Dr. Kara Fong

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Kara Fong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She joined the faculty in June 2025 after completing her PhD in 2022 at the University of California, Berkeley. During her academic career, Kara has also been a Schmidt Science Fellow at Trinity College and a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge, where she worked with Professors Angelos Michaelides and Clare Grey. Her research focuses on the theory and simulation of electrochemical systems, particularly in the areas of sustainable energy storage and water treatment. She has developed theoretical frameworks for ion transport in lithium-ion batteries and aims to integrate theoretical and simulation approaches across different length scales to enhance the understanding of these systems. In addition to her academic pursuits, Kara is an avid birdwatcher.

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.