Student Leadership and Engagement are teaming up with Alpha Epsilon Phi (AePhi) to host a talent show on March 15, 2025 from 6-8pm in the Student Union Social Hall!

This talent show is part of a fundraiser for Alpha Epsilon Phi to directly support their philanthropy. There is no admission charge to this event, but AEPhi will be collecting donations at the door. 

We hope this event showcases Buffalo State student organizations, performers and brings together our campus community. Additionally, each performance will have a chance to win one of three prizes (to be announced)! 
 

For any questions or more information, please email sle@buffalostate.edu.

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar “Developing a unique live-cell imaging analysis technology for microbiology.”, presented by Søren Busch today at 3:00 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center 214. Søren Busch is the CEO of BioSense Solutions in Denmark. Attendees are welcome to arrive at 2:30 p.m. to enjoy coffee and cookies leading up to the seminar.

Research Seminar Abstract: What happens when you tilt an inverted camera and how can a new technology help answer questions in microbial science. Pioneering a new technology, we gathered engineers, biologist, software developers, professors (scientific advisors) and created a unique space for innovation. With focus on science, and collaboration with external scientific groups, we managed to develop a platform with a broad usage in R&D. Seeing is believing and in microbial science the technology is used as a supportive tool to molecular approaches and to quantify bacteria and fungi in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Food microbiology, Crop Science, Fermentation and Pharmaceutical production.     

The Chemistry Department is hosting a graduate student seminar on Thursday, February 27, during Bengal Pause (12:15 to 1:30 p.m.) in SAMC 151. Our speaker will be Alyssa Heisler, a graduate student in the forensic science master's program. Coffee and snacks will be served.

Abstract

            The development of small molecules targeting immune checkpoint proteins, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. CTLA-4, which is an inhibitory receptor on T cells, plays a critical role in downregulating immune responses, and the blockade or inhibition has been proven to be effective in enhancing anti-tumor immunity.1 However, the discovery of these small molecules that specifically inhibit CTLA-4 remains a complex and intensive process. Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have significantly impacted the field of drug discovery, particularly in the search for small molecules targeting these immune checkpoint proteins. AI techniques, such as machine learning (ML), deep learning, and predictive modeling are transforming the landscape of drug discovery by enabling faster, more efficient identification and optimization of promising therapeutic drug candidates. AI models can rapidly analyze large datasets that include chemical libraries, protein structures, biological assays, and can predict molecular interactions with target proteins like CTLA-4.2 AI algorithms are advantageous in screening vast chemical spaces and identifying lead compounds that would otherwise be difficult to discover through conventional methods. The ability of AI to integrate diverse types of data provides a deeper understanding of how these inhibitors may interact with the immune system and with the molecular mechanisms underlying CTLA-4 inhibition, therefore, paving the way for more targeted and personalized therapies.3 As AI technologies continue to evolve, their role in drug discovery will likely expand, providing opportunities to accelerate the development of novel small molecule therapies for cancer immunotherapy and in drug discovery overall.

References

Sobhani, N.; Tardiel-Cyril, D. R.; Chai, D.; Generali, D.; Li, J.-R.; Vazquez-Perez, J.; Lim, J. M.;.Morris, R.; Bullock, Z. N.; Davtyan, A.; Cheng, C.; Decker, W. K.; Li, Y. Artificial intelligence-powered discovery of small molecules inhibiting CTLA-4 in cancer. BJC Rep 2024, 2, 4. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44276-023-00035-5
Sarkar, C.; Das, B.; Rawat, V.S.; Wahlang, J.B.; Nongpiur, A.; Tiewsoh, I.; Lyngdoh, N.M.; Das, D.; Bidarolli, M.; Sony, H.T. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Technology Driven Modern Drug Discovery and Development. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24032026
Paul, D., Sanap, G., Shenoy, S., Kalyane, D., Kalia, K., & Tekade, R. K. Artificial Intelligence in drug discovery and development. Drug Discov. Today. 2021, 26, 80-93. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.10.010.

The campus community is invited to attend a documentary screening and panel discussion today from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in Bulger 214. My Brother Lost in Time/A Bipolar Life shows the emotional journey of two brothers navigating the challenges of mental illness. This brief documentary, created by Buffalo State Psychology Department alumnus and local attorney Dan Lukasik, explores the filmmaker’s relationship with his brother who struggled with untreated mental illness before his death from an opioid overdose. The screening is sponsored by the Psychology Department, the Social Work Department, and the NAMI Student Organization, and is supported by the Grant Allocation Committee.

The strengths and achievements of Buffalo State often stem from the contributions of dedicated faculty and staff. The interim president of Buffalo State and the Buffalo State College Foundation Board members are committed to seeking solutions to budget constraints that recognize the contributions of those who have helped develop and sustain our reputation for excellence.

Eligibility:

To participate in the 2025 Phased Voluntary Separation Program (PVSP), interested employees must meet eligibility requirements.

Full-time UUP represented and Management Confidential (MC-13) employees who are NYS retirement eligible, with at least 10 years of full-time NYS service as of March 31, 2025, and in good standing at time of application may apply for the program.

Eligible employees must complete and submit the online Application to Participate Form to Human Resources no later than March 31, 2025, by 4:00 p.m.

Please reach out to Erika Grande at Human Resource Management (grandeez@buffalostate.edu or extension 4069) with any questions or schedule a 30-minute meeting with Erika.

The Emanuel Fried Drop Hammer Student Reading Series will hold its next event on Thursday, February 27, from 12:15-1:30 pm in Ketchum 302. Special guest Joey Nicoletti will read from his work. 

Joey Nicoletti is the author of four chapbooks and six poetry books, most recently Boombox Serenade, Fan Mail, Breakaway, and Extinction Wednesday: A Memoir. His Pushcart Prize-nominated poems, essays, reviews, and articles have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and anthologies, including The Rumpus, The Adroit Journal, and Drawn to Marvel: Poems from the Comic Books. Joey is also the Reviews Editor of Voices in Italian Americana (VIA) and teaches writing at SUNY Buffalo State.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Free and open to the public.

This series is a tribute to the legacy of our late colleague Emanual Fried: https://library.buffalostate.edu/archives/fried

Marchers and volunteers are cordially invited to participate in Commencement on Saturday, May 17, to support the Class of 2025 as the university celebrates our graduates' achievements. Please consider honoring our graduates by marching in the procession or serving as a volunteer to help with the graduate lineup and processional, assist in the Robing Room, distribute programs, take tickets, and more.

CEREMONIES BY ACADEMIC SCHOOL

• 9:00 a.m. School of the Professions Ceremony (Bachelor's, Master’s, and Advanced Graduate Certificates)
• 1:00 p.m. School of Arts and Sciences Ceremony (Bachelor's, Master’s, and Advanced Graduate Certificates)
• 5:00 p.m. School of Education including Individualized and Multidisciplinary Studies Ceremony (Bachelor's, Master’s, and Advanced Graduate Certificates)

To register or to learn more, please visit the Marchers or Volunteers section of the Commencement website. Marcher registration also includes all platform party members and administrators. Marchers and volunteers may participate in more than one ceremony. Commencement rehearsals are required to ensure that ceremonies run smoothly and that all participants are knowledgeable in their roles and responsibilities.

Regalia rentals are available to order through the Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State Bookstore until Thursday, April 21. Marchers’ regalia rental pricing and loan request information are provided in the Regalia section of the Marchers web page. Contact Marybeth Keller, general merchandise manager, or call (716) 878-5509 for more information. A limited inventory of doctoral and master’s gowns, caps, and hoods may be available for loan through the Academic Affairs Office until Friday, May 2. Please contact Cathy Cook, administrative assistant 2, for more information and to place your order.

We look forward to seeing you at Commencement!

The Great Lakes Center Field Station is accepting requests for course support and site visits for the spring semester. Part of the station's mission is to coordinate with the campus to make our regional waterfront accessible.

If you have an interest in incorporating the field station, Buffalo River, Niagara River, or Lake Erie into your course or research, please email Brian Haas, field and lab research technician at the Great Lakes Center, to discuss possibilities, capacity, scheduling, etc. A view of the water can inform a new perspective and offer a unique student experience. 

A limited number of discounted tickets are available for only $20 for students, faculty, and staff for Sam Morril: The Errors Tour, on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, courtesy of Live Nation.

Click here to purchase your discounted tickets for you and your guests and enter code BSULAUGHS when purchasing tickets. Or visit the Rockwell Hall Box Office (Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) with your university ID card.

Calling all student writers and artists! The Portrait Literary Magazine crew is hosting an informal workshop on how to polish your work for submission to the student-run magazine. Please stop by Ketchum Hall 302 on Tuesday, March 4, during Bengal Pause (12:15 to 1:30 p.m.) with questions and queries.