Dr. Karl Van Bibber

Professor

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Biography

Karl van Bibber is a Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He has made significant contributions to the fields of nuclear physics, particle physics, and accelerator science and technology. Van Bibber's academic journey began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned B.S. degrees in Physics and Mathematics in 1972 and a Ph.D. in Physics in 1976. His research interests include quantum-enhanced search for dark matter axions, nuclear instrumentation, and particle astrophysics. He has held various leadership positions, including Chairman of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Executive Associate Dean of the College of Engineering at UC Berkeley. Additionally, he has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award and election as an APS Fellow. His research has been published in high-impact journals and has had significant implications in the field of nuclear science.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor & Chairman

— Present

Department of Nuclear Engineering, UC Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Leading the Department of Nuclear Engineering while engaging in research and teaching.

Executive Associate Dean

— Present

College of Engineering, UC Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Oversaw the academic operations and initiatives of the college.

Associate Dean Research

— Present

College of Engineering, UC Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Directed research activities and supported faculty in research endeavors.

Vice President & Dean Research

— Present

Naval Postgraduate School • Monterey, CA

Managed research initiatives and academic departments.

Senior Physicist

— Present

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory • Livermore, CA

Conducted high-level research in nuclear physics.

Assistant Professor

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Engaged in teaching and research in physics.

Awards

#

Navy Superior Civilian Service Award

#

Elected Fellow

#

Elected APS Fellow

#

Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship

#

Phi Beta Kappa

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.