Dr. James O Brien

Professor

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Biography

James O'Brien is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in computer graphics, computer animation, physical simulations, human perception, rendering, image synthesis, and forensic analysis of images and videos. Beyond his academic work, O'Brien has collaborated with film and game companies, integrating advanced simulation and physics into games and special effects, contributing significantly to over 200 feature films and game titles. He has served as the Chief Scientist at Pixelux and Avametric and is currently a technical advisor for Juice Labs and co-founder of Get Klothed. His expertise has made him an expert witness in multiple patent cases. In 2015, he was honored with an Academy Award for Technical Achievement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his work in destruction modeling. O'Brien received his doctorate from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2000, where his thesis was awarded the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award. He has also been recognized as a Sloan Fellow and received several awards for excellence in teaching and research, including the Jim and Donna Gray Endowment Award, and has been featured in Technology Review's TR-35.

Research Interests

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.