About the Rausser College of Natural Resources Undergraduate Peer Advising (PAL) Program
The Peer Advising Leadership (PAL) Program of Rausser College strives to offer personal insights and experiences to current & prospective RCNR students. Our PALs are trained in understanding & communicating our Major requirements, College policies, research opportunities, and more! The goal of these students is to offer peer advising to everyone - ranging from a first-semester Berkeley freshman to a last-semester senior!
PALs also engage with prospective, newly-admitted, and current students at yield events, enrichment programs, Rausser College tours, Cal Day, Commencement, and more! Their work is integral to the success of their fellow undergraduates and to the formation of our friendly Rausser College community.
If you wish to contact a peer advisor send them an email or connect via Zoom.
Access the Virtual Front Desk here! PAL Hours for Fall 2023 start Wednesday, August 23rd and end Friday, December 1st.
See the Fall 2023 schedule for the PAL Hours
Not sure if your question can be answered by a PAL? Check out this chart!
Want to find out more about certain courses? Click here for a list of classes the PALs have taken.
You can also follow us on Rausser College of Natural Resources Advising Instagram and Facebook pages.
If you would like to hear more about the Peer Advising program, you can email PALs at pal@berkeley.edu, visit our Virtual Front Desk Zoom Room, or talk to your academic advisor for more information!
2022-2023 PALs
(click name or photo for student bio)
Molecular Environmental Biology
Student-Initiated SPUR, Pre-Vet, Study Abroad (Mo'orea)
Hi everyone! My name is Tallyn and I am from San Diego. I am currently a fourth year majoring in Molecular Environmental Biology with a concentration in animal health and behavior on the pre-vet track. In my free time, I love going to the gym, trying new restaurants, listening to Taylor Swift, spending time with friends and family, and binge-watching TV shows. On campus, I work at the Cancer Research Laboratory Molecular Imaging Center with light microscopy resources specializing in laser-based fluorescence techniques using live tissue samples, laser scanning confocal, multi-photon, and deep tissue imaging. When I'm not at school, I work as a veterinary assistant in my hometown and absolutely love it. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about my involvement within or outside of campus or if you have questions about classes. I'm more than happy to speak with you and hope I can help!
Other Research Experience Includes: Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Island student research project studying microplastics in pelagic and open-ocean fish. Oakland Zoo Animal Care Intern, Salk institute of Biological Sciences lab animal intern
Nutritional Sciences + Molecular & Cell Biology
Minor: Disability Studies
DeCal Facilitator, Research
Hi everyone! My name is Maggie, and I’m currently a senior pursuing simultaneous degrees in Nutritional Sciences and Molecular & Cell Biology with a minor in Disability Studies. I was born in Canada and grew up in China, and am studying as an international student at Cal. I’m passionate about the intersection of health, culture, and education. On campus, I’m involved in the Pre-Medical Honor Society, Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program, Berkeley Medical Reserve Corps, Berkeley Chinese Music Ensemble, and nutritional science research. I also had experience as a DeCal facilitator, UGSI (gen chem), and L&S peer adviser. I enjoy cooking/baking, distance running, and exploring new places in the city. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat and make friends! I look forward to meeting you all :))
Hi everyone! I'm Daisy and I'm a fourth year studying MEB and minoring in Data Science. I'm super excited to be a PAL and am very grateful that I can support and give back to the CNR community during my last year at Cal. I'm interested in further exploring and learning about conservation, climate education, data science, environmental justice, and their intersections. I'd love to chat about any of these topics, my experiences with them, or anything that is of interest to you (I love learning new things)! Outside of Peer Advising, you can find me stretching on Lower Sproul for dance practice, hanging in the SERC space down in bNorth, or dog watching. If you have any questions about how to get involved in the eco-community or research on campus, please reach out! Myself or other PALS are always happy to help. In the case that you have any photos of your cute pets, then you must come see me :) Good luck to everyone this school year and see you soon!
Hello, my name is Cecilia. I was born and raised in SoCal, specifically in the Valley! I’m a second year studying Society and Environment with a minor in Public Policy. I am interested in further learning about how society can coexist with the environment, leading to a sustainable environment. Neighborhoods vary in community engagement; therefore, I plan to improve the environment at a local policy level. I work at the University’s Botanical Garden and am on the women’s rugby team here at Cal! My hobbies include nature walks, exploring the city, and watching horror movies/shows. I always seek opportunities to help people, such as volunteering and interning at the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). I am bilingual in English and Spanish and am currently learning Korean and ASL. If you have any questions or need additional information on classes, resources, internships, or life advice, feel free to contact me!
Hey everyone! My name is Emily, and I’m a third-year on the pre-medicine track majoring in Nutritional Sciences with an emphasis on Physiology and Metabolism. I’m from Southern California, and I definitely have been missing the warm, sunny weather while being at Berkeley! Here at Cal, I’m involved in the American Medical Women’s Association and I’m the health worker for my sorority. I’ve had clinical experience working as a first-aid responder and physical therapy aide, and over this past summer, I had the opportunity to intern at a remote mental health startup and travel. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, having picnics on the glade, trying out new restaurants and boba shops, watching movies, and baking. Don’t hesitate to reach out about anything at all! I’m more than happy to help :)
Hi everyone! My name is Jack Kleiger and I am a fourth-year majoring in Environmental Economics and Policy. I was born and raised in Southern California in the San Fernando Valley and am interested in pursuing a career relating to public policy or environmental law. Some of my favorite hobbies include going to the beach, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. I definitely know how hard it can be to adjust to new places, let alone college, and I would love to help anyone out with this transition. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Genetics & Plant Biology
Minors: Data Sciences + Food System
Biotech Internship
Hi! My name is Nivriti and I'm a junior majoring in Genetics and Plant Biology with a double minor in Data Science and Food Systems. I'm so excited to be a PAL this year and I'm so excited to meet plenty of amazing CNR students this year! Like many others in this college, I love being in nature (shocker!) and will geek out about everything from native amphibian species to mycorrhizal fungi. I'm particularly interested in genomics and plant-microbe interactions and hope to work towards a more sustainable future by exploring applications of biotechnology and genomics in agriculture and the food industry. I've been involved in research through URAP since my freshman year and recently interned at an Ag-Tech company so I'm always happy to answer questions about on and off-campus opportunities. In my free time, I love watching Studio Ghibli movies, jamming out on the bass guitar, and exploring local trails. If you ever have any questions about the GPB major, fun ESPM classes, or want to see pictures of my dog, don't hesitate to reach out!
Conservation & Resource Studies
Minor: French
Faculty-Initiated SPUR, Housing Co-Ops
Hey! My name is Jacquie, and I am from Greenfield, CA, a small-agricultural town in Monterey County. I am a fourth year majoring in Conservation and Resource Studies, and minoring in French. My area of interest is Wildlife Conservation and Ecology. I am a part of Reuse and Hispanic Engineers and Scientists (HES). I have participated in SPUR several times, so if you have any questions I would be happy to answer them. During my free time, I love spending time with my birdies, cooking, painting, reading romance novels, thrifting, and encountering wildlife! I look forward to helping and meeting you all!
Hi! My name is Sakina Sayani, and I'm a second year Nutritional Sciences major, specializing in Physiology and Metabolism, and a Public Health minor. I intend to pursue being a nutritionist and personal trainer. I'm passionate about prenatal health along with the effects of nutrition on marginalized communities.
I'm born and raised in Culver City in SoCal. I enjoy going on drives and rollercoasters, visiting the beach, and spending time with friends! I'm a huge foodie so feel free to give me food recommendations to try! At Berkeley, I am involved in UCB SNAC, The Period Project, Cal MSA, and Cal ABSA. Outside of Berkeley, I am a part of my Shi'a Muslim youth community through the Unified Muslim Network and Huseini Sunday School.
As a first-generation, South Asian, Muslim female, I know it can be very difficult and overwhelming navigating college especially at Berkeley, but I assure you I will provide as much support as I can. Feel free to reach out to me about anything, regardless if it is academic or not! I am so excited to meet you and further enhance our CNR community!
Hi Everyone! My name is Diya, and I’m a Sophomore studying Microbial Biology and pursuing Psychology on the Pre-Med track. As an international student with an inclination towards medicine, I wish to closely observe the world of microbes in their host-pathogen interactions. Along with my academics, I dedicate time volunteering locally at hospitals and blood drives, but also NGOs across the world with a focus on women empowerment. In my free time, I usually enjoy reading, traveling, and interacting with new people. If you have any questions regarding pre-medical clubs, volunteering, navigating campus activities as an international student, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out and drop by. I look forward to meeting you all!
Hi everyone! My name is Sanya, and I'm a sophomore double-majoring in GPB and EMF. I'm originally from San Diego and love spending time outdoors, cooking, and making art. I recently attended Forestry Camp and am very involved in just about everything CNR has to offer! Outside of Peer Advising, you'll probably find me hanging out at Forestry Club, throwing axes for Cal Logging Sports, or hiking around Tilden. I'm really passionate about sustainability, resource management, and accessibility in the outdoors, and am always down to talk about anything and everything! Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you might have, or even just to talk. I really look forward to meeting you all!
Hi RCNR! This year I'll be working as a senior peer advisor and I'm happy to help you with academic planning, DSP (Disabled Students Program) resources, planning for RSOs (Registered Student Organizations), or we can just have a conversation. I am a third-year majoring in Environmental Economics and Policy and I have an interest in resource management, sustainable forestry, agriculture, and architecture. Come by and ask me about EEP classes, student groups, and what we're all about. I love to travel and have done regenerative agriculture and infrastructural development in Ecuador with Regeneration Field Institute. This year I will be facilitating a decal focused on enhancing your performance and well-being as a busy student, NUSCTX198. The pandemic has created limitations on connecting the Rausser community, but I encourage you all to reach out and help us overcome the difficulties of isolation. You are welcome and safe here! I'm excited to see you all again!
Environmental Sciences
Minors: Geospatial Information Science and Technology + Forestry
Faculty-Initiated SPUR, UC Forestry Camp, Housing Co-Op, Ecology Fieldwork, AmeriCorps
Wassap y’all! My name is Ian, and I’m from LA County (626, baby). I’m a senior studying Environmental Sciences (concentrating in Social Science) with minors in GIST and Forestry. Here at Berkeley, I spend most of my time with CHAOS, the Cal Hiking and Outdoors Society (I teach the Intro to Backpacking decal and was co-president last year). However, I have also been involved with the Taiwanese American Student Association (TASA), the Students of Color Environmental Collective (SCEC), and research through SPUR. In my free time, I enjoy skateboarding, rock climbing, and playing piano. If you’re struggling with choosing a major, finding your place at Cal, or want to talk about anything else under da sun, I’m here for ya. Excited to meet you all and to offer support :)
Hi everyone! I’m Theo and I’m a sophomore majoring in Conservation and Resource Studies. I’m an international student from France and China! I grew up in a small town in the French Alps, and I also lived in Shanghai for many years. I am interested in anything related to the environment and sustainable development, and in my free time, I like to go on hikes, spend time in nature, read, and play guitar. As an international student, I know how hard it can be to navigate life in college, and I would love to share my experience with you guys. I am very excited to meet you all! Feel free to reach out to talk about anything you’d like!
Health Worker
Read more about our Wellness Program for the Rausser College of Natural Resources here!