestigious fora in Upstate New York for students presenting original research in a symposium-style format.

The University at Albany recently hosted its Inaugural Software Carpentry Boot Camp, sponsored by the Informatics Department in the College of Computing and Information (CCI). A group of 25 UAlbany undergraduate and graduate students immersed themselves in the weekend boot camp to learn more about core computing skills.

AT&T, in partnership with area universities, businesses and tech organizations, today launched the AT&T Tech Valley Civic App Challenge—a two-month “virtual hackathon” in which innovative thinkers, designers, artists, developers and entrepreneurs are encouraged to build smartphone apps that address the greater Tech Valley community.

The RNA Institute partners with the Sigma-Aldrich corporation to convene leading U.S. researchers for workshops and discussions on the latest innovations in genome editing and RNA simulation at the 2nd Annual RNA Symposium on RNA Science and its Applications, March 17-20. Five leading U.S. RNA scientists are keynote speakers.

Biophysicist Alan Chen is at work creating a new model to accurately predict structures of RNA. If effective, his methodology would alleviate a significant roadblock to RNA-based drug discovery, holding promise for hard-to-treat diseases, improved antiviral therapies against RNA viruses, and new classes of antibacterial compounds.

Leadership from State University of New York campuses in the Capital Region call on local elected officials to continue their leadership in supporting New York's public higher education sector by creating a new Investment Fund and extending NYSUNY 2020's successful rational tuition policy in the 2015-16 New York State Budget.

UAlbany Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus John Delano will inaugurate a new campus lecture series presented by UAlbany Libraries on NASA's search for Life Beyond Earth. The event will be held in the Standish Board Room in the Science Library on Wednesday, March 11 from 12:35 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Renowned cancer researcher Susan P.C. Cole, Ph.D., will deliver the 6th Annual Hogarty Lecture on “Improving Cancer Treatment: Understanding the Role of Drug Resistance,” at the University at Albany’s Cancer Research Center on Thursday, March 26, at 6 p.m.

The New York IT Leadership Academy inducts UAlbany Chief Information Officer Christine E. Haile into its Leadership Hall of Fame and honors UAlbany Information Technology Services director of Client Support Services Carole Sweeton with its IT Manager of the Year Award at the Academy’s annual event at the Desmond Hotel in Albany.

The University at Albany Student Association will host Bill Nye, popularly known as "Bill Nye the Science Guy," on March 25 at 5 p.m. in the SEFCU Arena. The event is free and open to the UAlbany community as well as the general public. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

As the men's and women's basketball teams headed back to the NCAA Tournament facing the prospect of going up against top-25 teams, the Great Danes held their own, nearly pulling off major upsets. The women and men may have both lost close contests, but the determination of the Great Danes earned them plaudits from around the world.

When sophomore computer science major Elliott Weintraub heard from Department of Informatics lecturer Jonathan Muckell about the opportunity to build a 3D prosthetic hand for a child, he jumped at the chance. The department began the project in the fall semester and accelerated it to complete hands for four children by the holidays.

UAlbany's School of Business Building has received LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED, which stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” serves as verification of green buildings that incorporate environmental, social and economic benefits throughout the building’s life cycle.

The Jeffrey S. Sherman ’76 RNA Institute Endowment is established. It will provide financial support to The RNA Institute to enhance its research experience for students, and will encompass aid for student stipends, workshops and awards, as well as the hosting of leading industry guest speakers.

What’s a hashtag for a win-win proposition? While a small, area nonprofit was exploring ways to promote its 6-year-old organization, a University at Albany School of Business social media class sought a real life project where they could make a difference. Enter Grassroot Givers, a not-for-profit organization.

UAlbany will welcome Mohawk storyteller Kay Olan (Ionataiewas) on Earth Day, April 22, to help dedicate the University’s newly established Heritage Garden with a traditional greeting. The ceremony is one of several events planned to celebrate Earth Day and sustainability during the month of April.