Dr. Jill Banfield

Professor

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Biography

Jill Banfield is a distinguished professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where she conducts pioneering research in microbial communities and environmental microbiology. Her work focuses on the diversity and evolution of microbial and viral phage populations, and how these microorganisms influence their natural environments. With an emphasis on understanding the interactions between microbial consortia and environmental factors through innovative approaches like metagenomics, Banfield's research has significant implications for climate change, agriculture, and human health. As the director of the Innovative Genomics Institute, she actively applies precision genome editing techniques to explore microbial communities' roles in ecological dynamics and health. Over the years, Banfield has contributed to groundbreaking discoveries in biogeochemistry, carbon cycling, and geomicrobiology, enriching our understanding of both terrestrial and human microbiomes.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2003-01-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Leading research and teaching in microbial communities, environmental microbiology, and genomics.

Director

2014-01-01 — Present

Innovative Genomics Institute • Berkeley, CA

Overseeing research initiatives focused on genome editing and its applications in microbial communities.

Awards

#

Franklin Medal

2015-03-18
#

L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award

2011-03-03

Courses

EPS 100A EPS 280 EPS 290 EPS 298 ESPM 299 MATSCI 298 MATSCI 299 PLANTBI 292 PLANTBI 299 PLANTBI 602 ESPM 112 ESPM 112L

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.