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Nicholas Sitar is a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in geotechnical earthquake engineering and is well-versed in wireless sensors and seismic slope stability. His research focuses on various aspects of soil behavior, including the characterization of weakly cemented soils, static seismic slope stability, and groundwater remediation techniques. Sitar has contributed significantly to the advancement of geoengineering, applying stochastic methods and advanced numerical modeling to analyze the stability of rock slopes and fractured rock masses, particularly under seismic loading conditions. His work encompasses the use of 3D discrete element modeling coupled with Lattice Boltzmann methods to study the stability of rock masses in the presence of flowing water and wave-solid interactions. Through his research, Sitar aims to improve the prediction of hazards associated with debris flows and the dynamic properties of coarse sediments, making vital contributions to the safety and resilience of natural slopes during seismic events.
The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.