Peer advisors are trained junior & senior majors who volunteer their time to complement the staff advising services by sharing their knowledge of and experience with lower division requirements and upper division classes, experience with student groups on campus, preparation for life beyond the B.A., and use of various campus resources.

Meet with a peer advisor:

Angie
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Languages Spoken: English, Vietnamese
Majors & Minors: MCB (Cell Biology, Development & Physiology) Major + Music Minor
Activities: MCBcDNA
Post Graduate Plans: Medical School
Major Classes Taken: CHEM 135, MCB 135A

Hey everyone! My name is Angie, and I'm a senior studying MCB (Cell Biology, Development, & Physiology) and Music! I chose MCB because I found biology to be super interesting since a young age, and I really like how the major is very diverse, giving me the opportunity to explore many different fields. Through MCB, I have found genetics and physiology to be intriguing topics, and after graduating, I hope to pursue a career related to those fields. During my free time, I love to make matcha lattes, explore new cafes, spend time with family and friends, play Stardew Valley, and nap! If you have any questions about medical school, course planning, professional opportunities, or anything related to Cal or MCB, please do not hesitate to ask! I look forward to meeting you all! :)

Bella Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Languages Spoken: Chinese(Mandarin)
Majors & Minors: IB(eeo), MCB(imm1)
Research: I am working in the Evolutionary Genetics Lab of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, and studying the species limit of White-breasted Nuthatch in the subspecies contact zone in Northern California using a genomics approach.
Activities: Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, California Ecology and Conservation, Lavender Alliance at Berkeley
Post Graduate Plans: graduate school/research
Major Classes Taken: IB 104LF, IB 114, IB 118, IB 134L, MCB C100A, MCB c103, MCB 140, MCB 150, MCB 150L, UCNRS California Ecology and Conservation

Hi everyone! My name is Bella, and I am a fourth-year student majoring IB and MCB. I am originally from Suzhou, China. Since childhood, I enjoyed learning science especially biology, and Berkeley makes me love biology even more. My experience as a specimen maker and curator in Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (applied through URAP) got me crazy about birds and nature history. Meanwhile, through the coursework, I find the application of molecular biology on a larger scale in nature really intriguing, thus I am doing a double major and conducting research in genomics and evolutionary bio. Usually, you can find me exploring foods and boba places around the campus, taking a walk at the Berkeley Marina, UC Botanical Garden and other natural places for bird watching, or watching comedy shows at dorm.
 

Chloe
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Languages Spoken: French
Majors & Minors: MCB (Cell Biology, Development and Physiology)
Research: Patient Outcomes from Spine Surgery at UCSF Spine Center where we help with studies on frailty, pain and pain medication, personality changes from surgery, surgical complications, analysis of patient-reported outcomes with natural language processing, the effectiveness of a pre-habilitation program, and the effectiveness of surgical techniques.
Activities: Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program, American Medical Women's Association, Berkeley Hillel, Berkeley Chabad, Berkeley DeCal Program
Post Graduate Plans: Post Baccalaureate, Research, Volunteering, MD
Major Classes Taken: PBHLTH 142, MCELLBI 102, MCELLBI 132, MCELLBI 104

Hi everyone! My name is Chloe and I am a rising senior majoring in MCB (Cell Biology, Development, and Physiology emphasis). The longer I study chemistry, physics, and biology, the more I ask myself why certain things are the way they are. What truly fascinates me is seeing everything come together and watching how it is applied in the real world. I aspire to become a Surgical Oncologist, and as an MCB student, I have had access to life-changing opportunities and support. Over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to work with the most talented and inspiring physicians at UCSF and Stanford, which has only strengthened my deep passion for medicine. After I graduate Cal, I plan to do a post-baccalaureate program, research, and volunteer as I prepare for medical school. Berkeley can be very challenging, so please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, and I would love to help you navigate your time here. I am also the lead facilitator for a decal so please let me know if you have any questions about organizing and facilitating a decal. A little fun fact about me is that I come from a very multicultural background: my mom is French, my dad is South African, my stepdad is Israeli, and I was born in Hong Kong!
 

Debora
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Bengali, Hindi
Majors & Minors: MCB: Neurobiology major and Nutritional Sciences minor
Research: I am a Clinical Research Coordinator and Patient Navigator at the Primary Care Addiction Medicine Clinic in the Division of General Internal Medicine in UCSF https://ucsfhealthdgim.ucsf.edu/care/programs/primary. My current research involves improving patient experience and outcomes in addiction medicine through composing reports, consolidating clinical data, and assisting patients through motivational interviewing and follow-ups. I am also researching on campus at a neurobiology lab, studying the impact of input-specific responses and their effects on neuronal integration in the hippocampus.
Activities: MCBcDNA Co-President https://ucbmcbcdna.weebly.com/ Pre-Medical Honor Society https://pmhs.berkeley.edu/ TMSCA https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~ssscr/ Neuro International Collaboration https://neuro.international/our-team ASUC Health Advocacy Committee https://asuc.org/commissionscommittees/ BrainTrust https://callink.berkeley.edu/organization/braintrust Tang Center Volunteer https://uhs.berkeley.edu/about-uhs/get-involved SLC Math Tutor https://slc.berkeley.edu/programs/mathematics-and-statistics/drop-tutoring Math 1 Peer Tutor/Teaching Assistant MCB Tutor in MCB 102 and MCB 104 (Tutoring Bank)
Post Graduate Plans: Medical School
Major Classes Taken: MCB 102, MCB 104, MCB 160

Hi everyone! My name is Debora, and I am a fourth-year majoring in MCB with an emphasis in Neurobiology and minoring in Nutritional Sciences. I chose MCB as delving into diverse fields such as genetics, immunology, and neurobiology through courses in MCB captures how multifaceted biology is! The Neurobiology emphasis has enabled me to explore the intricacies of neural circuitry and neurodegeneration, and align them with my work at a neurobiology lab, translating what I have learned into working with neurosurgeons! I am grateful for how MCB unites my interests in medicine and biology while strengthening my love for healthcare equity and policymaking. Working as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Primary Care Addiction Medicine clinic in UCSF and as part of ASUC's Health Advocacy Committee, I hope to work towards reducing healthcare disparities as an aspiring physician. In my free time, I enjoy reading non-fiction books, cooking new recipes, exploring cafes, weightlifting, hiking, and visiting gyms around the Bay! Currently, I have published and am writing research articles with doctors so feel free to reach out and ask about extracurriculars like scribing, clubs, clinical research, medical school or anything related to MCB or Cal. I am looking forward to working with you!
 

Emily
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Languages Spoken: Mandarin
Majors & Minors: MCB-Neurobiology + Music Major
Research: Dan Lab, MCB; working on the project "Investigating microglia function in sleep regulation"
Activities: In Transcription @ Berkeley, https://www.in-transcription.org/ ASUC, https://asuc.org/ UC Berkeley Chamber Chorus, https://music.berkeley.edu/performance-opportunities/uc-berkeley-chamber-chorus/ Berkeley Chinese Music Ensemble
Post Graduate Plans: Gap year -> Medical School/Healthcare Administration
Major Classes Taken: MCB 102, MCB 140, MCB 130, MCB 160, MCB 161, IB 131

Hey everyone! My name is Emily, and I am a fourth-year double majoring in MCB - Neurobiology and Music. I choose to major in MCB not only because it prepares me well for my future career path, but also because I always feel excited when learning about new aspects in the field of biology and how it influences/improves everyone's life. Plus, the research experience I had has also shaped my interest in neuroscience (It is so cool to learn about what does your brain do when you eat, sleep, or see something, isn't it?). After graduation, I plan to attend medical school or something related to healthcare. In my free time, I like to go to SF symphony/Cal Performance concerts, enjoy boba at Plentea, play games on my Nintendo Switch Console, or maybe simply find a cool place around campus to nap. If you have any questions about the major, course planning, medical school, finding activities/clubs at Cal, or just anything that pops-up and you would like to share, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Looking forward to meeting with you all!
 

Lauren
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Languages Spoken:
Majors & Minors: MCB Cell Biology, Development, and Physiology: Track 2: Medical Biology and Physiology
Research: No
Activities: Catalyst Co-President: https://callink.berkeley.edu/organization/catalyst
Post Graduate Plans: Pursuing a career in the biotechnology industry.
Major Classes Taken: MCB 102, MCB 104, MCB 136, PSYCH 110

I chose to pursue a major in MCB because I’m fascinated with the molecular mechanisms of the human body, and I have a desire to explore opportunities in the biotechnology industry post-undergrad. Over my past three years at Cal, I've had professional experience through internships in marketing and business development for biotech companies, both large and small. Currently, I'm Co-President of Catalyst: a student organization catalyzing learning through peer education and professional development for future biologists, researchers, and healthcare workers. After my time here at Cal, I plan on dedicating my life towards the commercialization of biotech products to accelerate innovations in the biotech space and subsequently improve the overall health of the population. In my free time, I love trying new foods, spending time with friends, and playing golf! If you ever need any help with finding professional opportunities, feel lost in any way, or have general questions about any of the topics above, do not hesitate to reach out! :)
 

Soliana
Preferred Pronouns: She/her
Languages Spoken:
Majors & Minors: MCB:Neurobiology
Research: Feldman Lab, MCB: Identifying mechanism of PV circuit dysfunction in autism.
Activities: TransferMD(https://transfermd.carrd.co/), PMHS(https://pmhs.berkeley.edu/), BSP(https://bsp.berkeley.edu/home)
Post Graduate Plans: MD/PhD, PhD
Major Classes Taken: MCB 102, MCB 160, MCB 161, MCB 104, Math 110,

Hi, my name is Soliana. I'm currently in my fourth year, majoring in MCB with a neurobiology emphasis. I'm originally from Eritrea and I transferred here from community college. My passion lies in the realm of Neuroscience; I've always been fascinated by the intricacies of the brain, which led me to choose neurobiology as my focus. When I'm not immersed in my academic pursuits, I enjoy reading, indulging in music, and partaking in outdoor activities. I'd be more than happy to chat about pre-med paths, grad school options, research opportunities, class selections, double majoring, being a transfer student or anything else you want to talk about!
 

Sujanya
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Languages Spoken:
Majors & Minors: GGED: Track 2 (Developmental Genetics) ; Minor: Music
Research: Miller Lab, MCB; I am working on a project that concerns how tooth regeneration is controlled during development in the threespine stickleback fish from a genetic approach.
Activities: SLC Chem 1A Tutor, Tassel at Berkeley, UC Berkeley Chamber Orchestra, ASUC, Residential Assistant
Post Graduate Plans: Medical School
Major Classes Taken: MCB 102, MCB 104, MCB 141, MCB C144, MCB 149

Hi everyone! My name is Sujanya, and I am a fourth year majoring in MCB with an emphasis in Genetics, Genomics, & Evolution, & Development on the Developmental Genetics track. I am also a Music minor! I chose MCB not only because of its alignment and implications within the medical field, but also because of the diverse topics covered in MCB classes and the unique research opportunities available to students. Specifically, I have always been interested in genetics, so being able to work in a developmental genetics lab and seeing biology in practice has been really rewarding and one of the driving factors in deciding my emphasis. In combination with my major classes, I have further cultivated an interest in pursuing medical research in the future, much of which involves concepts covered in MCB. In my free time, I love cooking, baking, reading, watching all kinds of TV shows, and trying new restaurants around Berkeley. If you have any questions about research opportunities, being premed, classes at Cal, or anything else, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to meeting you all!