Dr. Steve Chu is a Nobel Prize-winning physicist whose career defies conventional boundaries, stretching from quantum mechanics to energy policy to entirely new scientific frontiers. A professor at Stanford and former U.S. Secretary of Energy, he has never been content to remain within a single field, instead applying his formidable intellect to challenges ranging from advanced battery technology to liver health. His career is a testament to the restless curiosity that drives true scientific discovery.
I photographed Chu on September 9, 2024, at his home and his lab at Stanford. Our conversation unfolded across disciplines, reflecting the breadth of his current work. He spoke of his role on the board of NVIDIA, where he helps CEO Jensen Huang explore AI applications in chip technology, seamlessly transitioning from discussions of quantum physics to the future of artificial intelligence. He reflected on his tenure in the Obama administration, where he was entrusted with some of the most complex challenges of his time, including spearheading clean energy initiatives and leading the scientific response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
In his office, surrounded by stacks of papers and books filled with equations and ideas, there was an effortless fluidity to his thinking. At one moment, he was explaining the physics of new battery materials; the next, he was casually discussing carpool plans with his graduate students, even offering to drive. It was a small but revealing moment, capturing both the depth of his intellect and the accessibility of his character.
Chu is not just a scientist; he is a problem solver, a mentor, and a deeply engaged thinker. His ability to transition between disciplines, to approach challenges both vast and minute with the same level of rigor and curiosity, makes him a rare force in modern science. Thoughtful, endlessly inquisitive, and committed to applying knowledge for the betterment of society, he continues to push the boundaries of what science can achieve, not for prestige, but for the pursuit of solutions that matter.
