Dr. Stephen Leone

Professor

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Biography

Stephen Leone is the John R. Thomas Professor of Physics at the University of California, Berkeley. He earned a B.A. in Chemistry from Northwestern University in 1970 and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 1974. He began his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Southern California from 1974 to 1976 before joining NIST and the University of Colorado. Leone became a full professor in 1982. He has held numerous prestigious appointments, including Fellow of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Adjoint Professor of Chemistry at the University of Colorado. Professor Leone’s research focuses on ultrafast laser investigations, employing advanced techniques such as attosecond physics and state-resolved collision processes. He has directed key divisions and beamlines at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and has published extensively in top scientific journals. His ongoing research involves generating isolated attosecond pulses for time-resolved spectroscopy, investigating dynamic processes in materials, and pioneering methods for studying plasmonic nanostructures and aerosols. Leone has received numerous awards for his contributions to science and education, including fellowships from various scientific societies and the National Academy of Sciences membership.

Research Interests

Experience

John R. Thomas Professor

2002-01-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Full Professor specializing in Physics and Chemistry, overseeing research in ultrafast laser technology and attending prominent lectureships.

Fellow Staff Member

1976-01-01 — Present

National Institute of Standards and Technology • Boulder, CO

Conducted research in chemistry and physics with a focus on attosecond physics.

Adjoint Professor

2006-01-01 — Present

University of Colorado • Boulder, CO

Engaged in teaching and advanced research.

Awards

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Fellow

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John Simon Guggenheim Fellow

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Fellow

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.