Dr. Ronald Amundson

Professor

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Biography

Ronald Amundson is the Betty Isaac Barshad Endowed Chair in Soil Science at the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on understanding environmental and ecological conditions of the past, particularly through studying the processes of carbon and nitrogen cycling in soils. His laboratory employs a variety of techniques, including isotope geochemistry, to investigate the climatic and geological controls that affect these rates. Amundson's projects include examining the impacts of organic carbon flow and radiocarbon content in soil, which are driven by downward advective flow of organic matter. He also studies how thermal conditions affect CO2 adsorption in soils, particularly in arid regions, and aims to enhance the understanding of land-atmosphere CO2 exchange on a global scale. His work is vital for developing improved strategies for carbon cycling models and addressing global food security risks related to soil depletion.

Research Interests

Courses

Development Classification Soils Individual Research Environmental Issues Biosphere

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.