Dr. Urmila Mahadev

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Urmila Mahadev is an Assistant Professor in Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She completed her Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California in 2010 and earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 2018. Mahadev has served as a Visiting Associate at Caltech during the 2019-2020 academic year and has been an Assistant Professor since 2020, becoming a Nickerson Scholar in 2021. Her research primarily focuses on the cryptographic possibilities of quantum information, exploring the intersection of theoretical computer science and quantum computing. Notable contributions include the development of quantum homomorphic encryption, which enables computations on encrypted data, and verifiable delegation of quantum computation. Mahadev is recognized for her influential work in modern classical cryptography and has gained considerable attention in her field for her innovative approaches.

Research Interests

Awards

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Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize

Courses

CS 138 – Computer Algorithms CS 38 – Algorithms CS/IDS 153 – Current Topics in Theoretical Computer Science CMS/CS/IDS 139 – Analysis of Design Algorithms

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.