Professor Dr. Stephen Shenker

Professor

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Biography

Professor Stephen Shenker's contributions to physics include significant findings in the phase structure of gauge theories alongside Eduardo Fradkin, elucidating the dimensional aspects of conformal field theory in relation to string theory with peers including Daniel Friedan, Emil Martinec, and Zongan Qiu. He has notably advanced nonperturbative formulations of matrix models for low-dimensional string theory and introduced crucial definitions within string theory, collaborating with Michael R. Douglas. Shenker is recognized for discovering distinctly stringy nonperturbative effects in string theory, which have critical implications for string dynamics. His work encompasses groundbreaking contributions to Matrix Theory, providing a nonperturbative definition within String/M theory and highlighting the connections between quantum gravity and quantum chaos in collaboration with Douglas Stanford and Juan Maldacena. His academic appointments span several prestigious institutions, and he has led the Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics.

Research Interests

Quantum Gravity String Theory M Theory Nonperturbative Aspects

Experience

Professor

1998-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Ongoing position as a full Professor with contributions to research and teaching.

Professor

1989-01-01 — 1998-01-01

Rutgers University •

Held the position of Professor prior to joining Stanford University.

Assistant Professor/Full Professor

1981-01-01 — 1989-01-01

University of Chicago •

Held academic appointments transitioning from Assistant to Full Professor.

Awards

Member

2015-01-01

Lars Onsager Prize

2010-01-01

Dean's Award for Distinguished Achievements in Teaching

2007-01-01

Fellow

2006-01-01

Fellow

2003-01-01

Undergraduate Teaching Award

1992-01-01

Fellow

1987-01-01

Presidential Young Investigator Award

1985-01-01

Fellow

1983-01-01

Courses

PHYSICS 332 PHYSICS 212 PHYSICS 291 PHYSICS 293 PHYSICS 490

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.