Chair of Mechanical Engineering Visits Office of Naval Research to Advance Strategic Research Collaboration

July 17, 2025
2 min read

On Tuesday, July 15, P. Scott Carney, the newly appointed Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stony Brook University (SBU), visited the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in Arlington, Virginia, to strengthen ties between the university and the U.S. Navy’s premier science and technology organization.

Scott CarneyDuring his visit, Carney met with ONR program officers and members of the congressional affairs team to discuss ONR’s latest research priorities and how SBU’s expertise can directly support the evolving needs of the U.S. warfighter. The meetings were coordinated by Stony Brook’s Office of Federal Relations, which plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining SBU’s presence in Washington, D.C.

“This visit was a valuable opportunity to align Stony Brook’s world-class research strengths with the strategic priorities of the U.S. Navy,” said Carney. “Our university has a proud legacy of driving innovation that makes a difference, and I am committed to strengthening our partnership with ONR to accelerate breakthroughs that enhance mission capability, survivability, cost-efficiency, and operational readiness.”

SBU’s ONR-funded research is driving mission-critical naval advancement by developing cutting-edge technologies through a wide range of specialized projects, including: Robotics — developing intelligent systems for enhanced warfighter capabilities; Cybersecurity — creating robust defenses and secure software solutions; Acoustics — advancing underwater communication and sensing technologies; Oceanography — modeling oceanic environments for improved predictions; Atmospheric Science — analyzing atmospheric effects on naval operations; and Materials Science — engineering advanced composites for more resilient naval vessels.

Carney’s visit underscores SBU’s commitment to research that strengthens national defense and supports U.S. service members. As SBU continues to enhance partnerships with federal agencies like ONR, the university’s Office of Federal Relations remains a vital conduit — ensuring that Stony Brook faculty and researchers have a seat at the table in the nation’s capital.