Nine students participating in MMRI summer fellowship program

UTICA, N.Y. — Nine students from New York colleges and universities are working with the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) in Utica in its summer fellowship program.

The program started May 24 and will conclude July 29, MMRI said. The organization had to cancel the program in 2020 over concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

Participants this year include Emma Zupan of St. Lawrence University; Katherine Jankowski and Maurice Tang, both of whom are students at Hamilton College; Yuriy Milobog of SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Emily Marshall who attends the University at Albany; Katherine Nelson, a student at Vassar College; Samantha Tavarez who attends the Rochester Institute of Technology; Joseph Wu of the University at Buffalo; and Joseph Hoskins, a student at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

“We are thrilled to once again be able to offer the summer fellowship program. Throughout the years, we have seen great success come to the fellows, and are excited to keep that tradition alive,” Dr. Jonathan Cordeiro, summer fellowship coordinator, said.

For over 60 years, the fellowship program has been a “hallmark of MMRI’s dedication to education and training.”

The 10-week program has undergraduate, graduate, and medical students involved in STEM-related projects, providing opportunities to partake in research while preparing them for future scientific endeavors.

STEM is short for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Each student will be paired with a scientist, who will help the fellow develop an individually designed project that complements their interests and those of the laboratory. To expand upon our traditional offerings, this year we are excited to welcome one student who will conduct his fellowship within MMRI’s information technology department.

MMRI credits its sponsors for the program’s longevity. M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund through The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties; the Burrows Foundation; Utica Lodge #47 F.&A.M.; and White Plains Masonic Historical Society provided support for the 2021 program, MMRI said.

MMRI says it focuses on scientific research that “improves the health and quality of life for all” and works to conduct “high quality research aimed at developing a deep understanding of diseases and generating innovative cures and treatments,” per its news release.