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)
M.A.
Undergraduate Advisor
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!
Ecosystem Management and Forestry (EMF)
M.A.
Undergraduate Advisor
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!
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)
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!
Genetics & Plant Biology (GPB)
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Genetics & Plant Biology, Microbial Biology, Molecular Environmental Biology (last names O-Z)
As an advisor, I use an appreciative strengths-based framework to collaborate with students and work towards achieving their goals. I help students find their path to leading intentional, meaningful lives by seeing the bigger picture and making a better world (the College credo!). A bit about me and my path: I am a first generation immigrant, 1st generation college student born in Colombia South America and raised in Massachusetts. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and studied English Literature. I changed careers to focus on student needs in higher education after receiving my Masters in Public Health from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Working with students is the highlight of every day. I have two fantastic dogs and am overly fond of PBS British period piece/nature/baking shows and crafting.
Microbial Biology (MB)
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Genetics & Plant Biology, Microbial Biology, Molecular Environmental Biology (last names O-Z)
As an advisor, I use an appreciative strengths-based framework to collaborate with students and work towards achieving their goals. I help students find their path to leading intentional, meaningful lives by seeing the bigger picture and making a better world (the College credo!). A bit about me and my path: I am a first generation immigrant, 1st generation college student born in Colombia South America and raised in Massachusetts. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and studied English Literature. I changed careers to focus on student needs in higher education after receiving my Masters in Public Health from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Working with students is the highlight of every day. I have two fantastic dogs and am overly fond of PBS British period piece/nature/baking shows and crafting.
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: Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics, Physiology & Metabolism, and Toxicology
Minors: Nutritional Sciences, Toxicology
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
Major: Society & Environment
Minors: Geospatial Info. Science & Tech (GIST), Food Systems
I was born and raised in San Bernardino (which is in Southern California) to my mother who was a single parent to both my sister and myself. Being a first generation college graduate, the conversations we had in our home about plans for the future felt more like dreams than reality. I always knew I wanted a different life than what we had -- one where I could be a contributor and make a difference in my work (and the world!) rather than experience the constant worry and day-to-day struggle to provide for a family as I observed. When the time came, I had big things on my mind like: how will I pay for college, what if my family needs me and what will my family feel if I can’t help them financially, to finally, am I even prepared to go away to school? I ended up applying and getting accepted to several Southern California universities and was awarded a couple of nice scholarships that I felt would help offset the student loan burden. So with that, I settled in at a small liberal arts college not too far from home. I attended the University of Redlands where I majored in psychology because I was and still am fascinated by behavior. I immediately went on to graduate school to pursue my Masters in Counseling Psychology because I felt strongly tugged to offer support to underserved students who wanted to attend college, but faced many obstacles. I spent several years working in K-12 education before life steered me in another direction -- I got married, had kids of my own, started my own business, and prior to arriving in my role as an undergraduate advisor at Rausser College of Natural Resources, worked for 5 ½ years doing marketing data analytics for Cal Alumni Association.
My evenings and weekends are typically packed with water polo tournaments for my 15 year old son, Addison or volleyball tournaments for my 11 year old daughter, Hennessey, or swim meets for the both of them. Aside from soaking up every spare moment I can with my family and our two incredibly loving and loyal Golden Retrievers, I enjoy traveling, taking long walks, and baking/decorating some rather elaborate cakes. Fun fact about me: I hate cake!
Undeclared Major Advising
MSW
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)
M.A.
Undergraduate Advisor
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!
Energy and Resources Group (ERG)
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.
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
Major: Society & Environment
Minors: Geospatial Info. Science & Tech (GIST), Food Systems
I was born and raised in San Bernardino (which is in Southern California) to my mother who was a single parent to both my sister and myself. Being a first generation college graduate, the conversations we had in our home about plans for the future felt more like dreams than reality. I always knew I wanted a different life than what we had -- one where I could be a contributor and make a difference in my work (and the world!) rather than experience the constant worry and day-to-day struggle to provide for a family as I observed. When the time came, I had big things on my mind like: how will I pay for college, what if my family needs me and what will my family feel if I can’t help them financially, to finally, am I even prepared to go away to school? I ended up applying and getting accepted to several Southern California universities and was awarded a couple of nice scholarships that I felt would help offset the student loan burden. So with that, I settled in at a small liberal arts college not too far from home. I attended the University of Redlands where I majored in psychology because I was and still am fascinated by behavior. I immediately went on to graduate school to pursue my Masters in Counseling Psychology because I felt strongly tugged to offer support to underserved students who wanted to attend college, but faced many obstacles. I spent several years working in K-12 education before life steered me in another direction -- I got married, had kids of my own, started my own business, and prior to arriving in my role as an undergraduate advisor at Rausser College of Natural Resources, worked for 5 ½ years doing marketing data analytics for Cal Alumni Association.
My evenings and weekends are typically packed with water polo tournaments for my 15 year old son, Addison or volleyball tournaments for my 11 year old daughter, Hennessey, or swim meets for the both of them. Aside from soaking up every spare moment I can with my family and our two incredibly loving and loyal Golden Retrievers, I enjoy traveling, taking long walks, and baking/decorating some rather elaborate cakes. Fun fact about me: I hate cake!
Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
M.A.
Undergraduate Advisor
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!
Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST)
Undergraduate Advisor
Major: Society & Environment
Minors: Geospatial Info. Science & Tech (GIST), Food Systems
I was born and raised in San Bernardino (which is in Southern California) to my mother who was a single parent to both my sister and myself. Being a first generation college graduate, the conversations we had in our home about plans for the future felt more like dreams than reality. I always knew I wanted a different life than what we had -- one where I could be a contributor and make a difference in my work (and the world!) rather than experience the constant worry and day-to-day struggle to provide for a family as I observed. When the time came, I had big things on my mind like: how will I pay for college, what if my family needs me and what will my family feel if I can’t help them financially, to finally, am I even prepared to go away to school? I ended up applying and getting accepted to several Southern California universities and was awarded a couple of nice scholarships that I felt would help offset the student loan burden. So with that, I settled in at a small liberal arts college not too far from home. I attended the University of Redlands where I majored in psychology because I was and still am fascinated by behavior. I immediately went on to graduate school to pursue my Masters in Counseling Psychology because I felt strongly tugged to offer support to underserved students who wanted to attend college, but faced many obstacles. I spent several years working in K-12 education before life steered me in another direction -- I got married, had kids of my own, started my own business, and prior to arriving in my role as an undergraduate advisor at Rausser College of Natural Resources, worked for 5 ½ years doing marketing data analytics for Cal Alumni Association.
My evenings and weekends are typically packed with water polo tournaments for my 15 year old son, Addison or volleyball tournaments for my 11 year old daughter, Hennessey, or swim meets for the both of them. Aside from soaking up every spare moment I can with my family and our two incredibly loving and loyal Golden Retrievers, I enjoy traveling, taking long walks, and baking/decorating some rather elaborate cakes. Fun fact about me: I hate cake!
Nutritional Sciences (NS)
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics, Physiology & Metabolism, and Toxicology
Minors: Nutritional Sciences, Toxicology
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
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.
Toxicology
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics, Physiology & Metabolism, and Toxicology
Minors: Nutritional Sciences, Toxicology
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
Ph.D
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.
I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley (shout out to Tracy!) and have always been interested in education. In high school, I spent time as a teacher’s aid and tutor in local middle schools, and, linked with my interest in teaching, an impactful set of learning experiences in high school history classes directed me toward pursuing a teaching credential in Social Studies Education. I ran off to the East Coast for college, completing my undergraduate degree in Social Studies Education and Master’s in International Education at New York University, and though I loved/love New York City (just check out that giant canvas in my office), I always knew I’d come back to California.
While I worked on completing my California teaching credential, I started working in the Education Department at UC Berkeley Extension as a program coordinator and realized that I really loved working in higher education student services. I moved to undergraduate advising in the Letters & Science Fall Program for Freshmen in 2014 and then to Rausser College in the summer of 2018. Here I support Nutritional Science major and minor students, as well as our first-year students admitted as undeclared. I also coordinate our readmission and withdrawal processes as well as degree processing for Rausser College, support our front desk operations and Student Resource Center managerment, and help our advisors support students through academic difficulty. I am interested more broadly in scholarship around first year experience programs, students in transition, college admissions, and professional mentorship. I am impressed and inspired by students every single day, and consider myself pretty lucky to know them and be one small part of their journey. When I’m not spending my time trying to understand what our students are actually studying (what is an adipocyte??), I enjoy reading, running, watching Giants baseball, indulging my sweet tooth, and chasing after my kids.
MSW
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.