Dr. John Chiang

Professor

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Biography

John Chiang is a distinguished professor at Berkeley Geography, specializing in climate dynamics, climate variability, and paleoclimate. Growing up in South Africa, his early interests in science drew him toward pursuing graduate studies in physics in the United States. However, his passion for the global environment led him to a career in climate science. Chiang's research spans the integration of atmospheric science, oceanography, and geology, focusing on the interactions between large-scale tropical atmosphere-ocean systems and global climate. His early work concentrated on the climate of the tropical Atlantic and its sensitivity to climate change. He has explored the complex interactions between ocean and atmosphere, considering both extratropical influences and the thermohaline circulation. Chiang's ultimate goal is to understand how global climate reorganizes in response to climate forcings, drawing insights from past climate changes to inform future projections. He is known for his dynamic teaching style and commitment to engaging students in climate science.

Research Interests

Courses

GEOG 40, Introduction to Earth Systems Science L&S 70B, Global Warming GEOG 142, Global Climate Variability and Change GEOG 147, Communicating Climate Science GEOG 257, Topics in Climatology

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.