Dr. Erik Sperling

Associate Professor

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Biography

Erik Sperling is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Stanford University and a Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment. His research focuses on Earth history and the evolution of life, particularly within the context of paleontology, which he approaches through lines of evidence such as fossil data, molecular phylogenetics, sedimentary geochemistry, and ecological data from modern organisms. His field research spans diverse global locations, including early Neoproterozoic studies in Canada, early Cambrian investigations in the Canadian Cordillera, and Ediacaran research in Namibia. Sperling aims to link environmental change with organismal and ecological responses through the lens of physiological adaptations.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Teaching and conducting research in Earth and planetary sciences, focusing on paleontology and environmental change.

Awards

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Explorer

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Ocean Sciences Fellowship

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Pre-tenure award

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NAI Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Geobiology Fellowship

Courses

EPS 290 EARTHSYS 11 EPS 1 EARTHSYS 171 EARTHSYS 271 ENERGY 161 ENERGY 261 EPS 171 EPS 271 EPS 399 EARTHSYS 297 EPS 292 EPS 299 EPS 400 EPS 386 EPS 199 EARTHSYS 199 EPS 385 EPS 190 EPS 197 EPS 398 EPS 192 EPS 293D EPS 135 EPS 235 EARTHSYS 205A EPS 205 ESS 205 GEOLSCI 330 GEOLSCI 293A EARTHSYS 11 GEOLSCI 1 GEOLSCI 10SC

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.