Dr. Karl Deisseroth

Professor

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Biography

Karl Deisseroth is the D.H. Chen Professor of Bioengineering and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His lab pioneered optogenetics, a method that allows researchers to control and monitor the activity of individual neurons with light and has been transformative for understanding neural circuits and behaviors. Deisseroth has an extensive clinical practice focusing on affective disorders and autism spectrum disorders, where he integrates his engineering background with psychiatric care. He has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to science and medicine, including the Japan Prize in Life Sciences (2023) and the Lasker Basic Medical Research Award (2021). Deisseroth's research interests lie at the intersection of engineering and psychiatry, particularly the use of innovative methodologies to explore the biology of mental illness and neural function.

Research Interests

Experience

D.H. Chen Professor

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Professor of Bioengineering and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, focusing on neural circuit manipulation.

Investigator

— Present

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • Stanford, California

Conducting research in the field of neuroscience and psychiatry.

Awards

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Japan Prize

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Lasker Basic Medical Research Award

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Asan Award

Courses

BIOE 291 BIOE 103 BIOE 191 BIOE 392 NEPR 299 PSYC 299 BIOE 391 NEPR 399 PSYC 399 PSYC 370 BIO 199X PSYC 290 PSYC 199

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.