Stony Brook Kicks Off Clean Energy Lecture Series
Stony Brook University is leading the charge in clean energy education with Navigating the Clean Energy Transition, a new lecture series that launched with a breakfast reception March 6 at the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT).
This grant-funded initiative is the result of the efforts of the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) to support clean energy, developed with support from New York State’s Offshore Wind Training Institute.
Stony Brook leaders — including Vice President for Research Kevin Gardner, Chief Innovation Officer Michael Kinch, Associate Provost for Climate and Sustainability Programming Kevin Reed and Dean of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Paul Shepson — joined Carrie Gallagher, director of the New York State Public Service Commission Long Island Office, and others in welcoming participants at the kickoff event.
SUNY Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility Christopher White discussed the urgency of workforce development in the clean energy sector. “Every industry across New York State is changing,” he said. “You are the people who are going to make this happen. You are innovative leaders and thinkers who get it. Do not be quiet about it.”
Reed emphasized Stony Brook’s commitment to sustainability and its deep-rooted role in addressing climate challenges. “Stony Brook has been a leader in innovation and economic development for decades,” he said. “It’s in our DNA to serve the environmental needs of New York State and beyond.”
Gallagher reinforced New York’s unwavering dedication to clean energy. “We are not backing down from our commitments,” she declared. “It might take longer, but we are moving forward — especially in ensuring we have a well-trained workforce.”
A University-Industry Partnership
The 30-hour non-credit certificate program consists of 10 modules led by Stony Brook faculty and companies and organizations involved in offshore wind, including Community Offshore Wind, Haugland Group LLC, NYPA, NYSDPS, Ørsted and Vineyard Offshore. Designed for business owners, managers, engineers, project managers, environmental scientists and government representatives, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of the clean energy industry.
Participants who successfully complete the program will earn a certificate of completion and receive an invitation to a boat trip to view an offshore wind turbine system.
Shepson highlighted the pressing need for a skilled workforce during the welcome reception in his speech. “The transition to clean energy is inevitable, and opportunities for trained professionals will only grow,” he said. “You are all expressing leadership in an era where we must be bold in tackling climate change.”
Gardner reinforced Stony Brook’s role as a hub of innovation. “We are a research powerhouse, and wind energy will continue to be a key sector for New York and the Mid-Atlantic,” he said. “We must stay focused and keep moving forward.”
Marie Neilon, a participant in the program and community navigator with the Long Island Clean Energy Hub, shared her excitement about the program. “This program is an incredible opportunity to gain insight from industry experts and academic leaders,” she said. “It’s about equipping ourselves to be part of this monumental transition.”
Following the welcome reception, the lecture series kicked off with two talks: ‘Setting the Stage,’ presented by Reed, and ‘The Role of the Government in Facilitating the Clean Energy Transition,’ delivered by Gallagher.
— Beth Squire
