Dr. Vassilia Zorba

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Vassilia Zorba is an Associate Adjunct Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on the development of next-generation laser tools and advanced sensors for laser-based manufacturing. Zorba’s interests encompass ultrafast laser-material interactions, non-linear optics, remote sensing, laser-induced plasma chemistry, and laser ablation-based chemical analysis. She emphasizes the advancement of electrochemical energy storage technologies, particularly in the context of next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Zorba has made significant contributions to the field with a focus on femtosecond laser surface structuring technologies and biomimetic material functionalization. Her academic achievements include 72 publications in peer-reviewed journals and over 40 invited talks, along with receiving the 2011 R&D 100 Technology Award. Zorba also serves as a senior editor for the journal Applied Physics and is a member of the editorial boards of Journal Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, Applied Spectroscopy, and Spectrochimica Acta Part B.

Research Interests

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.