Stony Brook University to Train Nuclear Technicians With NYPA Grant

Stony Brook University will receive $945,000 to prepare students for careers in the nuclear energy industry. The funding arrives as part of a $10 million allocation distributed to six programs across New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the awards on September 29. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees approved the money to support workforce development and training.

The state aims to grow its nuclear energy capacity to more than 8 gigawatts. This expansion relies on a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and operating advanced systems. Hochul stated that the funding would help build an industry that creates high-quality jobs. She described advanced nuclear as a cornerstone of her strategy to keep electricity costs low and supply reliable for residents.

Stony Brook’s specific grant supports three distinct training pathways. These include nuclear-aligned welding, HVAC and refrigeration certification, and radiation work. The program also provides four paid internships at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Mónica Bugallo, the university’s interim vice president for research and innovation, noted that the training facility offers immersive, hands-on learning. She emphasized that the program combines faculty expertise with workforce development professionals.

The university is implementing the initiative in partnership with Suffolk County Community College and BNL. This collaboration focuses on training welders, HVAC technicians, and radiation workers. The Post-Irradiation Examination And Research Lab, or PEARL, will lead the radiation component. Faculty members Lance Snead and David Sprouster, along with Michelle Kehoe from Radiation Safety, will oversee the practicum.

The PEARL lab will instruct 36 students in radiation safety, instrumentation, and personal protective equipment. Half of these students will be from Stony Brook University. From this group, four students will be selected for a fully paid summer internship at BNL. During the internship, they will shadow professionals in the Radiological Control Division. This experience provides fieldwork relevant to careers as radiological control technicians.

Ed Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College, said the partnership addresses the region’s workforce needs. He stated that specialized training in HVAC and welding prepares students with necessary technical skills and credentials. Aleida Perez, manager of Workforce Development and Science Education at BNL, added that the internships allow students to apply classroom knowledge in a working national laboratory environment. She thanked the NYPA for investing in these student partnerships.

Other recipients of the $10 million include the Workforce Development Institute and the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Jamestown Community College, the SUNY Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center, and the Manufacturers Talent Institute also received awards. The NYPA has committed $40 million in total to build the state’s advanced nuclear workforce. This funding supports the agency’s goal of developing at least 1 gigawatt of advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York.

Earlier this year, the PEARL lab secured a $4 million congressionally directed spending award. This grant supports critical energy security research. The Office for Research and Innovation matched that amount. Derek O’Connor, senior manager for workforce development at Stony Brook, highlighted the region’s unique position. He noted that an R1 university, a community college, and a national laboratory are located within a 30-mile radius.