Dr. David Tirrell

Professor

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Biography

David Tirrell is the Ross McCollum-William H. Corcoran Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at California Institute of Technology, where he has been a faculty member since 1998. He served as the Chair of the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from 1999 to 2009 and was the Director of the Beckman Institute from 2012 to 2018. As Provost since 2017, he has focused on advancing interdisciplinary research and education across the institute. Tirrell's research interests include biocatalysis, biomaterials, polymer science, protein engineering, and macromolecular chemistry. His group works on creating new macromolecular systems with controlled architecture and novel functionality, exploring synthetic polymers and artificial proteins that bridge the gap between natural and synthetic materials. Tirrell has significantly contributed to the understanding and manipulation of polymers through the development of methods to incorporate new monomers into proteins and create complex architectures for various applications, including tissue regeneration and biomaterial design.

Research Interests

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.