MMRI Launches 2026 Summer Fellowship Program

Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) welcomed 13 students to its 2026 Summer Fellowship Program, a prestigious 10-week biomedical research experience designed to provide hands-on training in cutting-edge scientific research. Working alongside leading MMRI principal investigators, students will gain valuable laboratory experience while contributing to research focused on cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and autism.

MMRI’s Summer Fellowship Program Provides Hands-On Research Experience

MMRI’s highly competitive Summer Fellowship Program selects students based on academic excellence, research potential, and demonstrated passion for STEM-related fields. Throughout the program, Fellows work directly with leading scientists in translational medicine and biomedical research while developing laboratory, analytical, and scientific communication skills.

The program offers students a unique opportunity to participate in real-world medical research focused on improving diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for those affected by some of today’s most challenging diseases.

“We are delighted to welcome these impressive students into MMRI’s coveted Summer Fellowship Program,” said Maria I. Kontaridis Ph.D., Executive Director and Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine at MMRI. “We look forward to seeing how much they grow and the culmination of their research experiences at the end of this program. Students are at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to training the future generation of science and medicine.”

Students Conduct Research in Heart Disease, Lupus, PTSD, and Autism

During the fellowship, students will contribute to research addressing major health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, lupus and autoimmune disorders, PTSD, and autism spectrum disorder.

Summer Fellows will also gain experience using advanced scientific techniques and technologies, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and targeted drug delivery systems. In addition to laboratory research, students will participate in professional development workshops and educational lectures covering scientific topics in which MMRI excels.

The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony on Friday, July 17, 2026, during which Fellows will present their research findings to MMRI staff, colleagues, families, and community members.

Preparing the Next Generation of Scientists and Physicians

MMRI is proud of the long-term success of its Summer Fellowship alumni, many of whom have gone on to attend leading graduate, medical, pharmacy, and veterinary schools across the country.

Programs like MMRI’s Summer Fellowship play an important role in the development of the next generation of scientists, physicians, and healthcare innovators by providing students with meaningful research experience early in their careers.

2026 MMRI Summer Fellowship Participants

Dr. Maria I. Kontaridis Laboratory

• Karoline Litke, Vanderbilt University
• Hay Marn Lwin, SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Dr. Chase Kessinger Laboratory

• Jes Mukkatt, Binghamton University

Dr. Zhiqiang Lin Laboratory

• Lauren Sfeir, Alfred University

Dr. Jason McCarthy Laboratory

• Lydia DeTraglia, Hamilton College
• Zachary Jablonski, Daemen University
• Sawyer Michel, Cornell University
• Anna Petersen, Binghamton University
• Aksel Reid, Hamilton College
• Adin Terovic, SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Dr. Matthew Nystoriak Laboratory

• Olivia Kalil, St. John Fisher University
• Aaron Katz, Binghamton University

Dr. Tongbin Wu Laboratory

• Edmond Yang, Johns Hopkins University

Community Support Makes the Program Possible

The 2026 Summer Fellowship Program was made possible through the generous support of community organizations, foundations, businesses, and individual donors committed to advancing STEM education and biomedical research opportunities for students.

Program supporters include:

• Alera Group
• IBEW Local Union #43
• Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield
• Burrows Foundation
• Drs. Atul and Amita Butala
• First Manhattan Masonic District
• RW Walter R. Leong
• M&T Bank / Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation
• The Give Back to Utica Fund/Steven H. Oram
• Utica Lodge #47 F. & A.M.

“We’d like to thank our generous 2026 Summer Fellowship Program supporters,” said Stephen F. Izzo, Principal Development Officer at MMRI. “Once again, their support is enabling our world-class faculty to train the next generation of scientists to understand and overcome some of the world’s most pernicious diseases.”