The Ithaca community and the broader Cornell University family are mourning the tragic loss of Craig Fennie, an esteemed assistant professor in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics. Craig’s sudden passing over the weekend has left a void that is deeply felt by colleagues, students, friends, and loved ones. His remarkable contributions to science, his inspiring journey, and his warm personality have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Craig Fennie’s path to academic and scientific excellence was anything but conventional. A native of Villanova University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Craig’s early life was filled with diverse pursuits. Before dedicating himself fully to physics, he spent years working as a bouncer at a nightclub in Philadelphia and briefly at a small engineering firm. He also played guitar in a punk rock band, showcasing his creative spirit and wide-ranging interests. Despite these unconventional beginnings, Craig’s passion for understanding the physical world led him back to graduate studies, culminating in a Ph.D. in physics from Rutgers University.
His work has always been characterized by a rare combination of theoretical depth and practical application. In 2013, Craig was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship, often called the “genius grant,” in recognition of his innovative research. His groundbreaking work involved merging deep theoretical physics with solid-state chemistry to discover previously unknown materials with desirable properties—an achievement that has significantly advanced the field of materials science and condensed matter physics.
Craig joined Cornell University as an assistant professor in 2008, where he quickly earned recognition for his exceptional research and mentorship. Over the years, he received numerous accolades, including the 2010 Young Investigator Award from the Army Research Office, the 2011 NSF CAREER Award, and the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2012. His peers also elected him a Fellow of the American Physical Society, acknowledging his influential contributions to physics.
Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Craig was a devoted partner to Nicole Benedek, an accomplished associate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Together, they shared the joys of raising their young son. Their family’s loss is profound, and the community extends its heartfelt condolences to Nicole and their child during this difficult time.
