Innovation Unleashed: How SUNY Poly is Shaping the Future 

In a bold move further positioning itself at the forefront of innovation, SUNY Poly  unveiled ten pioneering research centers this past fall, each poised to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges. This ambitious initiative is fueled by a significant $2.7 million allocation from New York State’s 2023-24 budget, part of a historic $163 million boost in direct operating aid to SUNY campuses.  

Over the past three years, SUNY Poly’s sponsored programs have experienced a remarkable 119% growth, a trajectory expected to accelerate with the establishment of these centers. Notably, this expansion does not include the forthcoming Semiconductor Processing to Packaging Research, Education, and Training Center, slated to open in Fall 2026, which will further cement SUNY Poly’s leadership in research and innovation.  

A Glimpse into the New Research Centers 

  • Artificial Intelligence Exploration (AIX) Center: Co-directed by Dr. Steven Schneider and Dr. William Thistleton, AIX encompasses a laboratory for foundational model studies, an accelerator for application development, and a studio dedicated to user experience research. The center aims to drive innovation through academic publications, external funding pursuits, AI application development, and by offering training resources to both local businesses and international partners.  
  • Center for Advanced Semiconductor Materials and Devices (CASMAD): Under the leadership of Dr. Iulian Gherasoiu, CASMAD focuses on advancing research and education in semiconductor science. Its expertise spans material science and novel device architectures with applications in power electronics, renewable energy, sensors, optoelectronics, energy storage, and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS).  
  • Center for Business and Applied Ethics: Directed by Dr. Jim Staihar, this center promotes research, teaching, and outreach in business and applied ethics. Situated within SUNY Poly’s AACSB-accredited College of Business, it aims to positively impact the Mohawk Valley and beyond.  
  • Center for Design, Interdisciplinary Research, Engineering, Art, and Media (DREAM): Led by Dr. Ana Jofre, DREAM serves as a campus hub for the arts, attracting visitors, hosting esteemed guests, and showcasing faculty work. The center supports curriculum development in the arts and integrates them into STEM education, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in areas like creative computation and game design.  
  • Center for Health Innovations and Humanitarian Engineering (CHIE): Directed by Dr. Joanne Joseph, this center advances knowledge in mental, physical, community, and environmental health, while promoting technological innovations applicable to health fields.  
  • Center for Safe and Secure AI Robotics (CESSAIR): Under Dr. Emilio Cobanera’s leadership, CESSAIR focuses on the development of AI robotics with an emphasis on safety and security, ensuring these technologies benefit society at every stage.  
  • Center for Smart Infrastructure and Sustainability (CSIS): Directed by Dr. Zhanjie Li, CSIS aims to position SUNY Poly as a national leader in creating resilient, intelligent, and sustainable infrastructure systems, contributing to societal and environmental well-being.  
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Research Center: Led by Dr. Byeongdon (Don) Oh, this center spearheads SUNY Poly’s efforts toward DEIB excellence, collaborating with various partners to empower the campus community and surrounding areas.  
  • Global Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (GCAMM): Under the guidance of President Wole Soboyejo, GCAMM engages an interdisciplinary team in cutting-edge research and education in advanced functional materials and manufacturing, addressing global challenges in these fields.  
  • Wireless and Intelligent Next Generation Systems (WINGS): Directed by Dr. Arjun Singh, WINGS aims to lead advancements in terahertz and sub-terahertz communications, leveraging artificial intelligence and automation to develop next-generation wireless systems.  

With these centers, SUNY Poly is not only expanding its research horizons but also reinforcing its commitment to addressing societal needs through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. As these centers begin their work, they will certainly contribute significantly to both the academic community and the broader society.