SPRINTER Group Visits CEHD and RNA Institute
By John Cleary
On June 18, 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)—a summer research experience for undergraduates offered by SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University that combines basic science with health disparities and community-based research.
The students started their visit with a presentation and Q&A session with CEHD Director and Associate Professor in the College of Integrated Health Sciences Elizabeth Vásquez. 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 the discussion were health disparities Biology PhD candidates Kennedi Weston (Larsen lab) and Esperanza Rosas (Fuchs lab), along with an epidemiology PhD trainee, Mirza Noor. Together, they discussed 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 and Sciences’ RNA Institute, led by Director Andy Berglund and Esperanza Rosas. Students were treated to a 3D presentation on how toxic RNA is targeted to develop new small molecule treatments led by Associate Professor of Chemistry Alan Chen. The group also toured a research lab with the Institute’s Assistant Director of Operations Tammy Reid, and saw how patient muscle and skin samples are used in research to help develop new treatments.
The students finished their day with a Q&A session with Alan Chen (Associate Professor, Chemistry and RNA Institute) and John Cleary (Assistant Director of Research, RNA Institue), along with three Institute trainees: Cécilia Légaré, a post-doctoral fellow leading the Institute’s bioinformatics training program who shared insights into how RNA changes in response to exercise in patients with myotonic dystrophy; Sharon Shaughnessy, a biology PhD candidate who discussed her research on the role of inflammation and RNA changes in myotonic dystrophy; and Lucas Hooker, a post-baccalaureate trainee who will be starting medical school at SUNY Upstate in the fall. The group 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.
This annual event marks an ongoing collaboration between the CEHD and the RNA Institute, two academic units linked by a shared belief in the importance of empowering students, faculty, and campus communities to reach their full potential and author their own success. By working together to increase the number and diversity of scholars pursuing advanced degrees, this collaboration is a strong example of how UAlbany faculty and Institutes work together to unleash greatness.