Undergraduate

CARD Albany provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to pursue Directed Study/Research in the area of autism spectrum disorders. In addition to being a research lab, CARD is headquarters to a statewide network of Regional Centers for Autism Spectrum Disorders and provides education and training, as well as information and referrals, to parents and professionals seeking autism resources.

Directed Study/Research in Psychology at the Center for Autism provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in autism research and to gain a broad range of experiences while learning more about autism and other developmental disabilities. To receive course credit, students complete 6 hours of work in the laboratory each week (typically divided into 3 hour blocks, two days each week) over the course of the entire semester. Students also complete the IRB Human Subjects Training requirement, several course assignments, and participate in monthly meetings.

Undergraduate research assistants contribute to ongoing research projects by conducting literature searches; collecting, scoring, and entering data; assisting with statistical analyses; and providing general support to research faculty. In addition, students may be involved in assisting staff in compiling and disseminating training information, creating materials for seminars and workshops, and organizing community-wide events. Undergraduate research assistants work closely with graduate students throughout the semester.

Learn more about applying for Independent Study with Dr. Christodulu at CARD by clicking on the appropriate links in the "Learn More About" purple box below.

 

New Frontiers to Health

Scientists can identify the origins of diseases by studying how RNA turns genes on and off, potentially leading to innovative disease treatments and possible cures.

Biological Science grad student Marissa Louis in RNA lab

The RNA Institute offers unique opportunities to researchers and trainees for collaboration and interdisciplinary research. We have more than 50 faculty working to understand the role of RNA in fundamental biological processes, developing RNA as a tool for science and harnessing this knowledge to improve human health. 

The RNA Institute is more than just a modern research facility. We are a collection of diverse and talented researchers and laboratories united by a common goal in understanding the role of RNA across different fields, including biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, physics, and nanobiosciences. RNA forms the basis of our research, it is the common element that we study, build, modify and analyze as well as the building blocks that we use to construct tools, reporters, and therapies.

Our RNA Training Programs provide a multi-disciplinary curriculum with a focus on RNA and its health-related benefits. We develop our future science leaders by providing trainees from high school to post-doc students and beyond with comprehensive access to faculty, techniques, and collaborations within Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, and Nanobiosciences. Our training includes the Doctoral RNA Training Program and the Undergraduate Summer Fellowship.
 

Ken Halvorsen and student researcher of the RNA Institute

One of The RNA Institute's strengths is the diversity of our faculty's research and range of disciplines. However, the diversity of our faculty and trainees lags behind the University at Albany's undergraduate population and surrounding communities. In line with UAlbany's mission to ensure that diversity, in its people and in its ideas, drives excellence in everything that it does, the Institute launched a multi-pronged approach to increase diversity and support inclusivity at the Institute and across STEM disciplines.
 

The RNA Institute hosted its inaugural RNA Day, inviting local students from the New York State’s Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) and Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region
The RNA Institute News
The RNA Institute, College of Arts and Sciences
Life Sciences 2033

1400 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12222
United States

Phone
Fax
518-437-4456
Office Hours

On Site & By Phone: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Twitter: @TheRNAInstitute

RNA Institute logo, College of Arts and Sciences