(Utica, NY – Aug. 2014) Since 1960, the Cardiac Research Institute at Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL) has recognized the importance of encouraging talented young men and women to pursue a career in science or medicine. The individuals selected through the highly competitive application process for 2014 are Collette Bora (Worchester Polytechnic Institute), Elizabeth-Anne Carbone (Cornell University), Neesha Desai (University of Rochester), Carly Dziekan (St. Lawrence University), Erica Freund (Wake Forest University), Georg Gussak (Rutgers University), Brian LaGrant (Cornell University), Ruben Mathew (Cornell University), Heather McManus (Utica College), Jennifer Sexton (Union College), Ashley Spina (Cornell University), Steven Toffel (Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences), Vaischnav Vigneswaran (University at Buffalo) and Tanya Zeina (Boston College). These talented Fellows will join a distinguished group of over 400 gifted students who have participated in the MMRL Summer Fellowship Program.
The 10 week program permits students direct involvement in research projects, under staff guidance, in the fields of experimental cardiology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, stem cell research and organ bioengineering. During their tenure, students gain an appreciation for how scientific problems pertaining to medical disease are approached and examined, and experience the day to day running of a cutting-edge research facility. After completing the program, they will have gained knowledge and practical experience in physiological, biochemical, molecular and pharmacological methodologies and be better prepared to make important career decisions.
The summer session closed with a scientific symposium presented by the students on Wednesday, July 30 followed by an awards luncheon honoring the Summer Fellows and local sponsors at the Laboratory.
Please visit www.mmrl.edu to learn more about the Summer Fellowship Program.