Renata Kallosh
Professor of Physics
Stanford University
URL: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/physics/Faculty/kallosh.renata.shtml
Fields: theoretical physics
Specialty: supersymmetry
Nominated by: Patricia Schwarz
Excerpt from nomination: Renata Kallosh is probably the most important
and visible woman in
high energy theoretical particle physics today. She was raised in
the Soviet Union but came to Stanford with her husband Andre Linde,
a theoretical cosmologist, after the Soviet system fell.
She has done much of the most important research in the still-evolving
subject of supersymmetry and black holes. Her publication output is
prodigious and she "swims with the sharks" in a fast-moving field
filled with geniuses of the likes of Ed Witten and Stephen Hawking.
At the same time, she has succeeded in raising two wonderful sons,
and in being an active role model and protector for young women in
physics. She isn't just a passive role model - she knows how to
take a young theorist under her wing and mold her properly with
the kind of firmness and positive reinforcement that seems denied
to most women students in physics from their male advisors right now.
Theoretical physics is one of the most male-dominated fields of
knowledge on this planet. Renata Kallosh has her territory in that
field firmly established right on the very leading edge. And
she always has one hand extended behind her to help the next young
woman on her way to the front.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was a postdoctoral position in physics. I learned my profession.
Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
I admire many great people for various reasons.
What are you most proud of (either professionally or personally)?
That I was able (with the help of my husband) to raise two children and to
stay in my profession.
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Go into physics only if you like it very much. Otherwise it will be too difficult.
What is your favorite Web site?
http://xxx.lanl.gov/
What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
Discovery.
What was your darkest moment (professionally) and what did you learn from it?
Dark moments were when I was unable to be creative. I learned that I can work
successfully only when everybody in my family (including myself) is well.
What do you do to relax?
Gardening, biking, hiking, swimming, travelling.
