Dr. Thomas Kirchstetter

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Thomas W. Kirchstetter is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and serves as the Scientific Division Director of Energy Analysis at the Environmental Impacts Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. His research primarily investigates energy policy standards and environmental impacts related to municipal solid waste-to-energy processes, as well as the optical properties of carbonaceous aerosols and the characterization of motor vehicle emissions control technologies. Kirchstetter received the prestigious American Chemical Society Editor’s Choice award in 2019 for his paper on Environmental Technology and the Environmental Science & Technology award in 2017. He has been involved in numerous research projects focusing on quantifying emissions from diesel trucks, developing community-engaged air pollution monitoring methods using low-cost sensor networks, and evaluating the greenhouse gas emissions associated with anaerobic digestion processes. Through partnerships with various environmental organizations, he aims to improve public health and environmental standards through innovative air pollution sensing technology and research into sustainable waste-to-energy solutions.

Research Interests

Experience

Adjunct Professor

2023-01-01 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Teaching and conducting research primarily in the areas of civil and environmental engineering.

Scientific Division Director

2020-01-01 — Present

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

Leading research initiatives focused on energy analysis and environmental impacts.

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.