Dr. Kristofer Pister

Professor

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Biography

Kris Pister is a Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) department at the University of California, Berkeley, where he focuses on Micro/Nano Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Micro-robotics. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Applied Physics from UC San Diego in 1986, followed by a Master of Science and Ph.D. in EECS from UC Berkeley in 1989 and 1992, respectively. Since joining the faculty in 1996, Pister has developed the Smart Dust project, aimed at creating a complete sensing and communication platform with dimensions of a cubic millimeter. This innovative work has earned him the Alexander Schwarzkopf Prize for Technological Innovation in 2006 and has led to advancements in synthetic insect technology. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Alfred F. Sperry Founder Award in 2009 for his contributions to science and technology in instrumentation and systems. He is also co-director of the Berkeley Sensor Actuator Center (BSAC) and the Ubiquitous Swarm Lab, where he continues to advance research in low-power circuits and robotics. His teaching focuses on integrated circuit design and the development of Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Research Interests

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.