Ken Dill, PhD, a decorated figure in the fields of physics and astronomy at Stony Brook University and beyond, has been chosen to deliver the Leo Sreebny Distinguished Lecture at the School of Dental Medicine’s Annual Research Symposium on February 26, 2025. His lecture, titled “Deep Innovation in America”, will connect scientific research from the country’s history to discoveries that are taking place today, and speculate about the future of scientific discovery.
At Stony Brook, Dill serves as a SUNY Distinguished Professor of Physics and Chemistry, Affiliated Distinguished Professor in Applied Math, the Louis and Beatrice Laufer Endowed Chair of Physical and Quantitative Biology, and founding and current director of the university’s Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology.
Throughout his career, Dill has published more than 350 papers as well as two award-winning textbooks. He is best known for research related to protein folding – that folding occurs on funnel-shaped energy landscapes and that the folding code is dominated by hydrophobicity. Dill also co-established the field of peptoid molecules as foldable polymeric materials.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Dill to speak at our Research Day, which is an annual celebration of scientific advancement in dentistry,” said Patrick Lloyd, dean, School of Dental Medicine. “His innovative research has led to groundbreaking advancements in our understanding of fundamental connections between physical and biological processes. This lectureship will be a great opportunity for the entire SDM community to learn from and be inspired by a true pioneer in his field."
The lectureship is named after Dr. Leo Sreebny, who served as dean of the School of Medicine from 1975-1979, and was a member of the SDM faculty through 2005. Dr. Sreebny was a passionate advocate for research and innovation, and was committed to promoting discovery to SDM students and residents. Before his passing in 2020, Dr. Sreebny and his wife, Mickey, pledged their support for fostering such developments by backing the school’s annual Research Day.
