Since 1960, the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL) has recognized the importance to encourage talented young men and women to pursue a career in science or medicine. This year Seth Anderson (Syracuse University), Jonathon Bates (Nazareth College), Monica Crary (Ursinus College), Amit Desai (Hamilton College), Ashwini Nayak (McGill University), Arpan Patel (Boston University), Grace Reid (Rochester Institute of Technology), Danielle (Clarkson University) and Ankeet Shah (Tufts University) will join a distinguished group of over 400 students who have participated in the MMRL Summer Fellowship Program.

The 10 week program permits students direct involvement in research projects under staff guidance in the fields of experimental cardiology, molecular biology and molecular genetics. During their tenure, students gain an appreciation for how scientific problems pertaining to medical disease are approached and examined, and experience the day to day running of a cutting-edge research facility. After completing the program, they will gain knowledge and practical experience in physiological, biochemical, molecular and pharmacological methodologies and be better prepared to make important career decisions.

The summer session closed with a scientific symposium presented by the students on Thursday, August 10 followed by an awards luncheon honoring the Summer Fellows and local sponsors at the Laboratory. Funding for this year's program has been provided by The Max, DeTraglia, Max and Sullivan Donor Advised Fund of The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc., Northeast Affiliate of the American Heart Association, Dr. Atul Butala, Dr. Ashok and Shilpa Patel, Utica Lodge 47, F. & A.M. and Bredablick Lodge 880, F. & A.M.