Dr. Neil Tsutsui

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Neil Tsutsui. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Neil Tsutsui is a Professor and the Michelbacher Chair in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management at the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his PhD in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution from UC San Diego and a BA in Biology with a specialization in Marine Science from Boston University. His research focuses on social insects, primarily ants, investigating their communication and behavioral ecology as well as evolutionary dynamics. Tsutsui conducts fieldwork and laboratory studies examining chemical communication and the genetics of individuals, populations, and species within social insect communities. He is dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity and open spaces and actively engages in educational outreach through public talks and professional service to local cities and parks in the East Bay. His research interests encompass behavior, genetics, and chemical ecology of social insects, along with outdoor education and science outreach.

Research Interests

Courses

Insect Behavior Seminar in Molecular Environmental Biology Seminar in Conservation Resource Studies Special Topics: Advanced Chemical Ecology Special Topics: Genetics and Genomics of Behavior Supervised Independent Study Field Study Individual Research

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.