Lex Fridman, a prominent Russian-American computer scientist, artificial intelligence researcher, and podcaster, has made significant contributions to the world of technology and academia. Born on August 15, 1986, in Chkalovsk, Soviet Union, he grew up in Moscow, coming from a heritage of Ukrainian and Jewish ancestry. His father, Alexander Fridman, is a distinguished plasma physicist at Drexel University. Let’s delve into the early life, education, and career of this extraordinary individual who has captured the hearts of many through his YouTube podcast series.
Lex Fridman’s roots can be traced back to a family with a remarkable history. His grandfather served as a machine gunner in the Soviet Army during World War II, defending Ukraine against the Nazis, while his grandmother hails from Kharkiv. Lex’s father, Alexander Fridman, is a renowned plasma physicist, holding the John A. Nyheim Chair Professorship at the C.J. Nyheim Plasma Institute in Drexel University.
After completing his high school education at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois, Lex Fridman pursued his passion for computer science at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He successfully earned his BS/MS in computer science in 2010, and later, in 2014, he accomplished a PhD in electrical and computer engineering under the mentorship of Professor Moshe Kam. His doctoral research focused on exploring “active authentication” on desktop computers and mobile devices.
