Dr. Paul Sternberg

Professor

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Biography

Paul W. Sternberg is a Bren Professor of Biology and the William K. Bowes Jr. Leadership Chair at the California Institute of Technology. He completed his B.A. at Hampshire College in 1978 and earned a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984. His academic career includes positions as Assistant Professor from 1987 to 1992, Associate Professor from 1992 to 1996, and Professor from 1996 to 2004, followed by his role as Morgan Professor until 2017. In 2024, he was appointed Division Chair and will hold the Bowes Jr. Leadership Chair. He has been an HHMI Investigator from 1992 to 2017. His research interests include systems biology, particularly in C. elegans and nematodes, focusing on developmental processes, neural circuits, and genomics. He employs molecular genetics to explore mechanisms underlying development and behavior, while also investigating the genetic and cellular bases of complex behaviors. His team has significantly contributed to genomic sequencing and understanding the ecological roles of nematodes, including the interactions of nematodes with their environments and hosts. Through collaborations, he aims to integrate computational and experimental approaches to enhance the understanding of genetic regulation in these organisms.

Research Interests

Systems Biology C. elegans Development Neural Circuits Functional Genomics Chemical Ecology Text Mining

Experience

Bren Professor

2017-01-01 — Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

The Bren Professor of Biology and William K. Bowes Jr. Leadership Chair in the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering.

Morgan Professor

2004-01-01 — 2017-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Morgan Professor, engaged in extensive research in Biology.

Professor

1996-01-01 — 2004-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Full Professor in the Department of Biology.

Associate Professor

1992-01-01 — 1996-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Associate Professorship in Biology.

Assistant Professor

1987-01-01 — 1992-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Initial faculty position as an Assistant Professor of Biology.

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.