South SFV Today

Kathryn Ann “Kam” Moler has been appointed as the next Stanford vice president for SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, effective November 1. Moler, who holds multiple professorships at Stanford University, will oversee the laboratory and lead Stanford’s governance role.

“SLAC makes transformative discoveries with far-reaching benefits,” said Moler. “I’m honored to work with the talented people at SLAC and Stanford to support research and development, foster collaboration, ensure excellent operations, and achieve our full potential in service of science and society.”

Moler's extensive leadership experience includes serving as senior associate dean for natural sciences from 2016 to 2018 and transition dean for the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability in 2022. Most recently, she was vice provost and dean of research from 2018 to 2023.

“I am delighted that Kam will serve as our next vice president for SLAC,” said Stanford President Jonathan Levin. “Kam is a champion of research at Stanford and nationally. Her accomplished career as a physicist and record as a dynamic, collaborative leader make her the ideal person to support and advance our partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the exciting research opportunities ahead for SLAC.”

SLAC is managed by Stanford for the DOE Office of Science. The vice president role involves ensuring that SLAC fulfills its mission, advising on strategy and operations, and chairing the SLAC Board of Oversight.

“Stanford is a key partner in SLAC’s success,” said SLAC Lab Director John Sarrao. “I’m thrilled to have Kam taking on the role. She’s an internationally recognized researcher and leader with a long history of productive engagement with SLAC.”

Harriet Kung, acting director of the DOE Office of Science, also expressed confidence in Moler's appointment: “The combination of Kam’s world-renowned scientific credentials and excellent track record makes her a superior candidate to serve in this critical role.”

Moler earned her bachelor’s degree in physics from Stanford in 1988 and her doctorate in physics from Stanford in 1995. She joined Princeton University as an R.H. Dicke postdoctoral fellow before becoming the first female faculty member in Stanford’s Department of Applied Physics in 1998.

Her lab group develops tools to measure magnetic properties of quantum materials on micron length-scales. She has authored over 100 scientific papers and taught various classes including Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics.

In addition to her academic roles, Moler serves as co-chair of the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee which advises on national quantum policies.

“The Department of Energy plays a pivotal role in maintaining American leadership in scientific discovery,” said Moler.

Founded in 1962, SLAC explores fundamental questions about how the universe works using advanced technologies like X-ray free-electron lasers. It operates several user facilities including LCLS X-ray free-electron laser.

Moler is also involved with six institutes jointly run by SLAC and Stanford focused on advancing areas such as quantum technology.