Shang-keng Ma (9/24/40-11/24/83) was born in China and immigrated to the United States in 1959. He earned B.A. and Ph.D. degrees in physics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1962 and 1966. In 1966 he joined the University of California, San Diego's physics department as an assistant researcher in Keith Brueckner's research group and remained with the department until his death in 1983. Ma's was most recognized for his amplification and extension of Kenneth Wilson's work in renormalization group theory of critical phenomena, resulting in his text book, MODERN THEORY OF CRITICAL PHENOMENA (1976). He became known also for another graduate-level textbook, STATISTICAL MECHANICS, translated from Chinese and published in 1985. Correspondence and teaching materials documenting the professional and academic career of Shang-keng Ma, a significant researcher in particle physics. The papers cover the years 1966-1983 and are restricted to Ma's scientific concerns and teaching of university level physics. Not included are materials documenting his writings about contemporary Chinese politics, his interests in Chinese music and visual arts, or his personal life.

Shang-keng Ma (9/24/40-11/24/83) was born in Chungking, China, and came to the United States in 1959. He earned degrees in physics from the University of California, Berkeley (B.A. 1962 and M.A. 1966). In 1966 Ma joined the University of California, San Diego physics department as an assistant researcher in Keith Brueckner's research group. He was promoted to faculty status in 1967 and remained with the physics department until his death in 1983.

3.50 linear feet (7 archives boxes)

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