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.
Peer Advising has ended for the 2024-2025 Academic Year and will resume at the start of the Fall 2025 semester.
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.
If you would like to hear more about the Peer Advising program, talk to your academic advisor for more information, or you can email PALs at pal@berkeley.edu and visit our Virtual Front Desk Zoom Room during the academic year!
2025-2026 PALs
(click name or photo for student bio)
Hey everyone! I'm Abdul, and I'm an international student from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, double majoring in Environmental Science and Genetics & Plant Biology. I'm passionate about sustainable agriculture, plant gene editing and global conservation practices. I'm part of a river restoration lab on campus and am also a horticulture volunteer with the Berkeley Botanical Gardens. I've had experience advising through being a Golden Bear Orientation Leader and being a peer advisor for new international students through the Berkeley International Office. In my free time I enjoy binge-watching tv shows, reading new books from the public library, shopping for stuffed animals, hiking with friends, and trying out new restaurants. I am very excited to be PAL this year, and hope that I can help you all in any way I can! Feel free to reach out for anything from small to big, Berkeley or not!
Environmental Sciences + Society & Environment + Public Health
Faculty-Initiated SPUR, Latinx Research Program, NATRES 76
Hi everyone! My name is Anali Casarrubias. I am from Socal in the Inland Empire. I am going into my senior year. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, spending time with friends, and binge-watching TV shows. On campus, I am a Resident Assistant. I am involved in public health research and have participated in SPUR. Feel free to reach out with any questions about any program on or outside of campus. I'm happy to speak with you and hope I can help!
Hi there! My name is Maria, and I’m a fourth year majoring in Microbial Biology and minoring in Nutritional Sciences. I grew up in the Bay, so feel free to ask me any questions about the area! At Berkeley, I’ve volunteered with organizations such as the Blood Pressure Project and have gone through the URAP and SPUR application process, and can give any direction needed for the process. I’m very passionate about microbiology and make a lot of gut friendly drinks like kombucha and ginger soda through the process of fermentation. I also really enjoy cooking and expressing my creativity through experimenting with different foods. Outside of school I work as an EMT (for 3+ years) and can give insight into the process of becoming and working as one, along with gaining other clinical experience. In my free time you’ll find me spending time with friends and family, practicing yoga, reading, playing with my cats and watching The Bear. I’m happy to help with any questions you might have about Berkeley and beyond!
Hey everyone! My name is Mei, and I’m a second-year studying Genetics and Plant Biology with plans to minor in Food Systems and Music. I’m passionate about sustainable agriculture and plant biotechnology, and plan to pursue graduate school in the future! I’m from the Bay Area and love all things music- I play electric bass in a band and play harpsichord and chamber organ in the Baroque Ensemble! I also love to cook, read, spend time in nature and with friends, and propagate plants. On campus, I volunteer with CLEAR at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market and am a part of Coffee Club, CHAOS, and Outsiders. I am also involved in research off-campus to develop climate-resilient rice varieties through CRISPR-based gene editing. Whether you need advice about academics, getting into research, the best cafes, or just want to chat, I’m always happy to help! I look forward to meeting you all and supporting your journey at Berkeley!
Coming Soon!
Microbial Biology + Public Health
Student-Initiated SPUR, URAP, SURF, RCNR Travel Grant, RCNR Internship Grant, Study Abroad (France)
"Hi! My name is Shreya Jariwala and I’m majoring in Microbial Biology and Public Health here at Berkeley. I’m a first-generation college student passionate about research at the intersection of microbiology, health, and evolution. I currently work in the Seed Lab in the Microbial Biology Department, where I study phage-bacteria interactions, and I serve as the Senior Financial Advisor for iGEM at Berkeley.
In the past, I’ve also done research in evolutionary biology and paleontology through a URAP in Charles Marshall’s lab, and I’ve been fortunate to receive funding for my work through both the L&S SURF program and the RCNR SPUR program. While I previously explored the pre-med path, I’m now pursuing the PhD route, but I’m always happy to chat about either direction!
If you ever have questions about finding research opportunities, navigating classes, or just want someone to talk to, I’m here for you. Outside of academics, you can usually find me binge-reading on my Kindle, trying out new food spots, or rewatching my favorite shows and movies. Don’t hesitate to reach out, I’ll always do my best to help and make you feel supported. Everyone is welcome!"
Ecosystem Management & Forestry
UC Forestry Camp, On-Campus Research, Housing Co-Ops
Hi everyone! My name is Mary, and I'm a junior majoring in Ecosystem Management & Forestry, with a Forestry concentration. I'm originally from San Francisco and love spending time gardening, biking, and attempting to watercolor. I attended Forestry Camp this past summer, and have worked for the Stephen’s Wildland Fire Lab here at Berkeley, in addition to working as an assistant horticulturalist at the Botanical Gardens. I would be happy to talk about my experiences at Forestry Camp, conducting research, or finding hands on work experience, so don't hesitate to reach out! Outside of Peer Advising, I am a treasurer for Forestry Club and also a part of the Cal Triathlon team, and would love to help anyone get involved with either. I'm am interested in all sorts of things, from active land management, to working outdoors, to goats! Feel free to come find me if you have any questions, or even just to chit chat. I am excited to meet you!
Molecular Environmental Biology + Integrative Biology
URAP, On-Campus Research
Hello! My name is Jettiene (Jett for short), I’m a senior, and I’m super excited to be a PAL this year! I’m pursuing simultaneous degrees in Molecular Environmental Biology with an Area of Concentration in Animal Health and Behavior and Integrative Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. Outside of school, I’m a vet assistant volunteer at Oakland Animal Services, and I volunteer with the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital. I also work as a research technician in the Nachman Lab in the MVZ, which studies the evolutionary genetics and genomics of house mice. I'm a huge animal lover and this year I’m serving as President of the Wildlife Society at Berkeley and the Cal Pre-Vet Club, which are both super fun! After I graduate in the spring, I’m planning on taking a gap year, working as a vet assistant at my shelter, and applying to vet school in the fall!
I’ve lived in the Bay Area my whole life. I really like being in nature, hanging out with my two cats Bee and Puppy, shopping (especially to add to my plushie collection), baking, karaoke, going to the beach, meeting new people, and hanging out with my friends.
I was the academic advisor for Pre-Vet Club last year, so I’ve made a TON of personalized 4-year plans and I really love doing it. If you want one of those, or advice about double majors or sim degrees or minors, vet school, getting research or club positions or internships, resume-building, or just wanna chat about anything, I’d love to meet! :)
Conservation & Resource Studies
Faculty-Initiated SPUR, Off-Campus Internship
Hi! My name is Carissa, and I’m a junior majoring in Conservation and Resource Studies and minoring in Environmental Engineering. I’m interested in water systems and ecosystem restoration, and the intersections of these topics influenced my Area of Interest. Outside of Peer Advising, I am a part of the Student Environmental Resource Center, Epsilon Eta, and the water treatment competition team, Cal Enviro. I have also been involved in the ASUC Eco Office, research through SPUR (Zero Waste Lab and Rhew Lab/trace gas emission work), and R&D through interning at an electrochemistry startup. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, crocheting, baking, and trying new restaurants in Berkeley. I understand how it feels to be uncertain about academic and career choices, so feel free to reach out. I'm looking forward to connecting and having a conversation!
Ecosystems Management & Forestry + Genetics & Plant Biology
UC Forestry Camp, SPUR (Faculty & Student Initiated), RCNR Honors Program, NSF REU Program, Rose Hills Summer Scholarship
Hi everyone! My name is Sanya, and I'm a senior double-majoring in Genetics & Plant Biology and Ecosystem Management & Forestry. I'm originally from San Diego and love spending time outdoors, cooking, and making art. I attended Forestry Camp in 2023, and have been involved in faculty-initiated SPUR, student-initiated SPUR, the RCNR Honors program, and an NSF REU program at Cornell University (PGRP@BTI). This past summer, I conducted research on campus through the Rose Hills Summer Scholarship program. I love talking about my experiences with camp and research, so don't hesitate to reach out! Outside of Peer Advising, you'll probably find me chopping wood for Cal Logging Sports, paddleboarding at the Berkeley Marina, or hiking around the Bay Area. I'm really passionate about sustainability, resource management, and accessibility in the outdoors! Feel free to come find me with any questions or concerns you might have, or even just to talk. I really look forward to meeting you all!
Environmental Economics & Policy
Minor: Data Science
Faculty-Initiated SPUR, URAP, Study Abroad (France)
Hi! I am Sujanyaa, A senior in the dual degree with Sciences Po Paris and UC Berkeley currently majoring in Environmental Economics and Policy. I am originally from India but was born and brought up in Muscat, Oman. Growing up in Oman made me very appreciative of nature and I have developed a passion for sustainability and policy making since college. On campus, I am engaged in URAP and also serve as the VP of consulting for one of the only consulting clubs on campus focusing on sustainability ( Shoutout @Feedberkeley). Beyond school, I love traveling, cooking and watching documentaries. I know first hand how tough adjustment can be as an international student whether you are a freshmen or transfer. Feel free to reach out to me in case of questions regarding coursework, study abroad or even just to chat.
Nutritional Sciences - Physiology & Metabolism + Molecular Environmental Biology
URAP, DeCal Facilitator
Hi there! My name is Azra, and I’m a senior double majoring in Molecular Environmental Biology and Nutritional Sciences on the pre-health track, specifically pre-optometry. I’m originally from Fremont, CA, and I’m passionate about making healthcare more holistic and inclusive. As a future optometrist, I care about seeing patients beyond just their symptoms and understanding how vision ties into their overall well-being. On campus, I’m involved in research through URAP at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry, where I work on an AI-driven project studying Meibomian gland morphology. I’m involved in Foresight, UC Berkeley’s pre-optometry club, and have participated in clinical volunteering both locally and abroad, including a medical service trip to Nicaragua. I'm also passionate about mental health, and I serve as Executive Director of the Muslim Mental Health Initiative, where I work to expand access to mental health resources for Muslim students. This year, I’m also excited to facilitate the Medical Microbiology DeCal!
Hey everyone! My name is Maya and I'm a sophomore majoring in Environmental Sciences (with a biological concentration) and minoring in Public Policy. I'm originally from LA and I'm super passionate about environmental activism, community organizing, and climate literacy! While at Cal, I've been involved in the ASUC Eco Office, SERC, SDG Undergraduate Research Group (SURG), and SEED Scholars Honors Program, and I've done research on soil microbes in the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Outside of academics, I love social dancing, playing the guitar (not well), hiking the fire trails, and trying new vegan ice cream flavors (lmk if you have any recs). Super excited to be a peer advisor this year, feel free to reach out if you have any questions!!
Conservation & Resource Studies + Soceity & Environment
URAP, Faculty-Initiated SPUR, Fung Fellowship, UCDC
Hi everyone! My name is Lara, and I'm studying Society and Environment as well as Conservation and Resource Studies. Being part of the Rausser College of Natural Resources has given me the opportunity to explore the intersection of environmental issues and social justice in meaningful ways. I'm excited to be a PAL this year and look forward to supporting fellow students, sharing resources, and helping foster a strong and inclusive community within RCNR!
Health Worker
TBD