The third group of Simons STEM Scholars at Stony Brook University participated in a day of hands-on learning on July 24, focusing on research and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and medicine. The event was part of a six-week Summer Bridge Program that aims to prepare students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM for their academic journey.
Forty-two students took part in the program, which includes advanced math and writing courses, workshops, lab tours, and community-building activities. The scholars were divided into two groups based on their academic interests. One group visited the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) to explore engineering and technology topics. There, they learned about renewable energy projects such as Sunrise Wind and South Fork Wind through presentations by Amy Ellis and Alyssa Turano. Kenny Hass from Ørsted discussed wind turbine engineering, while representatives from Haugland Group explained how drones are used for infrastructure inspections. Students also experienced immersive virtual reality tools at CEWIT’s Reality Deck before attending a networking lunch with presenters.
The other group focused on biomedical research at the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) and the Life Sciences Building. Their visit began with an MD/PhD student panel featuring Dante Dullas, Jasmine Stansil, and Khalayi Martha Aywa.
“It’s always illuminating to see people at the beginning of the journey,” said Dullas. “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 added: “They had very insightful, thought-provoking questions. 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.”
After touring RSOM labs—including observing medical training technology—the students met faculty at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology for additional lab tours.
“I can teach you science, but I can’t teach enthusiasm. I can’t teach passion,” said Ketaki Ganti, 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.”
Galadriel Hovel-Miner encouraged early preparation for graduate school while graduate students Autumn Laird and Levi Krausert discussed pursuing advanced degrees at Stony Brook.
Lab presentations covered topics such as lipid raft formation in yeast by Betty Du; inflammatory monocytes in persistent Salmonella infection by Krausert; and phospholipid asymmetry in Candida albicans by Kaela Teele.
Students expressed increased interest after participating in these sessions.
“This is a career path that I’ve never really looked into, but I like all these things in the program,” said Joshua Griffin, 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, computer science major from 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 Simons STEM Scholars Program emphasized:
“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.”