Dr. George Somero

Professor

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Biography

George Somero is the David Lucile Packard Professor of Marine Science at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station, where he is renowned for his extensive research in marine biology and physiology. After earning his B.A. in Biology from Carleton College in 1962 and completing his Ph.D. at Stanford University in 1967, Somero has dedicated his career to studying how environmental factors affect marine organisms. His work emphasizes the adaptive mechanisms that protect these organisms against challenges such as temperature fluctuations and desiccation. He is particularly known for his contributions to understanding protein adaptations at a molecular level, documenting how protein sequences undergo changes to maintain their structural and functional integrity amidst environmental stress. Over the years, he has held several prestigious positions, including Director of the Hopkins Marine Station and a Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment. His research has vast implications for understanding the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, particularly regarding ectothermic species that are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Somero has published extensively and has been recognized with numerous awards, including fellowships from the National Science Foundation and a Guggenheim Fellowship. He actively engages in educating students through various courses and continues to contribute significantly to the field of marine biology through his research and leadership roles in scientific panels and editorial boards.

Research Interests

Experience

David Lucile Packard Professor Marine Science

— Present

Stanford University • Palo Alto, California

Teaching and research in marine science, focusing on physiological aspects of marine organisms.

Associate Director

— Present

Hopkins Marine Station • Pacific Grove, California

Collaborating on research initiatives and oversight of marine station operations.

Senior Fellow

— Present

Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University • Palo Alto, California

Leading research on environmental challenges and sustainability.

Director

— Present

Hopkins Marine Station • Palo Alto, California

Oversaw research programs and strategic direction of the station.

Professor

— Present

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, California

Conducted research and taught on marine biology and oceanography.

Awards

#

National Science Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship

#

National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship

#

John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship

Courses

EARTHSYS 297 EARTHSYS 250 EARTHSYS 199 BIO 198X

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.