Dr. Penny Wieser

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Penny Wieser is an igneous petrologist and volcanologist who utilizes erupted melts, crystals, gases, and volcanic aerosols to understand volcanic systems. Her research group is focused on finding ways to determine the depth of magma storage in volcanic systems and comprehending the release of volatile elements into Earth's atmosphere. She employs a combination of state-of-the-art microanalysis techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), along with open-source Python3 tools to model her data effectively.

Research Interests

Igneous Petrology Volcanology

Experience

Assistant Professor

2021-08-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaching and conducting research in igneous petrology and volcanology.

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.