PAWS - Peer Advisor Walk-in Services

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:

• In-person (VLSB 3060) or virtually over Zoom. Schedule an appointment at https://bit.ly/MCBpaws24-25 or drop by during available times.
• Email or chat at mcbpaws@berkeley.edu.
• Instagram: @mcbpaws
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcbpaws/

Preferred Pronouns: he/him/his
Majors & Minors: MCB-CDP
Research: Hellerstein (NST-Metabolism): Studying the effects of adipose on creatine absorption in mouse-based models.
Activities: Cal Rotaract, SLC Peer Tutor
Post Graduate Plans: Medical School
Major Classes Taken: MCB 102, MCB 104, MCB 133L, MCB 135A, MCB 136, MCB 166

Hello! My name is Ameya, and I am a senior majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology with a concentration in Cell, Development, and Physiology. I chose this major because I was fascinated by the sub-cellular interactions that drive biological processes and wanted the opportunity to learn from faculty involved in cutting-edge research. As a Peer Advisor, I hope to help students explore the MCB major and plan their academic paths. I’m always happy to share my experiences and offer guidance on navigating courses and opportunities within the department.

Andra
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Languages Spoken: Cantonese, Mandarin
Majors & Minors: MCB-IMM
Research: Fenyong Liu (Public Health): I am studying a gene in Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus and how it can affect the virus' ability to go from dormant form to active form.
Activities: iGEM, Haas scholars program
Post Graduate Plans: MPH
Major Classes Taken: MCB 102, MCB 150, MCB 150L, MCB 153, PH 162A

I am a 4th year studying MCB with an emphasis in immunology. I chose this major because I wanted to learn more about the effects of various diseases on the human body and how our immune system responds to those diseases. I have dealt with being uncertain about majors and careers, as well as challenges when it came to joining clubs and research. Nonetheless, this experience taught me how to plan out classes despite having uncertainties, and how to explore and look for opportunities. Some opportunities I am apart of include volunteering, iGEM experimental team, and the Fenyong Liu lab, where I am doing an honors thesis as part of the Haas scholars program. Please feel free to ask me any questions and I look forward to meeting you!

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Languages Spoken: Chinese and English
Majors & Minors: MCB-IMM
Research: Ricardo San Martin (SCET): Our current project centers on cultivating Chilean soapbark trees to produce saponins—valuable compounds essential for food and vaccine production.
Post Graduate Plans: Medical School
Major Classes Taken: MCB 102, MCB 104, MCB 135A, MCB 153

Hi! I’m Helen, a 4th-year MCB major specializing in Immunology, and I’m from Vancouver, Canada. I chose Immunology because it offers an in-depth exploration of the biological mechanisms behind health and disease, which I find incredibly fascinating. What I love most about MCB is how it fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, while giving me the opportunity to dive into cutting-edge research in areas like genetics, immunology, and biotechnology. This major constantly challenges me to think creatively about how biological discoveries can be translated into real-world medical solutions. Feel free to ask me anything—whether it's about courses, food, or outdoor activities!

Michael
Preferred Pronouns: He/him
Majors & Minors: MCB-CDP
Research: Lammel (Neuroscience): neuropeptide modulators and dopamine release in the mesolimbic system during obesity.
Activities: Pre-Medical Honors Society
Post Graduate Plans: Medical School
Major Classes Taken: MCB 102, MCB 104, MCB 136

Hey, my name is Michael, and I am a senior majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB). I chose MCB because it provides a strong foundation for medical school while allowing me to explore various interests and extracurricular activities. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports like pickleball and soccer, working out, and cooking. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all about the MCB major or anything else.

Nithya
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Majors & Minors: MCB-CDP; IB-IHB; Anthropology
Research: Juan Liu (IB): I work on understanding the functional anatomy of mammalian auditory systems specifically right now I am working on the middle ear anatomy.
Activities: Kappa Gamma Delta
Post Graduate Plans: Medical School (radiology)
Major Classes Taken: IB 114, IB 131, IB 131L, IB 138, IB 159, IB C160 / MCB C144, MCB 102, MCB 104, MCB C114, MCB 136, MCB 170L, PH 162A

Hi there my name is Nithya and I am currently a senior studying IB, MCB, and Anthropology. What I love about both MCB and IB is the diversity each major offers. With IB I can look with a broader perspective at topics such as human biology and understanding how the body is able to function with the support of all its organ systems. MCB is also a great major to learn more about specific cellular processes or say how viruses can infect and spread. Feel free to come by and chat with any of us peer advisors we would love to help!

Sarah
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Majors & Minors: MCB-GGED; English
Research: Lin He (MCB): We study the functional importance of the non-coding genome in development and disease.
Activities: Atrium, AMSA, Meor Berkeley
Post Graduate Plans: Gap year, then MD/PhD program
Major Classes Taken: MCB C100A

Hi everyone! I'm Sarah, a junior double majoring in MCB and English. I love being in the MCB major because I get to explore a wide variety of subjects I'm interested in, whether this be biochemistry, genetics, or whatever my research mentor is up to! I've also enjoyed learning about new biological techniques and principles through my research position, and hope to use that experience in medical and graduate school. With my double major, I can give you advice on anything ranging from enrollment to best study techniques to writing a paper. I've found a wonderful community amongst my peers, faculty, and advisors with MCB, and can't wait to meet you.

Soliana
Preferred Pronouns: She/her
Majors & Minors: MCB-NEU
Research: Feldman Lab (MCB): Identifying mechanism of PV circuit dysfunction in autism.
Activities: TransferMD, PMHS, BSP
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 fifth 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!