State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. has revealed the launch of the second year of the Chancellor’s Summer Research Excellence Fund, aiming to offer more than 150 undergraduates paid internships this summer across eight campuses, including Stony Brook University.
Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced the Empire AI initiative as part of the 2024 State of the State agenda. This initiative is designed to empower SUNY’s four university centers and other prominent New York research institutions to spearhead groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence (AI) and drive economic development. The primary focus is on leveraging AI to advance societal welfare.
In alignment with Empire AI, a minimum of 22 internships under the 2024 Chancellor’s Summer Research Excellence Fund will concentrate on roles in AI, emphasizing the imperative to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within AI research and development.
King emphasized the transformative nature of technological advancements, likening it to historical innovations like the printing press or the internet. He stressed the importance of offering students internship opportunities in the burgeoning field of AI to apply AI solutions, delve into AI ethics, and promote diversity in STEM sectors engaged in AI research and innovation. Internships play a pivotal role in equipping students with practical experiences beyond classroom learning.
The internship program aims to broaden research access for students facing financial constraints, first-generation students, and individuals encountering obstacles in securing research placements. Participating campuses encompass Stony Brook, University at Albany, Binghamton University, University at Buffalo, Downstate Health Sciences University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and Upstate Medical University.
Funded by SUNY’s Empire Innovation Program, the Summer Research Excellence Fund covers all associated costs for students, encompassing stipends/salaries, tuition/fees, accommodation, meal plans, childcare, and transportation.
These internships will span various fields such as biology, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, physics, astronomy, engineering, medicine, life sciences, chemistry, computer science, and clean energy.
Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis highlighted the institution’s commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in scientific research. The university places a high priority on fostering inclusive, equitable, diverse, and collaborative environments for the future of STEM education and innovation. The Chancellor’s Summer Research Excellence Fund plays a pivotal role in enabling students to excel by providing hands-on research opportunities in critical domains like AI, climate science, and clean energy.
