Jennifer Cano, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University, has been honored with the Chancellor’s Horizon Award for Faculty Research and Scholarship. This award is part of a new initiative by the State University of New York (SUNY) to recognize early career tenured and tenure-track faculty whose work has already gained significant recognition and promises substantial impact in their respective fields. The award was presented to 10 professors across the SUNY system.
Cano’s research as a theoretical physicist focuses on quantum materials, specifically topological phases of matter. Her work involves studying fundamental principles like classification and predicting new material platforms for exotic quantum phases. She is noted for developing the theory of topological quantum chemistry, which integrates group theory, topology, and chemistry to forecast new topological materials.
“I am so pleased to see Professor Cano and her work recognized as one of the top early-career researchers in the SUNY system,” stated Carl W. Lejuez, Stony Brook executive vice president and provost. “Professor Cano’s ongoing research is a critical part to building a quantum future.”
Chang Kee Jung, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University added, “While I am exceptionally delighted that Jen is recognized by the SUNY Chancellor’s Horizon Award for her outstanding work in condensed matter physics, I am not surprised by the recognition.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. commented on this inaugural award: “SUNY is known for its exceptional research and scholarship… Our inaugural Horizon awardees have already made a profound impact in their fields of study early in their careers.”
Candidates were evaluated by Distinguished Academy faculty who then made recommendations to the SUNY Provost. Up to 10 awards will be conferred annually.
In addition to this honor, Cano won Stony Brook University’s 2025 Discovery Prize for her proposal titled “Theoretical Framework for the Discovery of Topological Moiré Materials.” This prize recognizes innovative scientific research pursued by early-career faculty at Stony Brook.
Cano completed her PhD at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2015 before becoming a postdoctoral fellow at Princeton Center for Theoretical Science. She joined Stony Brook as an assistant professor in 2018 and holds a visiting scholar position at the Flatiron Institute.
