A group of 22 transfer students from Suffolk County Community College and Nassau County Community College took part in a new summer pilot program at Stony Brook University. The initiative aimed to introduce these students to research opportunities on campus before they began their fall classes.
The Research Entry Accelerator for College Transfers (REACT) program was created to help transfer students transition smoothly into the university environment and support their academic and career goals. Participants interacted with faculty, staff, and other undergraduate researchers, gaining insight into available research activities at Stony Brook.
Tracey Iorio, assistant director of the Academic and Transfer Advising Services (ATAS) Office, explained the significance of the program: “Many high-achieving students from Nassau and Suffolk transfer here but they’ve never had the opportunity to participate in research,” she said. “This isn’t just about academics and GPA. It’s research. It’s leadership. It’s career preparation.” She added, “It’s giving them a whole different perspective on what Stony Brook can offer.”
The REACT program was developed by Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URECA) and ATAS as an orientation for early engagement in research among transfer students. The project involved collaboration between the Division of Undergraduate Education, the Career Center in Student Affairs, and Undergraduate Admissions. Funding came from a State University of New York Jobs for the Future initiative as well as a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies through the American Talent Initiative.
Rachelle Germana, senior associate provost for undergraduate education, commented on the importance of such efforts: “We’re so grateful to SUNY and Bloomberg to be able to pilot this program, and to be able to collaborate with our colleagues across the university campus to support our new transfer students,” she said. “Transfer students often have different needs and expectations than traditional first-time undergraduate students, but they have the same desire to earn their degree and gain the experiences that will help them meet their personal and professional goals. Programs like the Summer Transfer Research Accelerator are another way to empower them to achieve those goals. This program is part of a larger effort across the university to expand undergraduate research opportunities for students from all majors and across academic disciplines.”
Psychology major Sawaira Azam joined REACT after encouragement from a friend who wanted her transition from Suffolk County Community College to Stony Brook University to be easier. Azam described her experience: “When I was starting at Suffolk, I was terrified. This program created a community for me at Stony Brook. I know if I need help, there are people I can ask,” she said. “The idea of doing original research is such a new concept to me. I thought it was just scientists doing research, not any other major. Marina [Fandaros, assistant director of Undergraduate Research Engagement] went into depth about the opportunities available at Stony Brook. Everything connected with everything else and I hope I’m able to do more.” Azam has since begun working on an undergraduate project called Wear-AI-able Futures led by faculty in Technology and Society within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Participants could choose between two sessions: one lasting two weeks focused on lab visits and researcher meetings or another lasting three weeks involving direct work with faculty on ongoing projects.
Stanislav Kravchenko participated in the three-week session while preparing for MD/PhD programs as a biochemistry major: “The curriculum at SBU is very rigorous. They expect excellence and for you to be at the top of your game. They expect you to reach out for every opportunity.The program was one of those opportunities, and a way for me to build on what I already have and show medical schools that I’m willing to try new things,” he said. “Every doctor talks about the problems with healthcare and how protocols and treatment plans should be better. I want to be the one who helps to change these methods. I want the opportunity to be a big change to medicine as a whole.”
Stony Brook University plans to offer this program again during summer 2026 for incoming transfers from Long Island’s two community colleges.
