Dr. William Ratcliff

Associate Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

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

Biography

William Ratcliff is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Quantitative Biosciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on major transitions in evolution, particularly the evolution of multicellularity. Ratcliff's laboratory employs experimental evolution techniques to investigate the emergence of complex life forms from unicellular ancestors. By creating new multicellular organisms in a controlled laboratory environment, his work sheds light on the mechanisms that foster multicellularity and prevent the backsliding of cellular complexity. His studies utilize model systems such as yeast and algae to explore the evolution of life cycles and microbial social interactions. Ratcliff's significant contributions have garnered various accolades, including being named a Packard Fellow and receiving the NSF CAREER Award. He collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to investigate spatial dynamics in microbial ecology, contributing to our understanding of evolutionary processes.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA

Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Quantitative Biosciences.

Awards

#

Packard Fellow

#

Popular Science's 'Brilliant 10'

#

Sigma Xi Young Faculty Award

#

Sigma Xi Paper Award

#

NSF CAREER Award

Requirements for Georgia Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:19
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:19
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:5.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7.5
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in computer science or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science: GRE scores are optional for Fall 2026.