Dr. Harry Atwater

Professor

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Biography

Harry A. Atwater, Jr. is the Otis Booth Leadership Chair at the Division of Engineering and Applied Science and Howard Hughes Professor of Applied Physics and Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology. He is the director of the Liquid Sunlight Alliance, focusing on innovative energy solutions through advanced materials. Dr. Atwater received his B.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1982, followed by his M.S. in 1983 and Ph.D. in 1987. His academic career at Caltech began as Assistant Professor in 1988, advancing to Associate Professor in 1994, and then to Professor in Applied Physics and Materials Science in 1999. He has held significant leadership roles, including Director of the Resnick Sustainability Institute from 2009 to 2015 and Director of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis from 2014 to 2021. In 2021, he was appointed Division Chair and continues to contribute to vital research and education in the field of sustainable energy and materials science.

Research Interests

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.