Stephen Hawking: A Brief Biography

Stephen William Hawking is one of the most famous scientists of present era, who is, undoubtedly, a role model for not only budding scientists but also for all those aspiring to become leaders in other fields. Hawking manages to remain one of the greatest researchers and scientists of quantum physics in human history, despite the fact that he is a disabled person in a wheelchair, unable to move or speak. The only way he can do so is with moving a muscle in his cheek to select words from a screen connected to his wheelchair. His determination to learn all he can about the universe, despite his physical disabilities, has made him legendary.

Born on January 8, 1942 in Oxford, he might not of been one of the best in school, but he was surely one of the brightest. In school he excelled in anything to do with the study of math and science. For him it was only necessary to know that something could be done, and if so, he could somehow manage to do it himself. He wanted to study mathematics in college, but since it wasn’t yet offered he opted for physics. During his oral examination the examiners were intelligent enough to notice that they were talking to someone who was much more clever than most of them, even though he was at the periphery of first and second-class honors.

After completing his Bachelor’s from Oxford, he started to study astronomy. But the lab work didn’t appeal to him so he left Oxford for Cambridge, where he studied theoretical astronomy and cosmology. In his third year at Oxford his health started to decrease and it was soon discovered the he was suffering from ALS, (a type of motor neuron disease). When he was 21 he was admitted to a hospital and soon after, advised by doctors, went back to Cambridge to continue hi...

... middle of paper ...

...d him to write a series of popular science books in addition to his academic works. Many of his works became best sellers. Hawking has also announced that he plans to write a children’s book focusing on science, which has been described to be like Harry Potter, just without the magic and instead, science.

Hawking has not only 12 honorary degrees, but also is a recipient of many awards, including medals and prizes such as Albert Einstein Medal, Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, and Hughes Medal and Wolf Prize in Physics. He was awarded the Commander of the British Empire in 1982 and was made a Companion of Honor in 1989. He is a Member of the US National Academy of Sciences. Hawking was also elected as one of the youngest Fellows of the Royal Society in 1974 and is a member of the board of sponsors, which is called The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.