SPRINTER students visit CEHD, RNA Institute for annual summer tour
The Center for Elimination of Health Disparities (CEHD) hosted a group of students involved in the Summer Program in Translational Disparities and Community Engaged Research (SPRINTER) offered by SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University on June 18, 2025.
The SPRINTER program is a summer research experience for undergraduates that combines basic science with health disparities and community-based research. During their visit to UAlbany, students participated in a day of research presentations and a tour of the RNA Institute.
The students started their visit with a presentation by Elizabeth Vásquez, CEHD Director and Associate Professor in the College of Integrated Health Sciences. She highlighted the mission and impact of the CEHD, emphasizing the critical role of social determinants of health in shaping individual and community well-being.
Joining Dr. Vásquez for the presentation and a subsequent luncheon Q&A session were Health Disparities Biology PhD candidates Kennedi Weston (Larsen lab) and Esperanza Rosas (Fuchs lab) and current Health Disparities Epidemiology PhD trainee Mirza Noor.
The group discussed a variety of topics including the intersection of basic research, social determinants and public health, highlighting how collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches can advance health equity and address health challenges in communities facing systemic barriers.
After lunch, the students toured the College of Arts & Science’s RNA Institute, led by Director Dr. Andy Berglund and Hearst Health Disparities Biology PhD candidate Esperanza Rosas (Fuchs Lab).
The SPRINTER students were treated to a 3D presentation explaining the basics of RNA science and how toxic RNA is targeted to develop disease treatments by Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Alan Chen. 3D visualization is a tool that Institute researchers use in developing new small molecules designed to reduce RNA toxicity.
The group also toured an Institute research lab with RNA Institute Assistant Director of Operations Tammy Reid and saw how muscle and skin samples provided by patients affected by toxic RNA disease are used in research to help develop new treatments.
The SPRINTER students finished their tour with a Q&A session with Dr. Chen, RNA Institute Assistant Director of Research Dr. John Cleary and three RNA Institute trainees:
- Dr. Cécilia Légaré, a postdoctoral fellow leading the RNA Institute’s bioinformatics training program, shared insights into her research on how RNA changes in response to exercise in the leading cause of muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy.
- Sharon Shaughnessy, a Biology PhD candidate in Dr. Berglund’s lab, discussed her research on the role of inflammation and RNA alternations in myotonic dystrophy.
- Lucas Hooker, a post-baccalaureate trainee who will be starting medical school at SUNY Upstate in the fall, discussed career development for undergraduates heading to medical school, the benefits of hands-on biomedical research experiences, and career paths in biomedical and STEM research.
The SPRINTER students departed the Uptown Campus with a greater appreciation of the strength of UAlbany’s health disparities and RNA research programs.
This annual event marks an ongoing collaboration between CEHD and the RNA Institute that seeks to increase the number and diversity of scholars pursuing advanced degrees. CEHD and RNA institute are united in their belief in empowering students, faculty and campus communities to reach their full potential and author their own success. Yet another example of how UAlbany's Centers and Institutes work together to unleash greatness!