Showcasing Diversity, Creativity and Collaboration Across Campus

UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is excited to announce its upcoming Week of Research and Innovation, taking place October 20–24, 2025. This weeklong celebration invites students, faculty and staff, alumni, and community partners to engage in a dynamic series of events highlighting the power of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration across disciplines.

Designed to foster engagement and showcase SUNY Poly’s growing research ecosystem, the Week of Research and Innovation will feature talks, workshops, and interactive sessions organized around four key themes:
• Student Research & Internships – Helping students begin their scholarly journeys through hands-on sessions on research pathways and career readiness.
• Communicating Science & Research – Empowering researchers to share their work clearly and compellingly with diverse audiences.
• Research & Innovation – Featuring distinguished guest speakers, faculty white paper presentations, and the latest scholarly advancements.
• Entrepreneurship – Inspiring innovation through discussions on startups, problem-solving, and real-world impact.

“The Week of Research and Innovation showcases the remarkable spirit of discovery that defines SUNY Poly,” said Vice President for Research Dr. Michael Carpenter. “From student research to faculty breakthroughs, this celebration honors our shared mission to advance knowledge, solve real-world problems, and inspire the next generation of innovators.”

Preview of Events
•  Autonomous Laboratories for Advancing Energy Materials
Monday, Oct. 20 | Noon–1 p.m. 
Presenter (via Zoom): Dr. Yan Zeng, Florida State University
Discover how robotics, AI, and data-driven tools are accelerating materials discovery. Dr. Zeng will share her work on automated laboratories that speed up the synthesis of advanced materials for clean energy—redefining how science meets technology.

• How to Start a Business that Solves a Personal Problem
Monday, Oct. 20 | 2–3 p.m. 
Presenter (via Zoom): Aneela Idnani, Co-Founder & President, HabitAware
Learn how one founder turned personal experience into innovation. Aneela Idnani shares the inspiring story behind HabitAware, a TIME Magazine “Best Invention,” and offers insights into building mission-driven tech startups that make a difference.

•  CASMAD Presents: Bioinspired Nanopore Sensors Using Antibody Mimetic Technologies
Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. 
Presenter: Dr. Liviu Movileanu, Syracuse University
Explore the world of nanoscale materials with Dr. Movileanu as he discusses how bioinspired sensors mimic nature to advance biotechnology and semiconductor research. Enjoy “Semiconductor Pizza” while diving into the quantum frontier.

• Leadership Academy Insights
Thursday, Oct. 23 | 4–5 p.m. 
Presenters: Dr. Sarah Niu and Dr. Jasim Uddin, SUNY Poly
SUNY Poly faculty share lessons from the SUNY Research Leadership Academy—a program that builds leadership and communication skills across the SUNY system to drive innovation, inclusion, and public engagement in STEM fields.

• Elevator Pitch Competition
Friday, Oct. 24 | 2–4 p.m. 
Watch SUNY Poly students, faculty, and staff compete for cash prizes in this live, high-energy showcase of bold ideas and quick thinking. Contestants will deliver 90-second pitches judged by leaders from Griffiss Institute, Indium Corporation, and other regional innovators.

All events are free and open to the campus community. This exciting week is part of a broader year-long initiative. Throughout the 2025–26 academic year, SUNY Poly will also spotlight its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and College of Health Sciences, ensuring that each division has the opportunity to highlight its impact, partnerships, and contributions. College of Business Week kicked off the celebration in September.

For more information about SUNY Poly's Week of Research & Innovation and to register, visit this link!