Senior Staff

Dr. Styer’s research interests include the development of new molecular diagnostic tests for the detection, quantification, or characterization of bloodborne viruses and the evaluation of FDA approved diagnostic tests and diagnostic testing algorithms.

We study the structural basis of macromolecular assemblies and organelles in epithelial cells for sensing or responding to extracellular environmental changes. Our approach involves a variety of customized methods in advanced electron microscopy.

As Director of the Division of Laboratory Quality Certification (DLQC), Dr. Symula oversees eight regulatory programs that have regulatory authority over multiple areas of public health. 

Dr. Tavakoli oversees the Immunoassay Laboratory of the Newborn Screening Program. Her laboratory conducts clinical testing, assay development and validation, and pilot studies to investigate adding new conditions to the newborn screening panel.

Dr. Totten is responsible for clinical, reference and surveillance testing for viruses and the investigation of outbreaks and emerging viral pathogens

We study gene regulation in bacteria, with a focus on genome-scale approaches. We are interested in regulation of transcription, the function of non-coding RNAs, and leaderless translation initiation.

The Immunology Core is responsible for assisting users in flow cytometry panel development, sample acquisition, sorting, and data analysis.

The Division of Laboratory Operations oversees the Wadsworth Center's operations at five facilities in the Albany area, totaling ~900,000 square feet of space and over 210 acres of real estate.