Alex Tse wins the Marmur Award

Graduate Student Researchers Honored at 2026 Marmur Symposium

ALEXANDRA TSE

Three Einstein graduate students were recognized for their outstanding contributions to scientific research on March 23 at the 30th Julius Marmur Award Symposium, held in Robbins Auditorium. Organized by Einstein’s Graduate Program in the Biomedical Sciences, the annual event celebrates the excellence and achievements of the institution’s Ph.D. students.

“This symposium remains one of the defining moments of our academic year,” said Yaron Tomer, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein and chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein. “It shines a spotlight on the creativity, rigor, and determination of our graduate students, whose work continues to push the boundaries of discovery and strengthen Einstein’s scientific community.”

The Julius Marmur Award was established in memory of pioneering molecular biologist Julius Marmur, Ph.D., who developed the first method to isolate highly purified, high-quality DNA. A dedicated faculty member at Einstein for more than three decades until his passing in 1996, Dr. Marmur was also deeply committed to mentorship and education, helping shape generations of scientists.

In addition to recognizing outstanding research, the symposium underscores the importance of mentorship and career development for graduate trainees.

2026 Marmur Awardees

A major consideration in selecting awardees is the potential for their work to make a significant impact in their respective fields. Applicants submit formal materials, including letters of support from their mentors, and are evaluated by a faculty panel representing multiple basic science departments.

This year’s awardees are:

Alexandra Tse, M.D.-Ph.D. candidate; mentor: Kartik Chandran, Ph.D., professor of microbiology & immunology and the Gertrude and David Feinson Chair in Medicine.

Ronald Cutler, Ph.D. candidate; mentor: Jan Vijg, Ph.D., chair of genetics, and Simone Sidoli, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry and of genetics.

April Lynn Mueller, M.D.-Ph.D. candidate; mentor: Harris Goldstein, M.D., professor of pediatrics and of microbiology & immunology, Charles Michael Chair in Autoimmune Diseases, and director of the Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY-Mount Sinai Center for AIDS Research.

The three awardees presented their research during the symposium’s afternoon ceremony and reception. In addition, past recipients participated in a virtual career panel the next day to offer advice and answer questions.

“To reach this 30th anniversary is a testament to the enduring strength of our graduate training programs and the legacy of excellence established by Dr. Marmur,” said Victoria Freedman, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate programs in biomedical sciences at Einstein. “Each year, we are inspired by the depth and originality of our students’ work.”

Alexandra Tse, M.D. –Ph.D. candidate

Ms. Tse was recognized for her research on emerging zoonotic viruses, with a focus on how these pathogens enter host cells and adapt to new hosts. Her work investigates viral entry mechanisms and host factors that facilitate infection, with an emphasis on bat coronaviruses and tick-borne flaviviruses.

ALEX TSE and her mentors | L-R: Kartik chandran, emily miller, ALEX TSE, and Eva mittler

Through molecular and cellular approaches, her research identifies key receptor interactions and viral determinants that influence infectivity and disease, contributing to a better understanding of zoonotic spillover and providing new therapeutic targets.

Her work has resulted in one first-author publication in Nature and two first-author publications in PLoS Pathogens, available here and here.

“I’m grateful to receive the Marmur Award and to be part of such a collaborative and supportive community at Einstein. The mentorship and guidance I’ve received have been invaluable, and this award reflects that collective effort.”

Ms. Tse has served as a teaching assistant for the graduate molecular genetics course and the medical school anatomy course and has been actively involved in mentorship and leadership initiatives, including co-organizing Einstein’s Women in Science Day and serving on Einstein’s Housing and Quality of Life Committees.

Read the full story on the Montefiore-Einstein website.