Recording: The Axelrod Prize in Public Health Recipient Thomas A. Burke

A white statue of Minerva stands in the Science Library atrium. Glass windows are behind her.

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 19, 2020) - On November 17, 2020, the University at Albany School of Public Health proudly hosted public health practitioners, faculty, students, colleagues and friends from across the United States for a lecture given by the 2020 Axelrod Prize in Public Health recipient, Thomas A. Burke of Johns Hopkins University.

Burke presented "Lessons We Never Learned in School: Reflections from the Front Lines of Public Health Practice".

Please view the recording of the event below.

The Axelrod Prize in Public Health honors and recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of public health at the intersection of academia and government service at the local, state or federal level. Candidates were nominated by individuals in public health and related fields. The nominees were evaluated based on the alignment of their public health contributions with Dr. David Axelrod's vision for the important intersection of academia and government health departments, the impact of these contributions to the demonstrable improvement of public health, and the role these contributions played in reducing health disparities.

New Frontiers to Health

Scientists can identify the origins of diseases by studying how RNA turns genes on and off, potentially leading to innovative disease treatments and possible cures.

Biological Science grad student Marissa Louis in RNA lab

Unique RNA Research Opportunities

The RNA Institute offers unique opportunities to researchers and trainees for collaboration and interdisciplinary research. We have more than 50 faculty working to understand the role of RNA in fundamental biological processes, developing RNA as a tool for science and harnessing this knowledge to improve human health.

The RNA Institute is more than just a modern research facility. We are a collection of diverse and talented researchers and laboratories united by a common goal in understanding the role of RNA across different fields, including biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, physics, and nanobiosciences. RNA forms the basis of our research, it is the common element that we study, build, modify and analyze as well as the building blocks that we use to construct tools, reporters, and therapies.

RNA Training

Our RNA Training Programs provide a multi-disciplinary curriculum with a focus on RNA and its health-related benefits. We develop our future science leaders by providing trainees from high school to post-doc students and beyond with comprehensive access to faculty, techniques, and collaborations within Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, and Nanobiosciences. Our training includes the Doctoral RNA Training Program and the Undergraduate Summer Fellowship.

Ken Halvorsen and student researcher of the RNA Institute

Supporting Diversity and Inclusivity in STEM

One of The RNA Institute's strengths is the diversity of our faculty's research and range of disciplines. However, the diversity of our faculty and trainees lags behind the University at Albany's undergraduate population and surrounding communities. In line with UAlbany's mission to ensure that diversity, in its people and in its ideas, drives excellence in everything that it does, the Institute launched a multi-pronged approach to increase diversity and support inclusivity at the Institute and across STEM disciplines.

The RNA Institute hosted its inaugural RNA Day, inviting local students from the New York State’s Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) and Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region

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