Dr. Kurt Kwast

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Professor Kwast’s research focuses primarily on how organisms acclimatize to environmental physiological stressors. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles exploring oxygen sensing, utilization, bioenergetics, and the control of oxygen-responsive gene expression. His work employs molecular, physiological, genomic, and proteomic approaches to reveal the oxygen-sensing pathways and networks of oxygen-responsive genes. He has held tenure-track positions at the University of Illinois, where he was an Assistant Professor from 1997 to 2005 and an Associate Professor from 2005 to 2017, before taking his current role at the University of Southern California. His dedication to teaching and mentoring students is recognized by numerous awards and his involvement in various administrative and editorial committees related to physiology and educational outreach. Kwast's significant contributions to the field make him a respected member of the scientific community.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor (Teaching)

2017-08-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Awards

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Student-Nominated Excellence in Teaching

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James E. Health Award for Excellence in Teaching Physiology

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Graduate School Fellowship

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Outstanding Graduate Teacher Award

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Graduation Magna Cum Laude

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.