Leonard is an experimental physicist. He is indicated to be proficient in literature and history as well as the sciences. Dr. Hofstadter recieved his Ph.D at the age of 24 and has an IQ of 173. Leonard can play the cello, has sleep apnea, and is lactose intolerant. His mother is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist and refused to let him celebrate his birthday as a child. If Leonard is "dumped" he will go on a two week cycle of emo songs and calling Sheldon down to pet stores to look at cats.