Dr. Laura Carstensen

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Biography

Laura L. Carstensen is the founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity and holds the title of Fairleigh S. Dickinson, Jr. Professor of Public Policy at Stanford University. With over 30 years of continuous funding from the National Institute on Aging, her research focuses on the motivational, cognitive, and emotional aspects of aging. Carstensen is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Throughout her career, she has received numerous honors including the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Kleemeier Award from the Gerontological Society of America. Carstensen has authored significant works in the field, such as "Long Bright Future: Happiness, Health, and Financial Security in an Age of Increased Longevity." She has also served in various prestigious roles, including as vice-chair and chair for the Department of Psychology at Stanford, and as a member of multiple advisory committees focused on aging research. Holding degrees from the University of Rochester (B.S.) and West Virginia University (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology), she has an extensive history of contributions to the field of psychology and aging research.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1998-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Professor in the Department of Psychology, focusing on aging research.

Founding Director

2007-01-01 — Present

Stanford Center on Longevity • Stanford, CA

Established and leads research initiatives on aging and longevity.

Chair

2004-01-01 — 2006-01-01

Department of Psychology, Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Led academic department with a focus on improving research and teaching quality.

Associate Professor

1994-01-01 — 1998-01-01

Department of Psychology, Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Taught courses and conducted research on aging.

Assistant Professor

1987-01-01 — 1994-01-01

Department of Psychology, Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Engaged in teaching and research as a junior faculty member.

Visiting Research Associate

1986-01-01 — 1987-01-01

Institute for Human Development, University of California - Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Focused on research relating to human development and aging.

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.