Wondering how to get started in undergraduate research or seeking scholarships?
The Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships has a stellar team of 12 experienced peer advisors who are ready to help you out! Our PAs will resume holding office hours at the start of the Fall 2026 semester – in time to support URAP applicants!
Leticia Alvarado-Franco
Computer Science / English / Spanish – URAP
Hi! I’m Leticia, a third-year majoring in Computer Science, English, and Spanish with an interest in public-interest law. I got involved in research freshman year with Dr. Mónica Castillejos-Aragón at Berkeley Law, diving into comparative law and international human rights law. Beyond campus, I spent a summer at the Long Beach Bar Association supporting juvenile diversion cases, interpreting between attorneys and Spanish-speaking families, and facilitating youth curriculum on legal rights and restorative justice. Growing up between the U.S. and Latin America, I saw how much it matters to have someone in the room who can move fluidly between the technical, the legal, and the human. That is the person I am working to become. When not in academic mode, you will find me deep in a book, on a long walk that probably should have ended 45 minutes ago, having long conversations with random people I meet, making silly little videos, or finding ways to support low-income youth in my community. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, which shapes how I think about access, advocacy, and who gets to participate in spaces like research. So excited to help you navigate this journey!
Deion Chaudhary
Computer Science - URAP
Hi, my name is Deion. I am a senior studying Computer Science and my research focus is Computational Biology. In the summer of 2025, I first got involved in research at UCSF, where I worked on fine tuning Protein Language Models. Through URAP, I was able to continue doing research in the Moorjani Lab, where I work on simulating Neanderthal and Homo sapien introgression. Research has given me a new love for learning and has opened many doors for me. I hope that it will have a similar effect for you! Some of my hobbies include playing guitar, planning events for people, and reading!
Kaitlyn Conner (Head PA)
Molecular & Cell Biology - URAP + SURF
Hi! My name is Kaitlyn. I’m a junior majoring in MCB (Genetics, Genomics, Evolution & Development). 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 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 - URAP + SURF + Haas Scholars
Hi! My name is Brizeida (she/her). I’m a senior transfer student from Hartnell College double majoring in Legal Studies and Sociology. Last year I was a SURF fellow researching the intersectional educational experiences of Indigenous Mexican farmworker students whom I received IRB approval to interview. I also joined URAP, working with Dr. Dianna Reddy on her Work Law and Social Movements project. I’m currently a Haas Scholar researching the legal consciousness of Indigenous Mexican farmworkers. 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 happy to connect and help in any way, whether you’re looking for guidance on finding research opportunities, navigating the IRB process, or anything else you might need support with!
Norah Hom
Molecular & Cell Biology - URAP
Hey! My name is Norah and I’m a third-year majoring in MCB. In the Spitzer Lab at UCSF, I currently research how immune cells interact in healthy vs. cancerous lymph nodes, and how such interactions might change in response to immune stimulation and immunotherapy. By combining organoid models with single-cell sequencing, I’m interested in seeing the mechanisms that regulate T-cell activation and exhaustion with the goal of finding therapeutic markers and improving cancer immunotherapies. In the past through the SULI program at LBNL, I’ve also explored finding host determinants of bacteriophage susceptibility in P. Aeruginosa at the Phage Foundry (Mutalik Lab). Outside of research, I enjoy DJing, exploring random places in SF, and reading history books.
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.
Candido Santos
Integrative Biology - SURF
Hey there! My name is Candido, and I’m a senior majoring in Integrative Biology with an emphasis in Integrative Human Biology. I conduct research in the Stillman Lab, where I investigate how marine organisms respond to environmental stressors. I began my research through SURF, where I examined cardiac responses to heat stress in porcelain crabs to better understand how rising temperatures associated with climate change affect coastal species. Through this experience, I’ve developed skills in experimental design, physiological data analysis, and scientific communication, while also learning to navigate Berkeley’s research community. As a transfer student, veteran, and first-generation college student, I know that finding research opportunities can feel a bit overwhelming. I’m eager to help students explore research, answer questions about getting started, and connect them with campus resources. Outside the lab, I enjoy powerlifting and hiking.
Raneem Siyam
Materials Science & Engineering, Aerospace Engineering minor - URAP
Hi! My name is Raneem. I’m a sophomore majoring in Materials Science & Engineering with an intended minor in Aerospace Engineering. I’m also a National Scholarship (SMART Scholarship) awardee. I’ve been part of the Nanotechnology Lab under Dr. Waqas Khalid since my first semester of freshman year through URAP. Our research spans nanomaterials, CNT-based lithography, and microfluidic fabrication. I primarily work on the exoskeleton and biosensing teams, where I focus on CAD design for a Kaiser-affiliated project, alongside functionalizing carbon nanotubes and running spectroscopy tests for medical diagnostics. I’ve also done research through NASA programs, including JPL and L’SPACE. Happy to chat if anyone’s interested in those! Outside of research, I love exploring new matcha spots, card games, and playing tennis.
Ivona Sutilovic
Molecular & Cell Biology - URAP
Hi! My name is Ivona Sutilovic, and I’m a senior majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. I joined URAP during my freshman year and now conduct research in the Javid Lab, where I study the immune response to Mycobacterium abscessus, a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium that can cause severe lung infections. My research focuses on understanding how antibodies from patients with bronchiectasis recognize and help control these bacteria. Research has given me confidence, strengthened my problem-solving skills, and deepened my appreciation for scientific discovery. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support other students as they begin their own research journeys. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and tutoring organic chemistry.
Natasha Tiwari
Geophysics / Applied Mathematics, Data Science minor - URAP
Hi! I’m Natasha (she/her), a junior double majoring in Geophysics and Applied Mathematics with a minor in Data Science. I’m currently involved in research in the Earth and Planetary Science Department, focusing on fluid inclusion barometry and earthquake-triggered volcanic eruptions. I’m especially interested in volcanology and the interactions between magma chambers, and in using mathematics to better understand geophysical processes. Outside the lab, I serve as treasurer of the Geological Association at Berkeley, write exams for Science Olympiad, and mentor students through the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Scholars Program. In my free time, I enjoy painting, sailing (I recently earned my sailing certification!), reading, and rock climbing. I also love watching horror movies and spending far too long curating Spotify playlists. I’m excited to be part of the OURS Peer Advisor team and look forward to supporting other undergraduates on their research journeys!
Isabelle Wong
History / Legal Studies - URAP
Hello! My name is Isabelle (she/her) and I’m a junior double majoring in History and Legal Studies. I transferred from UC Santa Barbara in my second year and joined URAP during my first semester here at Berkeley. Through URAP, I’m currently a research assistant for Dr. Laurie Pearce’s project to create a digital linguistic corpus of names within Mesopotamian tablets from the Hellenistic period. I’m interested in finding the intersection between the preservation and study of history, and how policy and legislation can enhance and reform these practices. I am looking forward to connecting with students who are looking to hone their passion through research!
Wing Wu
Chemistry / Molecular & Cell Biology - URAP + SURF
Hi! I’m Wing (she/her), a senior studying Chemistry and Biochemistry. In the Hurley Lab, I work on drug discovery for targets implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. As a SURF Fellow this past summer, I developed a phosphate-sensing protein probe capable of detecting phosphate down to the nanomolar range (100x more sensitive than traditional assays!). Outside of science, I also worked in the Family and Culture Lab through URAP, helping recruit immigrant families for language development studies. Outside the lab, you can find me exploring nature trails or hunting down new restaurants to try!