Dr. Karthik Shekhar

Professor

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Biography

Karthik Shekhar is a distinguished member of the faculty at the College of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, where he holds the position of John F. Heil, Jr. Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He is affiliated with the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and is known for his contributions to the understanding of cellular systems biology and statistical inference. Shekhar's research focuses on single-cell genomics, emphasizing the molecular description of cellular diversity within complex tissues and the developmental and evolutionary origins of tissue function degeneration. He utilizes high-throughput single-cell genomic measurements to explore conservation across vertebrates, including humans and non-human primates. His innovative work seeks to develop computational methods rooted in machine learning to make precise biological inferences that guide experimental approaches, ultimately revealing the mechanistic principles underlying cellular organization and molecular networks.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow

— Present

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard • Cambridge, MA

Conducted research on cellular systems biology and single-cell genomics.

Awards

#2023

McKnight Foundation Scholar Award

#2023

Donald Sterling Noyce Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

#2023

Teaching Award, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

#2023

Dr. Douglas H Johnson Award (National Glaucoma Research)

#2023

Scialog Fellow, Microbiome and Neurobiology of Disease

#2022

Member, NGL Council, Allen Institute of Brain Science

#2022

Society Hellmann Fellows

#2022

Rita Allen Foundation Scholar (Finalist)

#2022

Teaching Award, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

#2022

Member, Catalyst Cure 4, Glaucoma Research Foundation

#

NIH Pathway Independence Award (K99/R00)

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.