Robert Marshak

Robert Marshak with radiosodium

Robert Marshak (October 11, 1916 – December 23, 1992) was an American physicist renowned for his contributions to particle physics and cosmic ray research. He played a significant role in the development of the V-A theory of weak interactions and was a prominent figure in the scientific community during the mid-20th century.

Early Life and Education

Robert Eugene Marshak was born in Bronx, New York City, to Jewish immigrant parents. He showed an early aptitude for science and mathematics, which led him to pursue higher education in these fields. Marshak attended City College of New York (CCNY), where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1936. He then went on to complete his Ph.D. in physics at Columbia University under the supervision of I.I. Rabi in 1939.

Career and Research

After completing his doctorate, Marshak worked at the University of Rochester, where he made significant contributions to the understanding of cosmic rays and mesons. During World War II, he was involved in the Manhattan Project, contributing to the development of the atomic bomb.

V-A Theory

One of Marshak's most notable achievements was his work on the vector-axial vector theory (V-A theory) of weak interactions. This theory, developed in collaboration with George Sudarshan, provided a framework for understanding the weak force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature. The V-A theory was instrumental in the later development of the electroweak theory.

Academic Leadership

In 1950, Marshak became the head of the physics department at the University of Rochester, where he fostered a collaborative and innovative research environment. He was also a key figure in the establishment of the Rochester Conferences, which later evolved into the International Conference on High Energy Physics.

In 1970, Marshak was appointed president of the City College of New York, where he worked to improve the institution's academic standards and research capabilities. He served in this role until 1979.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Marshak received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to physics. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Physical Society. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Prize in 1982.

Personal Life

Marshak was married to Ruth Gup until her death in 1989. They had three children together. Marshak passed away on December 23, 1992, in Cancún, Mexico, while attending a scientific conference.

Legacy

Robert Marshak's work has had a lasting impact on the field of particle physics. His contributions to the understanding of weak interactions and his role in the scientific community have left a significant legacy. The Marshak Lectures at the University of Rochester are named in his honor, celebrating his contributions to science and education.

See Also

• Particle physics
• Cosmic rays
• Weak interaction
• Manhattan Project
• City College of New York