A Legacy of Excellence: Stony Brook Honors 2024 SUNY Distinguished Professors

Eight Stony Brook University faculty members who were appointed SUNY Distinguished Professors in 2024 were honored November 7 at the Sunwood Estate. Photos by Kristy Leibowitz.

Stony Brook University celebrated academic achievement and commitment to discovery on November 7, honoring eight faculty members who were appointed SUNY Distinguished Professors in 2024. The awards dinner, held at the Sunwood Estate, recognized these scholars for their groundbreaking research, teaching excellence, and service to the university and beyond.

Interim President Richard McCormick expressed admiration for the honorees, who have excelled across a range of disciplines, from neurology to physics, and mental health to climate science. "To our new distinguished faculty, you are solving some of the world's most challenging problems and complex questions in neurological disease, climate change, mental health, STEM, our understanding of the cosmos, the inner workings of the human body, and more," he said. "And just as important, you are inspiring the next generation to do the same."

McCormick emphasized that the professors' contributions extend beyond their achievements, serving as models for Stony Brook students. "Your presence here at Stony Brook enables you to provide an example for young scholars from all over the country and all over the world, from disadvantaged communities and wildly different backgrounds," he noted. "You are living proof that here, knowledge matters. You are paving the path forward for Stony Brook and for the world."

The evening celebrated the following faculty members, each recognized by the SUNY Board of Trustees as Distinguished Professors:

• Distinguished Professors: Daniel Raleigh, professor, Department of Chemistry; Adam Singer, professor and interim chair, Department of Emergency Medicine; and Jacobus Verbaarschots, professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, each recognized for their groundbreaking research and contributions to their respective fields.
• Distinguished Service Professors: Joanne Davila, professor and chair, Department of Psychology; Susan Lane, professor and vice chair of education, Department of Medicine; Lawrence Martin, director emeritus of the Turkana Basin Institute and professor, Department of Anthropology; and Laszlo Mihaly, professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, honored for their exceptional commitment to service within and beyond the university.
• Distinguished Teaching Professor: Marci Lobel, professor, Department of Psychology, honored for her exceptional dedication to teaching excellence and mentorship, inspiring countless students on their educational journeys.

The SUNY Distinguished Professorship is among the highest academic honors within the SUNY system, reserved for those with national or international prominence and who have contributed significantly to research, scholarship, or artistic achievement. The Distinguished Teaching Professorship is awarded to those who exemplify exceptional teaching and mentorship.

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