Three people stand around a table and discuss research in Albany's Campus Center Ballroom during the Research Resources Fair. Three people stand around a table and discuss research in Albany's Campus Center Ballroom during the Research Resources Fair.

Research & Entrepreneurship Week

Thank you to all who participated and attended!

 

Research, Excellence and Collaboration

 

 

The University at Albany held its second Research & Entrepreneurship (R&E) Week October 21-24, 2024, once again uniting faculty, students, researchers and innovators from across the University to demonstrate the impact of research on the world around us.

By providing a collaborative forum for scholars from diverse disciplines, R&E Week showcased UAlbany's research and economic potential while fostering new partnerships.

Register for R&E Week Events

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Schedule of Events

Special thanks to our panelists, faculty, students, guests and sponsors who made each day of R&E Week a success!

October 21-24, 2024

This year's R&E Week spanned more than three days, kicking off with the State of Research and Innovation on October 21. The day included a Research Resources Fair and recognized University faculty, students and inventors. Other events included an AI Symposium with partners from across the Capital Region, an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day, and a Research Showcase.

Sign up for our mailing list to get updates on Research & Entrepreneurship Week, including opportunities to participate in a pitch competition, collaborate with the University at Albany Art and Art History Department, and submit posters for the poster session.
 

Day 1, Monday, October 21: State of Research and Innovation

9:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Registration and Breakfast

 

9:45 to 10 a.m. — Welcome and Opening Remarks

Speakers:

 

10:20 to 11:40 a.m. — Keynote Speeches

The Materials Genome Initiative 2.0 at DMR and NSF  

Emerging Initiatives in NOAA Research 

  • Benjamin Friedman, incoming Chief Operating Officer, SUNY Research Foundation, Former Deputy Under Secretary for Operations at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

 

11:40 to 12:10 p.m. — Panel Discussion: Emerging Risks and Opportunities in University-based Research 

Panelists

Moderator: Gary Ackerman, Associate Dean for Research, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, University at Albany

 

12:10 to 1 p.m. — Networking Lunch

 

1:15 to 2:30 p.m. — Faculty Recognition for Outstanding Research & Scholarship and Inventor Recognition

  • Remarks by Dr. Carol Kim, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, University at Albany

 

2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Interactive Tabling: Research Resources and Services

  • Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships/Blackstone Launch Pad
  • Sponsored Programs Administration (Pre & Post Award Services)
  • Research Foundation Human Resources (RFHR)
  • Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI)
  • Research Protections, Office of Regulatory & Research Compliance (ORRC)
  • Research Security, Office of Regulatory & Research Compliance (ORRC)
  • RNA Institute & RNA Epitranscriptomics and Proteomics Resources (REPR)
  • Library Services
  • Information Technology Services
  • The NYS Mesonet
  • Biological Imaging Facilities (BIF)
  • Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer

Highlights:

  • Presenting Research Support by UAlbany Offices and Units 

 

3:30 p.m. — Closing Remarks

Day 2, Tuesday October 22: Capital Region Artificial Intelligence Day

9 to 9:20 a.m. — Welcome Remarks 

Ceremonial Welcome

Symposium Chairs’ Overview

  • Eric Stern, Interim Director of the AI Plus Institute, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, University at Albany
  • James Hendler, Tetherless World Senior Constellation Professor of Computer, Web and Cognitive Science and Director of the Future of Computing Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

 

9:20 to 10:20 a.m. — Keynote Speech

  • Pin-Yu Chen, Principal Research Scientist at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center

 

10:20 to 10:40 a.m. — Coffee Break and Student Poster Viewing

 

10:40 a.m. to noon — Panel: Sustainable AI and Supercomputing

  • Meng Wang, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Dola Saha, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University at Albany
  • Nathaniel Cady, Associate Dean for Research, College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, University at Albany
  • Tong Zhang, Professor, Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Nicole Saulnier, Senior Research Manager, On-prem AI Cloud Delivery, IBM 

Highlighted Topics:

  • Neuromorphic and/or hardware-software co-design
  • Next Generation Chip Design 

 

Noon to 12:30 p.m. — Lunch

 

12:30 to 1:20 p.m. — Celebrity Fireside Chat: AI and Ethics

  • Jason D’Cruz, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, University at Albany
  • Thomas Ferguson, Associate Professor, Department of Cognitive Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Host: David Guistina, Host, The Capital Connection, The Legislative Gazette, and Morning Edition/Producer, The Media Project, WAMC Northeast Public Radio  

 

1:20 to 2:20 p.m. — Capital Region Faculty Panel: Safe, Secure, Equitable and Effective AI 

  • Phung Lai, Assistant Professor, Department of Cybersecurity, University at Albany
  • David Turetsky, Professor of Practice, Department of Cybersecurity, University at Albany
  • Emily Klein, Extremism Researcher and Quantitative Analyst, Moonshot, previously at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University at Albany
  • Lydia Manikonda, Assistant Professor, Lally School of Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Moderator: Eric Stern, Interim Director of the AI Plus Institute, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, University at Albany

Highlighted Topics:

  • AI and Cybersecurity
  • Law, Cyber, and AI
  • AI and Mis/Disinformation 
  • AI, Privacy and Health

 

2:20 to 3:20 p.m. — AI Business and Entrepreneurship Roundtable

  • Jason Kuruzovich, Associate Professor of Business Analytics, Lally School of Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Kurt Steege, Chief Technology Officer, ThunderCat Technology
  • Anoop Bhatia, Founder & CEO, Nowigence
  • Jan Woodcock, Director of Operations, New York State Center of Excellence in Weather and Climate Analytics, University at Albany

Moderator: James Hendler, Director, Future of Computing Institute, Professor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Highlights:

  • Participants from small, medium and large enterprises 

 

3:20 to 3:40 p.m. — Coffee Break & Student Poster Viewing   

 

3:40 to 4:45 p.m. — AI for Good Panel: Ethics and Humanitarian AI Use Cases

  • Abdulhamit Subasi, Associate Professor, Department of Information Sciences and Technology, University at Albany
  • Xin Li, Professor, Department of Computer Science, University at Albany
  • Xuanang Xu, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Christopher D. Thorncroft, Director, Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, Professor, Department of Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences, University at Albany

Moderator: Theresa A. Pardo, Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany

Highlighted Topics:

  • AI and Mental Health
  • AI and Combatting Online Drug/Sex Trafficking

 

4:45 to 5 p.m. — Adjournment  

  • Eric Stern, Interim Director of the AI Plus Institute, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, University at Albany
  • James Hendler, Tetherless World Senior Constellation Professor of Computer, Web and Cognitive Science and Director of the Future of Computing Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Day 3, Wednesday, October 23: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day

9 to 10:15 a.m. — A Conversation with a Startup CEO

Moderator: Kelly Reardon, Program Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs, University at Albany 

Highlights: 

  • Ted Eveleth is an experienced entrepreneur who has been CEO, COO, CFO and Chairman in companies covering a broad range of technologies including medical devices, life science molecular tools, waste heat to energy conversion, new materials and MEMS devices. Eveleth received a bachelor's in economics in three years from Union College, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and earned an MBA from the Johnson School at Cornell University.
  • AvantGuard is a pioneering academic spinout that’s reshaping the future of healthcare. Learn the path they took from lab to market, the decisions made along the way and the stakeholders involved. This innovative company has leveraged cutting-edge polymer science to challenge the distinctions between antibiotics, antiseptics, and disinfectants, bringing novel solutions to market that are transforming how we approach infection control and safety.

 

10:30 a.m. to Noon — Matchmaking for Inventors: RISE Program Launch

  • Munsaf Ali, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Colleges of Nanotechnology, Science and Engineering, University at Albany
  • Riobart (Rob) Breen, Lecturer and Director of the Institute for Transformational and Ecosystem-based Climate Adaptation, Department of Geography & Planning, University at Albany
  • Scott Tenenbaum, Founder, sxRNA, Professor, College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering, The RNA Institute, University at Albany
  • Alexis Weber, CEO, SupreMEtric LLC, Chemistry, PhD, UAlbany
  • Fangqun Yu, Senior Research Faculty, Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, University at Albany
  • Susan Sharfstein, Professor of Nanoscale Science & Engineering, College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering, The RNA Institute, University at Albany
  • Nathaniel Cady, Associate Dean for Research, Professor, College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering, The RNA Institute, University at Albany
  • Ji Ung Lee, Professor, College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering, University at Albany
  • Vinod Morya, Postdoctoral Associate, Halvorsen Lab, University at Albany
  • Yuemin Li, Data Analyst, Office of Strategic Initiatives, Division for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany
  • William Lawler, Founder, Talinted Inc., PhD Candidate, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Janet Paluh, Associate Professor, College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering, University at Albany
  • Souhimbou Kone, Founder, SecRed Knowledge, Inc., Alum, University at Albany

Highlights:

  • UAlbany faculty and students interested in matchmaking, visit the RISE website for more information.
  • UAlbany Innovation Center’s new collaborative entrepreneurship pilot program aimed to take research from concept to commercialization while building a business development team.
  • 13 researchers will pitch their concepts in a speed-dating style round to entrepreneurially minded students with a keen interest in helping to build a startup.

 

Noon to 1 p.m. — Lunch

 

1 to 2 p.m. — The Science Behind the Startup

  • Kevin Williams, Interim Dean, Massry School of Business, University at Albany

Moderator: Peter Gonczlik, Director, Office of Technology Transfer, University at Albany

Highlights:

  • Join us for a conversation on commercializing non-patent intellectual property (IP).
  • Starting with a sponsored research award in 2007, industrial psychologist Dr. Kevin Williams and local startup Chequed.com laid the foundation for what would become a web-based reference checking system that was developed for use by employers for screening job candidates. 
  • Chequed.com is a cloud-based analytical hiring platform used by some of the world’s leading brands including SUBWAY® Restaurants, The Walt Disney Company and Hallmark. 
  • Chequed.com's software is based on research done by Williams. His research, although not patentable, afforded the University an equity stake in the startup which converted to a payout when the business was later acquired.
  • Williams and Gonczlik will discuss how the technology licensed from UAlbany allowed Chequed.com to realize more than $1 million in revenues and provide students with real-world experience that they could use to launch their careers.

 

2:15 to 5:15 p.m. — Blackstone Launchpad Ideas Competition

Judges:

Highlights: 

Day 4, Thursday October 24: Impact in the Public Interest - Research and Creative Works at UAlbany

10:15 to 10:30 a.m. — Registration and Coffee 

 

10:30 to 10:45 a.m. — Opening Remarks

 

10:45 to 11:45 a.m. — Showcasing Scholarship and Sparking New Interdisciplinary and Multi-Sector Collaborations

  • J. Andrew Berglund, Professor, Director of The RNA Institute, University at Albany 
  • Kyra D. Gaunt, Assistant Professor, Department of Music & Theatre, University at Albany 
  • Dina Refki, Clinical Professor, Department of Public Administration & Policy, University at Albany 
  • Christopher D. Thorncroft, Director, Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, University at Albany 

Moderator: Tomoko Udo, Associate Professor, College of Integrated Health Sciences, University at Albany 

 

11:45 to 12:10 p.m. — Lunch

 

12:15 to 1:15 p.m. — Lightning Talks: Part 1

DirectSeq ​Biosciences, ​Inc. A sequencing biotech company

  • Shenlong Zhang, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, The RNA Institute, University at Albany

Global Epistemic Justice in Scholarly Communication

  • Angel Ford, Assistant Professor, Department of Information Sciences and Technology, University at Albany 

Healthy Mother, Healthy Child: Increasing Uptake and Acceptance of Vaccination in the post-COVID-19 Era in Senegal

  • Ashley Fox, Associate Professor, Undergraduate Program Director, Department of Public Administration & Policy International Affairs, University at Albany

Predictive Modeling of Cognitive Function: A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Techniques

  • Muntasir Masum, Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University at Albany

Sociodemographic disparities in ADHD diagnosis during childhood

  • Paul L. Morgan, Director, Institute for Social and Health Equity, University at Albany 

Moderator: Theresa A. Pardo, Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany 

 

1:15 to 1:30 p.m. — Break

 

1:30 to 2:25 p.m. — Lightning Talk: Part 2

sxRNA Target. Switch. Express.

  • Scott Tenenbaum, Professor, Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering, University at Albany 

Inoculation Against Disinformation: Expansion and Digitization of an Information Literacy Instruction Role Playing Game

  • Abigail "Abby" Adams, Subject Librarian for the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, Informatics, and Criminal Justice, University at Albany 

Non-Nuclear Nuclear Power

  • Matthew Szydagis, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, University at Albany 

Improving Reject Inference with AI

  • Charalampos Chelmis, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, University at Albany 

The Public Impact of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at UAlbany

  • Dev Dalal, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University at Albany 

Moderator: Theresa A. Pardo, Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany 

 

2:25 to 3:30 p.m. — Amplifying Impact through Partnership: A Conversation with Capital Region Leaders

  • Patricia Fahy, Assemblymember 109th Assembly District, New York State Assembly
  • Robert Hull, Vice President for Research, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Leonard F. Peruski, Director, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health  
  • John Iacoponi, Vice President Technology Strategy at NY CREATES

Moderator: Thenkurussi “Kesh” Kesavadas, Vice President for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany 

 

3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Closing Reception and Art Exhibit

Remarks  

  • Bryan Early, Co-Chair of 2024 R&E Week Organizing Committee, Associate Dean for Research at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany
  • Maria Pidgeon, Co-Chair of 2024 R&E Week Organizing Committee, Director of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships, University at Albany
  • Daniel Goodwin, Chair, Professor, Department of Art & Art History, University at Albany
  • Robert P. Griffin, Dean, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, University at Albany
  • Edward Schwarzschild, Professor, Department of English, University at Albany 

Highlights:

  • The exhibit featured work produced by students in the course "Art, Writing, and Security: A Museum-based Collaboration," taught by Goodwin, Griffin and Schwarzschild.

2024 R&E Week Highlights

  • 680+ registered attendees for all the events in the 2024 R&E Week, demonstrating strong engagement and growing interest in the event.
  • 50+ speakers, presenters, and panelists from academia, government, and industry, showcasing the breadth of talent in our research community and the strength of cross-sector partnerships.
  • 20+ posters from UAlbany and RPI faculty and students, presenting cutting-edge topics, from AI and public policy to biotechnology and environmental science.
  • 15 tables staffed by offices across the campus, demonstrating the rich resources, services, and collaborative opportunities available to support research and innovation.
  • 8 sponsors whose generous contributions underscore the importance of community and industry partnerships in advancing research.
  • 20 organizing committee members from across the campus and 20+ staff volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless execution of R&E Week events.

 

Support Next Year's Events

sponsorships

If your organization gives a single $2,750 donation to support both UAlbany Showcase and the R&E events:

  • UAlbany will add your business’s name and logo to a designated space at Showcase Day. (For example: Find psychology students presenting research posters at the XYZ Industries area in the Arts & Sciences Building.) You can also staff an informational table in your Showcase Day space to educate attendees about your organization. 
  • $250 of your gift will contribute to an awards fund, which directly benefits our students. All students who present at Showcase are eligible for an award, selected at random and presented in honor of our valued partners.
  • UAlbany will add your business’s name and logo to all sponsor posters at AI Day during our fall R&E events, and you can staff an information table during R&E events. 

For both events, your business’s name and logo will be included on the event navigation app and printed maps — allowing your business to help attendees find their way, while advertising your brand to thousands.
 

Become a Supporter


Please contact Associate Director of Corporate Engagement Brian Rudolph at [email protected] with any questions.

Organizing Committee

Co-Chairs

  • Maria Pidgeon, Director of Economic Development, University at Albany
  • Bryan Early, Associate Dean for Research at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany

Ex Officio

  • Tianning Huang, Director of Office of Strategic Initiatives, Data Assessment & Technology, Office of the Vice President for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany
Program Coordinators
  • Ashley Turski, Program Coordinator for Research Excellence, Office of the Vice President for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany
  • Nancy Cavillones, Program Support Specialist, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs, University at Albany
Community Engagement
  • Mary Hunt, Director of Public Engagement, Office of Public Engagement, University at Albany
Communication and Marketing
  • Jordan Carleo-Evangelist, Senior Director of Strategic, Research and Advocacy Communications, Office of Communications and Marketing, University at Albany
Fundraising
  • Rich Becker, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Division of University Advancement, University at Albany
  • Chrissie Binney, Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Division of University Advancement, University at Albany
Event Co-Chairs

Day 1: State of Research and Innovation

  • Gary Ackerman, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Laboratory Development, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, University at Albany
  • Satyendra Kumar, Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development, Division for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany

Day 2: Albany AI Symposium

  • James Hendler, Tetherless World Senior Constellation Professor of Computer, Web and Cognitive Science and Director of the Future of Computing Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Eric Stern, Professor, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, University at Albany

Day 3: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair

  • Peter Gonczlik, Director of Office for Innovation Development & Commercialization, Office of the Vice President for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany
  • Kelly Reardon, Program Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs, University at Albany 

Day 4: Research Showcase

  • Theresa A. Pardo, Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development, University at Albany
  • Tomoko Udo, Associate Professor, College of Integrated Health Sciences, University at Albany
Industry & NYCREATES Engagement

Ross F. Goodman, Deputy Director, NYS Center for Advanced Technology in Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics

Event Logistics
  • Christy Doyle, Director of University Events, University at Albany
  • Peter Evans, Associate Director of University Events, University at Albany

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!

Global Foundries logo
Regeneron logo, with the slogan, "Science to medicine."
Fastenal logo.
MTX mavQ logo.
Delta Dental logo.
TEL logo.
CDTA logo.
Thundercat Technologies logo.
  • 2024 Research Week Keynote and Panel speakers on a podium including moderator Gary Ackerman
    2024 Research Week Keynote and Panel

    From left, CEHC Associate Dean for Research and moderator Gary Ackerman, UAlbany Vice President for Research and Economic Development Kesh Kesavadas, NSF Director for the Division of Materials Research Germano Iannachione and incoming SUNY RF CEO Benjamin Friedman discuss threats and opportunities in university research during the first day of Research and Entrepreneurship Week at UAlbany on Monday, October 21, 2024. (photo by Patrick Dodson)

  • Interactive Tabling, people talking at tables
    Interactive Tabling

    2024 UAlbany Research Week Interactive Tabling: Research Resources and Services

  • Pin-Yu Chen, Principal Research Scientist at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, delivering a keynote speech
    AI Panel

    Pin-Yu Chen, Principal Research Scientist at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, delivered a keynote speech during University at Albany's Annual Research & Entrepreneurship (R&E) Week on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. (photo by Patrick Dodson)

  • Pin-Yu Chen, Principal Research Scientist at IBM speaking in front of an audience
    Pin-Yu Chen, Principal Research Scientist at IBM

    Pin-Yu Chen, Principal Research Scientist at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, delivered a keynote speech during University at Albany's Annual Research & Entrepreneurship Week on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. (photo by Patrick Dodson)

  • Poster presenter speaking with a small group of on lookers.
    Poster presentations

    Poster presentations and networking during University at Albany's Annual Research & Entrepreneurship (R&E) Week on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. (photo by Patrick Dodson)

  • Two women looking at posters
    2024 Research Week AI Panel

    Poster presentations and networking during University at Albany's Annual Research & Entrepreneurship (R&E) Week on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. (photo by Patrick Dodson)

  • A group of participants discussing at a round table.
    Matchmaking for Inventors: RISE Program Launch

    Matchmaking for Inventors: RISE Program Launch was held during University at Albany's Annual Research & Entrepreneurship (R&E) Week on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. (photo by Mario Sotomayor)

  • A group of students discussions their projects.
    2024 Blackstone Launchpad Ideas Competition

    Blackstone Launchpad Ideas Competition was held during University at Albany's Annual Research & Entrepreneurship (R&E) Week on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. (photo by Mario Sotomayor)

  • Capital Region leaders speak on a dais.
    Research Week Closing Panel and Reception

    University at Albany's Annual Research & Entrepreneurship (R&E) Week wrapped up with Amplifying Impact through Partnership: A Conversation with Capital Region Leaders and a Closing Reception and Art Exhibit on Thursday, October 24, 2024. (photo by Patrick Dodson)

  • Two students speaking at a podium about their project.
    Research Week Closing Panel and Reception

    University at Albany's Annual Research & Entrepreneurship (R&E) Week wrapped up with Amplifying Impact through Partnership: A Conversation with Capital Region Leaders and a Closing Reception and Art Exhibit on Thursday, October 24, 2024. (photo by Patrick Dodson)

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