Stony Brook Engineering Dean Andy Singer Advocates for Research and Workforce Priorities in Washington

Andrew Singer, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at The State of New York at Stony Brook, traveled to Washington, D.C., February 10-11 to participate in the 2026 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Public Policy Colloquium(PPC) and to meet with members of New York's congressional delegation.

The annual Public Policy Colloquium, organized by ASEE's Engineering Deans Council, brings together engineering deans and their federal relations representatives for high-level discussions on engineering education, research and federal policy. Established in 1991, the Colloquium is designed to strengthen dialogue between academic leaders and key policymakers, while enabling deans to refine and advance their federal advocacy agendas. Attendance is limited to engineering deans and their government relations teams.

While in Washington, Dean Singer met with staff from the offices of Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Nick LaLota to advocate for critical federal funding and policy priorities that support engineering education and research at Stony Brook and across New York. "It is always exciting and informative to meet with other engineering deans at the ASEE Public Policy Colloquium in Washington, D.C.," said Singer.

Discussions focused on the importance of sustained federal investment in research and development, workforce training and innovation ecosystems that drive economic competitiveness. Dean Singer highlighted the ways in which Stony Brook's engineering programs contribute to workforce development on Long Island and nationwide - preparing students for careers in emerging technology fields and partnering with industry to translate research into real-world impact. "It was a pleasure visiting with Senator Schumer's and Senator Gillibrand's staff with fellow engineering deans from across New York. I also enjoyed meeting with Congressman LaLota's staff and discussing issues important to Suffolk County and eastern Long Island," said Singer.

The Colloquium also featured bipartisan conversations about how engineering schools can work more effectively with policymakers to align academic programs with national workforce needs. Sessions provided practical strategies for building sustained relationships with state and federal leaders and strengthening advocacy for engineering education and research.

Stony Brook's Office of Federal Relationsworked closely with Dean Singer and fellow engineering deans from universities across New York to coordinate Capitol Hill meetings and advance shared priorities. Through these collaborative efforts, Stony Brook continues to elevate its voice in federal policy discussions and reinforce its role as a leader in research, innovation and workforce development.

Dean Singer's participation underscores Stony Brook University's ongoing commitment to engaging with policymakers to ensure that federal policies and investments support the next generation of engineers and the cutting-edge research that fuels economic growth and national competitiveness.