Dr. Michael Yartsev

Associate Professor

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Biography

Michael Yartsev is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and a faculty member of the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute. His research focuses on understanding the neural basis of complex spatial acoustic behaviors and developing technologies to study neural activity in freely behaving flying bats. He aims to uncover the basic principles of brain function applicable to general mammals through innovative methods such as wireless recording of neural activity and optogenetic control for imaging studies. Yartsev has trained extensively in neurobiology, earning a PhD from the Weizmann Institute, and has held various academic positions since then, including his current role at UC Berkeley. His work is supported by numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, highlighting his contributions to the field of neuroscience and bioengineering. He has actively collaborated across various research institutes and has a commitment to advancing the understanding of neurobiological principles through interdisciplinary approaches.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2022-07-01 — Present

UC Berkeley, Department of Bioengineering • Berkeley, CA

Teaching and conducting research in the areas of bioengineering and neuroscience.

Assistant Professor

2015-07-01 — 2022-06-30

UC Berkeley, Department of Bioengineering • Berkeley, CA

Conducted research on neural circuits and bioinstrumentation.

CV Starr Fellow

2012-01-01 — 2022-06-30

Princeton Neuroscience Institute • Princeton, NJ

Engaged in advanced research in neuroscience under the mentorship of Carlos Brody.

Awards

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Brain Initiative EAGER award

2015-01-01
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Beverly Sackler fund Convergence Research

2015-01-01
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Konishi Neuroethology Research Award

2015-01-01
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Sieratzki Prize Advances Neuroscience

2014-01-01
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ISEF International Post-Doctoral Fellowship

2014-01-01
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Eppendorf & Science Prize Neurobiology

2013-01-01
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Donald B. Lindsley prize

2013-01-01
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ISEF Lily Safra Award

2013-01-01
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John F. Kennedy PhD Distinction Prize

2013-01-01
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ELSC Brain Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship

2012-01-01
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Young Investigator Award

2012-01-01
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Capranica Prize

2012-01-01
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CV Starr Fellowship

2012-01-01
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Katzir Foundation award

2011-01-01
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National institute Psychobiology award

2010-01-01
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Lev-Zion Excellence Predoctoral fellowship

2009-01-01

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.