Maurice Bernard Sterman Ph.D.

December 31, 1935 - December 22, 2023 We recently lost an extraordinary man, a loving son, husband, father & grandfather. Dr. Barry Sterman was a globally influential brain scientist, and who brought together creatively-minded people from all reaches of the scientific community. His forever motto was "Show me the data!" He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1935 to immigrant parents. After moving to Los Angeles, he attended LA High, excelling academically and in gymnastics. He graduated UCLA in 1953 with a bachelor's degree and a PhD in Psychology/Neuroscience in 1963. He belonged to Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity. He was a career researcher/professor at Sepulveda VAH and UCLA (Dept. Anatomy and Brain Research Institute). He married Lorraine Taylor (Sterman) in 1964 and accepted an appointment at Yale University and the New Haven VAH to continue studies in sleep research. Barry was one of the first scientists to document the brain mechanisms of sleep and wakefulness. He also utilized EEG, working with high performance jet pilots at Edwards Air Force Base. He always wanted to fly! Later, Barry was able to determine that SMR, (a brain rhythm), could be trained to reduce seizures and support attention. This led to the development of the emerging field of Neurofeedback. His ability to "think outside the box" and connect areas of research, was one of Barry's great strengths, inspiring many! He was a family man and enjoyed boating, travel, Catalina Island, horse-riding, hiking, skiing, and being with others. His humor was infectious, and he knew the meaning of laughter! He is survived by sister: Sandy (Salute), wife: Lorraine (Taylor) Sterman, Ph.D., daughter: Lisa (Felicia) Sterman, MD, daughter-in-law: Caroline (Reich) Sterman, son: Paul Bradley Sterman, grandsons: Bodhi & Skylar Sterman, & 4 nephews & their families.
Donations may be sent to "Save the Redwoods" or the UCLA Foundation.