Dr. Jacob Yates

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Jacob Yates is an Assistant Professor in Optometry and Vision Science at the University of California, Berkeley. His doctoral research in neuroscience was conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, where he worked with prominent researchers including Alex Huk and Jonathan Pillow. Following his doctorate, he completed postdoctoral work at the University of Rochester under the guidance of Jude Mitchell, Greg DeAngelis, and Michele Rucci, as well as at the University of Maryland collaborating with Dan Butts. His research focuses on understanding how populations of neurons in the cortex encode information about the visual world. His lab employs statistical machine learning models to analyze neural activity and human perception, with a particular emphasis on the information generated by eye movements and how it is utilized by cortical circuits. Jacob is enthusiastic about returning to the Bay Area, where he grew up, and is looking forward to being an active part of the optometry community at UC Berkeley. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, hiking, traveling, and exploring new culinary experiences.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaching and conducting research in the field of Optometry and Vision Science.

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.