2026 Michael Horne Award for Distinguished Faculty Scholarship: David Simon

The Michael Horne Award for Distinguished Faculty Scholarship is to be given to a faculty member whose scholarly achievement has brought distinction to the College. The Distinguished Faculty Scholar Committee selects a faculty member with an exceptional record of scholarly achievement and acclaim that significantly advances the reputation and prominence of the professor and Stonehill. In 2026, Stonehill College is proud to bestow the Michael Horne Award for Distinguished Faculty Scholarship on Professor David Simon.

The Michael Horne Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a faculty member at Stonehill College. Named in memory of a beloved professor whose dedication to scholarship and teaching left a lasting impact on our community, this award recognizes one of our full professors who has not only significantly contributed to their field but also to the intellectual life of our college.

This year, we are proud to celebrate Professor David Simon as the 2026 Michael Horne Distinguished Faculty Scholar. A leading figure in quantum optics, quantum field theory, and mathematical physics, Professor Simon has built an internationally recognized record of scholarship that makes him an exemplary recipient of this honor.

The Horne Award recognizes sustained excellence in faculty scholarship and research impact, affirming Stonehill’s commitment to rigorous intellectual inquiry and the close integration of research and teaching. Professor Simon’s career reflects these values through his influential contributions to quantum optics, photonics, and theoretical physics, including widely cited publications, active participation in global scholarly communities, and the development of a U.S. patent.

Equally significant is the way Professor Simon has woven his scholarship into the academic life of the College. He has played a central role in interdisciplinary program development, mentored numerous undergraduate researchers, and created learning pathways that connect physics, engineering, and applied photonics. His work demonstrates how faculty scholarship can both advance a field and shape the next generation of thinkers.

Professor Simon embodies the spirit of the Michael Horne Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award through his intellectual leadership, impactful research, and enduring commitment to expanding and sharing knowledge for the benefit of society.

And so, it is with profound pride that today Stonehill recognizes Dr. David Simon as the 2026 recipient of the Michael Horne Award for Distinguished Faculty Scholarship.

Given this 31st day of March,
Two Thousand Twenty-Six

Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., President   
Peter Ubertaccio, Vice President for Academic Affairs