Amazon Prime's ‘The College Tour’ series highlights Rockefeller students
By Indiana Nash
ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 8, 2025) — The spotlight is on Rockefeller College with the latest episode of Amazon Prime's "The College Tour."
It features two Rockefeller students, Jaden Gabb, a political science major, and Jaelyn Staiano, who studied criminal justice at the college. In its 15th season, “The College Tour,” showcases universities across the country, highlighting student stories. Hosted by Alex Boylan, the show came to the University at Albany earlier this year to film the episode. Ten UAlbany students are featured in the episode, which premiered last week.
We recently caught up with Gabb and Staiano about what it was like to be on the show.
Jaden Gabb
Q: What made you want to be on the show?
A: I wanted to be on the show to showcase the incredible opportunities that the University at Albany has provided me as a student who is passionate about public service. It felt like a great way to highlight not only my own journey, but also the unique downtown environment of UAlbany and how it supports experiential learning. Through internships in political science, public policy, and related fields, students like me are able to build meaningful career pathways, and I wanted to shine a light on that.
Q: What was the filming process like?
A: I really enjoyed the filming process—it was smooth, fun, and all done in one day. The producers were so patient and encouraging, especially when I stumbled over my lines. They gave me helpful tips and tricks that made it easier to get comfortable in front of the camera.
Walking around the Capitol with a camera crew was a little overwhelming at first, but it also made me feel proud and important. What made it even more special was having some of the friends I met through the internship featured alongside me, since they were such a big part of my success there.
Q: What parts of your UAlbany/Rockefeller experience did you want to highlight in the episode?
A: I chose to highlight the New York State Assembly internship, which has been such a transformative experience. Working directly in an Assemblymember’s office at the Legislative Office Building gave me the chance to see the inner workings of government up close—how policy is shaped, how bills become laws, and how public service directly impacts communities.
Jaelyn Staiano
Q: What made you want to be on the show?
A: I remember getting the email about the show coming to our campus, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to put myself out there to share my story of how I came to UAlbany and found my place within it. Dr. Camela Hughes had also forwarded the email to me and asked if I would be willing to audition and represent the Cold Case Analysis Center (CCAC).
I felt that I had a unique experience as a transfer student that could stand out to prospective students. Plus, it has been somewhat of a dream for me to be in a TV show or movie production since I was a child. Having the chance to be my genuine self and share a real experience with a wide audience was so rewarding.
Q: What was the filming process like?
A: The filming process was wonderful. Prior to filming, with the help of “The College Tour” preproduction team and UAlbany Office of Communications & Marketing (OCM), I wrote my script, practiced my lines during screen tests and learned what/where I would be filming.
We filmed in front of Draper Hall, in the Cold Case Analysis Center, and in the Hawley Library. It was wonderful to work with both “The College Tour” and UAlbany production teams, as they were very supportive and forthcoming throughout the process.
On the last day of filming, I was in a short part with some of the other cast members. It was so nice to meet them and hear about their experiences. Even after “The College Tour” production team finished filming, UAlbany OCM kept in touch with me to further capture footage for the show. Overall, I had a lot of fun and loved every minute of it.
Q: What parts of your UAlbany/Rockefeller experience did you want to highlight in the episode?
A: I wanted to emphasize the Cold Case Analysis Center (CCAC) in my segment. As I mentioned in the show, the CCAC was one of the biggest factors in my decision to come here. I also wanted to highlight my work as a research/student assistant for Dr. Hughes in the Complex Crime Mapping and Analysis Project.
Other parts of my UAlbany experience I wanted to include was my involvement in various clubs and activities. Even though my transfer to this school was not the smoothest at first, I felt it was important to show how this place became like a second home to me. I wanted to highlight that UAlbany offers something for everyone, no matter their interests or where they come from. Having some familiarity with CCAC but also new opportunities helped me find my place at UAlbany.
