RNA Training Programs
Training the Next Generation of RNA scientists
High School Program | Undergraduate Summer Program | Doctoral RNA Training Program | Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in RNA | RNA Blueprint for Post-baccalaureates (RBP) Program | Other Opportunities
Providing interdisciplinary training that crosses traditional curriculum boundaries is critical for preparing future RNA researchers to translate advances in RNA science into beneficial technologies.
High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp (Virtual)
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The RNA Institute High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp is a competitive summer training program held virtually for high school students.
The camp delivers training in bioinformatics analysis of RNA sequencing data through live daily lectures and support by UAlbany-affiliated mentors. Trainees will complete and present an independent bioinformatics project based in neurodegenerative disease research.
Learn more about the 2025 High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp.
Bioinformatics Research Program (Virtual)
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The RNA Institute Summer Bioinformatics Research Program is a fully virtual training program for undergraduate students and students of higher academic levels.
The 2025 summer program will be held virtually from June 16 to August 1, 2025.
Learn more about the Bioinformatics Research Program.
Doctoral RNA Training Program
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This novel, PhD-level training program for current University at Albany students provides a multi-disciplinary curriculum with a focus on RNA and its health relevance. We develop our future science leaders by providing students with access to faculty, techniques, and collaborations within UAlbany, including The RNA Institute, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
The participating students are selected from PhD programs within the UAlbany departments of Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, and Chemistry, and SUNY Polytechnic Nanobiosciences. Funded in part by a T32 NIH training grant, the program supports a comprehensive, intellectually rigorous, and individualized PhD training experience. The training program is run by The RNA Institute, which is housed in and sponsored by the UAlbany College of Arts and Sciences.
The program also offers resource-faculty with RNA interests from the UAlbany Mathematics and Physics departments. The participating faculty represents a unique assembly of RNA expertise, ranging from single-molecule biophysics and chemical synthesis to developmental biology and infectious diseases.
Learn more about the Doctoral RNA Training Program.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates in RNA
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students.
Our REU in RNA is designed to support the training of 10 students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2023-2025 (30 students total), with a focus on students from schools with limited research opportunities or groups under-represented in STEM.
Students will participate in hands-on research focused on scientific discovery in and around ribonucleic acid (RNA) science and RNA-based technologies. Students will be provided with stipends, housing and meal support and will work closely with RNA Institute faculty directly in an Institute lab in Albany, NY.
The program aims to train the next generation of RNA researchers that will collaboratively advance our understanding of the mechanisms governing life, develop scientific tools to assist this process, and help create solutions with broad research, diagnostic, and therapeutic impacts.
Read more on the REU in RNA Program.
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RNA Blueprint for Post-baccalaureates (RBP) Program
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Our RNA Blueprint for Post-baccalaureates (RBP) Program supports recent graduates with full-time hands-on research training, mentorship, and career development in RNA research. Program participants, once selected, will serve as a member of one the RNA Institute-affiliated research labs for one year.
This program provides research and training opportunities to individuals traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well as those who lacked biological research or training opportunities during college.
This 12-month program is structured to prepare post-baccalaureates with the technical skills necessary to advance in RNA research, technology development and to transition to academic, professional, and industry careers.