Student and Alumni Spotlight

Imtiar Jalal Niloy is an alumnus of the PhD in Civil Engineering program.

Niloy chose Stony Brook for its strong research environment, accomplished faculty, and opportunities to work on engineering challenges with real-world impact. During his doctoral studies, he engaged in research, teaching, and collaborative projects that helped him develop not only technical expertise, but also the leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills that continue to shape his professional career.

Today, Niloy serves as a Project Manager at Haines Gipson & Associates, where he oversees structural engineering projects from design through construction. In this role, he works closely with clients, architects, contractors, and project teams to deliver practical and efficient engineering solutions. He also enjoys exploring ways to enhance engineering workflows through technology, coding, and process automation.

Reflecting on his experience, Niloy shares, “My time at Stony Brook was one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. The challenges I faced during my PhD helped me grow as a researcher, engineer, and individual, while the friendships and mentorship I found along the way made the journey truly memorable. The experiences I gained there continue to influence how I approach both my career and lifelong learning.”

Looking back, Niloy encourages students to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them at Stony Brook. His advice is to pursue research experiences, build meaningful relationships with faculty and peers, and seek opportunities beyond their immediate area of study. He emphasizes that while technical knowledge is important, the ability to communicate, collaborate, and adapt is equally valuable for long-term success.

Carmine Hanks is a graduate of the MS in Science Communication program.

Carmine's journey into science communication began with a lifelong curiosity about people—how they learn, what motivates them, and how they make sense of the world. From conducting neuroscience research in Canada to teaching science and mathematics internationally, those experiences ultimately led her to Stony Brook, where she sought a graduate program that was rigorous, collaborative, and grounded in real-world impact.

Through the program's synchronous online format, Carmine connected with classmates and professors from diverse backgrounds. She honed her skills in research, podcasting, and social media strategy, and developed science storytelling by studying solutions journalism. She also graduated with a 4.0 GPA and earned the Outstanding Master's Capstone Project Award for her project, Practical Insights into Risk Communication for Ethical Community Engagement in Advanced Nuclear Energy Deployment.

Today, Carmine brings those experiences to her role at Navarro-ATL, where she helps interpret complex research by supporting the people who need to communicate it effectively.

Aisha Sulemana is a graduate from the MS program in Journalism.

Sulemana shares that her passion for journalism began long before graduate school. Reflecting on reading a book called “Purple Hibiscus” in high school, she recalls how deeply moved she was by the story and a lesson from her teacher that stayed with her: “Stories are meant to make people feel something.” That moment helped inspire her path toward journalism.

Although she previously studied journalism during her undergraduate education in Ghana, Sulemana says her experience at Stony Brook provided hands-on opportunities that transformed her growth as a journalist. During her time at SBU, she gained experience in reporting, editing, producing broadcast stories, and working with professional media tools while learning from faculty mentors who greatly shaped her development.

She also had the opportunity to report in Washington, DC, for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She reflects that “Looking back, journalism has taken me further than I ever imagined, and Stony Brook played a huge role in that journey.”

After graduation, Sulemana plans to continue building her career in journalism and newsroom reporting. She will also begin a fully funded internship with Huntington Now, where she hopes to further strengthen her reporting and media experience.

Brittney Mickaliger is a graduate from the MS program in Science Communication.

After earning her BS in Astronomy from Stony Brook in 2023, Mickaliger spent a gap year working as an astronomy educator at the Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium. Through this experience, she discovered the importance of science communication and informal education, inspiring her to return to SBU to pursue graduate studies in science communication.

Throughout the program, Mickaliger explored the theories behind effective science communication while applying them across a range of creative projects, including a podcast episode, social media campaign, mini-documentary, and her capstone project, a new planetarium show titled Worldwide Skies. She shares that the opportunity to communicate astronomy through multiple forms of media has been incredibly rewarding and made possible through the support of her classmates and professors.

Outside of her studies, Mickaliger also served as the Graduate Coordinator for the Seawolves Pantry, where she helped connect students with essential resources and support services. Reflecting on her experience, she shares that the role helped her feel deeply connected to the Stony Brook community while supporting hundreds of students throughout their academic journeys.

After graduation, Mickaliger hopes to continue her work in planetarium education by developing live presentations and full-dome planetarium shows. Through science communication, she aims to inspire audiences to connect with astronomy and develop a greater appreciation for the natural world, both on Earth and beyond.

Kiara Kolaczyk earned her BA in Linguistics and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from Stony Brook University. She currently works as a marketing manager at Magic EdTech, an educational technology software company, and hosts the podcast “Put the Guidebox Down," where she reflects on cultural exchange and travel. Kolaczyk is also a two-time Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Moldova and served as a Boren Fellow in Indonesia.

We’re proud to spotlight Dr. Laura Longo, a dedicated science educator and leader whose work is transforming STEM learning across K–12. With a BS in Mathematical Physics from St. John’s University, an MS in Secondary Education of Physics from CUNY Queens College, and a PhD in Science Education from Stony Brook, Laura has built a career at the intersection of science, effective teaching practices, and innovative program development.

At Commack, she has spearheaded initiatives like a district-wide Solar Eclipse Viewing event for all students and staff, a pilot agricultural education program combining classroom and farm-based learning, and the expansion of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) enrichment courses. She also played a key role in developing and planning Commack High School’s School of Medicine.

Laura’s research has been presented at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) International Conference in 2024 and 2025.

"My experience at Stony Brook University has been incredibly positive, especially thanks to the outstanding support and guidance from highly qualified professors... The university has truly provided a well-rounded environment that supports both academic growth and meaningful personal connections."

We’re excited to spotlight Samantha, who graduated this summer from Stony Brook’s School of Communication and Journalism. She also earned her BS in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from SBU, combining her passion for weather science with her talent for sharing complex information in clear, impactful ways.

Drawn to Stony Brook for its breadth of academic programs, active research community, and vibrant campus life, Samantha immersed herself in both academics and extracurriculars. She played a leading role in The Spirit of Stony Brook marching band—serving as rank leader, section leader, block captain, and ultimately drum major—while also holding leadership positions in the Meteorology Club and other student organizations.

From her freshman year, Samantha participated in high-impact research, including leading undergraduate contributions to the NASA IMPACTS (Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast Threatening Snowstorms) field campaign studying winter storms. For her master’s thesis, she worked on the NOAA CSTAR (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research) project, studying how highly vulnerable NYC communities receive extreme weather information—work that led to actionable recommendations for improving outreach and public safety.

Since June 2022, Samantha has been a Pathways intern meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. She provided program management support, helped build a structure for a national IDSS (Impact-based Decision Support Services) Weather Photo Library, conducted community survey analysis, and created resources for local weather offices.

Awards and Honors: John J. Leddy Director’s Award and Scholarship (The Spirit of Stony Brook)

"I’m glad I chose Stony Brook University because it opened the door to so many opportunities for my career and my passions. I have amazing memories from being involved on campus and from the friends and mentors I met at SBU. It truly shaped me into who I am today."

We’re excited to spotlight Dr. Scott Nelson, whose pioneering research and dedication to teaching has made a lasting impact at Stony Brook. Scott joined SBU in 2019 after earning his BA and MA in Linguistics from Michigan State University. He chose Stony Brook for its one-of-a-kind approach to computational linguistics, a decision that shaped both his research and career path.

Scott’s research has been regularly presented at major linguistics conferences and published in journals like Phonology, Journal of Phonetics, and The Journal of the International Phonetic Association. His commitment to teaching was recognized in 2023 with the Stony Brook President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student.

“I consider my time at Stony Brook to be incredibly formative. There are so many relationships from my time there that continue to be important in both my personal and professional life. The jovial and professional nature of the linguistics department has especially shaped how I carry myself in my career, and I look back at my time spent there with immense fondness."

We’re proud to spotlight Kristan, a dedicated nurse practitioner whose career has been shaped by both her passion for patient care and her deep roots at Stony Brook University. Kristan’s nursing journey began in high school, when she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate and gained experience in nursing homes. She went on to earn her BS in Nursing from Stony Brook in 2003 while working in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and later in Care Management. In 2010, she completed her MS in Nursing with a specialization in Adult Health, also at Stony Brook.

Today, Kristan specializes in VTE at Stony Brook Hospital, where she combines advanced clinical care with a passion for research. Her current projects include evaluating the use of sequential compression devices in patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. She also maintains a robust clinical practice, providing primary care in the evenings and working weekends as a hospitalist at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital.

Research and Teaching:

• Participates in both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies
• Speaks nationally on VTE standards and research
• Presents award-winning posters at vascular conferences
• Precepts nurse practitioner students annually and mentors RN students in clinical rotations

Awards and Honors:

• 2025 Nurse Practitioner of the Year, Region 7, Nurse Practitioner Association of Long Island (NPALI)

Professional and Community Involvement:

Kristan serves as Coordinator for the Advanced Practice Provider Workgroup of the American Venous Forum, sits on the Speaker’s Bureau for the Society of Vascular Nurses, and is Secretary of NPALI, where she helps coordinate continuing education events. She is also a Thrombassador for the National Blood Clot Alliance and participates in health fairs and fundraisers to educate the public about vascular health.

"I enjoyed going to school at Stony Brook as well as love working here. There is so much support for students and employees. I am proud to be a Stony Brook lifer!"

We’re proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of Dr. Hanna Morales Hernández, a Stony Brook Chemistry alum whose academic excellence and leadership continue to inspire us. She received her BA in Chemistry and Physics from Wesleyan University before joining SBU in 2017.

Hanna chose Stony Brook for its proximity to home, but found so much more. With strong support from the Center for Inclusive Education, she made the most of her time here and gave back to the community through her leadership and service.

During her time at SBU, she was actively involved in the:

• Bridging Science and Diversity Committee
• Chemistry's URMW Professional Mentorship Program
• Community of Student Mentors
• PhD Career Ladder Program

Research:

Her graduate research focused on exploring how the chemical structure affects the electronic structure of gold nanoclusters using gas-phase, UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy. 

She now serves as the Assistant Director of Student Affairs at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the co-chair of the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) Resource Development Committee.

In addition, she is also a member of the American Chemical Society, the National Postdoctoral Association, and the New York Academy of Sciences.

Awards and Grants:

• Dr. W. Burghardt Turner Fellowship
• NSF GRFP Honorable Mention
• Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Service Award
• Chemistry Distinguished Service Award

"My time at Stony Brook University allowed me to grow not just as a scientist but as a professional. I took advantage of all the opportunities available on campus and acquired transferable skills that served me well during and after graduate school. I also built a community of friends and mentors that I still keep in touch with to this day. "

Dr. Benjamin Rahmani began his academic journey at Stony Brook University as part of the Stony Brook Scholars Program, completing his Psychology degree in just three years. He credits his advisors, such as Jeremy Marchese, for helping him adjust to college life and thrive academically. Always eager to take on new challenges, Benjamin went on to pursue a Master’s in Physiology and Biophysics at Stony Brook. The program, taught by Stony Brook Medicine faculty, provided him with both a rigorous academic foundation and invaluable mentorship from program director.

During his time at Stony Brook, Benjamin fully embraced academic and campus life: 

Campus Involvement: Member of the pre-med club, Graduate Student Senate, Hillel, and Chabad Student Club. He also held campus jobs with Client Support and the Biology Department.

Teaching: Served as a Teaching Assistant for several courses including general and organic chemistry, and was an Adjunct Instructor for the Biology Department, where he solidified his passion for teaching.

Research: During his Master's at Stony Brook, he wrote manuscripts that are now published on tumor lysis syndrome, the pineal gland, parasitic diseases of the spinal cord, and urachal anomalies—papers that continue to be cited today. He also spent one year conducting clinical research at BIDMC-Harvard, Division of Plastic Surgery, where he published manuscripts on breast reduction and reconstruction, top surgeries, and social media in plastic surgery, and earned multiple presentation abstract acceptances, along with a top abstract award at Plastic Surgery The Meeting (2024). During medical school, he was heavily involved in giving back to the underserved community in Kensington, PA, leading a group of students to offer street medicine services. He was a part of multiple projects on street outreach, including plastic surgery access in student clinics, and his cohorts post Covid restart protocol of the street medicine outreach group.

Benjamin recently completed his MD from Drexel University, College of Medicine, and is now a  Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Resident Doctor at Cleveland Clinic.

Meet Ria Rajan, an alumna of the MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program.

"I am from India, and I came to the USA to pursue an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program at Stony Brook University. I love nature and enjoy immersing myself in it. One of the works selected for recognition is inspired by the light of Long Island. It's something I noticed right away when I started studying here. The light in Long Island feels quite different from the light in India, and I have incorporated this sensation into my artwork."

Meet Omar Badessi who earned his PhD in Hispanic Languages and Literature here at Stony Brook. Omar shares his experience with the program and the support he received from the PhD Works Awards for Career Exploration (ACE).

"Participating in the Arabic and Professional Development Course for Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language has been a transformative experience, significantly impacting my career exploration and professional development.

Beyond refining my proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic, the program's emphasis on pedagogy, project based strategies, and cultural awareness has not only enriched my classroom strategies but also significantly contributed to my experience teaching Arabic at SBU. I have been an active supporter of and instructor in the Middle Eastern Languages Summer Institute (MELSI) at the SBU Department of Linguistics since 2019.

The practical activities with a diverse body of international teachers further provided a dynamic learning environment, enhancing my cross-cultural teaching approach. This unique event has truly broadened my expertise, preparing me to skillfully navigate the challenges of teaching Arabic in a diverse and global context."

Meet Emma Jones,  a Graduate student currently pursuing an MFA in Studio Art.

"I am an installation and textile artist. I enjoy examining historical phenomena through a contemporary lens, drawing comparisons and contemplating the transformation from the past to the present. I document these changes and express them through my art. My work is firmly grounded in ecofeminist and French feminist theory. I encourage individuals to enter the spaces I create, inviting them to experience imbalance and to feel that something is amiss, off, or broken."

"Prior to starting my MBA at SBU, I worked in the environmental industry for three years.  Within that time, I had multiple opportunities to act as a leader.  At first, leading a team seemed daunting; however, after continued exposure, my initial fear had been replaced by passion.  I eventually came to the decision that environmental management and its associated leadership responsibilities were something that I wanted to pursue.  The plethora of opportunities and resources offered by the College of Business (CoB) at SBU made it clear to me that it was the place where I could acquire the management knowledge and skills necessary to propel my career towards my ultimate goal of becoming an environmental manager.

At the start of my first semester in 2022, I was nervous that I would struggle to work full-time and attend graduate classes.  However, the well-designed course work, class schedule, and instruction offered by CoB allowed me to succeed professionally and academically.  One of the most rewarding experiences I have had in the CoB is functioning as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board.  Having the opportunity to represent the student body, offer ideas on how to improve the student experience, and provide commentary on COB’s strategic plan has been remarkable. I feel that I have been able to contribute to positive change that will benefit myself, my fellow students, and the college as a whole.   

My advice to current and future students in the MBA program is to remain open to every new experience, discussion and connection offered by your time at the College of Business. The relationships formed through these opportunities will blossom into a well-developed professional network that you will carry with you for your entire career."

Meet Shannon Haller, an MS student in the Department of Civil Engineering. Shannon shares her journey transitioning from Bachelor of Arts to Master of Science.

"I completed my BA in Ecosystems and Human Impact from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SOMAS) in Spring 2023, with a minor in Environmental Engineering. My interest in environmental issues grew throughout my undergrad years, motivating me to continue at SBU for a master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Environmental Engineering. Starting my graduate studies in Fall 2024, I'm on track to graduate this December. My research project focuses on phosphorus removal from onsite wastewater via electrocoagulation—a process using electrodes to coalesce phosphorus for easier removal from wastewater.

Transitioning from a B.A. to an M.S. in a field that often assumes a Civil Engineering background was challenging. Despite minoring in Environmental Engineering, I found myself struggling to keep up in courses that expected a more technical foundation. I frequently questioned if I was a good fit for this program, but with dedication, support, and hard work, I’ve been able to overcome these obstacles and progress toward my degree.

Looking ahead, I hope to find a position that allows me to apply both my academic experiences in environmental studies and engineering. Whether working in the field to assess water quality or conducting lab-based R&D, I’m drawn to roles with hands-on impact. For students coming from a non-engineering background into a technical graduate program, I would say that persistence and balance are key. Graduate school can be intense, but it’s vital to take breaks, enjoy your hobbies, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This approach has been essential in navigating my journey at SBU."

Meet Diana Salomon, an MFA student in the Department of Art. Diana shares who she is as an artist and also her work.

"I am a mother of four wonderful kids, and being a mom is the most fulfilling role in my life. This role is dynamic and ever-changing, especially with my kids spanning a 13-year age difference. I find myself nurturing the curiosity of my little ones while simultaneously addressing the diverse needs of my older ones. The relationship with each of them is in a constant state of evolution. My own identity often blurs and reshapes amid these changes, but it is precisely within this evolving landscape that I find inspiration.

As parents, we inevitably make mistakes, but embracing imperfection and allowing room for errors are vital aspects of the journey. Balancing my needs with theirs can be challenging, yet it's essential. While prioritizing my children's needs, I also believe that, as a mother, fulfilling my own needs is crucial before I can genuinely contribute to their happiness. I'm fortunate to have a strong support system that reinforces these beliefs.

Through this journey, I've learned that "time can be free, but it's priceless." Consequently, I have developed a deep appreciation for time and all the experiences it brings."

Meet Debra Giugliano a PhD in the School of Nursing! Debra is here to share why she chose Stony Brook.

"I am a Seawolf and a triple alumni of the School of Nursing. I earned my Bachelor of Science in 1990, Master of Science in 1997, and Doctor of Philosophy in 2022. I am currently a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing. I began my career as nurse at Stony Brook more than 34 years ago. I credit Stony Brook for preparing me with the skills, knowledge, and outstanding education that have allowed me to excel in my career. I am currently the President of the Kappa Gamma chapter of Sigma’s International Nursing Honor Society as well as President of Long Island Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses. My passion and research interest involves addressing the medical, educational, and psychosocial needs of children with cancer and blood disorders. I recently published my first article, “A Dimensional Analysis of School Connectedness in Adolescents Newly Diagnosed with Cancer” in JOPHON (Giugliano, 2024). As director of the Pediatric Hematology Oncology School Intervention and Reentry Program, I have been fortunate to receive more than $500 thousand dollars in grant funding and multiple awards for nursing excellence. Looking back, Stony Brook has provided me with strong faculty, mentorship, and incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth. It has been a privilege and honor to receive my education at SBU!"

Meet Yuyin Tang, a PhD alumni in Civil Engineering.

"I already graduated in Fall 2023, and I'm currently working as a senior postdoctoral associate in New York State Center for Clean Water Technology at Stony Brook. During my PhD, my work focused on the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies for biological 1,4-dioxane removal from contaminated groundwater.

My current work as a postdoctoral associate includes:

• Development of novel treatment techniques and bioremediation strategies for the removal of emerging contaminants (e.g., 1,4-dioxane) from groundwater and
• Development of an on-off nanodot fluorescence sensor for the detection of phosphate in water.

My advice for the current and future students is that self confidence should be high on your list. There will be a lot of pressure and self doubt during graduate school and you may become less confident. Don’t let the negative thoughts draw you if you ever get them."

Meet Mathew Martin, a PGY3 Resident Physician in the Internal Medicine program at Stony Brook University Hospital!

"I grew up in Suffolk County on Long Island and attended a nearby high school, where I participated in team sports and advanced math and science classes. An extracurricular program at St. Catherine’s Hospital in Smithtown sparked my early interest in healthcare and set me on the path toward a career in medicine.

As an undergraduate at Stony Brook University from 2011 to 2016, I majored in Biochemistry and minored in Anthropology. My time was filled with diverse experiences: I worked part-time, served as vice president of Phi Delta Epsilon, became a Teaching Assistant for pre-med courses, and joined a global health mission with Volunteers Around the World. These opportunities shaped my understanding of medicine and gave me invaluable skills.

After graduating, I joined the Graduate School Program in Physiology and Biophysics at Stony Brook to further prepare for medical school. The program’s small class size and personalized mentorship were invaluable, and for the first time, I had the opportunity to deeply explore research. My thesis project, a collaborative effort with my peers, remains one of my most memorable experiences.

Getting into medical school wasn’t easy. Preparing a competitive application was daunting, and rejection was a humbling experience. But I stayed persistent, sought feedback, and focused on improving. Sharing my story during interviews was a turning point that ultimately opened doors for me.

My advice for current and future students: there’s no single path to success. Be open to alternative routes, and don’t let setbacks define you. Seek out mentors—they’re an invaluable resource—and use challenges as opportunities to grow."

Meet Sean Vierling, a Master’s degree alumni in mechanical engineering! Sean is here to share his experienceat Stony Brook University and what he is currently doing.

"I graduated from Stony Brook with my BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2021 and MS in Mechanical Engineering in 2022 (started in Fall 2017). 

I started working for General Dynamics Electric Boat in the summer of 2022 as a Systems Engineer I and was promoted in the Fall of 2023 to a Systems Engineer II. In the Fall of 2023 I was also awarded an Operation Excellence Award for my work on several projects. In my current role I focus on the design, analysis and manufacture of heat exchangers. 

While at Stony Brook I was the president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and researched under Professor Anurag Purwar. I was awarded a National Science Foundation grant and my research focus was on the design of compliant mechanism. I also assisted Professor Purwar in his development of his STEM product SnappyXO. 

Currently, I am also an active member of the United States Coast Guard Reserves in Cape Cod, MA. I chose Stony Brook university for its location, research opportunities and mechanical engineering program."

Meet Qian Ye, a PhD alumna in mechanical engineering! Qian is here to share her experience at Stony Brook University and what she is currently doing.

"I am a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the International Association on Computational Mechanics-Female Research Chapter (FRC-IACM). I am currently work in Research Scientist at SRI started in 2021.

I received the International Association on Computational Mechanics-Female Research Chapter Fellowship in 2019 and the NSF-Sponsored MSEC2017/NAMRC45 Student Travel Award in 2017. My work was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Ford University Research Program, and the start-up fund from Stony Brook University. (PI: Professor Shikui Chen)

I chose Stony Brook University for its renowned research facilities and faculty in the field of mechanical engineering, which aligned with my research interests in finite element analysis, structural design, and additive manufacturing.

My PhD research focuses on the generative design of origami-inspired structures and topology optimization of conformal structures on manifolds. I have also worked on computational generation and conformal fabrication of woven fabric structures. My current research focus on developing design methods suited for multi-functional and multi-scale manufacturing.

During my time in Stony Brook, I was a member of Graduate Student Employees Union. I also actively participated in various activities organized by Stony Brook Ski Club and Stony Brook Campus Recreation center."

Meet Lisa-Marie Nisbett, a PhD alumna in Biochemistry and Structural Biology! Lisa-Marie is currently employed as a Provost New Faculty Fellow (2023-2025) and a Cornell NIH FIRST Faculty Fellow, 2025- , at Cornell University. She is here to share her passion for bacterial pathogenesis.

"My motivation to study bacterial pathogenesis comes from a long-standing fascination with the various ways that bacteria can infect humans. One prominent mechanism of bacterial pathogenesis is biofilm formation. Biofilms form when bacteria colonize surfaces and aggregate in a self-secreted exopolysaccharide matrix. Biofilms are a public health threat as they colonize medical devices, have been implicated in many chronic human infections, and are difficult to eradicate due to the bacteria being up to a thousand times more resistant to various antimicrobial agents. During my PhD thesis research in the lab of Dr. Elizabeth Boon, I studied the molecular basis of nitric oxide (NO) signaling and regulation of bacterial biofilm formation. NO is a small diatomic gas that has been shown to mediate biofilm dispersal in many bacteria. The molecular basis of biofilm regulation by NO binding to dedicated sensors such as H-NOX proteins in a variety of bacteria, including Shewanella sp., Legionella pneumophila, and Vibrio sp., but based on genome analysis, not all bacteria that respond to NO possess HNOX proteins. Therefore, we hypothesized that alternative NO sensor proteins must exist. In my PhD research, I characterized a novel nitric oxide-sensing protein, NosP, in two bacterial systems. Through this work, I established the involvement of NosP in cyclic-di-GMP signaling pathways and biofilm formation in Shewanella oneidensis and Burkholderia thailandensis. 

For the postdoc work, in line with my goal of understanding pathogenic mechanisms, I joined the lab of Dr. Jessica Seeliger as an IRACDA postdoctoral researcher to gain additional knowledge and expertise in investigating the cell envelope of pathogenic bacteria. My postdoc work focused on probing the functional relationship between cell envelope biogenesis and lipid export pathways in mycobacteria. Specifically, I worked to elucidate the role of the lipoprotein LprG in transporting lipids to the exterior layer of mycobacteria, known as the mycomembrane, which functions as a well armored, critical barrier that protects mycobacteria from various assaults such as antibiotics. 

My research lab is currently interested in determining the mechanisms of pathogenesis of clinically significant yet critically understudied bacterial pathogens such as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). In the clinic, NTM infections have become increasingly problematic as they are the primary cause of pulmonary lung infections, and are difficult to clear due to biofilm formation. As a result, there is a critical need for elucidating the mechanisms of NTM pathogenesis to develop novel therapeutics for NTM associated diseases. Using the model organism Mycobacterium abscessus, and genetic, biochemical, and metabolite quantification-based approaches, my lab will broadly address this need by investigating what molecular mechanisms drive NTM biofilm formation. Our work will provide insight into whether these mechanisms could be utilized for future anti-bacterial applications against NTM infections."

Meet Jing Xue, a PhD alumni in mechanical engineering! Jing is here to share his experience at Stony Brook University and what he is currently doing.

"I received Richard S.L. Research Excellence Award 2022 NSF NRT Travel and Professional Development Award 2021 Haythornthwaite Travel Award from the Applied Mechanics Division of ASME. I am member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME),  and currently work in KLA Corporate as an Applications Development Engineer. 

The reason why I chose Stony Brook is because Stony Brook University boasts robust research programs, and our Mechanical Engineering Department is home to a cadre of exceptional professors. Additionally, the campus exudes natural beauty, and its strategic location offers the best of both worlds: if you’re drawn to the urban vibe, Manhattan is within reach; and if you crave the tranquility of the sea, consider a visit to Port Jefferson :) 

During my school time, I worked as a graduate assistant in the Office of the Registrar at Stony Brook University. The experience was truly enriching, and I find myself nostalgic for the wonderful people I had the privilege of working with. 

My PhD research is to study the fracture behavior of composite materials. The overarching goal of my research is to better understand the damage mechanisms and strength size effect for composite structures and to develop robust models to predict the fracturing behavior of composites under different loading conditions.

I have joined conferences in “The Role of Friction in the Strength Size Effect in Fiber Composites Failing by Compression Kink Bands”, ASC2022, September 19-21, 2022, Tucson, Arizona, USA, “Friction Modified Size Effect Law and Analysis for the Transverse Compressive Failure of Fiber Composites”, EMI 2022, May 31-June 3, 2022, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, “Cylindrical Microplane Constitutive Model for Combined Damage/friction in Compressive Kink Band Failures in Fiber Composites”, ASME IMECE 2021, November 1-5, 2021, Online, Virtual, ''Structural size effects in the transverse compressive strength of unidirectional fiber composite laminates'', EMI 2021, May 25-26, 2021, Online, Virtual, and ''Structural size effects in the transverse compressive strength of unidirectional fiber composite laminates'', ASME IMECE 2019, November 11-14, 2019, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Professional development."

Meet Jiawei Tian, a PhD alumni in mechanical engineering! Jiawei is here to share his experience at Stony Brook University and what he is currently doing.

"I obtained my PhD in mechanical engineering from the Stony Brook University. And I received my BS and MS degree from China. I joined the GE Research as a lead engineer in September 2023.

As a PhD student, the most appealing to me is the cutting-edge research in the field of engineering and mathematics. Also, Stony Brook ‘s location on Long Island, provides proximity to various cultural and professional opportunities in the New York City metropolitan area.

I was leading research in two distinct directions, with each avenue being financially supported by government grant. One research project is in collaboration with General Electric Company to conduct the magnet topology optimization for electric machines. The collaborative team aims to advance the design of rare-earth permanent magnet structures for generator system and improve the architecture and design methodology of future generators and electric motors. 

The other research project is the soft robotics and mechanism design driven by magnetic field. The topology optimization methodology is a promising methodology that can be used into the design soft robots and actuators. To make the potential of topology optimization visible, I seized the internship opportunity in Meta Reality Lab last summer to explore the topology optimization in the design of soft wearable devices like wristband. I believe the topology optimization is promising avenue to achieve the potentials in metaverse.

During my PhD time, besides the publication, I obtained two patents in Stony Brook Research. The patents are related to the topology optimization for the electric machine design. The first patent is ‘Geometrically optimized magnets for the GE 13 Megawatt Haliade Wind Generator’. By adopting our optimized design, the use of rare-earth permanent magnet can reduce by 8%, which is a huge material saving."

Meet Myles Tucker, a MS alumni in Civil Engineering! Myles is here to share his experience at Stony Brook University and what he is currently doing.

"I grew up in a household that truly fostered my curiosity and ambition, thanks to my supportive parents. My father worked nights, and my mother worked days, ensuring I always had one of them by my side. They always encouraged me to follow my interests without reservation, a nurturing environment that eventually led me to explore fields like engineering and architecture. From an early age, I was fascinated by construction, starting with building towns and structures from Legos, sparking what would later become a lifelong passion for engineering.

My interest in structural engineering began in middle school, where an instructional technology class introduced me to hands-on projects, including building a balsa-wood truss bridge, which ignited my desire to work in structural design. In high school, I advanced my skills through architectural drafting classes, guided by mentors like Mr. Grecko and Mr. Winter, who introduced me to AutoCAD and the impact of digital drafting on construction. After graduating, I attended Suffolk County Community College, initially majoring in construction and architecture technology. Courses in Statics, Structural Drafting, and Construction Methods, along with an internship at H2M Architects + Engineers, led me to fully commit to civil engineering. Supportive professors and scholarships like the NSF STEM Scholarship further strengthened my dedication to the field.

Transferring to Stony Brook University marked a pivotal step in my journey. Here, I found a vibrant community of students and faculty who shared my passion. During my second semester, I joined Dr. Paolo Celli’s research on structural systems under nonlinear loading conditions, which taught me invaluable analytical skills. I also helped establish SBU’s Steel Bridge team, a project-based club that designs bridges for the ASCE steel bridge competition, inspired by Dr. Rigoberto Burgueno’s CIV 491 course. Additionally, as a mentor in the College of Engineering’s peer program, I was able to support fellow students in the civil engineering program.

Continuing at Stony Brook for my master’s degree proved to be the right choice. I gained hands-on experience in advanced structural engineering topics, even contributing to an innovative project focused on designing a vertical shaft for “Gravity Batteries.” This was a company-sponsored project supervised by Dr. Wei Li, where I collaborated with Terrament, a startup aiming to revolutionize energy storage.

Today, I am a Tunnel Engineer at Mott MacDonald, where I interned from summer 2023 to summer 2024. During this internship, I had the opportunity to work on globally significant projects, from the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion to the Purple Line Light Rail Transit. In addition to my engineering role, I’m also an Adjunct Instructor for Suffolk County Community College’s Department of Construction Technology, teaching Strengths of Materials (COT233), where I enjoy guiding the next generation of engineers through foundational principles in structural analysis."