Professor 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 — PresentStanford University • Stanford, CA
Professor in the Department of Psychology, focusing on aging research.
Founding Director
2007-01-01 — PresentStanford Center on Longevity • Stanford, CA
Established and leads research initiatives on aging and longevity.
Chair
2004-01-01 — 2006-01-01Department of Psychology, Stanford University • Stanford, CA
Led academic department with a focus on improving research and teaching quality.
Associate Professor
1994-01-01 — 1998-01-01Department of Psychology, Stanford University • Stanford, CA
Taught courses and conducted research on aging.
Assistant Professor
1987-01-01 — 1994-01-01Department of Psychology, Stanford University • Stanford, CA
Engaged in teaching and research as a junior faculty member.
Visiting Research Associate
1986-01-01 — 1987-01-01Institute 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
TOEFL
GRE General
Prerequisites
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.