UMass chemist wins life sciences prize

AMHERST — Craig Martin, professor of chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has been chosen as this year’s winner of the 2025 Mahoney Life Sciences Prize for his research into synthesizing vaccine quality RNA using a technique that improves its quality and yield while drastically lowering the cost. The Mahoney Prize comes with a $25,000 cash award.

Martin’s prize-winning paper, for which he was the senior author alongside Kithmie Malagoda Pathiranage and Ruptanu Banerjee, both members of his lab, is the most recent publication in his career-spanning effort to better understand how the information messenger molecule RNA is made from DNA within each cell that is responsible for building our bodies.

The paper describes a new technique, building on his lab’s previous work, that streamlines the process for the synthesis and manufacture of high-quality RNA, of any length, at greatly reduced costs.

Such high-quality RNA is the key ingredient of a whole host of cutting-edge therapeutics, of which the COVID vaccine is the most famous example.

The Mahoney Life Sciences Prize is awarded annually to honor excellence and recognize academic achievement that propels significant advances in science and industry.

The Mahoney brothers all received their degrees in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. They went on to become leaders in their own industries and have served as high-level alumni advisers to the campus.

The annual competition seeks scientists in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) who are engaged in high-impact life sciences research that addresses a significant challenge and advances collaboration between researchers and industry.

Nonotuck Resource announces new hires, promotions

NORTHAMPTON — Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc., a statewide agency that has provided shared living since 1972 to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and others, has made several promotions and job title changes at its various locations across the state during the first four months of 2025.

The list includes the following employees at Nonotuck’s Easthampton location: Ronald Barnes, vice president of IT operations; Grayson Fleischner, vice president, QE Central/West Services; Joshua Gustafson, IT technical support-project specialist; Paul Laprade, vice president, IT administration; and Joshua Murray, director of marketing.

At its two Northampton locations: Nichole Bourke, program director at Conz Street location; Jennifer Roy, human resources and benefits specialist, Prospect Street location; and Amanda Stanislas, executive support specialist, Prospect Street location.

UMassFive hires new assistant VP of account operations

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) has promoted Christina Reynolds to assistant vice president of account operations.

Reynolds began her career at UMassFive 15 years ago as a part-time online banking specialist in the Contact Center. Since then, she has taken on a variety of roles, including positions in various branches as card services manager and most recently as digital and payments manager.

In her new role, Reynolds will oversee several key areas including digital banking, payments, card services and account services.

Transhealth names Erwin as CEO, Overby as COO

NORTHAMPTON — The Transhealth board of directors has appointed Jo Erwin as chief operating officer and Celia Overby as chief operating officer. Both leaders have served in these roles on an interim basis since June 2024, guiding the organization through a year of meaningful growth and organizational stability.

Erwin, a registered nurse with extensive experience in health care leadership and delivery, previously served as Transhealth’s chief operating officer. Overby, formerly vice president of operational innovation, brings decades of expertise in nonprofit operations and systems design.

Founded in 2021, Transhealth is an independent and comprehensive health care center that supports and empowers trans and gender-diverse individuals and families.

Albán DeLobato joins NEPM’s board of directors

SPRINGFIELD — Xiomara Albán DeLobato has been elected to the board of directors of New England Public Media.

As vice president and chief of staff for the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, Albán DeLobato is instrumental in facilitating the growth and development of the region’s economy, focusing on the industry sector and workforce development.

She has held leadership roles at UMass Amherst, Elms College, Springfield College, and the University of New Hampshire; and has worked with the offices of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal.

In addition to her work with NEPM, Albán DeLobato will continue to serve on various boards and committees throughout western Massachusetts, including UMass Amherst Campus Council, Girls Inc. of the Valley, Veritas Prep Charter School in Springfield, Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the Wilbraham Finance Committee. She is also a governor-appointed board member of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and board member of the Supplier Diversity Office.

Albán DeLobato holds a bachelor’s in international affairs and Spanish from the University of New Hampshire and a MBA from Elms College.