Biological Sciences at UAlbany: A Year of Discovery, Recognition, Achievement and Collaboration
As the University at Albany begins a new academic year, the Department of Biological Sciences, in the College of Arts and Sciences proudly reflects on a year of growth, innovation, achievements and contributions to science, education, and the community. As featured in the Biology Department’s 2024-2025 Newsletter/Annual Review, these successes were made possible through the outstanding efforts of our students, faculty, and staff as well as the many collaborative partnerships that the department has developed with colleges, schools, and departments across UAlbany.
One of the notable events this spring was the department’s collaboration with The RNA Institute and the College of Integrated Health Sciences (CIHS) during Showcase Day 2025 where undergraduate students presented original research spanning topics from molecular biology to neuroscience. This event demonstrated the remarkable quality of student work and interdisciplinary collaboration across UAlbany. Over the summer, members of the department provided community outreach through hands-on biology camps for local high and middle school students. These summer science camps in Bioinformatics, Coral Ecology, DNA Technology, Forensic Science, and Discovering Microbes provided young scientists with the chance to work in state-of-the-art laboratories alongside researchers and graduate students.
The department also celebrated the arrival of new faculty and the numerous accomplishments of our current members. Dr. Paolo Forni was awarded a $3.3 million NIH grant to support his research into Kallmann Syndrome and the development of the olfactory system. Both Dr. Forni and Dr. Annalisa Scimemi were honored with the President’s Excellence in Research and Creative Activities Awards. Dr. Melinda Larsen was inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s College of Fellows.
In the department’s research labs, undergraduate and graduate students made significant contributions to advancing science. Examples include Dr. Cheryl Andam’s study on antimicrobial resistance, Dr. Cara Pager, Dr Morgan Sammons and Pheonah Badu research on Zika virus infection, and Dr. Andrew Berglund’s investigations into myotonic dystrophy and breast cancer using RNA-based technologies. Overall, members of the department published nearly 40 peer-reviewed articles, awarded new research grants, and contributed broadly to biomedical science, microbiology, neuroscience, and cellular, molecular, and developmental biology.
Several Department of Biological Sciences students achieved recognition at the highest level. For example, Leah Punoose received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, whereas Sydney Hanson was named Top Oral Presenter in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the ABRCMS national conference. Additionally, Joey Tavarez, Kennedi Weston, and Pujhitha Ramesh earned Best Poster Awards at the Salivary Glands and Exocrine Biology Gordon Research Conference.
The department in conjunction with CAS is excited to soon offer two new undergraduate degree programs: a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience which is a collaboration with the Department of Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. These two new undergraduate programs are part of the University, CAS, and the Biology Department’s shared commitment to providing students with career-focused opportunities through next-generation education and training. More importantly, the department continues to support students through resources like IBASS tutoring, advising, and experiential learning opportunities such as the 42nd Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, the Society for Neuroscience Hudson-Berkshire Chapter Meeting, the 2024 New York RNA Symposium, and the 15th Annual Life Sciences Research Symposium.
Finally, we celebrate the career of Dr. Marlene Belfort as an internationally recognized scientist and mentor with her recently published memoir Mommy, Can Boys Also Be Doctors? A Message to Young Scientists and Other Humans. In her memoir, Dr. Belfort discusses her outstanding work in molecular biology and her dedication to mentoring the future generation of scientists.
As we begin this new academic year, we look forward to the next round of innovation, achievements, contributions and partnerships to science, education, and the community. The Department of Biological Sciences invites you to explore our 2024–2025 Department Newsletter/Annual Review, stay connected through our website and social media, and join us in supporting the continued growth and success of UAlbany, CAS and the Biology Department.
Click on the following to access the Department of Biological Sciences 2024-2025 Newsletter/Annual Review: 
Biology-Newsletter-Fall-2025-v5.pdf
Clink to learn more about Department of Biological Sciences: https://www.albany.edu/biology