Dr. Mark Van Raamsdonk

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Mark Van Raamsdonk. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Mark Van Raamsdonk is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of British Columbia. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Combined Honours Mathematics and Physics from UBC in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Physics from Princeton University in 1997 and a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Princeton in 2000. His research primarily focuses on Particle and Nuclear Physics, with particular interest in String Theory, Quantum Field Theory, and Quantum Gravity. Van Raamsdonk has held various academic positions including Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University, Assistant Professor at UBC, and has been a Professor since July 1, 2013. He is recognized for his contributions to the understanding of gauge theory/gravity duality, known as AdS/CFT correspondence, and his current research involves exploring the connections between quantum information theory and quantum gravity. Throughout his career, he has been awarded several accolades including the UBC Killam Faculty Research Award in 2016 and has been a Simons Investigator in Physics from 2015 to 2020.

Research Interests

Particle Physics Nuclear Physics Theoretical Physics String Theory Quantum Field Theory Quantum Gravity

Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow

2000-09-01 — 2002-08-31

Stanford University •

Assistant Professor / Canada Research Chair

2002-08-15 — 2007-06-30

University of British Columbia •

Associate Professor / Canada Research Chair

2007-07-01 — 2013-06-30

University of British Columbia •

Professor

2013-07-01 — Present

University of British Columbia •

Awards

#

UBC Killam Faculty Research Award

2016-01-01
#

Simons Investigator in Physics

2015-01-01
#

CAP/CRM Medal in Theoretical Mathematical Physics

2014-01-01
#

Prize, Gravity Research Foundation Essay Competition

2010-01-01
#

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship

2005-01-01
#

Canada Research Chair

2002-01-01

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.