Dr. Barry Thompson

Professor

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Biography

Professor Barry Thompson conducts research on electroactive semiconducting organic polymers. His group focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of semiconductor devices, with a primary emphasis on organic solar cells. His expertise encompasses Polymer Chemistry, Conjugated Polymers, Solar Cells, and Polymer Synthesis. Barry received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Florida in May 2005 and a B.S. in Chemistry/Physics from the University of Rio Grande in June 2000. He has held various academic positions at the University of Southern California, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, and then to Professor of Chemistry. Additionally, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley, from 2005 to 2008. Thompson has also held an administrative role as Chair from August 16, 2024, to August 15, 2027.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2019-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Professor of Chemistry focusing on electroactive semiconducting organic polymers and organic solar cells.

Associate Professor

2015-01-01 — 2019-01-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Taught and conducted research in the field of Chemistry.

Assistant Professor

2008-01-01 — 2015-01-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Contributed to the Chemistry department through teaching and research.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2005-01-01 — 2008-01-01

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Conducted research in organic chemistry after completing Ph.D.

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.