Min Yi Chen, Class of 2001 Process Engineer, Chromalloy I do not think I would of become who I am today if it not for the ESG program at Stony Brook. The broad course load in mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing specializing in materials helped to give us a better understanding of the big picture, yet know more about one thing. The kind of skill required for management and having the ability to work on a variety of projects. Versus the "other" engineering majors whom I found did not catch on as easily to the entire process flow of a company. ESG also trains you more in writing, working in groups, and presentations which teachs you communication skills which is essential if you want to work in a company of more than 1 person. Versus the "other" engineering majors whom mostly concentrates on the math but not on how to communicate it. So don't hate your professors or your classes, they only want what is best for you. My 2 cents: School playground rules still applys to the professional world- always play nice, make friends, and learn to play all the monkey bar, jump rope games and play it well, or no one would want to play with you. Knowing what you are talking about and how to communicate your thoughts are both equally important. And you learn most from talking to people and hearing their thoughts, so don't be afraid to talk to people and ask questions. Good Luck to the class of 2004 and beyond!

Laura Reilly, Class of 2004
I plan to work at Northrop Grumman as an Systems Engineer through their Recent Graduate program.

Stony Brook was an overall great experience. I made a lot of good friends while I was living here. I am glad that I am a student in CEAS, because the atmosphere seems to be more personal. I also liked being in a small department where I knew all of the professors.

My two words of advice are to Relax and Have Fun.

Our students also get great job opportunities.

Jeff Asselta, Class of 1998
My experience as an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University was a learning experience on all levels. No matter what type of background that you have, the program is set up so that all students have the chance to learn and succeed. I am a classic example of this. I came to Stony Brook University as a student in the Engineering school and didn't know where I wanted to head career wise, or what areas I wanted to specialize in. Through classwork and working on projects with the department faculty I was able to discover my interests and strengths in the engineering field. The department had such good outreach to undergraduate students that I received the opportunity to work closely with professors and graduate students on very important research projects. This is a great opportunity that not all colleges offer, and it is a great way to get an introduction and head start on graduate school. I never envisioned myself becoming so active at a college university, and I know it was because of the faculty and students whom I met when I became a student in the program. I would like to thank everyone at Stony Brook for giving me the opportunity to learn in such a great environment. There are a lot of bright minds in the Materials Science and Engineering Department and they all played a role in molding me into the person that I am today. Overall, my experience at Stony Brook was a great one, and I will always think of it as more then just a place to go to school and learn. It transformed the way I looked at my college experience and made my time there more then just classes and homework.

June Lau, Class of 1999
Columbia University and BNL
My brother has been quizzing me about my experiences at Stony Brook as he is getting ready for his freshman year there. I told him, "Stony Brook is what you make of it, and if you walk in with an open-mind, you will come across the same great things I found".

I earned double degrees from Material Science and Engineering and Chemistry in 1999. As an undergrad, I spent a lot of time with the good folks at MS&E department. The classes and the course work are great; I learned more than I needed to get into grad school. But what is really worth mentioning are the experiences I got beyond the classroom walls. As an undergrad, I found a faculty deeply committed to students and quality education. My undergraduate research advisors, Miriam and Jon, taught me that nothing worthwhile comes easily. The discipline gained was perhaps the most valuable of all experiences. It enabled me to continue my studies at Columbia University.

Now 5 years after graduation, I am still actively communicating with the department's faculty and staff. USB is not just another institution on my CV. This is where my academic roots took place and the people of MS&E are permanent members of my academic family. So when Jim asked me to write a testimonial for the MS&E academic program, how could I pass this up as a chance to express my gratitude towards my mentors and friends at USB?

Ada Chan, Class of 2000
Festo Corporation
I did not really know how much I have gained and learned during my undergraduate study until I found I need to apply them at work. Stony Brook offered me with great classes that enhanced my background and knowledge which helped me better prepared to be successful at work. After graduating from Stony Brook CEAS for almost 4 years, I still continue to refer back to my undergraduate notes for reference purposes. My academic experiences from Stony Brook University have made me a much better professional in the real world!

Meghan Ruppel, Class of 2004 After graduation in May, I will participate in the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program at BNL for the summer working with Dr. Lisa Miller on a project looking at the composition of subchondral bone in the primate model osteoarthritis. In September, I will return to Stony Brook to continue my graduate studies in Materials Science and continue research with Dr. Miller which will provide the basis for my Masters thesis. Having transfered from another school and a totally different major, I feel I found my calling in the Engineering Science major at Stony Brook University. My academic experiences, as well as extracurricular activities and research, have provided my with many of the tooks needed to be successful in the real world. My two words of advice are to Network and Research

Mark Campo, Class of 2001
Veeco Corporation

I'm currently a Process Engineer for Veeco Instruments. I started working for Veeco as an intern during my last year and a half as an undergrad at Stony Brook. After completing my BE, I was hired on as a full time employee. I am currently enrolled in the Masters program here at Stony Brook, however I will soon be switching over to get an MBA to combine my technical background with a business background. The Engineering Science program prepares you for a world where many different types of engineers work together. Combining the fundamentals of mechanical, electrical, and material science has helped greatly in my job today.

My advice to anyone entering the world of engineering: Networking and communication. Two skills you can't read about in a book. Get your name out there and take advantage of who you know. It's how I got where I am today. Stony Brook is full of brilliant engineers with current connections to various fields of technology.

Best of luck to everyone!

Suet Chan, Class of 2000
Northrup Grumman
I graduated from Stony Brook majoring in Engineering Science. This major has given me the foundation to launch my career as a Mechanical Design Engineer. My work involves interactions of many different disciplines of engineering. ESG helps tremendously in trying to understand and effectively communicate with other groups. And trust me that communications is a BIG part in engineering and four years of experience can attest to that.

Besides the academics, Stony Brook offered a variety of clubs and events. They served a great place to meet new friends and most of it was just plain fun. I went to fashion shows, roller-bladed in a rink set up right by the library, talent shows, strawberry fest, and on and on. Definitely make the time and enjoy everything that's offered.

My two words of advice is work hard but remember to have fun.

Candie Yeung, Class of 2000
Northrup Grumman
After I graduated from Stony Brook, I have started my career in an engineering company. Working as an engineer, I finally realized the hardwork that we did in college is worth it. By doing all the projects and presentations in classes, it prepared me to become a professional worker in the real world. Even though the school work was challenging, I met many good friends and we had a wonderful time studying together. We shared both laughs and tears, and this is something I will never forget.

I wish all of you good luck and enjoy.

Ivy Wong, Class of 2001
Opportunity doesn't come easily but when you are in Stony Brook CEAS program, you are few steps ahead of the game. I have been working as a Project Engineer in the energy industry for almost 3 years and constantly I am applying the knowledge and skills that I learned during my four years of undergraduate study. The most unique element of the Stony Brook CEAS program is that it prepares you for the real world. Beside the in-depth course work, the program also includes research opportunity, challenging lab work, practical problem solving, understanding/applying industry standards and codes, design project, and presentation. All these academic experiences played an essential role in achieving success in the professional world.

My two cents of advice are do not concentrate on the Product (GPA) but the Process.

Jason Trelewicz, Class of 2004 My plans after graduation are to pursue my Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at MIT and study the mechanical response of nanomaterials in conjunction with mechanically coupled transitions. Of all the positive aspects that I have experienced at Stony Brook, one that really stands-out was the constant encouragement to work beyond my potential in order to become successful. This was accomplished through the challenging course work, professional interactions, and cutting-edge research offered at CEAS. My many words of advice are Strive to Succeed as success roots itself in effort.