Albany State senior Nia Blunt joins MIT summer research program

Albany State University senior Nia Blunt was selected for MIT’s Summer Research Program and spent the summer on cancer research at the Koch Institute. Her work on NRAS-mutant melanoma added to an academic record that includes top honors, undergraduate research and plans for medical school.

Why it matters: - Nia Blunt’s selection for MIT’s Summer Research Program puts an Albany State University undergraduate in one of the country’s most competitive research settings. - The experience strengthens Blunt’s path toward medical school and a career combining clinical medicine with biomedical research. - Albany State can point to Blunt as evidence that faculty mentorship and undergraduate research can help students reach elite national programs.

What happened: - Albany State University senior Nia Blunt, a forensic science major and Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program scholar, was selected for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Summer Research Program. - Blunt spent the summer at MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research doing biomedical research. - Blunt worked in MIT’s Biological Engineering Department on a project titled “Harnessing Targeted Immunopeptidomics to Expand Treatment-Induced Antigen Detection in NRAS-Mutant Melanoma.” - The project focused on identifying treatment-induced antigens in NRAS-mutant melanoma for possible T-cell-directed immunotherapy.

The details: - Blunt used a dual mass spectrometer workflow in her MIT research. - Her research identified 95 treatment-induced peptides that were not detected through the standard workflow. - Several of those peptides showed potential as previously uncharacterized antigens. - The work gave Blunt hands-on experience in cancer research, immunotherapy and advanced research techniques. - Blunt said one major takeaway was to ask questions and speak up when something is unclear. - Blunt said MIT initially felt intimidating, but the experience helped her recognize her own ability and place in the program. - At Albany State, Blunt is the 2026 Highest Ranking Senior. - Blunt was also recognized as a Highest Ranking Student in 2025 and 2026. - Her honors include the Strada Scholar Award, Dean’s Award, Devcon Scholar recognition and Honors Program Scholar distinction. - Blunt is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Women in Pre-Med and the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program. - Blunt has participated in Feed the Valley, campus cleanup initiatives and blood drives. - In spring 2025, Blunt presented research at Albany State’s 13th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. - Blunt’s earlier research at Albany State was conducted under Dr. Seong Seo in the Department of Natural Sciences’ chemistry program. - That project examined the electrochemical behavior and reversibility of sodium permanganate as a potential magnesium-based alternative to vanadium materials used in redox flow batteries for large-scale energy storage. - In that project, Blunt prepared solutions, ran cyclic voltammetry experiments, analyzed electrochemical data and evaluated materials for sustainable energy technologies. - Albany State says the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program gives academically talented students research, internship, leadership, community engagement and professional preparation opportunities. - Blunt said ASU helped her build professional skills, network, communicate and present herself confidently. - Blunt plans to pursue a medical degree and become a physician. - Blunt’s long-term goal is to contribute to research that improves health outcomes, especially for underserved communities.

Between the lines: - Blunt’s path shows how undergraduate research can build toward more advanced work in a different field, from energy storage chemistry to cancer biology. - Her MIT placement also reflects how honors programs can help students turn campus research into national-level opportunities. - The university is using Blunt’s success as a showcase for the value of experiential learning and faculty mentorship.

What's next: - Blunt is preparing for her final year at Albany State University. - Her next step is likely medical school, where she plans to continue blending research with clinical training. - Blunt’s MIT experience adds momentum to her graduate and professional ambitions.