A group of 22 community college transfer students took part in a new summer pilot program at Stony Brook University aimed at introducing them to on-campus research before the start of fall classes. The initiative, called the Research Entry Accelerator for College Transfers (REACT), was open to students transferring from Suffolk County Community College and Nassau County Community College.
The program was created to help transfer students adjust to Stony Brook while providing opportunities to explore undergraduate research. Participants worked with researchers, including other undergraduates, staff, and faculty members.
Tracey Iorio, assistant director of the Stony Brook Academic and Transfer Advising Services (ATAS) Office, explained the significance of the program: “Many high-achieving students from Nassau and Suffolk transfer here but they’ve never had the opportunity to participate in research. This isn’t just about academics and GPA. It’s research. It’s leadership. It’s career preparation.” She added, “It’s giving them a whole different perspective on what Stony Brook can offer.”
REACT was developed by Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URECA) and ATAS as an orientation for early engagement in research among transfer students. The program involved collaboration between several university departments, including the Division of Undergraduate Education, the Career Center in Student Affairs, and Undergraduate Admissions. Funding came from a State University of New York Jobs for the Future initiative with additional support from a grant from the American Talent Initiative through Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Rachelle Germana, senior associate provost for undergraduate education, said: “We’re so grateful to SUNY and Bloomberg to be able to pilot this program, and to be able to collaborate with our colleagues across the university campus to support our new transfer students. Transfer students often have different needs and expectations than traditional first-time undergraduate students, but they have the same desire to earn their degree and gain the experiences that will help them meet their personal and professional goals. Programs like the Summer Transfer Research Accelerator are another way to empower them to achieve those goals. This program is part of a larger effort across the university to expand undergraduate research opportunities for students from all majors and across academic disciplines.”
Psychology major Sawaira Azam joined REACT after encouragement from a friend as she transitioned from Suffolk County Community College. Azam described her experience: “When I was starting at Suffolk, I was terrified. This program created a community for me at Stony Brook. I know if I need help, there are people I can ask,” she said. “The idea of doing original research is such a new concept to me. I thought it was just scientists doing research, not any other major. Marina [Fandaros, assistant director of Undergraduate Research Engagement] went into depth about the opportunities available at Stony Brook. Everything connected with everything else and I hope I’m able to do more.”
Azam is now participating in Wear-AI-able Futures—a new undergraduate research project led by faculty in Stony Brook’s Department of Technology and Society within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Students could choose between two pilot sessions: one lasting two weeks that included lab visits and meetings with researchers across campus; or a three-week session working directly with faculty on ongoing projects.
Biochemistry major Stanislav Kravchenko found that participating in REACT fit his schedule while supporting his plans for medical school applications: “The curriculum at SBU is very rigorous. They expect excellence and for you to be at the top of your game. They expect you to reach out for every opportunity.The program was one of those opportunities, and a way for me to build on what I already have and show medical schools that I’m willing to try new things,” he said.“Every doctor talks about the problems with healthcare and how protocols and treatment plans should be better.I want to be the one who helps to change these methods.I want the opportunity to be a big change to medicine as a whole.”
Stony Brook University plans to offer REACT again next summer for incoming transfers from Long Island’s two community colleges.