Shaping Tomorrow: Stony Brook Honors the 2026 Class of 40 Under Forty Alumni

Stony Brook University celebrated an extraordinary breadth of talent and impact in its 2026 Class of 40 Under Forty alumni honorees on September 16. The event, held at Current in New York City, brought together more than 200 alumni, friends and supporters to recognize a cohort whose early career achievements are already shaping industries, communities and the world.

From cardiac surgeons and pediatric craniofacial specialists to meteorologists, marine researchers, entrepreneurs and sports professionals, these Seawolves are advancing healthcare, strengthening public service, innovating across STEM fields and elevating the cultural and civic landscape. Their work spans everything from improving patient care and shaping young minds to supporting veteran students, leading emergency management initiatives and serving in the U.S. Navy.

“I was deeply inspired and filled with pride by these honorees who embody the spirit, ambition and excellence that define our exceptional university,” said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith. “They are leaders who, early in their careers, have already made a significant impact in their fields, in their communities and in the lives of others. Through their extraordinary achievements, they are expanding our reach, helping shape our future and sharing our impact across New York, the nation and the world.”

Together, the 2026 class joins a distinguished network of alumni who continue to redefine what’s possible. Whether healing patients, informing the public, driving innovation or shaping policy, they reflect the excellence and service at the heart of Stony Brook’s mission.

“Each of our honorees brings a unique story of dedication and commitment to the Stony Brook alumni family,” said Michael Poch ’05, Alumni Association vice president, board engagement. “Their commitment to their fields and communities strengthens the bonds that connect Seawolves everywhere.”

These Stony Brook alumni are making their mark on the world in many sectors across the country. For example, Eric M. Ascher ’11, DO, assistant director of special projects in ambulatory operations and attending physician in family medicine at Northwell Health, is a recognized leader in patient care and clinical innovation. Named Physician of the Year for Northwell Health in 2023, a New York Times SuperDoctors Rising Star and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, he has distinguished himself through both excellence and impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a key role in implementing Northwell’s telehealth rollout, ensuring patients could continue to receive care during a time of unprecedented need.

“Stony Brook immersed me in an environment that championed scientific inquiry, leadership and diversity,” Ascher said. “Those experiences didn’t just shape my undergraduate years, they built the foundation for how I approach medicine today, fostering critical thinking, collaboration and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives in patient care.”

Kelly Ryan (Denimarck) ’10, LCDR and maritime space officer in the U.S. Navy, has spent her career at sea and ashore advancing national security and maritime operations. She has served on board the USS William P. Lawrence, USS Independence and USS Pinckney, and later brought her expertise to the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, where she instructed in surface and anti‑submarine warfare tactics. Most recently, Ryan earned her Master of Science in Space Systems Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School, conducting thesis research on alternative position, navigation and timing (alt‑PNT) technologies designed to mitigate GPS vulnerabilities, deception and jamming — work that strengthens the resilience of critical navigation systems across the fleet.

“My time at Stony Brook was instrumental in shaping who I am today. It opened my world — introducing me to new places, people and cultures, and showing me the growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone,” Ryan said. “I learned to pursue adventure, seek knowledge and build meaningful connections. I’m deeply grateful for my college experience and honored to be recognized as a 40 Under Forty honoree.”

Diego Cardeñosa, PhD ’20, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Florida International University and co‑principal investigator of the Predator Ecology and Conservation Lab, is advancing global shark conservation through cutting‑edge wildlife forensics and international policy work. His research focuses on the shark fin trade, where he develops rapid DNA identification tools that help enforcement agencies detect protected species and strengthen compliance with international regulations. Cardeñosa has collaborated with organizations around the world to support CITES listings, improve monitoring of shark and ray populations and expand the use of forensic science in combating wildlife trafficking — work that is shaping more sustainable and science‑driven approaches to marine conservation.

“Stony Brook pushed me to think beyond the boundaries of my own discipline,” Cardeñosa said. “Sitting alongside oceanographers and atmospheric scientists at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences encouraged me to step back and see the bigger picture. That broader perspective continues to guide my work today, from understanding how shark fins move through global markets to finding better ways to protect these species in the wild.”

Ivana Stolnik-Lourie ’16, founder and president of The Sanguinity Foundation, leads philanthropic work that advances higher education, women’s health and human rights. She partners closely with Stony Brook to strengthen journalism education through scholarships, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities. A dedicated advocate for women’s health, Stolnik‑Lourie has provided transformative support to Stony Brook Medicine, helping establish the Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome Center for Excellence, the Women’s Health Endowment Fund and the Lourie Endowed Chair in Women’s Health.

“Coming to Stony Brook as an international student from Croatia, I arrived far from everything familiar and found something I didn’t expect: a home and a family among people whose backgrounds were completely different from mine. In the close‑knit journalism community, I learned that curiosity helps us understand people, that facts and verification matter and that telling someone’s story carries responsibility — lessons that have stayed with me,” Stolnik-Lourie said. “I may not practice journalism in the traditional sense today, but I use its principles in everything I do, from philanthropy and women’s health advocacy to mentoring young journalists and teaching my son to ask questions about the world. Stony Brook taught me not just how to be a journalist, but how to move through the world with curiosity, rigor and humanity. Being recognized by the university that first gave me a sense of belonging in America makes this honor especially meaningful.”

For more information on Stony Brook’s 40 Under Forty program, visit stonybrook.edu/40underforty. 

-Written by Christine McGrath

-Photos by Kristy Leibowitz

View photos from the event below.