Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith recently completed a 10-day visit to two of the university’s international research centers: the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) in Kenya and Centre ValBio in Madagascar. The trip, which took place in late January, highlighted Stony Brook’s expanding role in global research and education.
Goldsmith described her experience as both “inspirational and educational,” emphasizing the breadth of learning opportunities provided by the university’s work abroad. “This has been a truly remarkable experience,” she wrote during her travels. “I have learned so much about paleontology, stratigraphy, anthropology, biodiversity and conservation, which drive home the enrichment of lifelong education.”
The first part of Goldsmith’s journey brought her to northern Kenya’s Lake Turkana region, where TBI operates as a center for human origins research. Founded in 2005 by Richard Leakey and Stony Brook University, TBI supports year-round scientific study in an area known for its fossil discoveries. Goldsmith noted the significance of collaborations at TBI: “In the Lake Turkana region we learned about the transformative human evolution research by some of Stony Brook’s preeminent scholars in the study of human origins,” she said. “It was impressive to see the impact of strong collaborations between students, faculty members, local researchers and staff whose partnerships have driven and supported groundbreaking scientific discoveries.”
While at TBI’s field centers in Ileret and Turkwel, Goldsmith visited laboratories and excavation sites alongside Kenyan researchers. She also joined Louise Leakey—Stony Brook research professor and daughter of Richard Leakey—for fossil walks and discussions on recent findings.
Goldsmith toured community projects supported by TBI such as a health clinic, school, hydroponics initiatives, renewable energy systems, and water infrastructure projects. She stated that these efforts show how scientific research can benefit local communities.
“Visiting two magical and beautiful places that have enabled Stony Brook to play a leadership role in advancing the frontiers of science has been educational, enriching and enjoyable,” she said. “It was equally inspirational meeting the incredibly passionate and thoughtful experts who are leading vital research on conservation, climate change, biodiversity, ecology, agriculture and human-wildlife interactions.”
A notable moment during her time in Kenya was meeting with 21 sophomores and juniors from the Simons STEM Scholars program who were participating in field-based research at TBI—many experiencing their first opportunity to study abroad. Goldsmith accompanied them on a tour of Nakwaperit archaeological site to learn about ongoing excavations.
After Kenya, Goldsmith traveled to Madagascar to visit Centre ValBio near Ranomafana National Park. The center is directed by Patricia Wright—a distinguished professor at Stony Brook—and focuses on conservation research while supporting sustainable development locally.
At Centre ValBio Goldsmith met with faculty members conducting studies on lemur behavior, forest ecology, climate resilience and ecosystem health. She observed several species of bamboo lemur during rainforest hikes as well as chameleons and mouse lemurs during evening walks.
She also engaged with community leaders and academic partners working toward ecosystem protection efforts around Antananarivo—the capital city—and congratulated SUNY students participating in winter study abroad programs for embracing international learning experiences.
Reflecting on her trip’s importance for Stony Brook’s future direction Goldsmith said: “The trip to Africa was timely as we engage in efforts to chart a bold strategic vision for Stony Brook’s future… As we identify opportunities to accelerate our excellence and impact across all dimensions of education, research, healthcare and service to our community…the great state of New York…the country…and the world…we will strengthen our commitment to research excellence student opportunity and global engagement.” She added: “I know I will continue to reflect on this uplifting visit in the days weeks and months ahead.”
