Innovation and Impact: CIV Graduate Students Shine at 2026 Symposium

April 2026

The Department of Civil Engineering recently gathered in the old Computer Science building for the 2026 CIV Graduate Student Symposium, an afternoon dedicated to the diverse and high-impact research of our graduate community. From the first presentation to the final poster session, the event was a vibrant showcase of technical expertise and academic passion.

Bridging the Gap: Alumni Insights

The day kicked off with a global perspective, as two distinguished alumni joined the symposium virtually to share their professional journeys. Dr. Erdinç Soğut (PhD '21) and Lucas Annink (MS '22) reflected on how their time at Stony Brook prepared them for their current roles in the industry. Their stories provided invaluable inspiration for our current students, illustrating the bridge between rigorous campus research and real-world engineering solutions.

"Learning from our Students"

The heart of the event featured back-to-back sessions of 3-minute presentations. Faculty and peers alike were impressed by the students' ability to distill complex, multi-year research into concise, engaging narratives.

A Celebration of Community

Beyond the formal presentations, the symposium offered a rare opportunity for relaxed interaction. The old Computer Science Lobby was transformed into a gallery of research posters, where students and faculty engaged in deep-dive discussions over lunch and refreshments. This sense of community and shared curiosity was a primary goal of the event, rewarding students for their months of hard work with a platform that celebrated their unique interests.