Dr. James Olzmann

Professor

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Biography

The Olzmann research group employs a variety of strategies from systems biology, chemical biology, and cell biology to elucidate the principles regulating cellular lipid homeostasis. They have made significant advances in understanding the regulation and functions of neutral lipid storage organelles known as lipid droplets. Dysregulation of lipid droplets and lipid metabolism is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including prevalent metabolic diseases such as obesity and fatty liver disease, as well as cancer. The group has also made key discoveries regarding cellular mechanisms that prevent lipotoxic damage in cancer, including the accumulation of oxidatively damaged phospholipids which are regulated through a cell death process known as ferroptosis. Their current research aims to leverage these findings to develop new therapeutics for treating therapy-resistant forms of cancer.

Research Interests

Courses

MCELLBI 229H MCELLBI 292 NEU 292 NEU 295 COMPBIO 299 MCELLBI C130 MCELLBI 220 NUSCTX C130 NUSCTX 299

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.