Dr. Jay Keasling

Professor

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Biography

Jay D. Keasling is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He has served as a Senior Faculty Scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and holds the Philomathia Foundation Chair in Alternative Energy. Since joining UC Berkeley in 1992, he has significantly contributed to the field of metabolic engineering, specifically in developing tools and novel pathways for the engineering of microorganisms. His research aims at addressing societal issues through advanced metabolic pathways. Notably, his work enabled the production of the antimalarial drug artemisinin and various commodity specialty chemicals and biofuels. His accolades include being an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and receiving the Distinguished Scientists Fellow award from the U.S. Department of Energy. He has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) and has held several key positions in various academic and research institutions.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaches and conducts research in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering.

Professor

— Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaches and conducts research in the Department of Bioengineering.

Chief Executive Officer

— Present

Joint BioEnergy Institute • Emeryville, CA

Leads the institute's research and development efforts in bioenergy.

Awards

#

Distinguished Scientists Fellow

#

World Good

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.