Dr. Corey O Hern

Professor

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Biography

Corey O'Hern is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University, with additional appointments in Applied Physics, Materials Science, and Computational Biology & Biomedical Informatics. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. from Duke University. His research focuses on statistical mechanics, nonequilibrium systems, glass jamming transitions, soft matter, and computational biology, particularly in areas related to protein structure and interactions. Over his career, he has received significant accolades, including the Ackerman Teaching Award in 2018 and being elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society. O'Hern has also been recognized by the National Science Foundation with the Cyber-Enabled Discovery Innovation Award in 2008 and the Faculty Early Career Development Award in 2005. He has contributed extensively to the field through numerous publications in respected journals and continues to advance the understanding of materials and biological systems through innovative research methodologies. Additionally, he plays a prominent role in academic governance, serving in various leadership positions, including as Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Yale.

Research Interests

Experience

Chair

2025-01-01 — Present

Department of Mechanical Engineering • Yale University

Leading the department and overseeing academic programs.

Chair

2010-01-01 — Present

American Physical Society Topical Group on Statistical Nonlinear Physics •

Coordinating activities and initiatives within the topical group.

Co-founder and Executive Committee Member

2008-01-01 — Present

Yale's Integrated Graduate Program in Physical Engineering Biology •

Assisting in the development and administration of the interdisciplinary graduate program.

Director of Undergraduate Studies

2011-01-01 — 2025-01-01

Department of Mechanical Engineering • Yale University

Oversaw undergraduate education and student affairs in the department.

Awards

#2018

Ackerman Teaching Award

2018-01-01
#

Elected Fellow

2017-01-01
#

Cyber-Enabled Discovery Innovation Award

2008-01-01
#

Faculty Early Career Development Award

2005-01-01

Requirements for Yale University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Speaking
Required:7.5
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Mathematics
Application Checklist
  • Statement of academic purpose
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Application fee ($105)
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered via the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). GRE General is optional for PhD.