Dr. Margaretta Lin

Instructor

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Biography

Margaretta received her JD from Berkeley Law and a Master's in Asian Studies from UC Berkeley. She currently serves as a lecturer in the Department of City and Regional Planning, where she leads the Future Histories Lab. Margaretta is the founding director of Cities, a racial justice planning policy organization focused on fair housing policies that combat structural discrimination and acknowledge the humanity of those impacted by mass incarceration and racism. Drawing from her personal experiences with war and discrimination, Margaretta has been a lifelong activist for racial and social justice, teaching courses on restorative and transformative justice in planning and policy. Her work includes co-founding the Dellums Institute for Social Justice and organizing community leaders to address racial displacement, develop new policies, and create anti-displacement safety nets. Margaretta’s research interests include the intersections of mass incarceration, racialized displacement, homelessness, and ethical leadership in future planning. She has taught various courses, integrating themes of justice and community empowerment into her curriculum.

Research Interests

Courses

Transformative Justice Studio Urban Studies Seminar Restorative Justice Planning

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.