15th Annual Life Science Research Symposium

The 15th Annual Life Science Research Symposium was held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the University at Albany’s D'Ambra Auditorium in the Life Sciences Research Building.  The event brought together students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty from a wide range of disciplines to present their cutting-edge research in the life sciences.

Dr. Marlene Belfort, Distinguished Professor of Biology and Senior Advisor to the RNA Institute, opened the event, while Dr. Julia Hormes, Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Research in the College of Arts & Sciences, delivered the closing remarks.

The symposium showcased 65 posters and 12 oral presentations, highlighting the research of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees from the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Psychology. It also featured contributions from the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, the Neural Stem Cell Institute, the RNA Institute, the New York State Department of Health, the School of Public Health, and Albany Medical College.

This year’s symposium included keynote lectures from world-renowned scientists:

• Dr. Paul Turner, Rachel Carson Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Yale University, presented A Journey Through Evolutionary Medicine.
• Dr. Li Niu, Professor of Chemistry at the University at Albany, delivered a talk on RNA Aptamers for Glutamate Receptors.
• Dr. Nim Tottenham, Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, spoke on Emotional Brain Development and the Role of Caregiving.

The event also recognized outstanding presenters with monetary awards for their exceptional research and communication. 

This year’s Life Science Research Symposium awardees were:

Oral Presentation Awards ($75):

• Asmer Aliyeva, Graduate Student – Berglund Lab (RNA Institute)
• Nicholas Mathias, Graduate Student – Forni Lab (Department of Biological Sciences)
• Dr. Kerry Brown, Postdoctoral Researcher – Wade Lab (NYS Department of Health)

Poster Presentation Awards ($50):

• Madhanagopal Barathraj, Postdoctoral Researcher – Chandrasekaran Lab (RNA Institute)
• Shawn Gianola, Graduate Student – Pager Lab (Department of Biological Sciences)
• Kate Hayes, Graduate Student – Dash Lab (Department of Biological Sciences)
• Bhavik Vyas, Graduate Student – Lednev Lab (Department of Chemistry)
• Amina Bhatti, Graduate Student – Shorrock Lab (Department of Biological Sciences)
• Mark Bratslavsky, Undergraduate Student – Reddy Lab (RNA Institute)

A special thank you to the symposium organizers: Ken Halvorsen of the RNA Institute, Soma Dash (Biology), Andrew Paolos (Psychology), and Max Rozen (Chemistry), as well as the judges and student volunteers whose support was invaluable. 

The symposium was sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the RNA Institute, the NIH T32 Training Grant, University Auxiliary Services, Krackeler Scientific, and Nikon.

Congratulations to all participants and awardees of the 2024 Life Science Research Symposium!