Congressional Staff Explore Stony Brook’s Research Innovations

On August 21, 2023, Stony Brook University hosted its inaugural Congressional Staff Visit Day, welcoming representatives from the offices of Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Representatives Nick LaLota and Laura Gillen. The event provided an in-depth look at how federal investments in research are fostering innovation, economic development, and national competitiveness, particularly on Long Island.

The day began with a meeting between the congressional staff and President Andrea Goldsmith, who emphasized the university’s commitment to becoming a leader in research and innovation. As Stony Brook’s seventh president, Goldsmith has an extensive background in wireless communications and is dedicated to enhancing the university’s role in national priorities. She noted that since 2020, congressional representatives have successfully secured over $175 million in federal research funding for Stony Brook, allowing the university to expand its impact in various fields.

“Our Congressional leaders’ support is invaluable,” Goldsmith stated. “It was a privilege to welcome their staff to our campus and engage in meaningful discussions about how Stony Brook drives innovation and economic growth.”

Highlighting Research Achievements and Initiatives

The visit showcased several key projects funded by federal investments. Attendees learned about groundbreaking work in areas such as biopolymer research, energy security, and advanced studies in quantum networking. Notable projects include the establishment of a long-distance quantum networking testbed on Long Island and a new in-patient research unit at the University Medical Center.

Kevin Gardner, Vice President for Research and Innovation, remarked, “Our research enterprise thrives because of the strong partnership between federal investments and the groundbreaking work of our faculty. This visit allowed us to demonstrate how that support translates into advancements that matter today.”

The delegation visited the Charles B. Wang Center, where they were introduced to faculty members from various disciplines. Discussions spanned topics from cybersecurity in extreme environments to innovations in robotics and semiconductor research. Faculty such as Michael Dudley, who leads federally funded projects in semiconductor crystal growth, highlighted the university’s commitment to producing tangible results from federal research support.

Advancing Healthcare and Energy Solutions

On the East Campus, the delegation toured the Renaissance School of Medicine and Stony Brook University Hospital. Faculty leaders presented initiatives focused on infectious disease, cancer clinical trials, and the application of artificial intelligence in medicine. The discussions underscored how federal funding propels breakthroughs in health-related research.

During guided tours of hospital-based research facilities, visitors observed the ABSL-3 infectious disease lab and the PET/Cyclotron imaging center, which are crucial for advancing patient care. Each stop illustrated Stony Brook’s ability to translate academic research into real-world applications swiftly and effectively.

The West Campus tour featured innovative research in computational science and clean energy. Faculty discussed high-performance computing’s role in accelerating discovery, with demonstrations at the New York State Quantum Internet Testbed, which is pioneering secure communications.

Discussions during lunch highlighted collaborative projects between Stony Brook and Brookhaven National Laboratory, focusing on materials science and energy storage. The day’s events emphasized Stony Brook’s role in shaping resilient energy systems and enhancing U.S. competitiveness in science and technology.

In conclusion, the Congressional Staff Visit Day at Stony Brook University reinforced the critical role of federal partnerships in supporting research and innovation. The event showcased how Stony Brook is leveraging its expertise and federal engagement to address pressing societal challenges while establishing itself as a leading research institution on both state and national levels.