Dr. Katherine Faber

Professor

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Biography

Katherine Faber is the Simon Ramo Professor of Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Alfred University in 1975, followed by a Master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1978, and her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1982. Since 2014, she has been a professor at Caltech, focusing on fracture mechanisms of brittle materials and their applications in energy-related contexts. Her work includes the study of ceramics for thermal and environmental barrier coatings, power generation components, and porous solids for filtering and flow applications. Additionally, she has engaged in scientific studies within art museums and has applied advanced materials characterization and analytical techniques to support conservation science.

Research Interests

Courses

MS 110 abc – Materials Research Lectures MS/ME 166 – Fracture Brittle Solids MS 115 – Fundamentals Materials Science MS 133 – Kinetic Processes Materials

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.