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 askcnr@berkeley.edu.
**Please note that OISA will be closed on Monday, January 17th, for Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. Additionally, 260 Mulford Hall will remain closed to visitors through January 30th. We will re-open on Monday, January 31st. Advising Services will remain virtual until further notice.**
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)
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Environmental Sciences (All Students Admitted Before Fall 2021, Transfer Students: Admitted Fall 2021)
I love working with students and listening to their stories and hopes for the future. As an advisor, my goal is to collaborate with each student, supporting them to thrive holistically and find their own path toward a fulfilling, joyful life.
My first experience working with college students was in Brazil while completing a Fulbright English teaching fellowship. Upon returning to the US, I worked at International House here on campus where I managed community building programs for students from all over the world. My own undergraduate experience was at Pomona College where I majored in Latin American Studies and Spanish Literature. I started off as a STEM major, but after falling in love with poetry in Spanish, that quickly changed—and was an excellent decision! Outside of work, you can find me training capoeira angola, dancing, playing music, or studying a unique form of improv storytelling. I grew up right here in Berkeley and love the outdoors, so if you ever need any tips on where to go for a hike, I know lots of good spots.
Pronouns: she/her or they/them
College Counseling Intern, Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Environmental Sciences (First-Year Students: Admitted Fall 2021), Molecular Environmental Biology
I was born and raised in Santa Ana, a predominantly Latinx city in Southern California. I am a Cal alumna, I received my B.A. in Social Welfare from the College of Letters and Science. Currently I am continuing my studies and earning my M.S. in College Counseling at San Francisco State University.
As a first-generation college student I saw how unjust the education system was to students of color. Students like myself were deprived of academic resources and programs due to insufficient funding. Throughout my undergraduate career I have attempted to give back to my community by working at poorly funded K-12 schools mentoring different types of students ranging from English language learners to foster kids. I have also seen international struggles amongst students during my time interning abroad in Madrid, Spain. As an advisor, my goal is to help historically disadvantaged students navigate the education system by providing them with the necessary resources to succeed. I am also excited to work with students from different backgrounds and experiences!
During my free time I enjoy listening to music, taking walks at the beach and spending time with friends and family.
Genetics & Plant Biology (GPB)
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)
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)
Undergraduate Advisor
Major: Molecular Environmental Biology (Last Names C-Z)
Minor: Energy & Resources Group
I graduated from UC Davis with degrees in psychology and statistics. In college I really appreciated the opportunities given by student organizations, academic research, and on campus internships, and I would highly encourage all students to take advantage of these extracurricular activies. After graduating, I went onto work as a private tutor for various subjects including math, statistics, psychology, and test prep for students ranging in age from 8 to 50 years old. During this time I also worked two summers in the Summer Focus program through Education Unlimited, in which high school students took UC Berkeley classes. Through tutoring and working with students over the summer I valued the ability to form close connections with students while guiding them through their academic studies. I bring the same attitude towards being an academic advisor. I believe that college is a transformative, if brief, experience and I enjoy being able to help students through the administrative processes while helping them to plan beyond graduation. I am happy to answer any questions you may have so please do not hestitate to email me or set up an appointment.
College Counseling Intern, Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Environmental Sciences (First-Year Students: Admitted Fall 2021), Molecular Environmental Biology
I was born and raised in Santa Ana, a predominantly Latinx city in Southern California. I am a Cal alumna, I received my B.A. in Social Welfare from the College of Letters and Science. Currently I am continuing my studies and earning my M.S. in College Counseling at San Francisco State University.
As a first-generation college student I saw how unjust the education system was to students of color. Students like myself were deprived of academic resources and programs due to insufficient funding. Throughout my undergraduate career I have attempted to give back to my community by working at poorly funded K-12 schools mentoring different types of students ranging from English language learners to foster kids. I have also seen international struggles amongst students during my time interning abroad in Madrid, Spain. As an advisor, my goal is to help historically disadvantaged students navigate the education system by providing them with the necessary resources to succeed. I am also excited to work with students from different backgrounds and experiences!
During my free time I enjoy listening to music, taking walks at the beach and spending time with friends and family.
Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology (NST)
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics, Physiology & Metabolism, and Toxicology
Minors: Nutritional Sciences, Toxicology
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 decided I really liked this higher education thing. I moved to undergraduate advising in the Letters & Science Fall Program for Freshmen in 2014 and then over to the College in the summer of 2018. Here I support Nutritional Science major and minor students and students pursuing the Food Systems minor. I also coordinate the Honors Program for the college and 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 my students are actually studying (what the heck is an adipocyte??), I enjoy reading, running, indulging my sweet tooth, and learning about sharks, dinosaurs, and dragons with my son.
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
Due to staffing changes in the Office of Instruction & Student Affairs, this term, Undeclared students will work directly with the Rausser College Major Advisor for the major that they wish to declare. You may find their contact information on this website. For Undeclared students who are unsure of their desired major, you can continue to receive guidance by meeting with a RCNR Peer Advisor, emailing cnr.undeclared@berkeley.edu which will be monitored by Assistant Dean Joshua Dullaghan, or scheduling an appointment with the him by emailing cnr.studentdean@berkeley.edu. For Undeclared students who intend to declare a major outside of Rausser CNR, we encourage you to speak directly with your intended college and major advisors. You may also continue to email cnr.undeclared@berkeley.edu with any questions.
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)
Undergraduate Advisor
Major: Molecular Environmental Biology (Last Names C-Z)
Minor: Energy & Resources Group
I graduated from UC Davis with degrees in psychology and statistics. In college I really appreciated the opportunities given by student organizations, academic research, and on campus internships, and I would highly encourage all students to take advantage of these extracurricular activies. After graduating, I went onto work as a private tutor for various subjects including math, statistics, psychology, and test prep for students ranging in age from 8 to 50 years old. During this time I also worked two summers in the Summer Focus program through Education Unlimited, in which high school students took UC Berkeley classes. Through tutoring and working with students over the summer I valued the ability to form close connections with students while guiding them through their academic studies. I bring the same attitude towards being an academic advisor. I believe that college is a transformative, if brief, experience and I enjoy being able to help students through the administrative processes while helping them to plan beyond graduation. I am happy to answer any questions you may have so please do not hestitate to email me or set up an appointment.
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 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 decided I really liked this higher education thing. I moved to undergraduate advising in the Letters & Science Fall Program for Freshmen in 2014 and then over to the College in the summer of 2018. Here I support Nutritional Science major and minor students and students pursuing the Food Systems minor. I also coordinate the Honors Program for the college and 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 my students are actually studying (what the heck is an adipocyte??), I enjoy reading, running, indulging my sweet tooth, and learning about sharks, dinosaurs, and dragons with my son.
Summer Minor in Sustainability
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!
Toxicology
Undergraduate Advisor
Majors: Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics, Physiology & Metabolism, and Toxicology
Minors: Nutritional Sciences, Toxicology
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 decided I really liked this higher education thing. I moved to undergraduate advising in the Letters & Science Fall Program for Freshmen in 2014 and then over to the College in the summer of 2018. Here I support Nutritional Science major and minor students and students pursuing the Food Systems minor. I also coordinate the Honors Program for the college and 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 my students are actually studying (what the heck is an adipocyte??), I enjoy reading, running, indulging my sweet tooth, and learning about sharks, dinosaurs, and dragons with my son.
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.
Temple Byars earned her undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz in Cultural Anthropology. After some years managing her family’s toy stores, The Ark, she moved to New York City to pursue her MSW focusing on client-centered management and global studies at Fordham University. She discovered her love of academic administration while working at Tulane University in New Orleans. After returning home to the Bay Area she spent two years at UCSF in the School of Medicine. She is excited to bring her love of problem-solving and order to the College scheduling and curriculum coordination. She enjoys adventurous cooking, watching her husband garden and pretending to be Harry Potter with her two sons.
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 Transpit 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!
At home, I enjoy gardening, cooking, and working on art projects in a variety of mediums. My favorite things to do in Berkeley are to discover new parts of the city on my bike and try 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.