Connect with the Diversity & Community Fellows Meet the 2023-24 Diversity and Community FellowsArlyn Moreno LunaPh.D. student at Berkeley School of Education Arlyn Y. Moreno Luna, MA, MPP, is a doctoral candidate in the Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender program at UC Berkeley’s School of Education. Her research examines access and equity in higher education for historically marginalized students and students’ experiences when transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions. She received her Bachelor of Science in BioResource Research in 2013 (with Honors) and a Master of Public Policy, focusing on Social Justice, in 2015 from Oregon State University. In 2021, Arlyn received a Master of Arts in Education from the University of California, Berkeley. Make an Appointment with ArlynAlex Maya-RomeroPh.D. student in Molecular and Cellular Biology Alex is a second year Ph.D. student in the Molecular and Cellular Biology program where he is interested in molecular changes in the brain associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Originally from Puerto Rico, Alex and his family moved to Philadelphia when he was eight and eventually settled in Willingboro, New Jersey. Alex obtained a BS degree in Biology from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA where he was the first in his family to graduate college. In college, Alex interned at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where also he began his efforts to increase accessibility and participation in STEM for folks from traditionally marginalized backgrounds. Being a first-gen student from a financially disadvantaged background revealed to him how such circumstances curtailed his access to different academic opportunities. Since then, he’s worked with high school and undergraduate students both in the lab and on preparing materials for different career opportunities. At Berkeley, Alex has organized peer support programs and worked with Berkeley students on preparing graduate school applications through a collaboration with the Post-Baccalaureate Research Program. Alex’s efforts resulted in him being awarded the Dean’s Award for Inclusive Excellence at Berkeley. As a Diversity and Community fellow, he’s interested in helping students in any discipline navigate academia and identify opportunities for career advancement. Make an appointment with AlexIsaac FelixPh.D. student at Berkeley School of Education Isaac is a fourth-year doctoral student at the Berkeley School of Education from Tijuana, California, Mexico. He attended UCLA and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology and Society and Chicana and Chicano Studies. His current research is concerned with the educational experiences and possibilities of transfronterizx youth: (most often) U.S. citizens living in Mexican border cities who cross the Mexico-U.S. border daily to attend U.S. schools. Particularly, Isaac is interested in how transfronterizx high school students negotiate and make sense of highly dynamic and contested spatial ecologies across the Tijuana-San Diego border region. Outside of his research work, Isaac is passionate about educational equity and justice and mentoring the next generation of students from non-dominant communities. Make an appointment with IsaacMatthew TaoPh.D. Student in Physics Matthew Tao (he/him) is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the Physics department. His research is focused on using tabletop techniques to manipulate quantum systems for probing fundamental symmetries of the universe. Before coming to Berkeley, he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.S. in Physics (’20) from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. As the first person in his family to graduate college and pursue a Ph.D., Matthew’s is passionate about lifting others up through science outreach, mentoring, and DEI efforts. He is excited to work with the Office for Graduate Diversity to continue improving the culture and experience for URM students at UC Berkeley. In his free time, Matthew likes to play cheesy movie songs on piano and to spend time outside exploring! Make an appointment with MatthewMonica De La CruzPh.D. student at School of Social Welfare Monica De La Cruz is a doctoral candidate in the School of Social Welfare. She received her Master of Public Health from the University of San Francisco and her Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology from San Francisco State University. Monica has experience developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs and conducting qualitative research studies. Her research interests broadly include identifying and implementing interventions and policies that ameliorate family poverty. Disproportionate poverty in communities of color is the result of systemic racism and inequity that cannot be reversed through local interventions alone. Monica aims to translate her research into policies that help dismantle these systems and shift the national discourse on family poverty to one that is both racially just and centers subsistence as a human right for all. Monica believes in supporting and centering students with different lived experiences, especially students of color and student parents. As a Diversity and Community fellow, she hopes to impact university culture and advocate for ways to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment so all students feel a sense of belonging. Monica feels indebted to the mentors who encouraged her pursuit of higher education and believes that paying it forward through supporting other non-traditional students is one way she can express her gratitude. Make an appointment with MonicaMitzia Eliovani Martinez CastellanosPh.D. student in Jurisprudence and Social Policy Mitzia is a fourth-year doctoral student in the Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) Program at Berkeley Law School. She immigrated from Mexico at the age of nine with her parents and two younger siblings. She is the first person in her family to graduate from college and pursue a graduate education. Her research examines how becoming a green card holder and/or U.S. citizen impacts the self-concept, sense of community, and relationships of formerly undocumented immigrants. Her inspiration to pursue this research comes from her lived experience as she was undocumented for 16 years before adjusting her immigration status. Outside of academia, Mitzia enjoys watching sitcoms, cooking, playtime with her adorable Pitbull, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Make an appointment with MitziaRegina EboPh.D. student in Psychology Regina Ebo is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Psychology Department. Her research primarily focuses on the ways culture, emotions, and empathy are interconnected. Both inside and outside of the lab, she is passionate about cross-cultural community building. Make an appointment with ReginaNathanael GardnerPh.D. student in Nuclear Engineering Nathanael is a third year graduate student in the UC Berkeley nuclear engineering department. He completed his undergraduate studies at The Howard University in 2021 with a degree in chemical engineering. His research currently focuses on the chemical and thermophysical properties of nuclear reactor fuel for applications in alternative energy. Nathanael is also involved with the organization Black Graduate Engineering and Science Students (BGESS) working on building community between black graduate students at UC Berkeley. Make an appointment with NathanaelAlejandro Campero-OliartPh.D. Student in the Social-Personality Psychology Alejandro Campero-Oliart (he/el) is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the Social-Personality Psychology program. He was born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia, coming to live in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area after migrating to the U.S with his family as an early teenager. After receiving Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), his college journey began at Montgomery College and Hagerstown Community College (both in Maryland) for his associate’s degree. He then transitioned to Shepherd University (West Virginia) for his bachelor’s degree and post-baccalaureate research, and later to American University (Washington DC) for his master’s degree. Throughout this journey, he was fortunate enough to access academic and athletic funds that allow him to afford these studies. His research delves into interpersonal communication and emotion, intersectionality and culture-identity interactions in health, as well as social cognition and mindsets. Because his research and communities of interests often call for different engagement needs, he embraces diverse approaches to carry it out, including psychophysiological assessments, scholarship-action approaches, process-oriented statistical models, and experimental designs. As well, Alejandro serves as the director of the Insights Into Social elements & Expressions (iiSEE) Research Team and as the co-director of the Psychology department’s Research Experience Pathways (REP) in Psychology program. Make an appointment with AlejandroNate TiltonPh.D. student in Cultural Anthropology Nate Tilton, a first-generation college student, former high school dropout, and proud transfer to UC Berkeley, is currently a second-year Ph.D. candidate in Cultural Anthropology. He serves as the Associate Director of the UC Berkeley Disability Lab and is the Co-founder of the Veterans Independent Research Organization. In 2022, Nate was honored with the American People with Disabilities Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award. He is also a distinguished Marco Antonio Firebaugh Fellow and Fung Fellow. After returning to education and earning his AA degrees in Anthropology, Geography, and Sociology in 2018, he transferred to UC Berkeley, earning a BA in 2020 and an MA in Anthropology in 2022. Among his numerous honors during his time at UC Berkeley was the Theodore McCown Prize in Anthropology. Before his academic career, Nate served with distinction in the military. His research interests are varied and include critical studies around disability, military biopolitics, and medical anthropology. His current research examines the ways in which institutions disable people, focusing on disabled veterans on Guam and the impact of insufficient VA benefits. Nate uses he/him pronouns. His disability pronouns: disabled person, chair user, service dog handler, neurodivergent, and disabled veteran. He continues to actively advocate for the disability community, demonstrating empathy, expertise, and commitment in his work. Make an appointment with NateAnna JudsonStudent at UC Berkeley School of Law Anna Judson is currently a second year law student at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. She received a B.A. in legal studies at the University of California, Berkeley, in May 2022. During her undergraduate studies, Anna taught curriculum to support foster youth applying to college and was co-editor in chief of the Vanguard @ Berkeley. During summer 2022, Anna worked to advance children’s rights in her role as a Human Rights Center Fellow at Berkeley Law. During the fellowship, Anna worked with the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) where she conducted federal child-welfare policy research, facilitated the political engagement of foster youth, and helped empower foster youth to meet their Member of Congress. In law school, Anna is a Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholar recipient, a member of First Generation Professionals, co-leader of the Foster Education Project, and serves as Berkeley Law’s Graduate Assembly Representative. Anna’s personal journey from foster care to UC Berkeley has profoundly shaped Anna’s passion to practice law, and her determination to advance diversity and inclusion in higher education. She recognizes the imperative of creating fair legal and educational systems, and she looks forward to continuing this work as a Diversity and Community Fellow. Make an appointment with AnnaJesús NazarioPh.D. student in Ethnic Studies Jesús Nazario (he/they) is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Ethnic Studies with a Designated Emphasis on Indigenous Language Revitalization. Their research focused on the intersection of food and Indigenous sovereignty, as well as agrarian change in North America; their dissertation focuses specifically on Indigenous maize farming in Mexico. Jesús is involved on campus through work with the Berkeley Food Institute, Berkeley Center for New Media, The Arts and Research Center, the Food Institute Graduate Council (FIGC), and the American Indian Graduate Student Association (AIGSA). Make an appointment with JesusDorel BacaMasters student in Social Welfare Dorel Baca is entering his 2nd and final year in the Master of social welfare program (MSW). He received his bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University, East Bay. As a native of Oakland, Dorel witnessed the disparities within his community, he unconsciously found himself working in roles that involved human services. His specialization is advancing health and well-being across the adult lifespan. Before his journey to be a social work practitioner, Dorel worked in the entertainment industry for 12+ years. Dorel worked in a mixture of roles from production assistant to producer for companies like IHeart Media, The CW, and HBO. His vision to use visual art as a weapon to inspire social change is a passion he possesses. The social justice issues he plans to tackle stem from mass incarceration, the wealth gap, police brutality, and prison reform. Currently, he is focusing on direct practice and one-on-one therapy within substance abuse treatment facilities. His goal of de-stigmatizing mental health treatment within BI-POC communities is an obstacle weighing on his heart. Dorel believes in leaving space for the next generation where diversity, equality, and inclusion are preserved. Make an appointment with DorelRubi GonzalesPh.D. student in Jurisprudence and Social Policy Rubi is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) Program at Berkeley Law. Rubi received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso. At the University of Texas at El Paso, Rubi worked in a Social Cognition Lab studying minority injustices on the U.S./Mexico border. She then became lab manager for the psychology department’s Legal Decision Lab where she was awarded the American Psychology-Law Society Access Path (AP) Award from the Minority Affairs Committee which funded her honors thesis. Rubi is currently in Professor Victoria Plaut’s Culture, Diversity, and Intergroup Relations Laboratory where she investigates Critical Race Psychology and Latinx border identities. Rubi’s research and interests have been shaped by her lived experience growing up on the U.S./Mexico border. She aspires to provide mentoring and support for undergraduate students of color, attempting to demystify the research process and the pathway to higher education in order for students to bring their experiences to spaces from which they have historically been excluded. Outside of school, Rubi enjoys watching films, journaling, exercising and spending time with friends and family. Make an appointment with RubiRenee ClarkeDrPH candidate (Public Health) Renee Clarke is a third-year DrPH candidate with many years of experience in the healthcare industry. Renee completed her Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health and holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and public health. Prior to the University of California, Berkeley she served in a capacity of different clinical settings including Emergency Management, Neonatal Intensive Care, Global Health, and Maternal and Child Health as a Registered Nurse at many top-ranked children’s hospitals across the nation. Her passion has always been service leadership and eliminating health disparity gaps among women, infants, and children. Renee’s interest to improve health outcomes extends nationally and internationally. She has served in places such as Niger (Africa), Milot, Haiti, and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Quality improvement, evaluation, implementation, and decreasing health disparities have always been the cornerstone of her experiences. Make an appointment with ReneeChristopher SoriaPh.D. student in Demography Christopher Soria is a Demography Ph.D. student and Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, where he also received his BA in sociology as a CAL-ADAR fellow. Soria’s research has been presented at the Population Association of America, Pacific Sociological Association, and the UC Berkeley Sociological Research Symposium, at which he has been rewarded for his outstanding scholarship. His research focuses on inequality and mortality, family structure and interaction, and how our social networks impact our health. His ongoing work explores the causal implications of social isolation on cognitive aging and the core mechanisms involved. He is also actively involved in assessing the capability of large language models to categorize open-ended survey responses. Make an appointment with ChristopherAldazia GreenPh.D. student in Social Welfare Aldazia Green is a second-year MSW/Ph.D. student in UC Berkeley Social Welfare Department. Aldazia received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. During her time at Rutgers, she was a member of a plethora of TRiO programs such as Ronald E. McNair, Student Support Services (SSS), and the Education Opportunity Fund (EOF). Her current research focuses on investigating the interactive effects of therapeutic treatments and medications on psychiatric symptoms and the reduction of criminal behavior among offenders with severe mental illness. As a result of her interest in both practice and research, she has gained experience in policy advocacy, program implementation, and computational analysis. In addition to being a first-generation student, she holds an intersectional identity as a Black woman, which fuels her passion for advancing diversity and inclusion efforts at UC Berkeley. Her previous experience at a predominantly white institution has taught her strategies to cope with microaggressions and feelings of imposter syndrome. In her position as a Diversity and Community Fellow, she hopes that she can help students navigate these emotions and deliver academic justice to students of color. Make an appointment with AldaziaMaddie TaylorPh.D. student in Environmental Science, Policy, & Management Maddie Taylor is a second year Ph.D. Student in Environmental Science, Policy, & Management. Their research brings together disability studies and environmental justice to explore how disabled and chronically ill communities are affected by climate change. In particular, they are researching how ideas about disability show up in narratives of climate futures. Maddie grew up in Maine and was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of two. They graduated from Barnard College in 2017, and their experiences navigating ableism while working in the environmental field led them to their current research interest. In their free time they enjoy exploring the Bay Area with their dog, knitting, and playing music. As a Diversity and Community Fellow, Maddie is excited to continue building support systems that ensure that disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent students are well-supported academically and emotionally during their time at Berkeley. Make an appointment with MaddieNikkolette LeePh.D. student in Sociology Nikkolette Lee (they/she) is a 5th year in the Sociology Ph.D. program at UC Berkeley. Before coming to Berkeley, they double majored in Sociology and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, graduating in 2018. Nikkolette’s current research focuses on the practice of bariatric (weight loss) surgery and those who choose to undergo the procedure. More broadly, their interests include social stigma, cultural notions of weight and fatness, the sociology of the body, and the American healthcare system. Growing up as a Black, low-income, fat person in a conservative, majority white area of western New York, they acutely felt the alienation that comes from social stigma at a young age. At Brown, these experiences led them to the social sciences where they eventually developed an interest in the unique forms of social discrimination associated with fatness and disability. They are incredibly thankful for the teachers and mentors who encouraged them and gave them the skills to make it this far in their educational career, and hope to pay it forward by continuing to mentor others and provide students the tools to prosper in the academy. Outside of scholarly interests, Nikkolette enjoys playing tabletop role-playing games, watching long form video essays, and baking. Make an appointment with NikkoletteMiguel SamanoPh.D. student in English Miguel Samano (they/them) is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Department of English. They graduated from Stanford in 2019 with a double major in Comparative Literature and Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies. Their dissertation research focus on figurations of talk in 20th and 21st century Latinx and Asian American literature as a response to linguistic racism in the public sphere. Hailing from a low-income single-parent immigrant household, they strive to support students from underrepresented backgrounds in meeting their goals and attaining a sense of belonging. At Berkeley, they’ve previously co-coordinated the Getting into Graduate School (GiGS) pipeline program for undergraduates; and served as a graduate representative on the Chicanx/Latinx Standing Committee; currently, they are a graduate programming fellow at the Multicultural Community Center and sit on the Latinx Thriving Initiative’s steering committee. In their free time, they enjoy cuddling with their cat, running, playing video games, and watching movies. Make an appointment with MiguelSteven Herrera TenorioPh.D. student in Sociology and Demography Steven is a third-year Sociology and Demography Ph.D. student interested in examining the connection between decision-making patterns and macro-structural forces shaping neighborhood-selection outcomes for immigrants from Latin America into the U.S., with a large emphasis on specifying regional context and variation. He graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Statistical Science and a minor in Sociology, with Distinction. Steven has been supported financially by the Graduate Division’s Chancellor’s Fellowship and the Ford Foundation’s Predoctoral Fellowship. This is his 2nd year as a Diversity and Community Fellow, and he primarily works with the UndocuGrads unit on campus, where he supports undocumented graduate students at UC-Berkeley. Make an appointment with StevenMarlon Guzman-ValderaPh.D. student in International and Comparative Political Economy Marlon Guzman-Valdera (He/Him/His) is a Chancellor’s Fellow and Ph.D. student at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in international and comparative political economy, with a regional focus on Latin America. Marlon has overlapping research interests in political party systems, political risk and social inequality. He is committed to the idea of increasing inclusiveness and diversity in research institutions. Marlon holds a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Lehman College, CUNY, and a MA in Political Science from The Graduate Center, CUNY. Make an appointment with MarlonKris LibunaoMacro Masters Student in Social Welfare Kris Libunao (she | her | siya) is a First-Gen Graduate Student Parent at UC Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare with a Macro concentration in Strengthening Organizations and Communities. Kris has been engaging systems of public welfare care as: a child, a consumer, a systems translator for her communities, and now as a Macro Master of Social Welfare Candidate. As a UC Berkeley Student, she believes in blurring the (color)lines between theory and practice and #MakingAcademiaUnpretentious. As a UC Irvine Alumni c/o 2015, she received a Bachelor’s in both Criminology, Law & Society and Psychology & Social Behavior. During that time, she started a peer support organization to support underrepresented and first-generation students navigate (college) life challenges and connect to much-needed mental health and wellness resources. I worked alongside community partners, ASUCI Student Council, and like-minded Student Organizations to break silos, improve collaboration, and co-sponsored UCI’s 1st Student-Led Mental Health Conference as a keynote speaker. Afterwards, she became a community care provider in Alameda and SF County where she supported her neighbors around self-advocacy and connecting to resources. Her current practice research interests are: How can we reimagine public safety to include the development of generational wealth equity programs for underserved communities most impacted by hustle culture? How can we use Civic Arts & Urban Place-keeping as a medium for change and to make possible a reimagined world that is just, equitable, and celebrates difference? How do we put the public back in public university? Make an appointment with KrisMickey BoakyePh.D. student in Environmental Science, Policy, & Management Mickey Boakye is doctoral candidate in the Environmental Science, Policy, & Management (ESPM) program. He received his MSc. in Bio Economy and Natural Resources Management from University of Eastern Finland. His current research focuses on the influence of climate change on terrestrial organisms, in particular plants, across a framework of different biomes. Prior to the University of California, Berkeley, he was engaged in a lot of environmental protection and research programs in the UK, Ghana and Gabon. In addition to his scholarly work, he is dedicated to mentorship, support and advocacy. Outside of the lab, he likes hiking and sight seeing. Make an appointment with MickeyHaider Ali BhattiPh.D. Candidate, Graduate Group in Science and Mathematics Education (SESAME) Originally from Pakistan, Ali and his family immigrated to the United States and eventually settled in Englewood, New Jersey. His identity is greatly influenced by his cultural and religious upbringing as a Pakistani-Muslim growing up in the US post-9/11. He was always the Muslim kid in his classes and growing up in the tri-state NYC area only accentuated that label. However, once he got to college, he began to see how his faith, culture, and science (particularly biology) were mutually reinforcing and connected. Now, as a grad student, he’s continuing to see those personal connections, which has led him to become interested in the science identity development of other students in STEM. Currently, he’s a Ph.D. candidate in the SESAME program where his research focuses on how we can make undergraduate STEM education more inclusive, interpersonal, and interdisciplinary. He specializes in assessment, evaluation, and design-based research. In his dissertation research, Ali is measuring the development of “Innovation Skills” in undergraduate students taking a course called “Bioinspired Design.” In this course, students work in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams to solve design problems in society with design solution inspired by nature. In his free time, Ali loves watching and playing sports, so you can catch him on the basketball court missing wide open shots or turning off the TV in frustration as his favorite teams (Nets & Mets) maintain their mediocrity. Make an appointment with AliKevin Rigby Jr.Ph.D. Candidate in African American Studies Kevin Rigby Jr. is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of African American Studies. His research interests include critical philosophies of race, political philosophy, and critical social movement studies. His dissertation theorizes the relationship between black political demands and the political as such, by interrogating responses to the Black Lives Matter movement. He earned a BA in African American Studies from Wayne State University, and completed a post-baccalaureate research program at Yale University before arriving at Berkeley. Make an appointment with KevinAlyssa GimenezPh.D. student in Molecular & Cellular Biology Alyssa Gimenez is a 2nd-year Ph.D. student in the UC Berkeley Molecular & Cellular Biology program. In 2020, she received her Bachelor of Science in Community Health Sciences with a minor in gerontology from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and her Master of Science in Molecular & Cellular Biology from San Francisco State University (SFSU) in 2022. Her research interests broadly range from bridging global public health disparity research with cellular/molecular biology to making strides in the field of astrobiology by identifying biomarkers for life on other planets. Currently, Alyssa is delving into the world of microbial life, receiving deeper training in molecular techniques in order to one day apply them to her wider goals of using biology to advance other fields. Specifically, she is studying the mechanisms behind how bacterial iron-storage organelles, referred to as ferrosomes, specifically sequester iron after periods of iron starvation and how magnetotactic bacteria prioritize which parts of the cell iron is supplemented to. As a first-generation Pilipina-American, Alyssa aims to advance health equity, literacy, and academic opportunity in underrepresented South-East Asian communities both stateside and abroad. Her prior experiences in a number of STEM programs geared toward empowering scientists of color have motivated her to work hard to become a role model for underrepresented demographics who have historically been excluded from the sciences, especially the Pilipino community where she continues to serve as a mentor. When not in the lab, Alyssa explores nature trails in the Bay Area. She’s also an avid fan of horror, science fiction, and fantasy– pursuing this interest by working as an SFX and sound editor for a supernatural-fiction podcast on the weekends. Make an appointment with AlyssaSophia PerezPh.D. student in Geography Sophia Perez is a Chamorro filmmaker working toward her Ph.D. in Geography at UC Berkeley. With roots in the Mariana Islands and the California Bay Area, she studies how film might build bridges that cross cultural and political divides. Her interests include militarism in the Pacific, the political status of US territories, grassroots environmental justice movements, and indigenous language revitalization. Make an appointment with SophiaElena OjedaPh.D. student in Economics Elena Ojeda (she/her/ella) is a fifth-year doctoral student in the Department of Economics. She received her B.B.A. in Economics and B.A in Spanish from Oklahoma City University and her M.S. in Applied Mathematics Statistics from the University of Central Oklahoma. Her current research interests lie at the intersection of macroeconomics and economic history. She has served as one of the Empowering Womxn of Color Conference Co-Coordinators within the Graduate Assembly’s Womxn of Color Initiative, and as co-president of Economists for Equity at Berkeley, a graduate student organization centered around increasing representation in economics of historically oppressed identities. She is excited to continue working towards inclusion, equity, and belonging of all Berkeley graduate students. In her free time, she can be found beach bumming, exploring local plant nurseries, tending to her many, many houseplants and trying to grow tomatoes, and doing yoga. Make an appointment with ElenaDanielle PerrymanPh.D. student in Environmental Science, Policy, & Management I’m a 5/6th year Ph.D. Candidate in the department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management. I’m a an experienced Graduate Teaching Assistant, commuter, and have been on different fellowships here at Cal. I enjoy participating in science education and outreach opportunities. I received my M.S. focused in Zoology/Integrative Biology from Oklahoma State University in 2017 and grew up in the Bay Area. Happy to talk more! Make an appointment with DanielleYasmin GrahamPh.D. student in Bioengineering Yasmin Graham is a 4th year PhD student in the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Bioengineering program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her current research interest focuses on neuroprosthetic applications that can improve the motor function and quality of life for those with long-term neurological disabilities. Her identities and experiences, as a black Jamaican female engineer, are the foundation of her consciousness of and investment in the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity in graduate programs, especially within the STEM fields. As a result, she expresses her passion for engineering, research and mentorship through her doctoral studies and her engagement in support and advocacy programs in her local community. She is also an avid photographer who enjoys going to events and capturing the joy and life of the people she encounters. She also has experience in social media content creation and management. Make an appointment with YasminNafisa ElghazaliPh.D. candidate in Bioengineering Nafisa Elghazali (she/her) is a 4th year PhD candidate in the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Bioengineering program. Her current research focuses on engineering multifunctional therapeutic platforms for the localized and sustained release of therapeutics and antimicrobials to accelerate bone healing in infected fractures. Nafisa is passionate about creating and improving structures to facilitate access, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within academia, especially within science and engineering. Nafisa has served as an elected member of her program’s DEI&E committee. Nafisa’s long-standing passion for mentorship continues in her role as a Graduate Student Director with the UC Berkeley Cal NERDS program supporting underrepresented students in STEM. At the graduate level, Nafisa is involved in the Black Graduate Engineering and Science Students group, where she works in a team to improve the experience and foster a sense of community among first-year Black graduate students at Berkeley. Her drive and excitement for fostering community and equitable environments have also spanned other graduate groups such as STEM*FYI, LAGSES, SACNAS, and others across both schools. She is eager to expand these efforts as a Diversity and Community Fellow. Outside the lab, Nafisa enjoys traveling, swimming, learning to play the drums, live music shows, and dancing. Make an Appointment with NafisaỌ̀lọ́rundámilọ́lá ‘Dámi’ KazeemPh.D. student in Applied Science and Technology Ọ̀lọ́rundámilọ́lá ‘Dámi’ Kazeem is a PhD Student in Applied Science and Technology (AST). Broadly, his current research resides in the areas of computational linguistics, signal and speech processing, quantum computing and quantum information processing. He is a fellow of the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF). Make an Appointment with DámiLaura GomezPh.D. student in Biophysics Laura is a fourth year PhD student in the Biophysics program working at the intersection of systems neuroscience and microscopy. In her research, she uses high speed, high resolution microscopy tools to study how sensory information is represented in the brain and used to make perceptual decisions. Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Laura and her family immigrated to Canada in the mid 2000s. Before coming to Berkeley, Laura graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with a Biophysics degree. During her undergrad, she began mentoring students navigating academia. These experiences deepened her passion for science outreach and DEI efforts to support the advancement and retention of underrepresented minority groups in STEM. In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano and guitar, cooking with friends, going on backpacking and hiking trips and of course salsa dancing. As a Diversity and Community fellow, she hopes to continue improving the university culture to be more inclusive and help URM students through mentorships and professional development opportunities as they navigate academia. Make an appointment with LauraIsabella MontiniPh.D. student in Political Science Isabella C. Montini was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She is pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley with a focus on Comparative Politics and Methods. Her research focuses on the political economy of development, exploring topics such as violence, distributive politics, and welfare provision by state and “non-state” actors. Her methodological interests include applied causal inference methods. Prior to pursuing her PhD, Isabella worked as a research fellow at the Poverty, Violence, and Governance Lab at Stanford University in projects concerning criminal governance, militia-expansion, and police violence in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Isabella holds a MA in Latin American Studies with a specialization in Political Economy from Stanford University and a BA in Political Science and Sociology from the Humboldt-University in Berlin.