STONY BROOK, N.Y., May 5, 2026—SBU Eats by CulinArt has launched an internship program offering culinary arts students from a local community college the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and apply their skills in the welcoming environment of Stony Brook University’s campus dining facilities.
The two students are enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Suffolk County Community College. They were selected through a thorough interview process and are near completion of this 16-week paid internship—their first real experience working on a professional cooking line.
Meanwhile, for SBU Eats, this program provides a valuable opportunity to engage young, passionate cooks-in-training and give them space to create, grow, and acquire new skills and knowledge.
“Participating in a culinary internship program is something I am truly passionate about,” says Suanne Agugliaro, SBU Eats Director of Training and Development. “When I attended The Culinary Institute of America, completing an externship was a program requirement. That experience helped guide my career and gave me invaluable hands-on training. Now, as a trainer on this campus, I am able to provide the same opportunity for young talents to learn and explore their potential. Helping shape the next generation of culinarians is incredibly rewarding.”
Let’s hear from the interns:
“It’s the people that make it more fun,” shares Adriana Carrera (in photo above left), who is interning at Roth Café. Adriana says cooking is something she has always loved, making this an obvious career path for her. “I started cooking with my mother; for me, cooking is the best way to express myself,” she adds. Adriana enjoys preparing Puerto Rican cuisine—the food of her country of origin—but also appreciates the opportunity to work with a variety of international dishes served daily to SBU students.
David Soledad, the other intern, works at East Side Dining twice a week. For him, the experience has also been highly beneficial. East Side Dining serves approx. 4,000 guests daily. This fast-paced environment, combined with a friendly and supportive staff, creates the ideal setting for students to thrive.
The internship program represents a strong start to the partnership between SBU Eats by CulinArt and SCCC, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration in the future.