Research Experiences for Undergraduate at The RNA Institute
Hands-on RNA research focused on scientific discovery
Students will participate in hands-on research focused on scientific discovery in and around ribonucleic acid (RNA) science and RNA-based technologies. The broad potential of RNA means that advancing RNA science and RNA-based technologies benefits society by generating innovation and building infrastructure capacity for future research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.
Engaging students in RNA research, especially those underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), creates a pool of diverse interdisciplinary scholars who will ultimately lead future scientific endeavors and help address STEM disparities at all levels.
Applications for the 2025 REU in RNA will open starting the week of December 16, 2024.
REU in RNA
Support Provided
- $6,000 stipend
- On-campus housing in University at Albany dorms
- $1,500 meal plan allowance
- Up to $750 in travel support
Eligibility
- Undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents,
- Majoring in biology, biological sciences, biomedical sciences, chemistry, physics (other science and engineering majors may be considered),
- Rising juniors (will have completed their sophomore year at the start of the summer) or rising seniors (will have completed junior year by the start of the summer program). Students who graduate prior to the summer are not eligible.
The program welcomes the participation of first-generation college students, students from community colleges, and students from groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering, including women, historically underrepresented minorities (African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Alaskan Native/Native American/Native Hawaiian, Pacifica Islander), veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Research Projects
REU participants will have the opportunity to match to one of our many REU research projects. The REU application will allows applicants to select their three preferred research lab choices.
- Screening small molecules for myotonic dystrophy - a toxic RNA disease with Professor Andrew Berglund (Biological Sciences/RNA Institute)
- DNA as a material to build nanoscale structures, with applications in drug delivery, data storage and crystallography with Senior Research Scientist Arun Chandrasekaran (RNA Institute)
- Using RNA folding to predict high-resolution RNA tertiary structures with Associate Professor Alan Chen (Chemistry/RNA Institute)
- Investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of head and face development in vertebrates with Assistant Professor Soma Dash (Biological Sciences).
- Investigate the genetic/molecular basis of cellular diversity and organogenesis using zebrafish as a model system with Senior Research Scientist Dylan Farnsworth (The RNA Institute).
- Analysis of expression and subcellular localizations of Male-specific lethal 3 (MSL3) during mammalian gametogenesis with Associate Professor Paolo Forni (Biological Sciences)
- Translational regulation by ribosomal subpopulation with Assistant Professor Gabriele Fuchs (Biological Sciences/RNA Institute).
- DNA nanotechnology and biomolecule analysis with Senior Research Scientist Ken Halvorsen (RNA Institute)
- Analysis of the intersection of developmental biology and regenerative medicine with Professor Melinda Larsen (Biological Sciences)
- Analyzing spatiotemporal patterns of in vivo Notch signaling responses during development and aging with Assistant Professor ChangHwan Lee (Biological Sciences).
- Role of RNA Structure in viral function with Associate Professor Cara Pager (Biological Sciences)
- Investigate the molecular basis of fatal human ITPase enzyme deficiency with Kaalak Reddy, Research Faculty (RNA Institute) and Adjunct Assistant Professor (Biological Sciences).
- DNA and RNA-encoded cellular regulatory response network with Associate Professor Morgan Sammons (Biological Sciences)
- Structural and Functional Diversity of 2′-5′ Linked RNA with Associate Professor Jia Sheng (Chemistry)
- RNA-mediated mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention for rare neurodegenerative diseases with Assistant Professor Hannah Shorrock (Biological Sciences/RNA Institute)
- Using molecular modeling and simulations to investigate RNA:drug interactions with Research Scientist Sweta Vangaveti (RNA Institute).
- Synthesis of biological active natural products and pharmaceutically relevant biomolecules for human diseases with Assistant Professor Ting Wang (RNA Institute/Chemistry).
- Toehold RNA-switch and CRISPR for paper-based pathogen detection with Associate Professor Mehmet Yigit (Chemistry).
How to apply
- Complete the online application form (including statement of future plans and your ability to contribute to diversity in RNA research, statement of prior research experience (if applicable), unofficial transcripts, and resume)
- Ask one professors/scientist to email letters of recommendations to: [email protected]
Important Dates
- Application window: December 16th 1, 2024 - February 28th, 2025
- Notification of acceptance: starting week of March 17th, 2025
- Arrival in Albany: Tuesday May 27th, 2025 (May 26th is Memorial Day)
- First day of program: Wednesday, May 28th, 2025
- Last day of program: Friday, August 1, 2025
Contact us
J. Andrew Berglund
Principal Investigator
Professor and Director of the RNA Institute
Phone: 518-437-4448
Shanise Kent
Co-Principal Investigator
Assistant Dean, The Graduate School
Phone: 518-442-3899