Dr. Valerie Shapiro

Associate Professor

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Biography

Valerie B. Shapiro is an Associate Professor jointly appointed in the School of Social Welfare and the Department of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the Co-Director of the Center for Prevention Research in Social Welfare and has been recognized as a William T. Grant Foundation Scholar. Dr. Shapiro focuses on the prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral problems in children and youth, with a particular emphasis on the adoption, implementation, and sustainability of effective prevention practices. Her research promotes the application of evidence-based practice and aims to enhance community engagement in adopting science-based approaches to prevention. Notably, she has contributed to significant initiatives such as the FEMA/SAMHSA-funded CalHope Student Support initiative. Dr. Shapiro serves in various leadership roles, including chairing the Coalition for the Promotion of Behavioral Health and contributing to the National Academy of Medicine. She has received numerous awards for her scholarly achievements, including the 2014 Prytanean Faculty Prize for demonstrated scholarly excellence, teaching, and engagement as a role model for students.

Research Interests

Adoption Implementation Sustainability Effective Prevention Practices Systemic Transformation Social Emotional Learning Infrastructure Promote Use Research Evidence Provide Implementation Support Strength-Based Screening Assessment Schools Youth Serving Organizations Coalition-Based Models Community Decision-Making Prevent Mental, Emotional Behavior Problems Young People

Experience

Associate Professor

2012-01-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA, USA

Jointly appointed in Social Welfare and Public Health, and Co-Director of the Center for Prevention Research.

Awards

#1

Prytanean Faculty Prize

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.