Dr. Michelle Wilkerson

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Michelle Hoda Wilkerson is a learning scientist whose work explores computational literacy with a special focus on how young people learn scientific computing. She examines the varieties of scientific computing, particularly visual data analysis tools and agent-based simulation, and responsibly introduces epistemic tools into precollegiate curriculum. Her research emphasizes the ways in which these tools empower youth to explore large-scale systems and their significant social impacts, such as climate, health patterns, nutrition, and pollution, while paying special attention to how students' personal experiences are represented through digital narratives in computing. Wilkerson's work has been featured in journals such as Educational Researcher, Journal of Learning Sciences, and Journal of Science Teacher Education. In 2014, she was selected for the National Science Foundation Early CAREER Award, and in 2020, she received the AERA Division C Jan Hawkins Award for Early Career Contributions to Humanistic Research Scholarship in Learning Technologies. She also served as Co-Chair for the planning committee of the National Academies Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Workshop on the Foundations of K-12 Data Science Education in 2022.

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.