Dr. Laura Hirshfield

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Laura Hirshfield is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Chemical Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in 2009, followed by a Ph.D. from Purdue University in 2013. She completed postdoctoral fellowships at Oregon State University (2013-2014) and Olin College of Engineering & University of Michigan (2014-2016). Prior to her current role, Hirshfield was a lecturer at the University of Michigan in Chemical Engineering from 2016 to 2018 and served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lecturer in the College of Engineering from 2018 to 2023. Her research focuses on engineering education, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods to enhance equity, inclusion, and wellness in the engineering student experience. She investigates how students develop their engineering identities and how participation in communities varies based on their personal identities. Her work includes various projects that assess student engagement in the chemical engineering curriculum and opportunities for curricular innovation. Hirshfield has received accolades such as the Chemical Engineering Outstanding Faculty Award in 2021 and the Associate Dean Undergraduate Engineering Instructional Team Award in 2023.

Research Interests

Experience

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Lecturer

— Present

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, MI

Lectured on diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering for the College of Engineering.

Assistant Editor

— Present

Chemical Engineering Education • Remote

Responsible for editing content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering education.

Awards

#

Chemical Engineering Outstanding Faculty Award

#

Associate Dean Undergraduate Engineering Instructional Team Award

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.