Meet Ethan from SURF! | OURS Student Spotlight
Ethan Xie (2027) | Molecular and Cell Biology Ethan is a SURF L&S scholarship recipient, majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and working with mentor Roberto Zoncu, a professor in the Molecular Therapeutics Division. For his SURF project this summer, Ethan is investigating why brain cells break down in certain diseases by focusing on the cell’s “master control center,” or mTOR. By examining mTOR regulation and a protein called VPS13C, which delivers healthy fatty acids to the brain, we may learn whether VPS13C can potentially help protect the brain from […]
Meet Pooja from SURF! | OURS Student Spotlight
Pooja Sameet Agarwal (2027) | Molecular and Cell Biology, Computer Science For her SURF project, Pooja used deep learning tools to better understand genetic variants connected to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By studying how these variants may affect important gene-regulating proteins, her research helps shed light on mutations that are still not well understood. This work could support a better understanding and diagnosis of ASD in the future. How did your research question or process change over the course of the summer? My project pivoted to become an independent model […]
Meet Ava from SURF! | OURS Student Spotlight
Ava Ratcliff (2026) | Greek and Latin, Comparative Literature For her SURF project, Ava studied Catullus 64, a short Latin epic poem often discussed for its influence on later works like Virgil’s Aeneid. Rather than focusing mainly on how the poem connects to other classical texts, her research explored how Catullus 64 works on its own through its structure, language, and imagery. In particular, she became interested in the poem’s surprising representations of trees and the natural world, opening up new ways of thinking about environment, art, and human emotion […]
Meet Matthew from SURF! | OURS Student Spotlight
Matthew Martinez (2026) | Sociology Matthew Martinez’s SURF project examines the gap between corporate promises of workplace wellness and the lived realities of retail workers. Focusing on major corporations, his research explores how race, class, and job precarity shape access to mental health resources and work-life balance initiatives. Through a systematic literature review, Matthew challenges dominant narratives about corporate well-being programs and highlights structural inequalities within the retail industry. How did your research question or process change over the course of the summer? During my summer research, my question took […]
Meet Nico from SURF! | OURS Student Spotlight
Nico Rowland (2026) | Physics Nico’s project, “Developing Tools To Study Fields Within High Energy Plasmas,” uses proton radiography—tracking how protons deflect through plasma—to visualize the electromagnetic fields inside these extreme environments. By applying convolutional neural networks and other nonlinear analysis methods, he’s building tools that uncover hidden field dynamics, supporting efforts in fusion energy and improving how we understand the creation and behavior of magnetic fields in hard-to-study plasma systems. How did your research question or process change over the course of the summer? Over the course of the […]
Meet Daphne, SURF Recipient | OURS Student Spotlight
Daphne Rose (she/her) is a 2025 SURF L&S researcher majoring in Comparative Literature. For her SURF project this summer, Daphne will be researching the topic, “”A Necessary Excavation”: Female Trauma from Tragedy to Autofiction”. How did your research question or process change over the course of the summer? I realized early on that I had chosen much too broad of a research topic. This is very common, particularly among undergraduates, who likely have never had the opportunity to do original, independent research before, and it comes from a scarcity mindset, […]
Carolyn Nguyen Selected as 2026–27 Churchill Scholar
UC Berkeley senior Carolyn Nguyen (’26) has been selected as a 2026–27 Winston Churchill Scholar, making her Berkeley’s first recipient in a decade. Awarded by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States, the Churchill Scholarship supports a year of master’s study at Churchill College, Cambridge, for students pursuing advanced work in science, mathematics, and engineering. A double major in Molecular and Cell Biology and Business Administration (Haas), Nguyen is passionate about advancing next-generation therapeutics. At Berkeley, she conducts research in Dr. James Nuñez’s lab, applying CRISPR-based technologies to modulate […]
Meet Angela from SURF! | OURS Student Spotlight
Angela Lee (’26) | Psychology / Computer Science Angela (she/her) is a 2025 SURF L&S researcher majoring in Psychology and Computer Science. For her SURF project this summer, Angela is researching the topic “EQVision: Affective Tracking of Multiple Characters in Context.” How did you get interested in the topic of your project? I started at Cal knowing I wanted to pursue Psychology. I’ve always found studying emotion and decision-making incredibly interesting. During my freshman summer I took CS 61A to learn about coding and ended up realizing a passion […]
Meet Nayiri from SURF! | OURS Student Spotlight
Nayiri Kalindjian (’26) | Molecular and Cell Biology Nayiri (she/her) is a 2025 SURF L&S researcher majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. For her SURF project this summer, Nayiri is researching the topic “Enhancing Thermogenesis by Targeting Actomyosin Contraction.” How did you get interested in the topic of your project? Obesity is a global health crisis. The recent rise of GLP-1R agonists, such as semaglutide, have offered a promising therapeutic approach for individuals affected by this disease and its many comorbidities. I became interested in my project after learning […]
Meet Chloe from SURF! | OURS Student Spotlight
Chloe Clair (’26) | Anthropology Chloe (they/them) is a 2025 SURF L&S researcher majoring in Anthropology. For their SURF project this summer, Chloe will be researching the topic “Time Blind or Time Proof: ADHD and Alternate Temporalities.” How did you get interested in the topic of your project? Time has been a topic of interest of mine since I was applying to colleges and decided to write my personal statement essay about the different ways time was treated in my respective homes growing up as a child of divorce. […]