Dr. Michael Manga

Professor

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Biography

Michael Manga studies the geological processes shaping Earth’s surface, including understanding the reasons for volcanic eruptions and how these eruptions affect climate and Earth systems. His research also explores how geological processes influence groundwater, the formation of geysers, and the effects of earthquakes on fluid flow within the Earth's crust. He examines similar processes on other planets, including the eruptions of water on icy satellites in the outer solar system, and endeavors to decode the interconnected history of water and volcanism on Mars.

Research Interests

Experience

Miller Fellow

1994-08-01 — 1996-08-01

Miller Institute for Basic Research in Sciences, University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, California

Conducted research in Earth and Planetary Sciences.

Assistant Professor

1996-09-01 — 2001-06-01

Department of Geological Sciences, University of Oregon • Eugene, Oregon

Taught and researched in the Department of Geological Sciences.

Associate Professor

2001-07-01 — 2006-07-01

Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, California

Advanced research and teaching in Earth and Planetary Sciences.

Professor

2006-07-01 — Present

Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, California

Lead research and teaching in Earth and Planetary Sciences.

Miller Professor

2008-09-01 — 2009-06-01

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, California

Recognized for outstanding contributions to research.

Department Chair

2018-07-01 — 2021-07-01

Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, California

Oversaw departmental operations and initiatives.

Department Chair

2022-07-01 — 2024-07-01

Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, California

Currently serving as Department Chair.

Awards

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CIFAR Fellow

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Carl Friedrich von Siemens Research Award

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Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

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Member of the National Academy of Sciences

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UC Berkeley Distinguished Teaching Award

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Noyce Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

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Bunsen Medal

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MacArthur Fellow

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Fellow of the Geological Society of America

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Donath Medal

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Macelwane Medal

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Fellow of the American Geophysical Union

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Sloan Fellowship

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Ersted Award for Distinguished Teaching

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Richard Bray Faculty Fellow

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CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation

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.