Advocacy Corps Meets with DC-based Alumnus and Alan Alda Center Graduate Program Director 

In February, Stony Brook University’s (SBU) Advocacy Corps met virtually with Arun Seraphin, who just completed a very successful tenure at the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services as a professional staff member and now serves as deputy director of the Emerging Technologies Institute at the National Defense Industrial Association. Additionally, Seraphin recently received the prestigious appointment from Leader Chuck Schumer to serve as a member of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform.

SBU Advocacy Corps meets virtually with DC-based SBU alumnus Arun Seraphin.

During the meeting, Seraphin detailed his unique and successful path from Long Island to the Hill and beyond. He provided strategic career advice, federal advocacy guidance and emphasized the importance of all students acquiring a strong communication skillset regardless of the career path students may choose. Seraphin holds both a BA in American Government and a BE in Engineering Science from SBU in addition to a PhD in Electronic Materials, Nanotechnology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

Following Seraphin’s advice in addition to SBU President Maurie McInnis’ guidance earlier this year to consistently work on enhancing communication skills, the Advocacy Corps met with Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science Graduate Program Director and Assistant Professor of Practice Elizabeth Bojsza. Through a series of communication exercises, Bojsza helped students explore strategies to engage their audiences in ways that build trust and inspire. The Advocacy Corps looks forward to implementing the lessons learned from this session during their upcoming federal advocacy meetings in March with congressional staff.