Physics of Scale Activities
 

Howard Schnitzer

 
 


American physicist. He studied mechanical engineering as an undergraduate and then carried out his graduate studies in theoretical physics at the University of Rochester, completing his Ph.D. in 1960. Schnitzer began work as a postdoc instructor at Brandeis in 1961. He analyzed hadron physics from a phenomenological perspective. He tried to organize data gathered from experiments, especially on decay patterns in weak interactions, in order to ascertain symmetries. At first, Schnitzer worked mainly on current algebra, and then on field theory, under the influence of Steven Weinberg. Schnitzer collaborated with Ira Gerstein and Gerald Guralnik, calculating to 4th order the magnetic mass difference of pions. Looking for scale anomalies, Schnitzer carried out important early calculations on renormalization processes. And, with his postdoc Bert Ovrut, he did influential work in formulating "effective field theories." Since the mid-1980s Schnitzer has worked primarily on string theory.

Howard Schnitzer is the Edward and Gertrude Swartz Professor of Theoretical Physics at Brandeis University.

Click here to view the INTERVIEW.

 
   
interviewers:
  respondents:

 


(this interview is maintained by Karl Hall. )