Academic genealogy

Standing on the shoulders of giants

In academia there is a concept of academic grandfather: your doctoral advisor's advisor. Extending this concept, below is the longest path of successive academic advisors I have managed to find that leads up to myself. It should obviously be taken with a pinch of salt. Suggestions and corrections are welcome.

Per Ola Kristensson, Ph.D. (2007), Linköping University,

... advised by Shumin Zhai, Ph.D. (1995), University of Toronto,
... advised by Paul Milgram, Ph.D. (1980), University of Toronto,
... advised by John W. Senders, Ph.D. (1983), Tilburg University,
... advised by Andries F. Sanders, Ph.D. (1963), Utrecht University,
... advised by Jan Linschoten, Ph.D. (1956), Utrecht University,
... advised by Frederik J.J. Buytendijk, Ph.D. (1918), Utrecht University,
... advised by Hendrik Zwaardemaker, Ph.D. (1883), University of Amsterdam,
... advised by Thomas Place, Ph.D. (1867), Utrecht University,
... advised by Franciscus C. Donders, Ph.D. (1840), Leiden University,
... advised by Jacob L.K.S. van der Kolk, M.D. (1820), University of Groningen,
... advised by Gerbrand Bakker, M.D. (1794), Leiden University,
... advised by Meinard Simon du Pui, M.D. (1780), Leiden University,
... advised by Wouter van Doeveren, M.D. (1753), Leiden University,
... advised by Frederik Winter, M.D. (1736), Leiden University,
... advised by Herman Boerhaave, Ph.D. (1690), Leiden University,
... advised by Wolferd Senguerdius, Ph.D. (1667), Leiden University,
... advised by Arnold Senguerdius, Th.D. (1630), Leiden University,
... advised by Franck Pieterszoon Burgersdijk, Ph.D. (1614), Leiden University,
... advised by Gilbert Jacchaeus, Ph.D. (1601), University of St Andrews,
... advised by Duncan Liddel, M.D. (1596), University of Helmstedt,
... advised by John Craig, M.D. (1580), University of Basel,
... advised by Theodor Zwinger, M.D. (1559), University of Padua,
... advised by Gabriele Falloppio, M.D. (1547), University of Ferrara,
... advised by Renaldus Columbus, M.D. (1544), University of Padua,
... advised by Andreas Vesalius, M.D. (1537), University of Padua,
... advised by Johannes W. von Andernach, M.D. (1532), University of Paris,
... advised by Rutger Rescius, A.B. (1513), University of Paris,
... advised by Girolamo Aleandro, Th.D. (1508), University of Padua,
... advised by Scipione Fortiguerra, M.A. (1493), University of Florence,
... advised by Angelo Poliziano, M.A. (1477), University of Florence,
... advised by Marsilio Ficino, M.A. (1462), University of Florence,
... advised by Johannes Argyropoulos, Th.D. (1444), University of Padua,
... advised by Basilios Bessarion, unknown degree (1436), Mystras,
... advised by Gemistus Pletho, unknown degree (1393), Adrianopolis,
... advised by Demetrius Cydones (1324-1398), Constantinople,
... advised by Nilus Cabasilas (1298-1363), Constantinople,
... advised by Gregory Palamas (1296-1359), Mount Athos,
... advised by Nicephorus Gregoras (1292-1360), Constantinople,
... advised by Theodore Metochites (1270-1332), Nicaea,
... advised by Manuel Bryennius (c. 1300), Constantinople,
... advised by Georgius Pachymeres (1242-1310), Constantinople,
... advised by Georgius Acropolites (1220-1282), Constantinople,
... advised by Nikephoros Blemmydes (1197-1272), Constantinople,
... advised by Theodoros Prodromos (1100-1158), Constantinople,
... advised by Michael Italikos (1090-1157), Philippopolis,
... advised by Theodore of Smyrna (1050-1112), Constantinople,
... advised by John Italus (11^th century), Constantinople,
... advised by Michael Psellos (1017-1096), Constantinople,
... advised by John Mauropous (1000-1070), Constantinople.

Notes

Prof. John W. Senders got his Ph.D. (1983) after he advised Paul Milgram at the University of Toronto (Ph.D. 1980). John got his A.B. from Harvard College in 1948 and has been a professor at the University of Toronto since 1974.
Starting at Demetrius Cydones the interpretation of the term advising becomes a bit more liberal. From there on it also encompasses what perhaps better constitutes a tutor-student relationship (i.e. no thesis was necessarily written under the guidance of the advisor). These individuals were still highly regarded scholars in their time. For example, Michael Psellos was a distinguished professor in Constantinople in the mid 11^th century.

Per Ola Kristensson | My academic genealogy

Standing on the shoulders of giants

Notes

Sources