Masonic Medical Research Institute News Release

Four SUNY Poly students among 10 total joining MMRI for a 10-week Summer Program

UTICA, NY — The Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) is proud to announce the start of their Summer Fellowship Program for 2022. This year, we are proud to welcome 10 talented individuals, who represent local colleges and universities across New York State. “We are thrilled to have these talented students with us at MMRI this year, each of whom were selected for their scientific prowess and curiosity. This year was especially competitive, as we received 49 applications from highly qualified individuals, the highest number of applications received in our 64-year history,” said Dr. Khanh Ha, Predoctoral Research and Postdoctoral Affairs Program Coordinator.

The fellowship program is a hallmark of MMRI’s dedication to education and training. The ten-week program immerses undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) projects, providing students the opportunity to immerse themselves in cutting edge research. Each student is paired with a principal scientist at the Institute, and together, work to design a scientific project that complements both the interests of the student and those of the laboratory. The program began on May 20, 2022, and will conclude on July 29.

Throughout the years, the Summer Fellowship Program been greatly successful; its summer fellows have gone on to become scientists, clinicians, or professionals in business or medical related fields. This success could not be possible if not for the generous support of our local sponsors. This year, MMRI was grateful to receive support from M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund, facilitated through the generosity of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties; Drs. Atul and Amita Butala, sponsors of the Alap Butala Summer Fellowship Fund; the Burrows Foundation; Utica Lodge #47 F.&A.M.; The Cerny Family Trust; Mr. Gary T. Forest; Mr. Walter R. Leong, and Mr. Vincent Cunzio, CPA Treasurer of MMRI Board of Directors.

Students in the Program this year are: Yashi Agarwal, Aaron Farley, Yuriy Milobog, and Catherine Hagearty-Mattern, from SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Sandy Thai, from Hamilton College; Dominick Lomonaco and Anna Burkhartzmeyer, from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Ryan Soron and Gianna Sisti, from Binghamton University; and Hannah Bochniak, from Hartwick College. Congratulations to all and best of luck on your summer projects.

Read more about the MMRI Summer Fellowship at the link here: https://www.mmri.edu/summer-fellowship-program/

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MMRI is dedicated to scientific research that improves the health and quality of life for all. We strive to conduct high quality research aimed at developing a deep understanding of diseases and generating innovative cures and treatments. For more information about MMRI and the Summer Fellowship program, please visit mmri.edu.