Dr. Steven Plotkin

Professor

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Biography

Steven S. Plotkin is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on biophysics, theoretical physics, and computational methods, specifically in the realm of molecular origins of neurodegenerative diseases and the dynamics of genetic networks. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1992, followed by a Master's degree and Doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1994 and 1998, respectively. Plotkin has held significant academic positions, including a post-doctoral fellowship at UCSD and a Canada Research Chair in Theoretical Molecular Biophysics at UBC from 2001 to 2011. He has received several accolades throughout his career, such as the Tier II Canada Research Chair and the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, solidifying his presence in the top echelons of research in the field. His work has been recognized for its impact, placing several of his publications in the top 2% in the realms of biology and medicine. He actively supervises students and post-doctoral fellows, encouraging a collaborative and innovative laboratory atmosphere where fundamental biological problems are tackled through the lens of physics and computation.

Research Interests

Experience

Post-Doctoral Fellow

— Present

UCSD • California

Conducted research in bioinformatics.

Canada Research Chair in Theoretical Molecular Biophysics

— Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

Led research group focusing on computational and theoretical biophysics.

Associate Professor

— Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Awards

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Tier II Canada Research Chair

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Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow

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Renewal, Tier II Canada Research Chair

#

UBC Killam Faculty Research Fellowship

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Faculty 1000 Designation

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.