Dr. Nitash Balsara

Professor

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Biography

Nitash P. Balsara is a Charles W. Tobias Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He is also an Associate Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Balsara earned his Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1988. He has received numerous accolades, including the National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award in 1994 and the Sigma Xi Distinguished Faculty Research Award in 1995. His research focuses on electrochemical energy, specifically on lithium-ion batteries and polymer electrolytes that enable rapid ion transport. Balsara's work combines advanced characterization methods with materials design and synthesis, leading to significant advancements in battery technology. He emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity in his laboratory, advocating for diversity within the scientific community. His group has co-founded battery startup companies, including Seeo and Blue Current. Balsara is committed to making science accessible and fostering professional development for underrepresented minority students in STEM. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and holds several patents related to his research.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1998-01-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Charles W. Tobias Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Awards

#1994

National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award

#1995

Sigma Xi Distinguished Faculty Research Award

#1996

3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award

#1997

Engineer Year

#1997

John H. Dillon Medal

#1998

Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award

#2005

Charles M.A. Stine 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.