Dr. Venkat Chandrasekaran

Professor

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Biography

Venkat Chandrasekaran is an applied mathematician whose research interests span optimization and information sciences. His specific areas of focus include convex optimization, statistical inference, inverse problems, graphs, combinatorial optimization, applied algebraic geometry, and approximation theory. His research group investigates the mathematical foundations of these topics, aiming to develop principled methods and applications across science and engineering domains. With a strong educational background, Venkat obtained his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Rice University in 2005, followed by a Master of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2007. He completed his Ph.D. in 2011 and served as an Assistant Professor at Caltech from 2012 to 2017 before being promoted to Professor in 2017. In 2024, he was named the Tomiyasu Professor. Venkat has been actively involved in teaching, offering courses such as Great Ideas in Data Science and Mathematical Optimization.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2017-01-01 — 2024-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Teaching and conducting research in Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics.

Assistant Professor

2012-01-01 — 2017-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Engaged in teaching and research activities focusing on optimization and mathematical sciences.

Courses

EE 121 – Great Ideas in Data Science CMS/ACM/EE 122 – Mathematical Optimization CMS/ACM/IDS 113 – Mathematical Optimization EE 55 – Mathematics for Electrical Engineering

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.