Advisory Board

CIIM Advisory Board

Bruce Geller ‘91, Chair, Geller Ventures, LLC, NY

Nolan Altman ‘77, NTA Consulting, NY

Lars Asplund '98, Asplund Investment Management LLC, NY

Sterling Auty ‘96, JP Morgan, NY

Michael Borys ‘78, Goldman Sachs & Company, NY

David Buzen ‘81, Assured Guaranty, NY

William Desormeau '00, Strategic Benefit Services, Albany

Brett Hammond, The Capital Group, NY

Hugh Johnson, HJ Advisors, Albany

Joshua Landau '95, Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati

Debbie Martin Machare '95, JP Morgan, NY

Robert Matza ‘77, Goldentree Asset Management, NY (retired)

Matt Reiner ‘93, Adirondack Research & Management, Albany

Timothy Rittenhouse ‘79, CSG Advisors, Inc., NY

Hany Shawky, University at Albany

Rick Surett ‘01, Ports America, NY

Stephen Toy ‘94, WL Ross & Co., NY

Emery Trahan ‘87, Northeastern University, Boston

Kajal Lahiri, University at Albany

Paul Zummo ‘90, JP Morgan Alternative Asset Management, NY

Emeritus Advisory Board Members

Dan Cohen ’11, New York, NY

Marguerite Dugan ‘94, Jefferies and Company, NY

Cecilia Falbe, University at Albany

Gary Jacobson ‘82, New York, NY

Herbert Lurie ‘82, San Diego, CA

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

Unique RNA Research Opportunities

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.

RNA Training

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

Supporting Diversity and Inclusivity in STEM

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

Eight UAlbany Students Win 2024 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

April 16, 2024

Eight UAlbany students will be recognized Thursday with the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the highest award the State University of New York bestows upon a student.

Noteworthy: Research grants, awards and publications

March 28, 2024

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

Sullivan Award Honors PhD Students in Nanobioscience, Advanced Materials

March 28, 2024

Students Michael Dolan and Sri Saravana Konganapuram Narasimma Bharathi of UAlbany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering winners of the John J. Sullivan Professional Development Award for 2023-24, presented annually to CNSE graduate students to enable experiential and scholarly opportunities within nanotechnology or related fields during their studies.