Biology Department's Maurice Petroccione named Dissertation Award finalist

The Department of Biological Sciences congratulates Dr. Maurice Petroccione on being named a finalist for the SUNY Chancellor’s Distinguished PhD Dissertation Award. This SUNY-wide honor recognizes the most exceptional doctoral dissertations across SUNY’s Ph.D.-awarding institutions.

Dr. Petroccione completed his doctoral research in the laboratory of Associate Professor Annalisa Scimemi. His dissertation, “The Multifaceted Role of Glutamate at Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses,” was nominated by University at Albany in recognition of its outstanding scholarly quality and its significance within the field of neuroscience. This achievement demonstrates the strength of University of Albany’s graduate research and mentorship programs. 

Each year, SUNY graduates approximately 1,200 PhD students across various disciplines including the life and physical sciences plus engineering, social sciences, and the fine arts. The nine SUNY institutions that grant doctoral degrees are each invited to submit one nomination each year for this award. The first-place recipient receives $5,000 to support professional development while up to five finalists are awarded $1,000 each. All awardees are formally recognized by the SUNY Chancellor in celebration of their research accomplishments and SUNY’s commitment to supporting excellence.

Dr. Petroccione is currently continuing his research as a postdoctoral fellow in the Scimemi lab. Again, congratulations to Dr. Petroccione and the Scimemi lab on this outstanding achievement!

For additional information on SUNY Chancellor’s Distinguished Ph.D. Dissertation Award: Dissertation Award - SUNY System.

Information on Scimemi lab: Scimemi Lab.

Information on UAlbany’s Department of Biological Sciences: Department of Biological Sciences | University at Albany.