March 1, 2021: University Senate Report
Office of the Provost
Updates
Stony Brook’s Long Island Sound Research Receives Federal Funding
A study of ocean acidification by Christopher Gobler, Endowed Chair of Coastal Ecology and Conservation in Stony Brook’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, is one of eight research projects that will examine various facets of the water chemistry and habitat quality of Long Island Sound and is supported by federal funding through the Long Island Sound Study Research Grant Program.
Ocean acidification is absorption of carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere that produces a pH imbalance in our waters, making them more acidic. Seagrasses may provide areas of more favorable conditions from acidified waters for certain species such as oysters, clams, mussels and scallops. Dr. Gobler’s research will measure the ability of cultured seaweed and shellfish to remove nitrogen, combat ocean acidification, improve water quality and benefit aquaculture.
The project is supported by a partnership of the Sea Grant programs of Connecticut and New York (CTSG and NYSG, respectively) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Work will span two years and is slated to begin in Spring 2021.
SBU’s Physics Teacher Education Program Receives Top Recognition
The Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences was once again entered into The 5+ Club — the highest award available for teacher preparation from the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC). PhysTEC is a partnership between the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers. Since 2001, PhysTEC has helped universities transform their physics teacher education programs into national models.
The Department received this impressive recognition for graduating five qualified
physics teachers during the academic year 2019-2020, putting Stony Brook in the 99th
percentile of all US colleges and universities with physics teacher preparation programs.
The Science Teacher Preparation Program at Stony Brook University is committed to
excellence in science teaching and learning, offering a palette of coursework, clinical
practice, seminars and special projects that prepares students to assume teaching
positions in grades 7-12.
The program includes three options that lead to New York State teacher certification:
Undergraduate, graduate, and combined undergraduate and graduate degrees. Areas of
science certification include biology, chemistry, earth sciences and physics. For
more information, visit the Science Teacher Preparation Program website at:
https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/dtale/guide/overview_of_programs/science_program.php
SoMAS’ Ellen Pikitch Addresses UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science
On February 11, Ellen Pikitch, Endowed Professor of Ocean Conservation Science in the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) spoke at the United Nations’ sixth annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science assembly, “Beyond the Borders: Equality in Science for Society.” The event, held virtually, focused on the value of the social aspects and cultural dimensions in science, technology and innovation to enhance sustainable development programs.
Dr. Pikitch, who is also executive director of SoMAS’ Institute for Ocean Conservation Science, shared her expertise and work as co-principal investigator of the Shinnecock Bay Restoration Project on a panel of key stakeholders that addressed Clean Water and Sanitation, which is one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was created as a way to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, as well as to further advance gender equality and empowerment of women and girls throughout the world.
Staller Center Continues Virtual Programming This Spring
Staller Center’s spring season will continue to be virtual, featuring the 2021 Film Series, which can be viewed on the IndieFlix app. The series is 12 weeks long from February 11 through May 2 and features 10 new premieres and three bonus films from previous Stony Brook Film Festival events. All films will be available on demand to watch and re-watch from Thursdays at 7 pm through Sundays at midnight.
Tickets for the Spring 2021 Series can be purchased here: https://www.stallercenter.com/movies/