Simons STEM Scholars Dive into Innovation and Research
The third cohort of Simons STEM Scholars at Stony Brook University spent July 24 immersed in hands-on learning, gaining exposure to research and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and medicine.
As part of a six-week Summer Bridge Program designed to prepare them for the academic journey ahead, the 42 high-achieving students who come from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM visited key research facilities across campus. Divided into two groups based on academic interests, one explored engineering and technology at the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT), while the other delved into biomedical research and healthcare at the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) and the Life Sciences Building.
The Summer Bridge Program includes advanced math and writing courses, non-credit workshops, lab tours, and community-building activities aimed at helping scholars thrive over the next four years and beyond.
At CEWIT, students engaged with experts working on renewable energy and virtual reality technologies. Presentations from Amy Ellis and Alyssa Turano introduced offshore wind projects Sunrise Wind and South Fork Wind, followed by a talk from Ørsted wind turbine engineer Kenny Hass. Scholars also learned how the Haugland Group uses drones for infrastructure inspections before visiting CEWIT’s Reality Deck to experience the role of immersive VR tools. The morning concluded with a networking lunch with presenters.
Across campus, the science-focused group began their day at RSOM with an MD/PhD student panel. Trainees Dante Dullas, Jasmine Stansil, and Khalayi Martha Aywa shared personal stories of balancing research, coursework, and clinical training.
“It’s always illuminating to see people at the beginning of the journey,” said Dullas, a trainee in the Medical Scientist Training Program. “Their motivation and fascination really provide much-needed perspective. I hope they take away the idea that nothing is hard and fast in terms of life and career trajectory. The joy and fulfillment I get from doing science and medicine is only possible because of the variety of other interests and communities I hold dear.”
Stansil echoed the importance of self-discovery. “They had very insightful, thought-provoking questions,” she said. “I hope they take the time to explore and find the things they like and don’t like doing—all in the pursuit of figuring out what they really want to do as a career and a passion.”
The group then toured RSOM research labs and visited the Simulation Lab to observe how technology is used in medical training and diagnostics.
At the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chair David Thanassi and faculty members Ketaki Ganti and Galadriel Hovel-Miner welcomed the students for an afternoon of lab tours and mentorship.
“I can teach you science, but I can’t teach enthusiasm. I can’t teach passion,” said Ganti, an assistant professor. “If you have a passion for the work, it will take you a long way. It’s not an easy road, but enthusiasm and commitment will help you get through it.”
Hovel-Miner encouraged the scholars to begin preparing early for graduate school, while graduate students Autumn Laird and Levi Krausert introduced them to the benefits of pursuing an advanced degree at Stony Brook.
Lab presentations included Betty Du’s research on lipid raft formation in yeast, Krausert’s work on inflammatory monocytes in persistent Salmonella infection, and Kaela Teele’s study of phospholipid asymmetry in Candida albicans.
The day’s experiences sparked interest among the students. “This is a career path that I’ve never really looked into, but I like all these things in the program,” said Joshua Griffin, a chemistry major from Fort Washington, Maryland. “After hearing everybody talk about the medical track and microbiology, it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.”
“Today has been such an amazing day,” said Jayden Shofolahan, a computer science major and graduate of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, who visited CEWIT. “My favorite part was learning how drone technology can be used to design power plants. I really loved how the presenters explained their research in a way that was both understandable and informative.”
Kehinde Cole, senior research specialist for the Simons STEM Scholars Program, emphasized the value of these visits in helping students envision their futures.
“The visits to CEWIT, the Renaissance School of Medicine, and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology provide our scholars with invaluable, firsthand exposure to the innovative research environments on our campus,” said Cole. “These experiences allow our scholars to witness how academic knowledge is translated into impactful solutions and inspire ideas for their own future research and career paths.”
— Robert Emproto and Beth Squire