Connect with the Diversity & Community Fellows

Alejandra Amador-Caro

Masters student in Berkeley Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Alejandra Amador-Caro is a first year Civil and Environmental Engineering Master’s student in the College of Engineering. As a first generation college student, Alejandra has learned to navigate through the social, economic and systemic barriers to accessing higher education. During her undergraduate career at UC Berkeley, Alejandra was part of the Berkeley Mentorship Cohort (BMC) and became a mentor in the Resilience Family for undergraduate students who were facing academic challenges in their first two years. As a mentor, Alejandra learned how to be a resource, friend, and advisor to her mentees and peers. At the end of her mentorship experience, she received the Community Award for fostering equity and inclusion. Her life journey has taught her that passion and purpose are not mutually exclusive and can coexist and reinforce each other.

While at UC Berkeley pursuing her Bachelors in Civil Engineering, Alejandra had the opportunity to work on research projects that transcended the academic realm on watershed management, urban greening, flooding, and the public health and safety impacts resulting from the increase in warehousing industrial presence in Stockton. She participated in research funded through The Green Initiative Fund at UC Berkeley and in collaboration with the Environmental Justice branch of Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton. As an academic researcher with Professor Tina Chow’s team, Alejandra was focused on working with historically marginalized communities on social, environmental and infrastructural inequities impacting the South Stocktons resident’s health. Alejandra used her platform as an academic researcher to amplify the voice and needs of the community leading to the implementation of air monitoring sensors through an EPA funded Wildfire Project to monitor the air quality during and after the construction of the Mariposa Industrial Park in South Stockton. As Alejandra pursues her Masters degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, she feels driven by her strong desire to diversify her technical skill set to tackle the evolving needs of our society in response to climate change.

Make an appointment with Alejandra

Alexandra Gessesse

Ph.D. student in the Department of African Diaspora Studies

Alexandra (she/her) is a fourth-year PhD student in the Department of African Diaspora Studies, where she thinks and writes about the global politics of Blackness, identity construction, community and neighborhood organizations, and urban policy. Inspired by her ancestors, elders, and community, Alexandra’s research investigates how Black migrants in the U.S. forge their sense of belonging and identity. She examines how they navigate the urban landscape, internalize their sense of space, and expand notions of Blackness through the lenses of place, politics, and popular culture. Alexandra is passionate about exploring how racial dynamics shape daily experiences in aggrieved communities of color. Alexandra received a Bachelor of Arts in Black Studies in Social Policy and Politics (with honors), and double minor in History and Professional Writing from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In the spaces between writing and researching, she enjoys painting, dancing, strolling sidewalks, and engaging with Black Twitter.

Make an appointment in Alexandra

Andre Green

Ph.D. student in EECS

Andre Green is a second-year PhD student at The University of California Berkeley. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in electrical engineering, focusing on integrated circuit design and computer architecture. He received his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and minor in computer engineering from The Pennsylvania State University as a member of the Millennium Scholars Program.

Andre has conducted research at The Pennsylvania State University and The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on various projects around the Electrical Engineering field along with other interdisciplinary sectors. He joined 3M during the summer of 2021 as a Research & Development intern to further develop his electrical engineering skills. Andre expanded his technical experience by joining IBM as a Hardware Developer intern within their Design For Test (DFT) team in 2022. He continued his efforts with IBM as a Research Hardware Engineer intern for Hybrid Cloud during the summer of 2023, focused on digital flow optimization within their AI Hardware Architecture and Logic Design team.

At Berkeley, Andre is a member of the Black Graduate Engineering and Science Students (BGESS). He also holds interest in strength training, basketball, and running.

Make an appointment with Andre

Anthony Garcia

Ph.D. student in Chemistry

Anthony Garcia (He/Him/His) is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in the UC Berkeley Chemistry program. Anthony attended Crafton Hills College to start his undergraduate studies in chemistry and would later transfer to the University of California, Merced where he graduated as a scholar in the UC LEADs research program with a bachelor’s in chemistry in 2020. Anthony’s current research focuses on evaluating undergraduate student learning and analyzing the impacts of participating in undergraduate research experiences through different methods and contexts. Anthony also does research into how to implement various initiatives, mentoring practices, and outreach opportunities to best support undergraduate researchers in the College of Chemistry and those participating in undergraduate research programs such as UC LEADs and NSF CAMP.

Anthony grew up in Desert Hot Springs, California and was the first person in his family to attend higher education. Throughout his time in higher education, Anthony learned about how important mentorship was for students from underrepresented communities. As a Diversity and Community Fellow in Admissions Outreach & Recruitment, Anthony’s goal is to work with students throughout each step of preparing for graduate school in various events and workshops. Outside of school, Anthony enjoys reading, writing, and gaming.

Make an appointment with Anthony

Benjamin Njila Fields

Ph.D. student in Sociology

Benjamin Njila Fields is a Ph.D. student in Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. He received his Master of Arts in Sociology from UC Berkeley and his Bachelor of Science in Development Sociology and Global & Public Health Sciences from Cornell University. Benjamin’s research interests are bifold, focusing primarily on the African diaspora engaging back into their home countries and Americans abroad. The world is changing, including in how emigrants leave and re-engage back within their countries, and global mobility is shifting towards new norms. Benjamin hopes to investigate and explain these two pivotal trends.

Benjamin loves to support and engage with students who have different lived experiences, especially those who come from non-traditional backgrounds. As a Diversity and Community Fellow, he hopes to make an impact via supporting students who are future changemakers in entering graduate programs, succeeding in graduate programs, and obtaining opportunities post-graduation.

Make an appointment with Benjamin

Erina Iwasa

Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences

Erina is a second year Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences PhD student and Chancellor’s Fellow. Her research focuses on developing DNA-based self-assembling approaches for electronics, particularly microelectromechanical systems. Before coming to Berkeley, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a passion for mentoring and is now excited to continue promoting inclusivity and supporting students as a Diversity and Community Fellow. Outside of research, she enjoys baking, weightlifting, video game testing, and learning various languages.

Make an appointment with Erina

Irene Franco Rubio

Ph.D. student in Ethnic Studies

Irene Franco Rubio is a first-year PhD student in Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and the first in her family to pursue a doctoral degree. As a first-generation college student, Irene is committed to the movements for social and racial justice, focusing on community-engaged approaches that center the voices and experiences of historically oppressed communities of color.

Growing up in a working-class, immigrant family of Guatemalan and Mexican descent, Irene’s lived experiences have fueled her passion for dismantling systemic inequality. With roots in Phoenix, AZ, Irene is an abolitionist, activist, scholar, writer, and grassroots community organizer. Her work is deeply grounded in the principles of intersectionality and abolition, advocating for systemic change through both scholarship and activism. Her research and activism are centered at the intersection of academia and justice, aiming to dismantle oppressive systems and build a more equitable society.

Irene is a public thought leader, leveraging her platform to amplify community voices and foster collective liberation. Beyond her academic and activist pursuits, Irene remains committed to movement building, always striving to create inclusive, community-driven solutions that resonate with those on the frontlines of social justice.

Make an appointment with Irene

Jocelyn Castillo

Masters student at the School of Public Health

Jocelyn is a second-year Master of Public Health student at UC Berkeley, concentrating in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She graduated from Dominican University of California in 2022, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Cell Biology with minors in Chemistry and Ecology/Environmental Science. Following her undergraduate studies, she worked as a Community Health Worker with Sonoma County’s Health Services Department, where she conducted community outreach, provided health education, and facilitated access to essential resources. This experience deepened her understanding of the communities she served, allowing her to build trust and form meaningful relationships with community members.

At UC Berkeley, Jocelyn’s research is centered on exploring how demographics influence the development of chronic diseases in marginalized communities. She is particularly focused on using this research to inform and improve health care policies, with the ultimate goal of reducing health disparities. Jocelyn is passionate about public health, epidemiology, and community engagement, and she is dedicated to giving back to her community through her work.

As a first-generation student, Jocelyn understands the challenges of navigating financial and academic barriers. She is committed to closing the knowledge gap for others like her, using her experiences to mentor and support students from similar backgrounds. Jocelyn hopes to continue advocating for underrepresented communities and aims to pursue a career that blends research, policy, and community engagement.

Make an appointment with Jocelyn

Jose Aguilar

Ph.D. student at Berkeley School of Education

Jose is a doctoral student and Computational Research for Equity in the Legal System Training Program (CRELS) Fellow in the Policy, Politics, and Leadership program at UC Berkeley’s School of Education. His research interests include using computational social science methods to understand the factors influencing the aspirations of men of color in higher education, access and equity in higher education for first-generation and traditionally underrepresented students, and students’ career pathways within educational contexts. Before this, Jose was a Computer Science & Math Teacher in Los Angeles, and he dedicates his work to his former students, ensuring he keeps up with his promise to change post-secondary education for the better. Additionally, he has contributed to advocacy organizations such as Education Trust West (ETW), The Campaign for College Opportunity, and the Lumina Foundation, where he provided support in policy analysis and research data analytics. Born out of his personal experiences as a first-generation college student and a keen observer of the challenges faced by underrepresented communities, Jose has dedicated his career to dismantling the barriers that hinder the educational aspirations of Latino students.

Make an appointment with Jose

Julio Salas

Ph.D. student in Sociology

A second-generation Mexican and Colombian immigrant born and raised in Corona, Queens, New York City, Julio Fernando Salas is a Chancellor’s Fellow and Sociology PhD student at the University of California, Berkeley. Centering immigrant families, his research interests and projects lie at the nexus of immigration, emotion, race & ethnicity, social stratification, and health. Before coming to Berkeley, Julio was a researcher at the Income and Benefits Policy Center housed at the Urban Institute, the Figueroa Interdisciplinary Group at Cornell University, and the Affect and Cognition Lab at Cornell University. Julio received an associate’s degree in health sciences from Queensborough Community College and a bachelor’s degree in human development from Cornell University.

Work aside, I’m a lover of coffee, yummy food, experiencing life, emotionally laden shows and movies, hip hop and rap, and I love to read, think, wander and wonder, feel, reflect, and spend time with my loved ones sharing space, time, words, and food. Please feel free to connect with me about anything and everything at [email protected].

Make an appointment with Julio

Marlena Robbins

Ph.D. student at the School of Public Health 

Marlena Robbins is a 3rd year Doctor of Public Health student. Her research examines the cultural, social, and policy aspects of psilocybin use in Native American communities, highlighting differences between urban and rural perspectives to inform public health policy. Robbins is a graduate student researcher at the Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics, focusing on program evaluation. Her residency with the SAMHSA led to the development of a tribal engagement toolkit, showcasing the significance of psychedelics in spiritual and recreational contexts among Tribal communities.

Make an appointment with Marlena

Måsi Santos

Ph.D. candidate in Linguistics

Buenas yan håfa adai! Guahu si Måsi Santos (she/her). She is an Indigenous Pacific Islander, Chamoru/Chamorro, from Luta and Guåhan in the Mariana Islands, Micronesia. She is a third-year PhD student in the Linguistics Department. She received a bachelor’s degree in English Literature in 2017 and a master’s degree in English (Linguistics Emphasis) in 2021 from the Unibetsedåt Guåhan (University of Guam). Her research interests primarily focus on the phonetic and phonological foundations of her Indigenous language, especially as it relates to language contact, variation, and change. As a transgender woman, her research also focuses on the intersection of language and gender. But most importantly, her research and community work focuses on language reclamation and revitalization practices for Indigenous languages and communities. In 2021, she was a documenter for an NSF-funded project: “Developing CHamoru Language Infrastructure: Goggue yan CHachalani Mo’na i Fino’-ta (Embrace and Make a Way Forward for Our Language)”. In May 2024, she participated in the Breath of Life Archival Institute for Indigenous California Languages as a linguistic partner tasked with assisting members of Native California communities navigate and acquire archival materials on their respective communities and languages.

Make an appointment with Måsi

Mitzia Martinez Castellanos

Ph.D. student in the Jurisprudence and Social Policy Program

Mitzia E. Martinez Castellanos is a doctoral candidate 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 relationship of formerly undocumented immigrants with the legal system. 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 re-watching her favorite sitcoms, cooking, playing with her adorable Pitbull, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Make an appointment with Mitzia

Nadia Rojas

Student in School of Public Health, Doctor of Public Health Program

Nadia Rojas (she/her) is a fourth-year Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidate and a proud Bay Area native. She received her Master of Public Health from UC Davis and BA from UC Berkeley with a double major in Ethnic Studies and Integrative Biology. Before attending the DrPH program, Nadia worked at ChangeLab Solutions, a national nonprofit in Oakland, CA, where she developed tools and resources for community-based organizations, policymakers, and public officials across subject matters on upstream policy interventions.

Nadia also worked at the School of Public Health at Berkeley, where she led the data collection and management of various projects evaluating Berkeley’s soda tax. Nadia is a DACA recipient and a strong advocate for the undocumented community. She co-founded Graduates Reaching a Dream Deferred Northern California (GRADD NorCal), where she was instrumental in organizing conferences throughout California for undocumented youth interested in attending graduate school.

Nadia’s dissertation focuses on the association between sleep, physical activity, and cognitive function among Latinas in California’s Central Valley. Her additional interests include studying the association between diet and cognitive function in the Latinx community. As a Diversity and Community Fellow at Berkeley, Nadia hopes to help build a more inclusive environment for graduate students of color and students from underrepresented communities.

Make an appointment with Nadia

Nathanael Gardner

Ph.D. Student in Nuclear Engineering

Nathanael is a fourth 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 Nathanael

Rhosean Asmah

Ph.D. Student in Linguistics

Rhosean Asmah is a second-year PhD Student in the Linguistics department. Before grad school, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and later worked at the University of Maryland. In general, her research focuses on phonetics and its intersections with sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics. Right now, she has a research project focusing on the phonetics of rap music, where she studies rappers like Megan Thee Stallion and Doechii. Outside of school, she does art (screenprinting, bookmaking, zines!) and (tries to) read.

Make an appointment with Rhosean

Santiago Karam Padilla

Masters student in Industrial Engineering & Operations Research

Santiago Karam Padilla is an incoming Master’s student in the Industrial Engineering & Operations Research (IEOR) program, with a concentration in Financial Engineering, at UC Berkeley. Santiago grew up in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, before moving to Palm Springs, California, at the age of 13. He recently completed his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering & Operations Research at UC Berkeley in the spring of 2024. Santiago’s academic and professional interests are centered around optimizing financial systems and developing innovative solutions within the field of operations research.

Make an appointment with Santiago

Stephen Pearson-Ocaña

Ph.D. student in History

Stephen Pearson-Ocaña (He/Him/His/El) is a second-year graduate student and Chancellor’s Fellow in the History PhD Program. His research studies the unwritten histories of California‚Äôs Chicana/o/e and Latina/o/e barrios, especially those in Southeast Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. He thematically focuses on racialization, assimilation, masculinity, suburbanization, gang culture, the military-industrial complex, the carceral state, legal history, radical politics, the military, policing, generational divisions, and community formation.

He is a born and raised, fifth-generation, working-class resident of Pico Rivera and 15th-generation Chicano-Yo‚Äôeme. His experiences in higher education have been shaped by being a neurodivergent man of color, a first-generation low-income transfer student, a caretaker, and the son of single parents. His journey began in the Puente Program at East Los Angeles College, which helped him transfer to UCLA with a Chancellor‚Äôs Scholarship. At UCLA, he earned his Bachelor of Arts (Chicana/o Studies Major, Central American Studies Minor) and participated in MEChA, Hermanos Unidos, the Chancellor’s LINK program, and the Mellon-Mays-Undergraduate Research Fellowship.

Make an appointment with Stephen

Valentina Flores

Ph.D. student in Jurisprudence and Social Policy

Valentina Flores is a first-year graduate student at Berkeley Law’s Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) Ph.D. Program. They hold a joint Political Science and Human Rights Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree from Bard College. Before JSP, Valentina worked at various criminal justice nonprofits, most notably as an editorial Fellow for PEN America’s Prison and Justice Writing program.

Valentina has written about how practices of punishment and surveillance erode the civil rights of the formerly incarcerated and is broadly interested in spatial racism, incarceration, and citizenship. Currently, they are developing a project interested in the politics of spatial inequalities. They hope their project helps to illuminate how the spatial history of certain cities, landscapes, and neighborhoods currently impacts their residents.

Make an appointment with Valentina