Former MMRI Summer Fellow Amna Khan Receives SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence

Masonic Medical Research Institute is proud to recognize former MMRI Summer Fellow Amna Khan following her receipt of the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence — the highest honor awarded to graduating students within the State University of New York system.

Khan graduated from SUNY Polytechnic Institute on May 11, 2026, with a degree in biology and minors in chemistry and medical sociology. Throughout her undergraduate career, she distinguished herself through academic excellence, scientific research, leadership, and service.

Khan first joined MMRI in spring 2025 before becoming a member of the Institute’s 2025 Summer Fellowship class. During her time in Dr. Jason R. McCarthy’s Lab, she focused on translational biomedical research involving the synthesis of cyanine dye, CyAm7.5B and the development of a fluorogenic probes.  This work explored how plasmin activity may serve as an important indicator of injury severity in the setting of trauma, informing clinicians about the potential for adverse effects. The project combined molecular imaging and biomedical chemistry with real-world clinical applications, highlighting the translational nature of the research conducted at MMRI.

Presenting Research on a National Stage

Khan’s research accomplishments quickly expanded beyond the laboratory. In March, she presented her work at the American Chemical Society National Meeting in Atlanta with travel support from the organization’s Organic Division. She also competed in the Women in Science Symposium at Harvard Medical School and recently shared her findings during the SUNY Poly Research Showcase.

Her growing list of accomplishments reflects a strong commitment to both scientific discovery and academic excellence.

“Amna quickly distinguished herself through her curiosity, work ethic, and commitment to understanding the real-world impact of scientific research,” said Khanh Ha, Ph.D., Instructor at MMRI. “Her project addressed an important translational question with potential clinical relevance, and she consistently demonstrated the determination and scientific maturity that are essential in biomedical research. This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and we are excited to see her continue pursuing a future in medicine and research.”

Preparing for a Career in Medicine and Research

Following graduation, Khan will begin working as a medical assistant at Rome Health Hospital, in Rome, New York, while preparing to apply to medical school this summer.

MMRI’s Summer Fellowship Program is designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on biomedical research experience while fostering mentorship, collaboration, and scientific curiosity. Khan’s success demonstrates the impact these opportunities can have in helping students pursue careers in medicine, healthcare, and research.

MMRI congratulates Khan on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to following her continued success in the medical and scientific fields.