Welcome to the Office of Instruction and Student Affairs (OISA), home of the lauded Rausser College Undergraduate Advising Team! Located in 260 Mulford Hall, OISA offers multiple forms of advising services for students which you can learn about below. For general questions, please email advising.rcnr@berkeley.edu.
Peer Advising Leaders (PALS): The Peer Advising Leadership (PAL) Program of the Rausser College of Natural Resources strives to offer personal viewpoints and experiences to current and prospective students. These students are trained in understanding college and University requirements, policies, and procedures, and are available to answer questions through our Virtual Front Desk and via email during the Fall and Spring term. For more information about Rausser College PALs and how to contact them, visit their page.
Drop-In Advising: Each advisor offers Drop-In Advising hours weekly. Drop-In Advising is meant for quick questions that should not take more than 10 minutes in length. For a longer advising session, please make an appointment with your advisor. (See Advising By Appointment below.) For Drop-In Advising, if you are declared within or are intending to declare a specific RCNR major, it is recommended that you meet with the advisor for that specific major. (See College Advisor profiles below.)
To meet with advisor through Drop-In Advising:
- Consult the Advisor Availability Calendar for hours that your advisor is available.
- Click on the “Virtual Drop-In Advising” link within the Advisor Availability Calendar during the appointed Drop-In Hours.
- Fill out the Virtual Advising Check-In Form to receive the link to the Drop-In Advising Zoom session. Be sure to SUBMIT the form after opening your Zoom Session.
Advising By Appointment: Each advisor offers Advising Appointments each week. Advising appointments are meant for longer discussions, instead of quick questions that can be answered through email or Drop-In Advising. Appointments are scheduled usually well in advance and can fill up quickly.
To schedule an Advising Appointment:
- Consult the Advisor Availability Calendar for hours that your advisor is available.
- Follow the instructions on the Advisor Availability Calendar to schedule your appointment.
- After you have scheduled your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email from your advisor with a link to the Virtual Advising Check-In Form. Fill out the Virtual Advising Check-In Form to receive the link to the Advising Appointment Zoom session. Be sure to SUBMIT the form after opening your Zoom Session.
For general inquiries, please check out our Virtual Front Desk.
Conservation and Resource Studies (CRS)
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Conservation & Resource Studies
Minors: Conservation & Resource Studies
I am from the East Bay. I was born in Hayward and grew up in San Leandro. I moved to Southern California after graduating from high school to attend UCLA, where I studied Linguistics and Psychology and minored in Applied Developmental Psychology. After graduating from UCLA I returned home and worked with low income families and their preschool aged children as a Family Advocate. I worked closely with the program’s mental health consultant and realized that I was yearning to provide deeper support with regards to mental health. This motivated me to pursue a graduate program in clinical psychology.
I moved back to Southern California and received my master’s in Psychology from the University of La Verne. I enjoyed working with clients through individual therapy, group therapy, and clinical assessments. After working in mental health, I realized that despite having a passion for counseling, I was seeking to be in a different setting. In December 2022, I moved into the field of academic counseling and worked as the EOP/SSS STEM Academic Counselor here at UC Berkeley for 2.5 years. As a fellow first-gen student, it was very rewarding to support these students navigate their own journey through higher education. In this role, I am excited to continue to support STEM students through a holistic approach.
In my free time, I love spending time with family, playing with my baby, snuggling my puppy, eating tacos, and watching football.
Ecosystem Management and Forestry (EMF)
Undergraduate Advisor
I was born approximately 4,500 steps away from Mulford Hall at Alta Bates Hospital here in Berkeley. However, I spent my formative years in the Inland Empire in the little known town of Lake Elsinore. I got my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) and decided to pursue my master’s degree in Counseling with a combined specialization in Higher Education and Student Affairs and Professional Clinical Counseling at Saint Mary’s College of California.
During my time at UCSC I discovered and homed in on my passion for helping students. It started by becoming a peer mentor for an R1A course and, later, serving in a similar position for a course supporting students on academic probation. In working with my mentees, I realized that I loved helping students navigate the university and demystifying the higher education experience over all. These two positions led to me becoming a peer advisor. As a peer advisor I fell in love with college advising and, after talking with my advisor mentors, decided to pursue graduate studies to further my training.
At the end of my time in grad school, I worked as a counseling trainee at CAPS at the Tang Center, where I supported students through their career concerns. After finishing up my traineeship, I applied for academic advising roles and started as a Cognitive Science major program advisor in 2020 and moved over to Rausser as the Plant & Microbial Biology advisor in 2023! I am excited to be joining the team and look forward to meeting with students and helping y’all home in on your passions and interests. If you’re having trouble finding your path, come say hi. I have the perfect reading list for you.
Outside of work I enjoy cooking for my friends, spending time in nature, and reading. Supposedly I am a writer, but all projects are prisoners in my imagination yet to be shared with the world.
Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP)
Undergraduate Advisor
I was born in Austin, TX but grew up in Indianapolis, IN. I earned my B.A. in Mathematics from Earlham College in May 2002 and then moved to Santa Barbara, CA shortly after graduation. I began my career in higher education in October 2002 at UC Santa Barbara, where I would go on to work as an academic advisor for 3 departments in 10 years. In June 2012, I moved to the Bay Area and have been with the College ever since. In my time at the College, I have been an Environmental Economics & Policy advisor. I view my role as an academic advisor as a partnership with the student to help inform them on basic degree requirements as well as serve as a resource on campus to provide information and other resources based on the student's interests that will help the student maximize their Berkeley experience both in and outside of the classroom setting. One example of this is study abroad. As an undergrad, I studied abroad in Spain and strongly encourage any student who has ever thought about studying abroad to really consider making a program plan to incorporate this awesome undergraduate experience into your academic plan. If you're an EEP student or intended EEP student who needs any assistance with this, stop by 260 Mulford and let's work it out!
Environmental Sciences (ES)
I am a SoCal native born and raised in Santa Ana, California (aka the heart of Orange County). I attended Irvine Valley College (hey fellow transfers!) for 3 years, and got my Associate’s in Political Science. I then had the honor to transfer to UC Berkeley, where I got my Bachelor’s in Political Science and Chicanx/Latinx Studies.
My time as an undergrad at Berkeley was truly transformational. I was heavily involved with the Raíces Recruitment and Retention Center, where I spent most of my time uplifting my Latine community professionally, socially, and politically. I interacted with students from all over California and was able to lead and participate in programming that helped demystify higher education. This experience helped me realize my passion for college accessibility and giving back to my community. I also was a Peer Advisor for Berkeley Career Engagement (formerly Career Center) for 2 years, and I absorbed everything that had to do with professional development. I enjoyed my time there and it also guided me into wanting to enter student affairs.
After graduating from UC Berkeley in 2023, I started my professional career as an Environmental Justice Coordinator for the UC Berkeley College Corps program. Now I am super excited to join Rausser as an advisor, and to start fostering relationships with the RCNR community! Chat with me about “increasing your brain wrinkles”, your least favorite class, or a new matcha spot!
Outside of work, I am on the move: I love going to concerts, and exploring the City on the weekends! I am also an avid trinket collector: if you ever want to talk Smiskis, Sonny Angels, or K-Pop photocards, I’m your person.
Genetics & Plant Biology (GPB)
Undergraduate Advisor
I was born approximately 4,500 steps away from Mulford Hall at Alta Bates Hospital here in Berkeley. However, I spent my formative years in the Inland Empire in the little known town of Lake Elsinore. I got my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) and decided to pursue my master’s degree in Counseling with a combined specialization in Higher Education and Student Affairs and Professional Clinical Counseling at Saint Mary’s College of California.
During my time at UCSC I discovered and homed in on my passion for helping students. It started by becoming a peer mentor for an R1A course and, later, serving in a similar position for a course supporting students on academic probation. In working with my mentees, I realized that I loved helping students navigate the university and demystifying the higher education experience over all. These two positions led to me becoming a peer advisor. As a peer advisor I fell in love with college advising and, after talking with my advisor mentors, decided to pursue graduate studies to further my training.
At the end of my time in grad school, I worked as a counseling trainee at CAPS at the Tang Center, where I supported students through their career concerns. After finishing up my traineeship, I applied for academic advising roles and started as a Cognitive Science major program advisor in 2020 and moved over to Rausser as the Plant & Microbial Biology advisor in 2023! I am excited to be joining the team and look forward to meeting with students and helping y’all home in on your passions and interests. If you’re having trouble finding your path, come say hi. I have the perfect reading list for you.
Outside of work I enjoy cooking for my friends, spending time in nature, and reading. Supposedly I am a writer, but all projects are prisoners in my imagination yet to be shared with the world.
Microbial Biology (MB)
As a native of Albany, CA, I grew up right next door to UC Berkeley! However, I left the Bay Area to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sociology at San Diego State University straight out of high school, transferring to UC Santa Barbara two years later. As the child of two parents working in academia, a position in higher education felt inevitable, but I was drawn to a career in design and moved to London in 2010 to study interior design. I received a graduate degree from Chelsea College of Art & Design in 2012.
After a decade of working as a multidisciplinary designer, photographer, and studio manager in CA and NYC, I finally made my way to higher education. In 2022 I began working as the Program Coordinator and Project & Policy Analyst for the Mathematical & Physical Sciences (MPS) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Office where I aided in the development and implementation of MPS Scholars, a new open-access, cross-divisional initiative designed to support undergraduates in the mathematical and physical sciences at Berkeley. I also served as the lead coordinator for the NSF-AGEP grant-funded Research University Alliance (RUA), which was created to provide robust professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities to underrepresented graduate students and postdocs at nine R1 institutions across the country.
I’ve carried this commitment to supporting the success and well-being of underrepresented students at Berkeley with me to Rausser College where I’m thrilled to serve as an undergraduate advisor for the Microbial Biology major, and in that capacity, I look forward to connecting with and helping as many Rausser undergraduates as possible!
Outside of work I practice pottery, shoot photos on film, paint, begin and occasionally finish restoring vintage furniture, listen to music while doing most things, hike (mostly in Tilden), and travel outside of the United States every opportunity I get. I hope you’ll drop by and say hello the next time you visit the OISA Resource Center!
Molecular Environmental Biology (MEB)
Born in Dover, Delaware, and raised in Leesburg, Virginia, I graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. I began working at UC Berkeley in 2001, and I have held positions in Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports, and now at Rausser. While at Rec Sports, I served as the Assistant Director of the Cal Sport Clubs program for 9 years, and as the Director of Inclusive Recreation for 3 years. In 2021, I completed UC Berkeley Extension’s Certificate Program in Student Affairs and Higher-Education Administration. I enjoyed working with, and assisting students in pursuing their extracurricular aspirations, and I am excited for the opportunity to support students in fulfilling their academic goals.
In my time away from work, I enjoy playing tennis, spending time on the Bay Area’s hiking trails, and playing classical guitar.
Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology (NST)
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Nutrition & Metabolic Biology (Formerly Nutritional Sciences - Physiology & Metabolism and Toxicology)
Minors: Nutritional Sciences
I am an East Bay native that grew up in the Hayward-Fremont area. I went to the University of California, Irvine where I received my bachelor’s in Psychology and Social Behavior and minor in Criminology, Law, and Society. I always wanted to work with young people in a counseling capacity, so I pursued a career in school counseling. While applying for masters programs I worked as a Teaching Aide for middle school Spanish at a K-8 private school in Orange County as well as an Afterschool Teacher for the local YMCA. I attended the University of San Diego (the one on the hill) to receive my master’s in Counseling, specialization School Counseling.
My experience with higher education began at Irvine. While there, I worked for a time at the housing office as a Center Attendant – managing the front desk of the main office, mailing office, and recreation centers. During my master’s program, I worked as an Office Assistant at the student affairs office for USD’s Law School. Working there while training to be a school counselor I noticed many similarities between the responsibilities of the academic advisors and what I was trained to do as a school counselor. After graduating with my counseling degree I returned to the Bay Area and worked as a K-8 Counselor for a public school in Dublin. While I enjoyed the lively and energetic environment of being a school counselor, my mind would think back to my experience at USD Law School and how many of my passions as a counselor fit better in that setting. It is here in 2022 that I return to the higher education environment to utilize my skills in identifying students’ strengths and interests to support their pursuit of a college education and career that fulfills them! Especially since college can be a major life experience, I want to assist students in having a holistic view of how to enjoy their time – academically and socially.
In my free time I enjoy being outside and active: going to the gym, taking my hammock out to different parks, going to the beach and swimming, and very recently paddle boarding. I also like to find new and trending eco-friendly lifestyle products and fashion brands (Fillgood.co is my favorite refill store and it’s located in Berkeley!). And I love everything about superheroes, especially Spider-Man!
Fun fact: my last name is not pronounced like the city in Spain
Society & Environment (S&E)
Undergraduate Advisor
Hi all! My name is Matthew Bodo, and my lived name is Bodo. I grew up in the San Jose area and South Bay. Even though I didn’t graduate high school, I enrolled at Foothill College. There, I became interested in Higher Education and in helping students. After a few years of ups and downs, I graduated with degrees in Communications, Psychology, and Social Sciences and transferred to UCLA in 2019. I graduated with a degree in Linguistics and Psychology in 2022, and soon began working here with RCNR.
At Foothill, I worked with homeless students directly and as an advocate for both them and the general homeless population of the Bay Area. Advocating for policy and working with administration felt incredibly rewarding, but working with students was the most fulfilling thing I had ever done. At UCLA, I continued the advocacy work with Rise, working specifically to support homeless and housing insecure students. I then began with the Bruin Guardian Scholars program (similar to Berkeley Hope Scholars), engaging much more directly with students. In my last year, I worked as a peer advisor for the Center for Community College Partnerships, advising their Foster Cohort. I served community college students looking to transfer to UCs, as well as other universities. The amazing students I worked with solidified my decision to be an advisor, and showed me how impactful an advisor’s support can be. I’m here to help however I can, and hope to be someone who can get you any support you need, outside of just the academic!
In my free time, I love to cook, and to explore by hiking and going for walks. I also love learning about computers, software, and current world issues to stay politically informed and active.
Fun fact: my guilty pleasure is older Nintendo games, usually on the Gamecube and N64. If you’re into them too, strike up a conversation with me!
Undeclared Major Advising
College Scheduler/Enrollment Manager & Undergraduate Advisor
Major: Rausser College Undeclared
Temple Byars earned her undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz in Cultural Anthropology. Since joining UC Berkeley she has been an active member in the Anti Racism Action Alliance and has created a supportive space for the scheduling community campus wide. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering in her children's school, walking her dogs and watching her husband tend to his garden.
Conservation and Resource Studies (CRS)
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Conservation & Resource Studies
Minors: Conservation & Resource Studies
I am from the East Bay. I was born in Hayward and grew up in San Leandro. I moved to Southern California after graduating from high school to attend UCLA, where I studied Linguistics and Psychology and minored in Applied Developmental Psychology. After graduating from UCLA I returned home and worked with low income families and their preschool aged children as a Family Advocate. I worked closely with the program’s mental health consultant and realized that I was yearning to provide deeper support with regards to mental health. This motivated me to pursue a graduate program in clinical psychology.
I moved back to Southern California and received my master’s in Psychology from the University of La Verne. I enjoyed working with clients through individual therapy, group therapy, and clinical assessments. After working in mental health, I realized that despite having a passion for counseling, I was seeking to be in a different setting. In December 2022, I moved into the field of academic counseling and worked as the EOP/SSS STEM Academic Counselor here at UC Berkeley for 2.5 years. As a fellow first-gen student, it was very rewarding to support these students navigate their own journey through higher education. In this role, I am excited to continue to support STEM students through a holistic approach.
In my free time, I love spending time with family, playing with my baby, snuggling my puppy, eating tacos, and watching football.
Energy and Resources Group (ERG)
Undergraduate Advisor
Hi all! My name is Matthew Bodo, and my lived name is Bodo. I grew up in the San Jose area and South Bay. Even though I didn’t graduate high school, I enrolled at Foothill College. There, I became interested in Higher Education and in helping students. After a few years of ups and downs, I graduated with degrees in Communications, Psychology, and Social Sciences and transferred to UCLA in 2019. I graduated with a degree in Linguistics and Psychology in 2022, and soon began working here with RCNR.
At Foothill, I worked with homeless students directly and as an advocate for both them and the general homeless population of the Bay Area. Advocating for policy and working with administration felt incredibly rewarding, but working with students was the most fulfilling thing I had ever done. At UCLA, I continued the advocacy work with Rise, working specifically to support homeless and housing insecure students. I then began with the Bruin Guardian Scholars program (similar to Berkeley Hope Scholars), engaging much more directly with students. In my last year, I worked as a peer advisor for the Center for Community College Partnerships, advising their Foster Cohort. I served community college students looking to transfer to UCs, as well as other universities. The amazing students I worked with solidified my decision to be an advisor, and showed me how impactful an advisor’s support can be. I’m here to help however I can, and hope to be someone who can get you any support you need, outside of just the academic!
In my free time, I love to cook, and to explore by hiking and going for walks. I also love learning about computers, software, and current world issues to stay politically informed and active.
Fun fact: my guilty pleasure is older Nintendo games, usually on the Gamecube and N64. If you’re into them too, strike up a conversation with me!
Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP)
Undergraduate Advisor
I was born in Austin, TX but grew up in Indianapolis, IN. I earned my B.A. in Mathematics from Earlham College in May 2002 and then moved to Santa Barbara, CA shortly after graduation. I began my career in higher education in October 2002 at UC Santa Barbara, where I would go on to work as an academic advisor for 3 departments in 10 years. In June 2012, I moved to the Bay Area and have been with the College ever since. In my time at the College, I have been an Environmental Economics & Policy advisor. I view my role as an academic advisor as a partnership with the student to help inform them on basic degree requirements as well as serve as a resource on campus to provide information and other resources based on the student's interests that will help the student maximize their Berkeley experience both in and outside of the classroom setting. One example of this is study abroad. As an undergrad, I studied abroad in Spain and strongly encourage any student who has ever thought about studying abroad to really consider making a program plan to incorporate this awesome undergraduate experience into your academic plan. If you're an EEP student or intended EEP student who needs any assistance with this, stop by 260 Mulford and let's work it out!
Food Systems (FS)
Undergraduate Advisor
Hi all! My name is Matthew Bodo, and my lived name is Bodo. I grew up in the San Jose area and South Bay. Even though I didn’t graduate high school, I enrolled at Foothill College. There, I became interested in Higher Education and in helping students. After a few years of ups and downs, I graduated with degrees in Communications, Psychology, and Social Sciences and transferred to UCLA in 2019. I graduated with a degree in Linguistics and Psychology in 2022, and soon began working here with RCNR.
At Foothill, I worked with homeless students directly and as an advocate for both them and the general homeless population of the Bay Area. Advocating for policy and working with administration felt incredibly rewarding, but working with students was the most fulfilling thing I had ever done. At UCLA, I continued the advocacy work with Rise, working specifically to support homeless and housing insecure students. I then began with the Bruin Guardian Scholars program (similar to Berkeley Hope Scholars), engaging much more directly with students. In my last year, I worked as a peer advisor for the Center for Community College Partnerships, advising their Foster Cohort. I served community college students looking to transfer to UCs, as well as other universities. The amazing students I worked with solidified my decision to be an advisor, and showed me how impactful an advisor’s support can be. I’m here to help however I can, and hope to be someone who can get you any support you need, outside of just the academic!
In my free time, I love to cook, and to explore by hiking and going for walks. I also love learning about computers, software, and current world issues to stay politically informed and active.
Fun fact: my guilty pleasure is older Nintendo games, usually on the Gamecube and N64. If you’re into them too, strike up a conversation with me!
Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Undergraduate Advisor
I was born approximately 4,500 steps away from Mulford Hall at Alta Bates Hospital here in Berkeley. However, I spent my formative years in the Inland Empire in the little known town of Lake Elsinore. I got my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) and decided to pursue my master’s degree in Counseling with a combined specialization in Higher Education and Student Affairs and Professional Clinical Counseling at Saint Mary’s College of California.
During my time at UCSC I discovered and homed in on my passion for helping students. It started by becoming a peer mentor for an R1A course and, later, serving in a similar position for a course supporting students on academic probation. In working with my mentees, I realized that I loved helping students navigate the university and demystifying the higher education experience over all. These two positions led to me becoming a peer advisor. As a peer advisor I fell in love with college advising and, after talking with my advisor mentors, decided to pursue graduate studies to further my training.
At the end of my time in grad school, I worked as a counseling trainee at CAPS at the Tang Center, where I supported students through their career concerns. After finishing up my traineeship, I applied for academic advising roles and started as a Cognitive Science major program advisor in 2020 and moved over to Rausser as the Plant & Microbial Biology advisor in 2023! I am excited to be joining the team and look forward to meeting with students and helping y’all home in on your passions and interests. If you’re having trouble finding your path, come say hi. I have the perfect reading list for you.
Outside of work I enjoy cooking for my friends, spending time in nature, and reading. Supposedly I am a writer, but all projects are prisoners in my imagination yet to be shared with the world.
Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST)
College Scheduler/Enrollment Manager & Undergraduate Advisor
Major: Rausser College Undeclared
Temple Byars earned her undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz in Cultural Anthropology. Since joining UC Berkeley she has been an active member in the Anti Racism Action Alliance and has created a supportive space for the scheduling community campus wide. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering in her children's school, walking her dogs and watching her husband tend to his garden.
Nutritional Sciences (NS)
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Nutrition & Metabolic Biology (Formerly Nutritional Sciences - Physiology & Metabolism and Toxicology)
Minors: Nutritional Sciences
I am an East Bay native that grew up in the Hayward-Fremont area. I went to the University of California, Irvine where I received my bachelor’s in Psychology and Social Behavior and minor in Criminology, Law, and Society. I always wanted to work with young people in a counseling capacity, so I pursued a career in school counseling. While applying for masters programs I worked as a Teaching Aide for middle school Spanish at a K-8 private school in Orange County as well as an Afterschool Teacher for the local YMCA. I attended the University of San Diego (the one on the hill) to receive my master’s in Counseling, specialization School Counseling.
My experience with higher education began at Irvine. While there, I worked for a time at the housing office as a Center Attendant – managing the front desk of the main office, mailing office, and recreation centers. During my master’s program, I worked as an Office Assistant at the student affairs office for USD’s Law School. Working there while training to be a school counselor I noticed many similarities between the responsibilities of the academic advisors and what I was trained to do as a school counselor. After graduating with my counseling degree I returned to the Bay Area and worked as a K-8 Counselor for a public school in Dublin. While I enjoyed the lively and energetic environment of being a school counselor, my mind would think back to my experience at USD Law School and how many of my passions as a counselor fit better in that setting. It is here in 2022 that I return to the higher education environment to utilize my skills in identifying students’ strengths and interests to support their pursuit of a college education and career that fulfills them! Especially since college can be a major life experience, I want to assist students in having a holistic view of how to enjoy their time – academically and socially.
In my free time I enjoy being outside and active: going to the gym, taking my hammock out to different parks, going to the beach and swimming, and very recently paddle boarding. I also like to find new and trending eco-friendly lifestyle products and fashion brands (Fillgood.co is my favorite refill store and it’s located in Berkeley!). And I love everything about superheroes, especially Spider-Man!
Fun fact: my last name is not pronounced like the city in Spain
Summer Minor in Sustainability
Undergraduate Advisor
Hi all! My name is Matthew Bodo, and my lived name is Bodo. I grew up in the San Jose area and South Bay. Even though I didn’t graduate high school, I enrolled at Foothill College. There, I became interested in Higher Education and in helping students. After a few years of ups and downs, I graduated with degrees in Communications, Psychology, and Social Sciences and transferred to UCLA in 2019. I graduated with a degree in Linguistics and Psychology in 2022, and soon began working here with RCNR.
At Foothill, I worked with homeless students directly and as an advocate for both them and the general homeless population of the Bay Area. Advocating for policy and working with administration felt incredibly rewarding, but working with students was the most fulfilling thing I had ever done. At UCLA, I continued the advocacy work with Rise, working specifically to support homeless and housing insecure students. I then began with the Bruin Guardian Scholars program (similar to Berkeley Hope Scholars), engaging much more directly with students. In my last year, I worked as a peer advisor for the Center for Community College Partnerships, advising their Foster Cohort. I served community college students looking to transfer to UCs, as well as other universities. The amazing students I worked with solidified my decision to be an advisor, and showed me how impactful an advisor’s support can be. I’m here to help however I can, and hope to be someone who can get you any support you need, outside of just the academic!
In my free time, I love to cook, and to explore by hiking and going for walks. I also love learning about computers, software, and current world issues to stay politically informed and active.
Fun fact: my guilty pleasure is older Nintendo games, usually on the Gamecube and N64. If you’re into them too, strike up a conversation with me!
I am the Associate Dean for Instruction and Student Affairs for the Rausser College of Natural Resources. I have taught in the College for over 20 years in the department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management. Over this timeframe, I have learned so much from our students: the importance of active commitment, curiosity and interdisciplinary learning, public service, and navigating the challenges of this enormous campus. I am proud of how the College has provided a space that has enabled our students to reach their potential, not least because of our amazing advising staff. I work to support our advisors, and with the College, its students and faculty to enhance students’ opportunities for effective learning, research, and to figure out their next steps in life. At a wider level I work with the College leadership to enhance our majors and to partner with UC Berkeley leadership, while retaining RCNR’s unique place as a smaller college within the campus.
I work to help the College offer diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth, and to help students experience the rewards of accomplishment: academic, personal, and through public service. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures, and I believe this a tremendous opportunity for all of us to learn how to bring people together, and support each other, to work for the common good and cope with the challenges of a complex and changing world.
From 2014-2020 I served as a Resident Faculty member, living in Unit Two and helping students bridge their campus and residential lives, including being “professor in charge” for the Global Environment Theme House. These experiences have helped me understand the daily challenges of being a Berkeley student, and to get to know the opportunities for environmental work beyond the College.
In my academic life, my research concerns global environmental politics and governance, environmental activism, the global political economy of wastes, and the local/global politics of plastics (with a minor in environmental science fiction). You can find out more about me here and here.
I am excited to be the Assistant Dean of Instruction and Student Affairs at Rausser College because my own relationship with the University of California began as an undergraduate student in a small college at the University of California, San Diego. Through leadership opportunities offered by the college and my interactions with two amazing Assistant Deans, my own career trajectory was changed and I started a career as a professional higher education advisor and administrator. I deeply value the intimate nature of Rausser College and look forward to meeting every student that I can.
I started working at UC Berkeley at the Haas School of Business Undergraduate Program. Eventually, I transitioned to the Berkeley Study Abroad Office where I served as the study abroad advisor for the UCEAP programs to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. In 2009, I left Cal to earn my Masters degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University, where I delved deeper into both the developmental needs of students in higher education, as well as the ecological systems and multicultural identities that influence their academic success. In 2012, I returned to Cal to work at the School of Social Welfare. Starting as the Graduate Student Affairs Officer for their MSW and PhD program, I advanced to serve as the Associate Director of Advising for the Berkeley Social Welfare Student Services Team. The opportunity at Rausser College seemed like a perfect fit given my "small college" beginnings and I was pleased to join the Office of Instruction and Student Affairs in 2020.
As the Assistant Dean of Instruction and Student Affairs for Rausser College, I lead a dedicated and talented team of advisors and student services professionals. Together, we try to ensure that all students thrive in their undergraduate experience. While my time at the Rausser College of Natural Resources began during a tumultuous period of human history, my time away from campus has reminded me of how much I love being at Cal with my students and colleagues. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society where diversity equates to academic excellence. I look forward to having these types of dynamic discussions with students, parents, and the greater Bay Area and California community.
The sense of community and student advocacy drew me to the College in March 2018. Working with students is my favorite part of this job. Hearing the strength and perseverance of each student's journey dictates my work as an advisor. Working from a learning-centered approach, I work to discover the most effective advising approach I can utilize to help each individual student.
I found my love for education at community college where my collegiate journey began. Born and raised in Napa, California, I attended Napa Community College. I then transferred to CSU Chico. There I completed my undergraduate and Masters degree in counseling psychology. I interned at the counseling center on campus and fell in love with working in student services and in a university community. I then worked at a private university in San Francisco before coming to UC Berkeley in 2016.
When I am not in the office, you can find me in San Francisco where I live with my adorable cat, Patrick. I love exploring every inch of the city, including its many delicious restaurants, and the amazing nature that the overall Bay Area has to offer. Shout out to Marin for providing breathtaking hikes to enjoy! I also love to travel and explore different cultures. So far I have been to South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam with ambitions to explore South America next. I am always excited to hear your travel and study abroad aspirations.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you through your own collegiate journey!
College Scheduler/Enrollment Manager & Undergraduate Advisor
Major: Rausser College Undeclared
Temple Byars earned her undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz in Cultural Anthropology. Since joining UC Berkeley she has been an active member in the Anti Racism Action Alliance and has created a supportive space for the scheduling community campus wide. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering in her children's school, walking her dogs and watching her husband tend to his garden.
I was born in Washington D.C. but was raised in Charleston, South Carolina. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, where I focused in drawing and photography. After graduation, I completed three years of AmeriCorps service – including one year in the Office of Student Life at the University of South Carolina Upstate. It was there I discovered my passion for university environments and appreciation for the interconnectivity of campus departments.
At the end of my AmeriCorps service, I moved up to Seattle, Washington to work with a nonprofit that managed the Transit Team for Amazon’s corporate headquarters. For two years, I helped manage, develop, and articulate transportation benefits for Amazon employees. In the fall of 2018, I traveled to New Zealand to complete a semester of NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) – whitewater canoeing, hiking, and mountaineering on the South Island. Upon my arrival back to the US, I loaded up a moving truck and drove from Seattle to start my role here at Berkeley in late February of 2019!
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, cooking, skateboarding, and working on art projects in a variety of mediums. My favorite things to do in the Bay Area are: hikes with friends, exploring on my bike, fruit foraging, neighborhood walks, and eating at any of the wonderful vegan restaurants here. I am generally quite excited about life, but I display exceptional exuberance about the environment, movies, politics, cats, educational videos, astronomy, and bargain shopping.