Inaugural Class of Simons Empire Faculty Fellows Includes Four From Stony Brook University

Four faculty from the State University of New York at Stony Brook are among the the inaugural class of Simons Empire Faculty Fellows in academic fields including mathematics, physics, psychology and ecology.

The fellowship supports 16 tenure-track faculty positions, four at each of the State University of New York (SUNY) University Centers at Stony Brook, at Binghamton, at Buffalo and at Albany.

The Stony Brook faculty are:

• Juan Muñoz-Echániz,Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, researching gauge theory and low-dimensional topology.
• Jacob Pettine, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, researching nanoscience, quantum materials, and ultrafast photonics.
• Yun Tao, Assistant Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolution, researching organismal behavior.
• Lisa Taxier, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, researching the plasticity of the adolescent brain.

The Simons Foundation and Simons Foundation International established the program to stimulate faculty hiring in mathematics and the basic sciences across New York State. Simons Foundation International provides funding to participating institutions, with the program administered by the Simons Foundation.

"Through the work of our world-class faculty, SUNY is at the forefront of research and innovation that is improving lives, investing in our state's economic growth and deepening our understanding of the universe," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. in his August 18 announcement. "The inaugural fellows will continue to drive cutting-edge research for the public good, while reinforcing SUNY's commitment doubling research throughout the SUNY System. I thank the Simons Foundation and Simons Foundation International for their recognition of outstanding SUNY professors, and I offer my congratulations to the inaugural fellows on their well-earned selection."

"I'm thrilled to welcome these four exceptional scholars whose research in quantum materials, mathematical topology, ecological dynamics, and neuroscience will significantly strengthen Stony Brook's leadership in STEM fields," said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. "The Simons Empire Faculty program represents the kind of strategic investment that positions the great state of New York and Stony Brook at the forefront of scientific discovery. The bold ideas of these brilliant scholars will drive scientific breakthroughs our world urgently needs. I'm incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Simons Foundation and Simons Foundation International in supporting these faculty and their important work, which enhances Stony Brook's visibility, excellence, and impact in mathematics and the sciences."

The Simons Empire Faculty Fellows will build on existing research at SUNY's University Centers in fields including neuroscience, mathematics, and physics. SUNY is advancing a system-wide strategy to recruit, support, and retain exceptional faculty while strengthening the research environments on campus. In doing so, SUNY is expanding opportunities for faculty to pursue groundbreaking discovery, drive innovation, and increase SUNY's research impact across New York State, nationally, and globally.

"I want to thank the Simons Foundation and Simons Foundation International for making this Empire Faculty Fellowship possible," said SUNY Chairman Merryl H. Tisch, on behalf of the SUNY Board of Trustees. "The Simons Foundation and Simons Foundation International's steadfast support of SUNY and our outstanding researchers reinforces the incredible work that is done on campuses throughout New York State. These inaugural Simons Empire Faculty Fellows will help move our System, and all of New York State, forward, and are helping to achieve Governor Kathy Hochul's goal of doubling research at SUNY. I congratulate our fellows and appreciate the strong partnership we have with the Simons Foundation and Simons Foundation International."