Meet MMRI: Tongbin Wu Ph.D.

Tongbin Wu headshot

Tongbin Wu, Ph.D., has been named assistant professor of biomedical research and translational medicine at MMRI. In this role, Wu will oversee a laboratory dedicated to heart development and cardiovascular medicine. Specifically, his laboratory will research novel therapeutic targets and advance the development of treatments for left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC), a cardiac muscle disorder in…

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Samantha Le Sommer: The Rising Tide Raises All Ships

Dr. Le Sommer working on a project

Our very own Samantha Le Sommer, Ph.D., under Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., executive director, was published in Wiley. Her article “The Rising Tide Raises All Ships” talks about her battles and successes from high school to becoming an employee here at MMRI and how those events have helped her to become a mentor. Read the whole…

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Meet MMRI: Millie Occhionero

Millie Occhionero headshot

Millie Occhionero has been named director of Marketing and Communications at MMRI. In this role, Occhionero will design and oversee the organization’s community outreach and marketing initiatives. “I’m thrilled to join MMRI at such an exciting time for the organization,” said Occhionero. “Our world-class researchers are doing innovative work and I’m eager to promote it.”…

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A Summer of Science, Fellowship

Lab techs working on a scientific project

The MMRI Summer Fellowship Program provides university students the opportunity to learn and work for ten weeks at a preeminent research lab. Mentored by leading scientists, the MMRI Summer Fellows experience a truly unique mentorship opportunity. This summer, some of the MMRI Summer Fellows were interviewed by reporters to find out about their experiences and…

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Dr. Kontaridis Inspires, Encourages Graduates During Commencement Address

Dr. Maria Kontaridis walking on a stage at SUNY Poly

Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., the MMRI Executive Director, Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine, and Director of Research, was invited to be the 2023 commencement speaker at two area college graduation ceremonies. This honor is reserved for especially inspiring individuals and community leaders, to which Dr. Kontaridis rose to the occasion with motivational words for…

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Research Takes Center Stage at Lupus Awareness Event

lupus awareness badge

May 19, 2023 The Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, Inc., and MMRI teamed up on May 19 at the MMRI campus in Utica. Local leaders, patient advocates, and scientists alike came together to both raise awareness and celebrate the positive steps made towards combating lupus. More than 1.5 million Americans, and 5 million people worldwide,…

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Perspectives on Choosing a Career in Science Research

Samples being moved in a machine

MMRI was featured in a discussion about the types and methods of research, in an article for those considering a career in STEM research (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Forage: What Is Research? Types and Methods https://www.theforage.com/blog/skills/what-is-research (Click here for the PDF) Excerpt: Why Does Research Matter? While some research seeks to uncover ground-breaking information on its…

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Griffin Charitable Foundation Donates $71,000 to MMRI

Zhiqiang Lin at a monitor reviewing research

The Griffin Charitable Foundation of Rome, New York, donated $71,000 to fund cutting-edge technology at MMRI. The donation will be used to purchase an advanced microscope that will enable MMRI scientists to perform groundbreaking molecular research. The Griffin Charitable Foundation is funded by the Griffin family, including the estates of sister and brother Dorothy G.…

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