Dr. Jonathan Payne

Professor

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Biography

Jonathan Payne is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Stanford University. He received his B.A. in Geosciences from Williams College in 1997 and went on to earn his Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Harvard University in 2005. After completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Pennsylvania State University, he joined the faculty at Stanford in 2005. His research primarily focuses on the interplay between environmental change and biological evolution as reflected in the fossil record, particularly during mass extinction events. Payne teaches undergraduate courses in historical geology and invertebrate paleobiology and graduate courses in carbonate sedimentology, geobiology, and paleobiology. Throughout his career, he has published extensively on the ecological dynamics of marine ecosystems and the long-term trends that characterize these environments. He is a recognized figure in his field, serving in various academic roles, including Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and as a Fellow of the Geological Society of America. His contributions to geology have been acknowledged through numerous awards, including the Allan V. Cox Medal from Stanford University and the Charles Schuchert Award from the Paleontological Society.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2005-09-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Teaching and research in the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences.

Senior Associate Dean Faculty Affairs

2020-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Overseeing faculty affairs within the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences.

Dorrell William Kirby Professor

2020-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Named professorship recognizing outstanding contributions to the field.

Awards

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Fellow

2018-01-01
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Stuart Northrop Distinguished Lecture

2017-01-01
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Allan V. Cox Medal

2015-01-01
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Charles Schuchert Award

2015-01-01
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Fellow

2015-01-01

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.