STORIES
Scientists
DONATE

Steven Weinberg

by Alex from Mission Viejo

Portrait of SW (http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/pr (Scientific America))
Portrait of SW (http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/pr (Scientific America))

"If there is no point in the universe that we discover by the methods of science, there is a point that we can give the universe by the way we live, by loving each other, by discovering things about nature, by creating works of art. And that - in a way, although we are not the stars in a cosmic drama, if the only drama we're starring in is one that we are making up as we go along, it is not entirely ignoble that faced with this unloving, impersonal universe we make a little island of warmth and love and science and art for ourselves. That's not an entirely despicable role for us to play." ~Steven Weinberg

Portrait (http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/news/steven-w (Cambridge))
Portrait (http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/news/steven-w (Cambridge))

Throughout his lifetime, Steven Weinberg has taken the known world of theoretical physics, and changed everything we've ever known about it. I first became aware of Mr. Weinberg when I was researching heroes in the field of science a couple of weeks ago. His theories and thoughts have enlightened many, which makes him a great model to look at for myself, a high school student who hopefully will pursue a career in his field.

Science (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/mar/03/st (Brian Clegg))
Science (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/mar/03/st (Brian Clegg))

According to the occupational outlook handbook website, "Physicists explore the fundamental properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter." It is common for physicist to create and test new scientific theories, to help explain natural phenomena. To pursue a career in this field, a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a similar field is a necessity. The median wage for a Physicist is about $111,000 annually. Employment is projected to grow 8% over the next 8 years. This career is very similar to Aerospace Engineers, as many parts of the occupations are related. Recently, new technology is being implemented into the work spaces of physicists, greatly increasing the potential of the job.

Universally Attached (https://theamericanheathen.com/2014/05/ (Ronald Bruce Meyer))
Universally Attached (https://theamericanheathen.com/2014/05/ (Ronald Bruce Meyer))

Steven Weinberg was interested in science at an early age. An article on PBS talks about how he excelled in school, and was encouraged by his parents to pursue this interest. Weinberg was sent to Bronx High School of Science. At the age of 16, theoretical physics became a large part of his life. Steven went to Cornell University and also studied at the Niels Bohr Institute in Denmark, eventually getting his PhD from Princeton. After graduation, Steven Weinberg went on to accomplish many goals, amasses multiple awards and prizes in the field of theoretical science. In 1979, Weinberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics. Eleven years later, he won the National Medal of Science, going on to win the Benjamin Franklin Medal in 2004. Today, Steven Weinberg works as a professor at The University of Texas at Austin.

Steven Weinberg (http://www.mystatesman.com/news/entertainment/book (Charles Ealy))
Steven Weinberg (http://www.mystatesman.com/news/entertainment/book (Charles Ealy))
In his research, Steven Weinberg has made many contributions in broadening society's understanding of science. His first contribution was introducing experimental evidence on the existence of the Z boson. The Z boson is an elementary particle, and is almost 100 times larger than the proton. This evidence allowed him to be selected to receive the Nobel Prize. Along with scientific research, Weinberg often gives lectures on the bigger meaning behind science. Throughout his life, Weinberg has been an important spokesman for science, even testifying before congress in the support of the Superconducting Super Collider, which is a particle accelerator. His contributions have helped greatly in advancing science, helping society thrive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think Steven Weinberg is a great role model to anyone who wants to be successful in the field of Science. Personally, I would like to take more advanced science classes throughout high school, like AP Physics. For college I would like to Attend USC, which can provide an amazing education. After college I would like to pursue a career in science. I am not yet sure what branch exactly, but so far I am leaning towards physics. Steven Weinberg has caused me to think about going into that field, as in seems interesting. He is a very prominent figure in all of Science.

Page created on 6/10/2016 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 6/10/2016 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

Bibliography

Classroom, Science. "The Science Classroom." [Online] Available https://thescienceclassroom.wikispaces.com/Steven+Weinberg. Classroom.