Noteworthy: Research grants, awards and publications

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 29, 2025) — The latest developments on University at Albany faculty and staff who are receiving research grants, awards and other noteworthy attention:

• Annalisa Scimemi, associate professor of biological sciences, received $565,000 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to support her project titled “Presynaptic modulation of synaptic inhibition onto hippocampal pyramidal neurons.” The proposed work will explore neuronal circuits in the brain involved in perceiving space, and could support the development of future treatments for diseases associated with hippocampal neural circuit dysfunction like epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder.
• Professor of Nanoscale Science & Engineering Susan Sharfstein has been awarded a four-year, $2.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation for her project, "FMRG: Bio: Manufacturing Multi-dimensional Culture Systems with Integrated Measurement and Manipulation Technologies.”
• Weilan Zhang, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, has been awarded a three-year, $419,942 award from the National Science Foundation for his project, "Investigating PFAS Bioaccumulation Behavior, Uptake Mechanisms, and Food Quality Implications in Edible Crops."
• RNA Institute researchers received $1,048,300 from the National Institutes of Health to purchase an advanced imaging device that will allow them to study interactions between and within biomolecules, cells and other nano/micro scale materials in real time. By enabling research capabilities currently unavailable within a 100-mile radius, the instrument will offer a unique window into biological and biochemical mechanisms that regulate processes in healthy and diseased cells – insights needed to facilitate new disease treatments.