The institute was created as part of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a division of the U.S. government. He held that position until earlier this year. Peterson was currently an associate professor emeritus in the Scripps Institution Geosciences Research Division and had recently returned to Scripps to begin work on a written history of the Deep Sea Drilling Project. Ill. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1960. He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his distinguished scientific career.
Memorial services are pending.