Jennifer Cano, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University, has been awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Horizon Award for Faculty Research and Scholarship. This award from the State University of New York (SUNY) is designed to recognize early career tenured and tenure-track faculty who have already gained significant recognition in their scholarly or creative activities and are expected to have a major impact in their fields.
Cano, a theoretical physicist, focuses her research on quantum materials, particularly topological phases of matter. Her work includes developing theories like topological quantum chemistry, which combines elements of group theory, topology, and chemistry to predict new topological materials.
Carl W. Lejuez, Stony Brook's executive vice president and provost, expressed his satisfaction with Cano's recognition: “I am so pleased to see Professor Cano and her work recognized as one of the top early-career researchers in the SUNY system.” He emphasized the importance of her research in building a "quantum future."
Chang Kee Jung, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook, also praised Cano: “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.”
John B. King Jr., SUNY Chancellor, noted that "SUNY is known for its exceptional research and scholarship," highlighting that this year's Horizon awardees have already made a profound impact early in their careers.
Cano's achievements extend beyond this award. She was also honored with Stony Brook University’s 2025 Discovery Prize for her proposal titled “Theoretical Framework for the Discovery of Topological Moiré Materials.” This prize is given to early-career faculty at Stony Brook engaged in innovative scientific research.
Jennifer Cano completed her PhD at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2015. She later served as a postdoctoral fellow at Princeton Center for Theoretical Science before joining Stony Brook University as an assistant professor in 2018. Additionally, she holds a visiting scholar position at the Flatiron Institute.