Dr. Karsten Gronert

Professor

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Biography

Karsten Gronert is a Professor in the Department of Optometry and Vision Science at UC Berkeley. His research focuses on elucidating the role of endogenous protective lipid networks in ocular immune and reparative responses, particularly in relation to retinal neurodegeneration. His laboratory employs innovative approaches and state-of-the-art technology to discover and define the regulation of protective lipid mediator networks at various cellular levels. The long-standing expertise of his research group includes LC/MS/MS-based lipidomics and lipid mediator bioinformatics. Gronert's long-term goals aim at defining the regulatory mechanisms of lipid mediator programs in health and understanding their dysregulation in diseases, as well as developing innovative therapeutic approaches. His work has demonstrated that retinal astrocytes release lipoxins that protect ganglion cells from neurotoxic stress and is currently investigating the regulation of a novel retinal lipoxin circuit and its therapeutic potential in pre-clinical models of glaucomatous neurodegeneration.

Research Interests

Courses

Optometry 226A: Systemic Pharmacology Optometry 226B: Ocular Pharmacology

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.