Edward M. Stolper, the William E. Leonhard Professor of Geology, studies the origin and evolution of igneous rocks on the earth and other planets. He earned an A.B. in geological sciences from Harvard College in 1974, a M.Phil. in geology from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1976, and a Ph.D. in geological sciences from Harvard University in 1979. He arrived on campus that same year as an assistant professor of geology. He was promoted to associate professor in 1982 and to professor of geology in 1983. In 1990 he was named the William E. Leonhard Professor of Geology. He served as chair of the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences from 1994 to 2004 and interim provost in 2004.
Dr. Stolper is the Institute's ninth provost.