Dr. Dan Stamper Kurn

Professor

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Biography

Dan M. Stamper-Kurn obtained his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2000. He completed postdoctoral work at the California Institute of Technology from 1999 to 2001. He has received several prestigious awards including the APS Division of Atomic, Optical and Molecular Physics Outstanding Thesis Award in 2000, an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship from 2001 to 2003, and the David and Lucile Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering from 2002 to 2007. He was also honored with the Presidential Young Investigator Award in Science and Engineering in 2002. Dan has held the Class of 1936 Chair at the College of Letters and Sciences from 2007 to 2012 and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the Optical Society of America. His research group delves into various topics in forefront quantum information science, exploring areas such as quantum computing, quantum simulation, and quantum networking. They utilize a variety of experimental setups to investigate many-body quantum physics. His current work leverages optical tweezers to achieve unprecedented control over atomic systems, which has led to significant breakthroughs in quantum computing and optics, as well as the study of ultracold atoms and transition-metal atomic qubits.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2007-01-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaching and conducting research in the Department of Physics, focusing on quantum information science and ultracold atomic physics.

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.