Dr. Steven Chu

Professor

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Biography

Steven Chu is the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Physics and Molecular Cellular Physiology at Stanford University. He earned his A.B. degree in Mathematics and B.S. degree in Physics from the University of Rochester and completed his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of California, Berkeley in 1976. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the U.S. Secretary of Energy under President Barack Obama, where he initiated several energy-related programs, including the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy and Energy Innovation Hubs. Chu has held various academic and leadership positions, including director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He has made significant contributions to the field of biophysics, such as laser cooling and optical trapping of atoms, and has conducted extensive research in molecular cellular physiology, medical imaging, and nanoparticle synthesis for battery research. Chu has received numerous accolades, including the 1997 Nobel Prize for his work on laser cooling and optical trapping of atoms and has been elected to various prestigious academies around the world.

Research Interests

Experience

U.S. Secretary of Energy

2009-01-01 — 2013-04-01

U.S. Government • Washington, D.C.

Oversaw the Department of Energy, promoted initiatives like ARPA-E, and addressed national energy challenges.

Director

2004-01-01 — 2009-01-01

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

Led the laboratory and advanced research in physical and biological sciences.

Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Conducted research and taught in the Department of Physics and Molecular Cell Biology.

Theodore Francis Geballe Professor

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Engaged in teaching and research in applied physics.

Awards

#1

Nobel Prize in Physics

1997-01-01

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.