Sharon Long received her undergraduate degree from California Institute of Technology and her doctorate from Yale University. She has been a professor of Biological Sciences at Stanford University since 1982 and she was Dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences from 2001-2007.
In her research, Dr. Long employs a spectrum of approaches including microbial and plant biology, biochemistry and genetics to study the symbiosis of nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria and their plant hosts. Her work is directly relevant to both agricultural productivity and energy conservation.
Dr. Long has received numerous awards and honors during her career. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society.
