Dr. Britt Koskella

Associate Professor

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Biography

Britt Koskella is an evolutionary ecologist focused on the role of species interactions in shaping genotypic and phenotypic diversity in nature. Her lab integrates natural and observational studies of microbial ecology with experimental evolution in greenhouse settings to test fundamental theories of coevolution, disease ecology, community assembly, and host-pathogen interactions. The research explores various plant systems, including tomato plants, pear trees, and pitcher plants, to understand how the plant microbiome establishes functions that protect hosts against diseases and environmental stressors. Additionally, her work investigates the impact of bacteriophage viruses on ecological and evolutionary processes. By unraveling the dynamic relationships between hosts, symbionts, and pathogens, she aims to enhance plant resilience in the face of global changes and promote agricultural sustainability.

Research Interests

Courses

Evolution Freshman Seminars Research Seminar Special Study in Integrative Biology Graduate Research Plant Microbial Biology Individual Study for Graduate Students Supervised Research: Biological Sciences Infectious Disease Dynamics

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.