STEM Grad Spotlighted at Oakland First Fridays

Over 100 attendees stopped by to chat about Cal’s cutting-edge research with our friendly team of experts at the downtown Oakland street fair, First Fridays on August 5. Science at Cal featured graduate researcher Antonio Del Rio Flores of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering who brought bacteria strains from his lab to show off. Naama Weksler, a recent Cal alum in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, also helped attendees use a microscope to view samples from her favorite model organism! Both children and adults enjoyed getting the chance to meet UC Berkeley scientists and learn more about what they do.   Also on deck were The Lawrence On-The-Go team, who ran a fun hands-on science activity for kids,  and Berkeley Lab, who hosted a STEM expert of their own! Science at Cal loves turning the spotlight on the awesome work of our UC Berkeley grad student community for fun and informal science learning! Want to get involved? We invite you to fill out this form to learn about future Science at Cal opportunities! Interested in Science Communication training? Email us at [email protected] to request Science at Cal visit your department!

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a modern apartment

Tips for Finding Housing in Berkeley

One of the first challenges facing new Cal students is finding a place to call home, whether on- or off-campus. Cal Housing has some tips and suggestions that can help with your search.

Mathew Miranda Headshot

Graduate student journey – from acceptance to fellowship

Joy trails through each word Mathew Miranda shares about the day he received his acceptance to UC Berkeley. Miranda is a second-year graduate student on the narrative and investigative track at the School of Journalism.

student waving Cal flag

Gain Experience and Make Connections in the Publishing Industry

Many graduate students will opt for careers beyond academia, but may not immediately know what kind of non-academic careers fit their interests, goals, and skills. Career exploration is a key step in not only broadening your knowledge of career possibilities, but also reflecting on your values and motivations.

student waving Cal flag

Connect your STEM research to your community

Science at Cal is in search of speaker participants for Grounds for Science, a lecture series specifically showcasing graduate student research and talent. For over ten years, Science at Cal has provided opportunities for UC Berkeley scientists to share their research with diverse public audiences through science lectures, cafes, street fairs, farmer’s markets, festivals and other free public events.

student waving Cal flag

Exploring Careers Outside of Academia

Many graduate students will opt for careers beyond academia, but may not immediately know what kind of non-academic careers fit their interests, goals, and skills. Career exploration is a key step in not only broadening your knowledge of career possibilities, but also reflecting on your values and motivations.

man writing on a paper in front of a laptop

How to Prepare for Virtual Video Interviews

In the remote/hybrid/in-person world, virtual interviews have become commonplace. While virtual interviews can eliminate the hassle of traveling, it remains important to adequately prepare yourself. Below are some tips to present yourself in a thoughtful, professional, and prepared manner.

Stern Health Sciences fellows event

Introducing the Stern Health Sciences Fellowship Program

The Stern Health Sciences Fellowship program was created to pave the way for new innovation by supporting graduate students in leading-edge research while, at the same time, addressing the urgency of human health needs by making increased funds available immediately. The program was conceived and established through a generous donation by Eric H. Stern, B.S. Business Administration, Chair of the Graduate Division Executive Advisory Committee, and a Trustee of the UCBF Board.

Cynthia Valencia-Ayala

Peer Support Providers: Helping Navigate the Maze of Graduate Resources

Recently launched this fall, the Graduate Peer Support Providers program is designed to help Berkeley graduate students learn about and more easily access the types of basic needs, mental health, and academic support services available on campus. Graduate students themselves, Peer Support Providers (PSPs) provide support to their peers with understanding, experience, and respect, using an equity-based lens.

P2P participants

Demystifying and Illuminating the Ph.D. Journey

Built on learnings from the Berkeley Summer Institute for Preparing Future Faculty, the Path to the Professoriate (P2P) Program engages first-year Ph.D. students from underrepresented backgrounds in workshops and structured activities around illuminating the route to assistant professorship in their discipline and establishing and building a publication pipeline.

student wearing sunglasses

Join the Graduate Division as we #GoBigforGrads during this year’s Big Give! 

On Thursday, March 11, UC Berkeley’s annual 24-hour fundraising campaign kicks off and we could use your help. Big Give, designed to celebrate all that makes Berkeley special, provides thousands of alumni, current students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends an opportunity to show some school spirit and support Cal for years to come.

clip art of person holding diploma

Your Guide to Fellowships and Grants

It’s fellowship season and that means you’ll want to apply to as many scholarships, grants, and fellowships as you can over the next few months. It can be overwhelming to search for what’s right for you and your research. The Graduate Division can help in directing you to potential funding opportunities.

image of campanile with UC Berkeley logo

15 Outstanding Graduate Student Instructors Receive Teaching Effectiveness Award

Previously announced this May, 374 Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) were recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor (OGSI) Award, and were recognized for their exemplary teaching by the Graduate Division’s GSI Teaching & Resource Center. For the full list of the award recipients, visit this link. 

Denzil Streete

Welcome to the Graduate Division, Dr. Denzil Streete

I am extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Denzil Streete to the Graduate Division as our new Chief of Staff & Assistant Dean for Diversity, beginning July 27th. Denzil joins Berkeley from Yale University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences where he was Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Development and Diversity.

screenshot of Berkeley International Office website

Berkeley International Office Reminders and COVID Updates

The Berkeley International Office would like to share some modified end-of-semester reminders, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions regarding current or prospective international students. BIO staff have been working closely with Graduate Student Affairs Officers to communicate ongoing updates and information.

headshot of Marshall Glaze

Staff Profile: Marshall Glaze Q&A

Marshall Glaze recently started in the Graduate Division as the Content and Social Media Manager. Learn about his path to Berkeley and what he’s looking forward to in his first six months.

Benny Corona

I-House Story: The World Is My Family

In my time at International House, I have learned more about perspective, policy, geopolitics, culture, economics, climate change, engineering, and language than in any other span of time.

headshot of Sarah Acosta

Staff Highlight: Sarah Acosta Q&A

Read about about Sarah’s dedication to fostering an open and supportive community for all graduate students, her journey to Cal, and why she can’t leave this time.

Room for rent sign

Renting 101 with the Berkeley Rent Board

Did you know that the Berkeley Rent Board offers free education and counseling to inform the public about your rights as tenants in a crowded housing market? Their website and counselors can arm you with the information you need to advocate for your interests and get the most out of your living situation.

students getting dinner from a buffet line

Invitation: 4th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner

The Division of Student Affairs has partnered with The Graduate Hotel to host the 4th Annual Community Dinner for Cal students and their families who are unable to travel home for the holiday. Cal students and their families who are unable to travel home for the holidays are invited to register.

Marcia Gee Riley and Zackary Hull

Meet the Berkeley Ombuds

Marcia Gee Riley and Zackary Hull discuss the purpose of the Ombuds Office, the highs and lows of their roles, and how graduate students can utilize the office to discuss concerns, learn about resources, or discover new methods for dealing with personal or professional conflicts.