Chancellor King Visits the State University of New York at Stony Brook to Highlight Research Excellence

October 29, 2026

Chancellor King Joined Campus Leadership, Faculty, and Staff to Tour Research Laboratories

Research Projects Address Quantum, AI, Healthy Aging, Nuclear Energy, Clean Water, and More

Stony Brook, NY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today highlighted the State University of New York at Stony Brook's groundbreaking research with a tour of research facilities and campus laboratories. During his visit, Chancellor King was joined by SUNY Trustee Cary Staller and toured the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center, attended a research expo featuring faculty and student projects, and engaged with researchers on a wide range of topics, from healthy aging and mental health to nuclear energy and clean water.

"SUNY students and faculty are at the vanguard of vital research efforts for the public good," said SUNY Chancellor King. "At the State University of New York at Stony Brook, researchers are addressing complex global challenges, opening the door to significant opportunities for our students, and economic growth for our communities."

SUNY Trustee Cary Staller said, "The State University of New York at Stony Brook is the epitome of research and innovation that positions New York State as a global leader. Through state-of-the-art research facilities and cutting-edge projects, we are expanding knowledge, creating better health outcomes, strengthening communities, and cultivating workforce opportunities."

During his visit, Chancellor King met with faculty researchers to discuss projects addressing scientific and societal challenges, including:

  • Eden Figueroa, PhD, is the Presidential Professor of Physics, Director of the Stony Brook University Quantum Institute, and a joint appointee at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He is the Director of the Center for Distributed Quantum Processing, and he and his former students patented Qu-MEM, which was recently named one of TIME Magazine's Best Inventions.
  • Pamela Abshire, PhD, Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is internationally known for her work in low power mixed-signal integrated circuits (IC), adaptive ICs and IC sensors, and CMOS biosensors. Her research focuses on better understanding and exploiting the tradeoffs between performance and resources in natural and engineered systems.
  • Christine DeLorenzo, PhD, interim co-director of the Center for Healthy Aging at Stony Brook and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Department of Biomedical Engineering in the Renaissance School of Medicine, whose research advances precision medicine by applying advanced neuroimaging to uncover the biological bases of mood disorders and neurological diseases.
  • Anissa Abi-Dargham, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology, the Lourie Endowed Chair in Psychiatry, associate dean and associate vice president for clinical and translational science and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health in the Renaissance School of Medicine, whose research uses positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to study the neurobiology of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
  • Erich R. Mackow, PhD, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the Renaissance School of Medicine, whose laboratory investigates viral cell targeting and the regulation of vascular, pulmonary and central nervous system functions to identify potential therapeutics and vaccines for viral pulmonary and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Luis A. Marcos, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at Stony Brook Medicine, whose research focuses on tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and babesiosis, in Suffolk County.
  • SUNY alumnus Lance Snead, PhD, research professor in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, whose research focuses on radiation-resistant materials for nuclear fusion and fission energy systems.
  • David Sprouster, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, whose research focuses on developing next-generation energy materials capable of withstanding the extreme environments associated with advanced nuclear fission and fusion reactors.
  • SUNY alumnus Raymond C. Bergan, MD, the Kavita and Lalit Bahl Endowed Cancer Center Director at Stony Brook Cancer Center, vice dean for Cancer Medicine and vice president for Cancer Services, whose research focuses on cancer metastasis. His team discovered the first precision-acting drug to inhibit cancer cell movement and metastasis and identified its mechanism of action.
  • Lokesh Padhye, PhD, associate professor and associate director of Emerging Contaminant Research at the New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, whose research focuses on improving water quality by identifying and removing emerging contaminants, including PFAS, microplastics and pharmaceuticals.
  • Esther Takeuchi, PhD, chair of the Interdisciplinary Science Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the William and Jane Knapp Chair in Energy and the Environment and Distinguished Professor in Stony Brook's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, whose pioneering battery technology has helped power life-saving implantable cardiac defibrillators and whose current research focuses on advancing battery technology for energy storage.
  • SUNY alumna Amy Marschilok, PhD, manager of the Energy Storage Division at Brookhaven National Laboratory and professor of chemistry in Stony Brook's College of Arts and Sciences, whose research focuses on developing safer, more efficient and longer-lasting batteries for advanced energy storage
  • Donghee Yvette Wohn, inaugural chair of the Department of Technology, AI and Society in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, whose research explores human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence and online social behavior, with a focus on how emerging technologies shape digital communities, identity and social interactions.

The State University of New York at Stony Brook President Andrea Goldsmith said, "Stony Brook is immensely grateful for the leadership and support of the SUNY Board of Trustees and SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. as we strive to double research at our university. Indeed, our strategic vision, ASPIRE 2035, envisions Stony Brook's global leadership in advancing the frontiers of knowledge to benefit humanity. We were pleased to welcome Chancellor King to our vibrant campus, and thrilled to share the highlights of the groundbreaking research being conducted by our world-renowned researchers. From important strides in cancer research, to valuable insights into neurological diseases and the development of transformative technologies, the critical work being done in our laboratories and research facilities is helping people live healthier lives, advancing new technologies for good, and improving the environment and ecosystems that surround us. As a New York flagship, we remain deeply committed to driving innovation and discovery across a broad range of scientific and interdisciplinary fields while translating research into real-world solutions that strengthen our communities, fuel economic growth, create great jobs, and improve lives around the world. The leadership and support of our elected officials, Governor Hochul, the SUNY Board, and Chancellor King enable our remarkable institution to advance discovery and serve as a model of higher education for good."

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, said, "Research at Stony Brook improves lives across the country, from cleaner drinking water to new treatments for cancer. That work depends on steady State support. This year, the Legislature provided $54 million to hold the line on tuition at SUNY, and our University Centers, including Stony Brook, are investing part of it in research. We must continue to deliver for our students and faculty so that institutions like Stony Brook can continue to produce groundbreaking research."

State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Chair of the Committee on Internet & Technology, said, "SUNY Stony Brook is leading the way in advanced technology and energy research. Our public institutions are incredibly valuable for directing technology toward the public good and addressing important social needs like clean energy and healthy online communities. I am honored to join SUNY Chancellor John King and Trustee Cary Staller on today's visit to hear from faculty about their innovative programs in medicine, energy, clean water, and artificial intelligence."

State Senator Monica Martinez said, "Answers to some of humanity's greatest questions may be found through the research happening right now at Stony Brook University. I thank Chancellor King, President Goldsmith, and everyone we met today working to advance human understanding for showing us what tomorrow may hold."

State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo said, "It was great to join SBU President Andrea Goldsmith in welcoming Chancellor King to Stony Brook University, the State's flagship research facility, to view the groundbreaking work they are doing in the fields of health care, artificial intelligence, energy and clean water. The amazing work being done at the Center for Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) and throughout the Stony Brook Research and Development Park will help ensure New York State and our nation keeps its competitive advantage in new technologies, while providing an enormous catalyst of growth and innovation for the region's economy."

State Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, said, "The researchers of today are often the heroes of tomorrow. The work being done today at SUNY Stony Brook's Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center and its campus laboratories will help with advances in precision medicine, neurobiology, therapeutics and vaccines, cancer drugs, advanced energy storage and more. The work being done here wouldn't be possible without the support of SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., and the SUNY Board of Trustees."

State Assemblymember Steve Otis, Chair of the Assembly Science and Technology Committee, said, "Today's visit provided a great discussion of SUNY Stony Brook's impressive technology programs benefiting health care, energy, clean water, scientific research, and artificial intelligence. This visit builds on our earlier Assembly Science and Technology Committee tours of SUNY's Buffalo and Binghamton campuses where we also received briefings on the years of cutting-edge research taking place across the SUNY system. SUNY Chancellor John King and SUNY Stony Brook President Andrea Goldsmith provided a great opportunity for legislators to talk to the outstanding technology team at the University. This was a valuable visit."

State Assemblymember Michael J. Fitzpatrick said, "Stony Brook University continues to be a powerful engine for innovation and economic growth on Long Island and across New York State. I am incredibly proud to join Chancellor King, President Goldsmith, and Trustee Staller to tour these world-class laboratories, view the groundbreaking work at the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center, and see the impressive talent on display at the research expo.  From clean water initiatives and nuclear energy to vital advancements in healthcare and mental health, the remarkable dedication of Stony Brook's faculty and student researchers not only cements our region's status as a leader in technological advancement but also paves the way for a healthier, more sustainable future."

State Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, "Stony Brook University is a cornerstone of our community, not only as an educational institution and major regional employer, but also as an innovative hub where research is actively making a difference in people's lives. From studying the tick-borne diseases that threaten Long Island residents to improving water quality and advancing cancer research, Stony Brook's work addresses the challenges that are directly relevant to the health and well-being of our community. The University's collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory further strengthens Long Island's role as a center for scientific discovery and innovation. We are fortunate to have these institutions in our own backyard, and their contributions underscore the importance of supporting the research and talent that help our region thrive."

State Assemblymember Kwani B. O'Pharrow said, "Investing in research and innovation today means building a healthier, stronger, and more sustainable tomorrow. SUNY Stony Brook's groundbreaking work demonstrates the power of education and discovery to transform lives and shape the future."

State Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said, "Stony Brook University is a world-class research institution that is advancing discoveries and developing solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time. I was pleased to join Chancellor King and President Goldsmith to see firsthand the groundbreaking work taking place in Stony Brook's laboratories, particularly in advanced energy research, and to hear directly from the talented researchers whose work is driving innovation, strengthening our economy, and improving lives. Supporting these research efforts is essential to keeping New York at the forefront of scientific discovery and ensuring that these innovations benefit our communities for generations to come."

Governor Hochul has charged the SUNY System with doubling research for the public good and has invested state support to achieve that goal. The State University of New York at Stony Brook's state-of-the-art research facilities are part of SUNY's ongoing efforts to advance research throughout the system, including:

The launch of the SUNY Research Leadership Academy to develop research leaders, strengthen communication and collaboration skills, and advance inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields. The Academy will help support researchers and provide important skills including how to better communicate effectively with the general public on the tangible, real-world benefits provided by research conducted across the SUNY system.

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

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