Wondering how to get started in undergraduate research or seeking scholarships?
The Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships has a great group of experienced peer advisors who are ready to help you out! Please check out the PA profiles and scheduling information below.
The Spring 2026 office hour schedule
will be posted in early January.
Ryan Bloch
Molecular & Cell Biology - URAP + SURF
Hi! I’m Ryan, a senior majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Genetics, Genomics, and Development. I began my research at Berkeley through the URAP program, joining Dr. Xiaohua Gong’s lab in the School of Optometry. There, I study the molecular mechanisms of cataract formation and lens development using genetic mouse models, focusing on how gap junctions and phosphate homeostasis contribute to lens clarity. As a SURF fellow this past summer, I used AAV transduction and in vitro approaches to investigate phosphate transport in lens epithelial cells. I’m especially interested in gene editing and translational biology. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, baking, and photography. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about getting started in research or navigating academic life at Berkeley!
Kaitlyn Conner
Molecular & Cell Biology, Bioengineering minor - URAP
Hi! My name is Kaitlyn. I’m a junior majoring in MCB and minoring in Bioengineering. I joined URAP in my freshman year and now work in the Miller Lab, where we research the genetic mechanisms of organogenesis, specifically focused on the craniofacial morphology of the Threespine Stickleback. My summer SURF fellowship project is centered around understanding the genetic pathways that regulate tooth regeneration and replacement rate. Research has given me confidence, excitement, and a deeper joy in learning science, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others through their experience! Outside of research, I enjoy reading, exploring new places to eat, and traveling.
Brizeida Cruz Hernandez
Legal Studies / Sociology - SURF + URAP
Hi! My name is Brizeida (she/her). I’m a senior transfer student from Hartnell College double majoring in Legal Studies and Sociology. I’m a SURF Fellow researching the intersectional educational experiences of Mexican Indigenous farmworker students. I successfully received IRB approval to interview Mexican Indigenous farmworker students. I have deep research interests focused on legal advocacy, farmworker rights, reducing disparities, immigration, juvenile justice, and social policy. Outside of research and school, I enjoy running, exploring new places, and reading books. I’m excited to connect with students—whether you’re looking for guidance on finding research opportunities, navigating the IRB process, or anything else you might need support with!
Ana-Florina Galic
Molecular & Cell Biology / Data Science- URAP
Hi, my name is Ana (she/her)! I am a senior double majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and Data Science, with an emphasis in Computational Methods in Molecular & Genomic Biology. I have worked with Dr. Eva Nogales through URAP since my freshman year, and my research there has opened the door to many new research opportunities in Berkeley, New York City, and even Melbourne, Australia! In various labs I have focused on structural biology and biophysics as well as live-cell biology in the context of cancer development. I am happy to share my experiences with research at Berkeley as well as how to approach expanding one’s scientific network beyond campus, an incredible opportunity that enables you to continue to grow as a researcher!
Norah Hom
Molecular & Cell Biology - URAP
Hey! My name is Norah (she/her) and I’m majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. I’m currently investigating bacteriophages and microbiome evolution in the Koskella Lab with the long term goal of expanding my research into genetically engineering bacteriophages as antimicrobial agents. Alongside research, I’m a Clinical Research Intern at Rubitection, a medical technology startup focused on improving skin health management. My campus involvements include serving as a Features Editor for the Berkeley Scientific Journal and pursuing synthetic therapeutics research with iGEM. Outside school, I enjoy anything music-related (playing guitar, going to concerts, sharing music recommendations), spontaneous trips to the city, and reading history books. I’m excited to help you apply to OURS research programs!
Email me to set up an appointment during my office hours!
meganluo@usc.edu
Megan Luo
Molecular & Cell Biology, Chinese minor - URAP + SURF
Hello! My name is Megan (she/her). I’m a MD/PhD student at USC/Caltech. Broadly, I’m interested in protein biophysics and biogenesis. During my undergrad at UC Berkeley, I majored in Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Biochemistry and a minor in Chinese. I worked in the Marqusee Lab – where I completed a SURF project and an honors thesis – to study the energetic landscapes of proteins. In my sophomore year, I completed a URAP project at UCSF studying bacterial infections in the rabbit model. I also worked in labs outside of Cal, including at City of Hope and UCLA studying cancer epigenetics and mass spectrometry based proteomics, respectively.
Natasha Tiwari
Geophysics / Applied Mathematics, Data Science minor - URAP
Hi! I’m Natasha (she/her), a sophomore double majoring in Geophysics and Applied Mathematics and minoring in Data Science. I’m currently involved in research through the Earth and Planetary Science department, focusing on rock fracture mechanics and seismic hazard analysis. I’m especially interested in tectonics, planetary interiors, and the ways that mathematics can support geophysical research. Outside the lab, I serve as treasurer for the Geological Association at Berkeley, write tests for Science Olympiad, and work as a mentor for Mathematics and Physical Sciences. In my free time, I love painting, sailing (I just got my license!), reading, and rock climbing. I also love watching horror movies and spending way too long curating Spotify playlists. I’m excited to be part of the OURS peer advisor team and can’t wait to support other undergrads on their research journeys! Feel free to reach out to me at natasha_tiwari@berkeley.edu.
Elizabeth Wang
Molecular & Cell Biology - URAP + SURF
Hi! My name is Elizabeth. I’m a senior majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. I transferred from Southwestern University my junior year and have been in the Gong Lab through URAP ever since. This past summer as a SURF fellow, I worked on understanding the mechanisms for CX50 & CX 46 phenotypic changes in cataracts through AAV mediated overexpression. Prior to Berkeley, I was a Biochemistry and Sociology double major and began research during my freshman year in an ecology lab, before moving onto a neuroscience lab, and finally a cancer biology lab one summer at UT Austin before the Gong lab! Although I’m no longer a sociology major, I still love chatting about sociology and continue to take sociology classes at Berkeley whenever I can. Outside of research, I enjoy perfumery, cafe hopping, and collecting plates!
Elsa Xu
Economics / Data Science - URAP
Hey there! I’m Elsa, a senior majoring in Economics and Data Science. Since Spring 2024, I’ve been part of Professor Fulton’s URAP project, where I’ve applied data science methods to analyze trends in the medical field—such as physician salaries across different specialties. I’m especially interested in the intersection of technology, data, and real-world problem solving, and I enjoy exploring how quantitative tools can help us better understand complex systems. Outside of academics, you’ll often find me dancing, reading, or diving into anything that sparks my curiosity. I’m always excited to learn across disciplines and contribute to meaningful research along the way. Feel free to reach out to me at <elsaxu@berkeley.edu>.