Approved as an Institute of the City University of New York (CUNY) in July, 2003, the Macromolecular Assemblies Institute (MMA) builds on the research strength of campus-based faculty in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Engineering, on the collaborative research alliances we have made with other institutions, and on our unique laboratory capabilities. As a multi-campus entity, we have sought to become a cohesive group of researchers in an institute that constitutes more than the sum of its parts.
The MMA coordinates research investigations for both natural and engineered macromolecular assemblies of biological and medical importance, integrates graduate and undergraduate training in these areas across CUNY, and aims to expand both public and private support for these research endeavors.
During the 16 years since the MMA reached full operating status, 20 founding faculty PIs were joined by 24 current or newly appointed Institute team leaders; we are currently 30 strong on 7 campuses. CUNY Central’s 10 initial faculty hiring commitments were augmented with infrastructural investments by the institute’s home campus at The College of Staten Island (CSI), where the influence of polymer chemistry was paramount. Starting in 2007, our center of mass moved (physically and intellectually) to CUNY’s City College (CCNY). Current faculty and staff affiliates are based at The City College (CCNY), The College of Staten Island (CSI), Brooklyn College (BC), the Graduate Center (GC), Hunter College (HC), Lehman College (LC), and York College (YC).
The infrastructure of the MMA has been supported by New York State’s Generating Employment through New York Science (Gen*NY*sis) program, CUNY’s Office of Academic Affairs, The College of Staten Island, City College, and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
MMA research efforts are funded by the NSF, the National Institutes of Health, the Departments of Agriculture, Defense and Energy, private foundations, and infrastructural resources from the university.