Dr. Darleane Hoffman

Professor

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Biography

Darleane C. Hoffman was a pioneering nuclear chemist whose career spanned over six decades. Born in Terril, Iowa, she earned her B.S. from Iowa State College in 1948 and a Ph.D. in 1951. Her career began at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and extended through noteworthy positions at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. She became a key figure in nuclear chemistry, recognized for her leadership in the field, particularly in the Investigation of heavy elements and their properties. During her tenure, she received numerous accolades, including being the first woman to receive the American Chemical Society Award in Nuclear Chemistry in 1983, along with prestigious fellowships and honorary doctorates from notable institutions. Hoffman was notably active in mentoring students and serving on numerous committees that shaped the future of nuclear science. Her research interests included rapid chemical separation of short-lived fission products, studies of radionuclide migration in geological media, and atom-at-a-time studies of heaviest elements. With over 280 publications, she made significant contributions to the understanding of nuclear properties and heavy element chemistry. She was also a longstanding advocate for women in science, organizing and participating in international symposia.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor Emerita

— Present

Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Serving as a Professor Emerita, continuing to contribute to nuclear chemistry research and mentoring students.

Division Leader, Chemistry-Nuclear Chemistry

— Present

Los Alamos National Laboratory • Los Alamos, NM

Led the Chemistry-Nuclear Chemistry division, focusing on actinides and their chemical properties.

Division Leader, Isotope & Nuclear Chemistry

— Present

Los Alamos National Laboratory • Los Alamos, NM

Oversaw research in isotope and nuclear chemistry, advancing knowledge in heavy element studies.

Awards

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U. S. National Medal of Science

#

American Chemical Society Award in Nuclear Chemistry

#

ACS Garvan-Olin Medal

#

Hevesy Medal Award

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.