Biography:
Laura H. Greene is the Marie Krafft Professor of Physics at Florida State University and Chief Scientist at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. She was previously a professor of physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In September 2021, she was appointed to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Laura Greene is a renowned physicist and an advocate for diversity and equal rights, particularly for women and minorities in STEM fields.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Laura Greene showed an intense curiosity about the natural world from a young age. She had a passion for science and a keen interest in understanding the workings of the universe. However, growing up in a culturally vibrant and diverse neighborhood, she was also drawn to music, particularly folk music. She would often sing and play guitar at local coffee houses and parties, finding solace and inspiration in music. To this day, music remains an integral part of her life, and she actively participates in the American Physical Society March Meeting Physics Songs symposia.
Laura Greene’s academic journey began at Ohio State University, where she pursued a degree in physics. In 1974, she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. She continued her studies at Cornell University, earning a Master of Science degree in experimental physics in 1980. Undeterred by challenges and motivated by her passion for physics, she went on to complete her Ph.D. in condensed matter physics at Cornell in 1984.
Throughout her illustrious career, Laura Greene has held various academic positions at esteemed institutions worldwide. From 1992 to 2015, she was a permanent member of the faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At UIUC, she held the Swanlund Endowed Chair Professor of Physics, the Center for Advanced Study Professor of Physics, and the Co-Associate Director of the Center for Emergent Superconductivity (CES) Energy Frontier Research. She was also affiliated with the Department of Physics, Materials Research Laboratory (MRL), and the Center for Nanoscale Science & Technology.
In 2015, Laura Greene joined the faculty at Florida State University as the Marie Krafft Professor of Physics and assumed the role of Chief Scientist at the prestigious National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Her expertise in strongly correlated Fermionic systems and her groundbreaking research on Andreev bound states have solidified her reputation as a leader in the field of condensed matter physics. Laura Greene is also a member of the physics faculty at the University of Florida, further contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Laura Greene’s contributions to the scientific community have been widely recognized and celebrated. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Physical Society (APS). In addition, she has been recognized with the Maria Goeppert Mayer Award of the APS, the Wolf Prize in Physics, and the John Bardeen Award.
Beyond her scientific accomplishments, Laura Greene is a champion for diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields. She actively promotes equal rights for women and minorities and works tirelessly to create a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. As a member of the American Physical Society Professional Skills Development team, she facilitates sessions that aim to strengthen women’s communication, mentoring, and negotiation skills, empowering them to thrive in the scientific world.
Laura Greene’s dedication to advancing knowledge, advocating for diversity, and inspiring future generations of scientists has had a profound impact on society. Her research, mentorship, and leadership have transformed the field of condensed matter physics, and her advocacy work has paved the way for greater representation and inclusivity in STEM. Laura Greene’s contributions to science and her commitment to equality firmly establish her as a trailblazer and a significant figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
– Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science
– Fellow, American Physical Society
– Maria Goeppert Mayer Award, American Physical Society
– Wolf Prize in Physics
– John Bardeen Award