Craig Fennie Obituary, Ithaca, NY Death: Cornell University Assistant Professor Sadly Passed Away

The Ithaca community and the broader Cornell University family are mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Craig Fennie, an esteemed assistant professor in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics. His unexpected death over the weekend has left colleagues, students, friends, and loved ones in deep grief, as they reflect on a life defined by intellectual brilliance, creativity, and a profound impact on the field of physics.

Craig Fennie’s journey to scientific excellence was marked by an unconventional and richly diverse path. A native of Villanova University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Craig explored a variety of interests before fully committing to academia. His early experiences included working as a bouncer in Philadelphia nightclubs, briefly contributing to an engineering firm, and performing as a guitarist in a punk rock band. These formative years reflected his creative spirit and wide-ranging curiosity about the world.

Despite this unconventional beginning, Craig’s passion for understanding the fundamental principles of the physical world led him back to academia. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in physics from Rutgers University, where he began to establish himself as a rising thinker in the field.

His research career was defined by groundbreaking contributions to materials science and condensed matter physics. In 2013, Craig was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the “genius grant,” in recognition of his innovative work. His research focused on combining theoretical physics with solid-state chemistry to discover and design new materials with unique and valuable properties, significantly advancing scientific understanding in his field.

Craig joined Cornell University in 2008, where he quickly became recognized as an exceptional researcher and dedicated mentor. Throughout his academic career, he received numerous honors, including the 2010 Young Investigator Award from the Army Research Office, the 2011 NSF CAREER Award, and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2012. He was also elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society, reflecting the high regard in which he was held by the global scientific community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Craig was deeply valued as a mentor, colleague, and friend. Students and collaborators remember him not only for his intellectual rigor but also for his encouragement, patience, and willingness to guide others in their academic and personal growth. His presence enriched the Cornell academic environment and inspired many to pursue scientific discovery with curiosity and determination.

Craig is survived by his partner, Nicole Benedek, an accomplished associate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and their young son. The loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Cornell community. The university extends its heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.

In response to this tragic loss, the Cornell and Ithaca communities are encouraged to come together in support, compassion, and reflection. Resources for grief support and upcoming community gatherings will be shared by the university. Members of the community are urged to extend kindness and understanding as they process this loss collectively.

Though his life has been cut short, Craig Fennie’s legacy endures through his groundbreaking research, his mentorship, and the countless individuals he inspired. His contributions to science and education will continue to influence future generations of physicists and researchers.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored.