Ronen Plesser

Ronen Plesser is a Professor of Physics at Duke University with dual affiliations in both the Department of Physics and the Department of Mathematics. His office is located in 245 Physics Building at Duke's campus in Durham, North Carolina, and he maintains a research presence through the Center for Geometry and Topology in Physics.

Dr. Plesser received his BS from Tel Aviv University in 1981, followed by an M.A. in 1988 and Ph.D. in 1991, both from Harvard University. His academic career has focused on theoretical physics, particularly string theory and quantum field theory.

Dr. Plesser's research centers on the crucial role played by geometric structures in string theory. His work explores the connections between advances in mathematics and physics within string theory, with mirror symmetry serving as a prime example of this interdisciplinary interaction. His research has contributed significantly to understanding how geometric structures determine the physics of string theory, bridging the gap between Einstein's general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He investigates how string theory replaces point-like particles with one-dimensional strings as fundamental building blocks, seeking to create a consistent quantum theory of gravity.

His recent publications demonstrate continued activity in string theory, with particular focus on (0,2) Landau-Ginzburg models, hybrid models, mirror symmetry, and Calabi-Yau manifolds. His work often involves collaborations with prominent researchers in the field such as Paul Aspinwall, David Morrison, and Marco Bertolini.

• Professor of Physics, Duke University
• Ph.D. Harvard University, 1991
• Research focus: String Theory and Quantum Field Theory
• Specializes in geometric structures in theoretical physics

Dr. Plesser has mentored several Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers throughout his career. His former Ph.D. students include Alan Dunn, Sven Rinke, and Ilarion V. Melnikov. He has also mentored postdocs Robert Diuvenvoorden, Krishna Narayan, and Eric Sharpe. He is scheduled to teach Advanced Quantum Mechanics (PHYSICS 765.01) in Fall 2025, demonstrating his continued active engagement in academic instruction.