For most of his life Stephen Hawking was trapped motionless by disease, but his mind reached beyond the furthest stars. Hawking passed away this month at his home in Cambridge, England. He leaves a stunning legacy on the world of science, and the Earth at large.

UWM Distinguished Professor of Physics Emeritus John Friedman is among Hawking’s many admirers and also a peer. Dr. Friedman recalls meeting Hawking several times over his career and says it was Hawking’s questions that made him change his thinking more than any other colleague.

Amanda Porterfield shares this reflection on the life and legacy of Stephen Hawking.