Rep. Tonko talks ‘forever chemical’ alternatives with students

New York Congressman Paul Tonko (D-20th Dist.) brought his perspective as both an engineer and longtime Capital District policymaker to conversations with students and faculty in a visit to Cornell on March 20.

His visit, part of the new Connecting Cornell to Congress program through the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, offered an up-close look at how research and policy intersect.

"Seeing firsthand the vision and drive of our students never fails to inspire me, and I think it is incumbent on every member of Congress to connect with our students, who - whether pursuing engineering, public policy or anything in between - will be our next generation of leaders and experts," Tonko said. "I was impressed to learn about the pioneering research Cornell is conducting on key issues, from clean water to energy innovation and manufacturing.

"I'm so grateful for the chance to connect with such an engaged and passionate group of faculty, students and alumni," he said.

Tonko met with students from Brooks School'sInstitute of Politics and Global Affairs(IOPGA) and members of the Cornell Democrats. Following an introduction by IOPGA Faculty Director Douglas Kriner, the Clinton Rossiter Professor in American Institutions in the Department of Government, in the College of Arts and Sciences, Tonko engaged with students on a range of issues - from energy and climate policy to the inner workings of congressional committees.

The nine-term representative from Amsterdam, New York, who graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in mechanical and industrial engineering, also reflected on his path from the New York State Assembly to Congress, offering students a glimpse into public service.

"We were so honored to welcome Congressman Tonko to Cornell and grateful for his engagement with our students," said Colleen Barry, inaugural dean of the Brooks School. "The purpose of Connecting Cornell to Congress is to build meaningful, ongoing relationships with our congressional leaders while giving students the opportunity to learn directly from their experiences."

​​Tonko also visited the Cornell Duffield College of Engineering, where faculty, staff and students highlighted research and experiential learning at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and sustainability.

In Upson Hall, Tonko met with Damian Helbling, professor of civil and environmental engineering, to discuss research efforts to improve water purification technologies for industrial processes, including semiconductor manufacturing. A central focus was the environmental impact of fluorinated chemistries - often referred to as PFAS, or "forever chemicals" - which are essential for the development of microchips and other semiconductor technologies.

Helbling's research groupis collaborating with industry partners to develop safer alternatives that could be used in manufacturing processes, as well as technologies for the abatement of fluorinated chemicals in wastewater emissions from semiconductor facilities.

Touring multiple engineering student project spaces, including the Autodesk Design and Make Space and the Student Project Team Facilities, Tonko engaged directly with undergraduate team members working on a range of projects, such as building competitive autonomous boats and electric race cars. He spoke with students about their academic paths, project goals and career aspirations, showing particular interest in innovations related to battery technologies, electric vehicles and sustainability.

Lauren Stulgis, the Swanson Director of Student Project Teams (Duffield Engineering), and other facility staff leaders emphasized the multidisciplinary nature of Cornell's project teams, which bring together students from engineering and other disciplines to collaborate on complex challenges. These experiences, they said, help students build leadership and communication skills essential for their future careers.

Throughout the visit, Tonko reaffirmed his support for federal research funding, emphasizing its critical role in advancing scientific discovery and preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Tonko, whose district includes Albany, Schenectady, Troy and Saratoga Springs, serves as ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment. He also serves on the Subcommittee on Energy; the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations; and on the House Budget Committee. He also serves as Democratic deputy whip for policy, helping guide the legislative priorities of the House Democratic Caucus.

Connecting Cornell to Congress welcomes Cornell alumni serving in Congress and members of the New York Congressional delegation to Ithaca and to the Brooks School campus in Washington to share their insights and experiences with students, faculty and university leaders.

Giles Morris is assistant dean of communication for the Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy.