MSU physicist named inaugural Cowen Distinguished Chair

Michigan State University has named Johannes Pollanen as the inaugural Cowen Distinguished Chair in Experimental Physics, a position made possible by a generous endowment from MSU alum Randy Cowen. 

This chair honors Randy’s father, Dr. Jerry Cowen, a pioneering researcher who served in MSU’s physics department for over four decades. The endowment not only furthers research but continues a legacy of innovation and mentorship in experimental physics.

“Endowments like Randy Cowen’s are a great way to honor the excellence of our faculty and the partnerships that support it,” MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said at the investiture ceremony. “That excellence is personified by Johannes Pollanen, whose work represents the future of experimental physics.”

The Cowen endowment provides critical resources for advancing experimental physics, particularly in the areas of condensed matter physics and quantum information science, ensuring MSU's continued leadership in this cutting-edge field.

“The Cowen family’s legacy of support has strengthened our academic community, allowing faculty to pursue innovative research and inspiring future generations of students to follow their dreams,” said MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko.

The Cowen Legacy of Innovative Physics at MSU

Since joining MSU eight years ago, Pollanen has led trailblazing research through the Laboratory for Hybrid Quantum Systems (LHQS), where his team explores quantum technologies, including superconducting qubits, trapped electron systems and and quantum sensors with the potential to detect dark matter and gravitational waves. These efforts embody MSU’s global reputation for excellence in experimental physics.

“I’m deeply curious about how the smallest parts of nature work,” Pollanen said. “Our work first seeks to understand these fundamental features of reality, and second, to create technologies that bring value to the world. And both sides of that work are made possible through the support of Randy Cowen.”

Randy Cowen, the current Board Chair of the MSU Research Foundation and former global head of technology and operations from Goldman Sachs, grew up visiting physics labs on MSU’s campus with his father, Jerry Cowen. He experienced firsthand the impact of Jerry’s dedication to both science and mentoring. 

"Jerry was an outstanding researcher and passionate educator," said Eric Hegg, Dean of the College of Natural Science. "He brought up the next generation of scientists. With Randy’s support, Dr. Pollanen continues that legacy of combining cutting-edge research with exceptional mentorship to graduate students and young researchers.”

Under Pollanen’s leadership, the Cowen Distinguished Chair enables MSU to delve deeper into quantum science, opening up opportunities to merge classical and quantum physics and create novel technologies and make fundamental discoveries.

This research lays the foundation for future technological breakthroughs, and Pollanen’s mentorship ensures that MSU students gain world-class research experiences.

“Experimental condensed matter physics is highly competitive,” said Steve Zepf, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “This endowment, coupled with Dr. Pollanen’s passion for research and mentorship, allows MSU to remain a global leader in this field.”

Seizing Quantum Opportunities

Pollanen, who earned his Ph.D. from Northwestern University, credits much of his career growth to the Cowen endowments. In 2016, Pollanen was recruited to MSU as one of the first two holders of the Jerry Cowen Endowed Chair in Experimental Physics, a five-year position that provides critical resources for early-career research.

“That position allowed me the flexibility to pursue research that I believed was important,” Pollanen said. “Now, with Randy’s continued support, the Cowen Distinguished Chair opens up even more possibilities for my team’s work.”

Pollanen’s research explores how the smallest particles (electrons and photons) in the universe interact, creating opportunities for applications in quantum computing, sensing and communication. “Quantum computing is the next step for technology,” Pollanen explained. “It has the potential to revolutionize everything from advanced cyber security to molecular simulations that could find life-saving drugs.”

In addition to his research, Pollanen sees himself continuing Jerry Cowen’s legacy in a personal way. “I’m lucky to bring my two sons to the lab with me, just like Jerry did with Randy when he was growing up,” Pollanen said. “Randy has shared how those moments made an impact on him, and I hope my kids grow up to love and support science in the same way.”

With the resources of the Cowen Distinguished Chair, Pollanen is poised to lead MSU to the forefront of quantum science while passing the torch of discovery to the next generation.