
Noteworthy: Research grants, awards and publications
The latest developments on University at Albany faculty and staff who are receiving research grants, awards and other noteworthy attention.

Exploring AI-Enabled Disease Detection: Q&A with S M Ashiqul ‘Mishu’ Islam
UAlbany's Mishu Islam discusses how he is leveraging vast stores of genetic data to find 'fingerprints' linked to multiple types of cancer and other complex diseases, in order to improve methods for understanding patient risk, getting ahead of disease and advancing capabilities in personalized medicine.

Celebrating 10 Years at the ‘Interface of Science and Engineering’
The 2025 installment of the ‘Life at the Interface of Science and Engineering’ endowed lecture series will examine the convergence of medical, physical and engineering sciences, empowered by AI.

Applied Public Health Fellows Afforded Firsthand View of DOH Leadership
MPH students in the Applied Public Health Fellowship program recently shadowed DOH Commissioner Dr. James McDonald to experience state-level health leadership firsthand

Social Welfare Professor Evaluates Peer-To-Peer Veteran Support Programs
Eric Hardiman leads an ongoing evaluation of the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program, an initiative designed in 2012 by the New York State Office of Mental Health and the State Department of Veterans Services to help veterans overcome challenges by providing peer-to-peer support and non-clinical services that foster community, connection and well-being.

Q&A with Cheng Ren: Leveraging AI to Advance Housing Justice
Ren received the 2025 Outstanding Social Work Doctoral Dissertation Award from the Society for Social Work and Research for his dissertation “Not All Eviction Cases Are Alike: How Do Contextual and Individual Characteristics Matter?" Here, Ren sheds light on his dissertation and current research, and the importance of studying evictions to advance housing justice.

Understanding Barriers to Health Care for Older Adults
Yanjun Dong saw firsthand how her older family members struggled to navigate the health care system—including long wait times, prohibitive costs, and difficulty understanding complex and technical information. These experiences deepened her interest in advocating for improved health care access and utilization for older adults, ultimately leading her to a focus on gerontology in social work.

Learning for Life: Emeritus Center Launches New Institute
The Albany Lifelong Learning Institute is designed for emeriti, alumni and the greater community, both for education and camaraderie.