Stony Brook University has initiated a new lecture series, "Navigating the Clean Energy Transition," with a breakfast reception held on March 6 at the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology. This program is part of an effort by the Center for Continuing Education to promote clean energy, supported by New York State’s Offshore Wind Training Institute.
Key figures from Stony Brook, including Vice President for Research Kevin Gardner, Chief Innovation Officer Michael Kinch, Associate Provost for Climate and Sustainability Programming Kevin Reed, and Dean of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Paul Shepson were present at the event. Carrie Gallagher from the New York State Public Service Commission Long Island Office also participated.
Christopher White, SUNY Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility, spoke about the importance of workforce development in clean energy. “Every industry across New York State is changing,” he stated. “You are innovative leaders and thinkers who get it.”
Reed highlighted Stony Brook's longstanding commitment to sustainability: “Stony Brook has been a leader in innovation and economic development for decades,” he said.
Gallagher emphasized New York’s dedication to clean energy goals: “We are not backing down from our commitments,” she declared.
The initiative features a 30-hour non-credit certificate program comprising 10 modules led by Stony Brook faculty alongside companies like Community Offshore Wind and Ørsted. It targets business owners, managers, engineers, project managers, environmental scientists, and government representatives.
Participants completing the program will earn a certificate and be invited on a boat trip to view an offshore wind turbine system. Shepson addressed the need for skilled professionals: “The transition to clean energy is inevitable,” he noted.
Gardner reiterated Stony Brook’s role as an innovation hub: “We are a research powerhouse," he remarked.
Marie Neilon from Long Island Clean Energy Hub expressed her enthusiasm: “This program is an incredible opportunity to gain insight from industry experts.”
The series began with two talks following the reception: ‘Setting the Stage’ by Reed and ‘The Role of Government in Facilitating the Clean Energy Transition’ by Gallagher.