Steven Chu

Steven Chu is the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Physics, Molecular and Cellular Physiology, and Energy Science and Engineering at Stanford University. He holds a B.S. in Physics and A.B. in Mathematics from the University of Rochester (1970), and a Ph.D. in Physics from UC Berkeley (1976). His research contributions include laser cooling of atoms, optical trapping, atomic fountain clocks, and biophysical techniques for studying biomolecules. He served as U.S. Secretary of Energy (2009–2013) under President Obama, leading initiatives like ARPA-E and the Energy Innovation Hubs. Previously, he directed Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (2004–2009) and co-founded Stanford’s Bio-X interdisciplinary program. Chu is a Nobel Laureate (Physics, 1997) and a member of multiple prestigious scientific academies.

His current research focuses on biophysics, medical imaging, nanotechnology, and energy storage solutions. Chu has held leadership roles in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and remains active in public science outreach through initiatives like Citizen Scientist.