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Thanks to a wonderful partnership with Albany Medical Center, ten students from Albany High had to take a deep dive into the topic of medical research. Their journey started with a special visit from Charles Day, Hillary Weiss, and Michael DiPersio, Ph.D. from Albany Medical Center to prepare them for a special two-day experience to meet researchers and esteemed scientists. 

On Oct. 7, our students enjoyed an exclusive tour of one of the research labs at Albany Medical College and heard firsthand details about current research being done on RNA activity. Dr. DiPersio explained how the researchers are studying tumor and wound cells in mice, and how these types of studies will hopefully lead to developing advancements in treatments and therapies for diseases such as cancer.

After the tour, our students were invited to a three-part lecture given by the recipients of the 2024 Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research. This prestigious award is given yearly to a physician, scientist, or group whose work has led to significant advances in health care and scientific research with demonstrated translational benefits for improved patient care. Howard Y. Chang, M.D., Ph.D., Adrian R. Krainer, Ph.D. and Lynne E. Maquat, Ph.D. shared about their research related to RNA (ribonucleic acid) and our students had the opportunity to ask questions.

The following day, our students attended the Albany Prize award ceremony and reception. Students learned captivating insights about the roles of non-coding RNAs in biological regulation, RNA splicing and mRNA decay. The Albany Prize recipients also fielded additional questions from our Albany High students, sharing poignant advice about the importance of collaboration, tenacity, passion, and camaraderie. Dr. Chang affirmed to our students, "Science is a collaborative endeavor," and his fellow Albany Prize recipients enthusiastically agreed!

A particularly powerful moment was when Dr. Maquat shared her personal experience as a high school student, noting that neither of her parents had gone to college, but they believed strongly in education. Dr. Maquat worked during the summers at a “five and dime store” and at a factory to secure the resources to go to college. Her story reminded our students that no matter your situation or background, you can work to achieve great things.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Laura O’Brian and the Albany Medical Center Foundation, Michael DiPersio, Ph.D., Charles Day, Hillary Weiss, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction Lori McKenna, Innovation Academy Principal Rick Shea, and Secondary Science and STEM Initiatives Instructional supervisor Amanda Powers for making this memorable opportunity a reality for our students!