Dr. McDonnell is interested in the study of management and organizations, particularly during crisis situations. Before coming to the college of business, he served in senior management positions in large organizations as well as entrepreneurial ventures. He began his managerial career as Associate Director of Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was part of the senior management team that opened the hospital. He then went on to become Director of Business Administration for Applied Digital Data Systems, followed by nearly fifteen years in ascendant positions for the Long Island Lighting Company, concluding his service as Senior Vice President for Marketing and External Affairs. Following the merger/sale of the Long Island Lighting Company, Dr. McDonnell worked on Wall Street, where he served as Managing Director for Broadgate Consultants, assisting companies through high-profile crises. He assisted one of his clients with a venture in China and for nearly two years was President and CEO of Chinex International, a joint venture trading company, during which he resided in Beijing.