MMRI Holds Graduation Ceremony for 2026 Summer Fellowship Cohort

Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) recognized the achievements of 13 students during its annual Summer Fellowship graduation ceremony on Friday, July 17, 2026, marking the completion of an intensive 10-week research experience designed to prepare the next generation of biomedical scientists.

 

Working alongside MMRI’s principal investigators and research teams, the Fellows contributed to ongoing studies exploring cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and autism. Through daily laboratory research, the students developed technical expertise while gaining firsthand experience in the scientific process, from experimental design to data analysis.

 

“The Summer Fellowship Program reflects MMRI’s commitment to developing future scientific leaders,” said Maria I. Kontaridis, Ph.D., Executive Director and Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine and Director of Research at MMRI. “Throughout the summer, these students embraced new challenges, strengthened their research skills, and learned how to think critically about complex scientific questions. It has been a privilege to watch their confidence grow, and we look forward to seeing where their careers take them.”

 

Admission to the Summer Fellowship Program is highly competitive, with participants selected for their academic achievement, scientific curiosity, and potential for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). During the program, Fellows trained with advanced laboratory technologies, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and targeted drug delivery systems, while also participating in professional development workshops and seminars led by MMRI scientists.

 

“Scientific research requires curiosity, perseverance, and the willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks,” said Jason McCarthy, Ph.D., Associate Director of Science and Professor of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine at MMRI. “Over the past 10 weeks, these students have demonstrated all of those qualities. Their presentations showcased not only the knowledge they gained, but also the confidence they developed as young scientists.”

 

The program concluded with the Fellows presenting their summer research projects to MMRI faculty, staff, family members, friends, and community supporters during the graduation ceremony.

 

For decades, MMRI’s Summer Fellowship Program has served as a launching point for students pursuing careers in research, medicine, and other health professions. Alumni have continued their education at leading graduate, medical, pharmacy, and veterinary schools, while others have built careers in academia, biotechnology, healthcare, and biomedical research. Many former Fellows have also returned to MMRI to continue their scientific training, underscoring the program’s enduring impact.

 

The 2026 MMRI Summer Fellowship Program included:

Kontaridis Laboratory

· Karoline Litke, Vanderbilt University

· Hay Marn Lwin, SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Kessinger Laboratory

· Jes Mukkatt, Binghamton University

Lin Laboratory

· Lauren Sfeir, Alfred University

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

Nystoriak Laboratory

· Olivia Kalil, St. John Fisher University

· Aaron Katz, Binghamton University

Wu Laboratory

· Edmond Yang, Johns Hopkins University

 

The 2026 MMRI Summer Fellowship Program was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors including:

• Alera Group

• Burrows Foundation

• Drs. Atul and Amita Butala

• Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

• First Manhattan Masonic District

• Health Forward Foundation

• IBEW Local Union #43

• 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 deeply appreciate the support of donors and community partners whose assistance makes this program possible each year,” said Stephen F. Izzo, MA, MPA, USNR (Ret.), Principal Development Officer at MMRI. “Their investment in MMRI and medical research gives aspiring scientists the chance to work alongside world-class investigators, build research skills, and take meaningful steps toward careers advancing human health.”

 

Learn more about the MMRI Summer Fellowship Program at: https://www.mmri.edu/summerfellow/

 

 2026 Summer Fellows (from left to right): Aksel Reid, Lydia DeTraglia, Adin Terovic, Sawyer Michel, Danielle Zuccaro, Jes Mukkatt, Olivia Kalil, Lauren Sfeir, Aaron Katz, Anna Petersen, Karoline Litke, Hay Marn Lwin

 

· 2026 Summer Fellows at graduation ceremony (from left to right): Edmond Yang, Lauren Sfeir, Anna Petersen, Zachary Jablonski, Hay Marn Lwin, Danielle Zuccaro, Jes Mukkatt, Karoline Litke, Olivia Kalil

 

 

PLATINUM INVESTORS