SPIR funding is only available for projects utilizing the resources of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) this includes:
           
            Mechanical engineering
            Materials Science and Engineering
            Electrical and Computer Engineering
            Computer Science
            Biomedical Engineering
            Applied Mathematics and Statistics

Approval of all SPIR projects is contingent on the availability of SPIR funding.

Approval of all SPIR projects is also dependent on the following parameters:

  1. Project merit in supporting the technology mission CEAS
  2. Project merit in supporting the goals of student education and professional development
  3. To qualify for matching funding from SPIR, the company must either be a small business or in jeopardy of losing jobs.

           
SPIR projects must have well defined deliverables and timeframes.  Deliverables and duration must not be open-ended.
           
SPIR students and industry partners should be aware a SPIR project can be terminated at any time by the Research Foundation of the State of New York if the company is in default of their contract.

Industry partners do not directly employ SPIR students.  Industry partners cannot promise any student that (s)he will be hired for a SPIR project.  SPIR students are employees of Stony Brook University and consequently can only be appointed by an agent of Stony Brook University.

SPIR student will get a copy of his/her appointment letter.

If at any time, a student is uncomfortable with any issues related to his/her SPIR project, (s)he is urged to contact the departmental SPIR coordinator or the Office of the SPIR Director.

During the school year students may work a maximum 20 hours.  During the summer they may work a maximum of 40 hours.  If a student exceeds this limit, his/her employment is in jeopardy and, in accordance with university policy, the student cannot be paid for the excess hours.

The students must work on the SPIR project as assigned – SPIR students are not floating employees who perform a variety of tasks.

A SPIR student may accompany industry partners to meetings and trade shows if the student agrees to attend.  Their expenses should be reimbursed by the industry partner.  Students are not required to provide any support to the industry partner outside of their described SPIR project; this includes sales presentations, trade shows, etc.

Questions regarding the information herein should be directed to Dr. Lisa Chichura at 631-632-1437 or lisa.chichura@stonybrook.edu.