SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson would like to build upon the relationship between SUNY Polytechnic Institute and the Rome Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) so that it operates “like a transistor,” she says, with two-way benefits to help both.

While there are some existing academic connections such as AFRL engineers who are SUNY Poly adjunct instructors, Johnson is “hoping to see what capabilities” are available for the Air Force lab to work more closely with the college.

Johnson came to Griffiss park Tuesday afternoon to tour the AFRL Information Directorate, and stopped at the nearby Spressos Coffee House beforehand to discuss her visit. She was accompanied by SUNY Poly interim President Jinliu “Grace” Wang, whose appointment was effective July 1, and state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-47, Rome.

“I’m excited to come to Rome” to see the lab, said Johnson, who became chancellor of the statewide SUNY system effective last September and noted it was her first visit to the Rome AFRL. Griffo observed that Johnson has a background in engineering, and understands “potential partnerships...may exist between AFRL and SUNY Poly.” SUNY Poly has campuses in Marcy and Albany.

Johnson remarked that in the past she has worked with other AFRL facilities including through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio where the overall AFRL is based. An inventor and entrepreneur, Johnson holds 118 U.S. and international patents.

Further collaboration with the Rome lab could involve such areas as student internships, joint research projects and exploring possible “spin-out” companies in conjunction with the federal Small Business Innovation Research program, said Johnson.

The tour was “basically an opportunity for the chancellor to get familiar with what takes place” at the lab and “see what opportunities may present,” Griffo commented.

Wang said she too was “excited to be here to tour Rome lab” as a step “on my to-do list.” For SUNY Poly, it is “very important to be engaged” with area facilities, she added.

Wang, who in addition to being interim SUNY Poly president will continue in her systemwide role as Senior Vice Chancellor for SUNY Research and Economic Development, said there is not a set timeframe for her interim position. SUNY Poly has had an interim president position since former president Alain Kaloyeros resigned in fall 2016 after felony corruption charges were filed against him. Kaloyeros and four others were convicted last week on the charges. Johnson, when asked about Kaloyeros’ conviction, said “we are moving on....What happened in the past...happened in the past.” SUNY Poly is “such an important part of the SUNY system” separate from an individual who led it, she commented.