Dr. Sung Hou Kim

Professor

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Biography

Sung-Hou Kim is a Professor in the Graduate School, Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. He completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees at Seoul National University, South Korea, in 1960 and 1962, respectively, before earning a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry with a specialization in X-ray Crystallography from the University of Pittsburgh in 1966. His professional journey includes positions as Research Associate and Senior Research Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and he has held various academic appointments, including being an Assistant Associate Professor at Duke University from 1972 to 1978. Since 1978, he has been a Professor at UC Berkeley and a Faculty Scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, contributing to the fields of Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Fulbright Travel Fellowship, the N.I.H. Research Career Development Award, and the E.O. Lawrence Award from the U.S. Department of Energy. His research interests focus on whole-proteome and whole-genome Tree of Life constructions and the genomic studies of ethnic populations, utilizing advanced statistical and machine-learning methods to understand genetic susceptibility to diseases. Kim's work has implications for health-related decision-making and early diagnosis of cancer, positioning him as a leading figure in the intersection of chemistry, biology, and public health.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1978-01-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaching and research in the Department of Chemistry.

Faculty Scientist

1979-01-01 — Present

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

Research in the Physical Biosciences Division and Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging Division.

Awards

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Fulbright Travel Fellow

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N.I.H. Research Career Development Award

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Miller Research Professorship

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Guggenheim Fellow

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E.O. Lawrence Award

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Princess Takamatsu Award

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Ho-Am Prize

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Fellow

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Member

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Korean Academy Science Technology Prize

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Legacy Laureate Award

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Pride Seoul National University Alumni Award

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Department of Chemistry Alumni Award

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Alexander Rich Medal

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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.