Graduate

Physics graduate students are typically supported during the first year or two of their graduate career as Teaching Assistants (TA's), and subsequently as Graduate Student Researchers (GSR's). High-achieving students are also eligible for a variety of merit-based awards and fellowships. Those administered by the Department of Physics are:

Bhadra Fellowship

In memory and recognition of Dilip K. Bhadra – one of the first graduate students at UC San Diego in the Department of Physics – an endowed fund was established by Marsha Penner (BA '68, '72) to provide an annual award to a student in physics. The Dilip K. Bhadra Ph.D. '65 Graduate Fellowship in Theoretical Physics will be used by the Department of Physics to provide fellowship support for the benefit of graduate students specializing in theoretical physics at UC San Diego.
Detailed Information: Bhadra Fellowship

Inamori Fellowships

Inamori Fellowships are awarded annually to one or two graduate students who are expected to contribute to the future of humanity through a balance of scientific progress and the human spirit.
Detailed Information: Inamori Fellowship

Maria Goeppert Mayer Award

The Maria Goeppert Mayer Award is presented annually to an entering graduate student who has a successful track record in undergraduate physics courses, and who will contribute to the diversity of the Department.

Harold K. Ticho Award

Funded by the family and friends of Dr. Harold K. Ticho, this annual award recognizes an outstanding incoming graduate student for past scholastic accomplishments and promise for further excellent work in physics.
Detailed Information: Harold K. Ticho Award

Undergraduate

John Holmes Malmberg Prize

The John Holmes Malmberg Prize is presented annually at commencement to a graduating physics student who is recognized for potential for a career in physics and a measure of experimental inquisitiveness. This prize was established in 1993 in memory of Professor Malmberg who pioneered the use of nonneutral plasmas for sophisticated tests of plasma equilibrium, wave, and transport effects. He was an involved teacher of undergraduate and graduate students and was active in departmental and campus affairs.

Shang-keng Ma Memorial Award

The Shaoyeh Ma Foundation and the Department of Physics presents the Shang-keng Ma Memorial Award at commencement each year to a graduating physics student who has shown exceptional ability and promise during their UC San Diego undergraduate years. The award was established in 1984 to commemorate the contributions of Professor Ma to the UC San Diego Department of Physics and to the field of theoretical condensed matter physics. The Shaoyeh Ma Foundation endowed this award in 2016 in honor of Shang-keng Ma.

Giving To UC San Diego Physics

Graduate student fellowships such as those listed above are essential components of our ability to recruit and retain the exceptional graduate students who will become the leaders, innovators, and educators of tomorrow. Your gift- of any size- will help. To explore options for investing in the future of physics at UCSD, please see Giving to Physics.