Three faculty members from Stony Brook University have been selected as finalists for the 2025 Stony Brook Foundation Discovery Prize. This prestigious $200,000 award is designed to honor early-career researchers making significant scientific contributions and enhancing the university's status as a center for research innovation.
The finalists for this year are Jennifer Cano, Paolo Celli, and Yifan Zhou. Each has been recognized for their innovative research projects.
Jennifer Cano, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is working on a "Theoretical Framework for the Discovery of Topological Moiré Materials." Her research delves into quantum materials' emergent properties, focusing on topological phases of matter. Cano aims to predict new material platforms that could realize exotic quantum phases through her work on topological quantum chemistry.
Paolo Celli, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, focuses on "Load-Bearing Enviro-Morphing Structures." His expertise lies in solid and structural mechanics, structural dynamics, and wave physics. Celli's research involves developing structures with unique functionalities that adapt to their environment using precision experiments and theoretical derivations.
Yifan Zhou, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is advancing "Revolutionizing Power Grid Computing Through Quantum-Driven Analytics." Her work intersects power systems, quantum computing, and machine learning to develop scalable power system operations aimed at a resilient energy sector.
The three finalists will present their research on March 6 at the Charles B. Wang Center Theatre. These presentations will be evaluated by a panel of judges with the winner announced at the event's conclusion.
Established in 2013 by a donation from the Stony Brook Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the Discovery Prize celebrates pioneering research with potential global impact. Interim President Richard L. McCormick emphasized its importance: “To maintain this legacy, it is crucial to keep fundamental research at the core of Stony Brook’s mission by encouraging our brightest minds to pursue ambitious ideas that shape our world and create lasting positive change for future generations.”
Past winners include Chris Johnson (2023), Eszter Boros (2021), Il Memming Park (2019), Thomas Allison (2017), and Laurie Krug (2014). Their diverse research areas range from climate change solutions to cancer therapeutics.
For more information about attending this event or learning about these scholars' work, visit stonybrook.edu/discoveryprize.