BRIGHTON, N.Y. (WROC) — A Rochester-based scientist has received a prestigious award for her advancements in the field of RNA biology. Dr. Lynne Maquat of URMC has received the 2024 Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research. Colleagues describe Dr. Maquat as a pivotal professional in the field of RNA research. She has studied RNA biology for over 40 years, and for the last 25 or so, has called Rochester home with URMC. "I might not have traveled the research path that I did having not first started my lab at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in the Department of Human Genetics. I was the only RNA biologist and I chose to continue studying human diseases," said Dr. Maquat, who serves as director for U of R's Center for RNA Biology. Upon moving to Rochester and beginning her tenure with URMC, Dr. Maquat says it was the foundation of RNA biologists here that served as a foundation. URMC CEO Dr. David Linehan says Dr. Maquat's RNA biology lab has paved the way for generations of students. "Her work has propelled RNA to the forefront of medicine. Right now, there are hundreds of RNA-based drugs in development for diseases as diverse as cystic fibrosis and cancer. As an elite and luminary scientist, she has been a champion of preparing and progressing the careers of women in fundamental and translational research," said Dr. Linehan. Dr. Maquat also delivered a message for future generations interested in following in her footsteps. "If you keep chipping away at what you want to do, don't get too far ahead of yourself. Do the best that you can, and you may be surprised where you end up," said Dr. Maquat.