January 22, 2026
3-5 P.M.
D'Ambra Auditorium, LSRB
Uptown Campus University at Albany
Organized by
Marlene Belfort, Paolo Forni, and Cheryl Andam
Organized by
Marlene Belfort, Paolo Forni, and Cheryl Andam
Workshop for Interaction and Scientific Communication
Chinwe Ekenna is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University at Albany and Director of the Robotics, Algorithm, and Computable Systems (RACS) Laboratory. Her research focuses on robotics, motion planning, machine learning, and computational biology, with an emphasis on developing algorithms that allow autonomous systems to navigate complex and dynamic environments. Dr. Ekenna is also deeply committed to outreach and diversity in STEM, working to expand research opportunities and training for women and underrepresented groups in computing and robotics.
Michael Boucher is a Research Scientist and Principal Investigator at the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, where he leads a laboratory studying the molecular genetics of fungal pathogens. His research combines high-throughput genetics, molecular biology, and computational approaches to uncover how pathogenic fungi adapt, evade host defenses, and cause disease. By identifying key genes and pathways essential for virulence and drug resistance, his work aims to inform the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for serious fungal infections.
Jennifer Hurley is a Professor and Head of the Department of Biological Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she leads the Hurley Laboratory. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms, how the internal biological clock regulates cellular and organismal physiology, and uses molecular genetics, biochemistry, and computational approaches to uncover how disruptions in the clock contribute to disorders and disease. Dr. Hurley joined RPI in 2015 and has received numerous awards including an NIH MIRA, NSF CAREER, and the Society for Research in Biological Rhythms Junior Faculty Research Award.