Alumni

Andy Barkett began his academic career at UC Berkeley studying political economy, a major he chose for its interdisciplinary focus and close-knit community. He credits UC Berkeley with teaching him the foundational skills he would later rely on in a dynamic, unconventional career that spanned from high-tech to politics.

Now a political economy board member, Barkett remains an active and engaged alumnus. Through guest lectures, student mentorship and organizing student mixers, he continues to give back to the Berkeley community. By sharing his...

In October 2005, UC Berkeley Political Science alumni Mike and Laura Taylor met at a study night between their fraternity and sorority. Neither could have guessed that the evening would mark the start of something much more. More than a decade later, in 2016, the two were married at the campus Faculty Club.

Laura arrived at Cal and was astonished by the intensity of support and encouragement on campus. Mike joined as a third-generation Cal student, growing up in San José. As proud alumni, they cheer at football games, mentor students through...

Shaudi Fulp graduated from UC Berkeley in 2004 with bachelor’s degrees in legal studies and political psychology, later returning for her master’s in political science. She now helps emerging and mature companies build government affairs teams and strategies across the globe. Even though she lives in Southern California, Fulp is very involved with campus, offering guidance through the Berkeley Social Sciences Dean’s Advisory...

Now available to all students, faculty, staff and alumni, the class features lectures and discussions with top UC Berkeley scholars and offers suggestions on navigating especially challenging conversations during polarized times.

Amir Rafiei has long known that some topics can be divisive. But he hadn’t realized how his own actions may have caused divides in his seemingly neutral hobby of filmmaking.

Sometimes he’d feel “locked in” with his own thoughts and ideas. He’d stop listening to what his collaborators were saying about shot techniques or narrative structures...