Students

Cognitive Science students pitch AI college counseling, productivity tools to investors

June 24, 2026
By Jessica Ballardo

From AI-powered social media content creation to college access platforms, cognitive science student entrepreneurs pitched their startups to potential investors at the Berkeley Accelerator & Startup Incubator in Cognitive Science (BASICS) Spring Pitch Day.

Students presented ventures developed through the BASICS course to a panel of investors and startup experts including Erik Leklem, regional operations director at the Institute for Security Governance; Oguzhan Aygoren, director of the Institute for Business Innovation at the UC Berkeley...

Economics and cognitive science student discusses AI startup to solve global blackouts with UC Regents

January 20, 2026
By Jessica Ballardo

For millions of people, reliable electricity is not a guarantee. In many communities powered by solar mini-grids, evening demand surges routinely trigger blackouts, pushing operators to fall back on costly, polluting diesel generators.

Evardi Energy, a startup co-founded by economics and cognitive science student Diva Bhartesh Shah, aims to transform this broken system into one with reliable power that is resistant to blackouts. Their solution involves using AI to predict demand surges before they occur, allowing operators to adjust usage as needed.

Shah co-founded Evardi in...

In new paper, first-year astrophysics student discovers three potential backsplash galaxies

October 6, 2026
by Alexander Rony
A UC Berkeley freshman’s high school research leads to a rare astrophysical discovery

Troper Scholars Program Opens Doors to Advanced Math

September 10, 2026
by Alexander Rony

This summer, Diego Jimenez grappled for months with a daunting math problem — by choice — to confirm his interest in an academic career. Jimenez took part in the Marco Troper Summer Scholars Program, a new offering from UC Berkeley’s Department of Mathematics where undergraduates perform work in pairs on complex mathematical challenges. Their goal: produce an original research paper for publication.

“This was my first...

New ASUC president Margaret Solomon wants students to have a bigger voice on campus

August 26, 2026
By Jessica Ballardo

For Margaret Solomon, leadership begins with remembering what it felt like to be new. After immigrating from Nigeria at age nine, she was introduced to a new culture and school system and had to learn how to find her place in an unfamiliar environment.

Now, as the incoming Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) president, she is channeling that lived experience into her work at UC Berkeley — with a focus on ensuring students have a voice in the decisions that affect them.

An African American...

New UC Berkeley summer camp trains pre-collegiate students how to start their own social enterprises

August 13, 2026
by Alexander Rony

Forming a startup is nothing new at UC Berkeley — the campus trains more alumni founders than any other university. Now, a new program brings that entrepreneurial spirit to high school students.

This summer, UC Berkeley’s Global Studies Program hosted an immersive...

Bridging Art and Science: How Philanthropy and Passion Built UC Berkeley’s Music Therapy Pipeline

July 28, 2026
by Alexander Rony

UC Berkeley lecturer Melanie Acosta remembers when everything changed for her. She was working as a professional singer in New York City at the time of the September 11, 2001, attacks. At the time, Acosta felt the only people doing meaningful work were the first responders.

Not long after, Acosta got a job on the “Broadway Celebrates America” tour. The cast would travel to different towns, perform a concert about...

How UC Berkeley is closing the math readiness gap

March 30, 2026
by Alexander Rony

In November, a report from UC San Diego raised alarm across the country. One in 12 incoming students tested below middle school proficiency in mathematics — even while maintaining good grades in high school. The report sparked debates on many issues, from grade inflation to standardized...

Theater design students showcase their work at Zellerbach

May 29, 2026
by Alexander Rony
Earlier this month, a dozen students gathered on the Zellerbach Playhouse stage to show off their costume, lighting, and set design skills. The event shined a light — literally — on the incredible work the students have completed in classrooms, on stage, and out in the community.

Celebrating UC Berkeley’s 2025–26 National Scholarship and Fellowship Recipients

May 25, 2026

Composite of 18 headshots

We would like to wrap up the 2025–2026 academic year by congratulating all of the current Cal Bears and recent alums who received nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships this academic year, as well as those who submitted strong applications for more than 30 scholarship and fellowship programs our office supports.

Scholarship Recipients (pictured left to right, top to...
https://scholarships.berkeley.edu/2025-2026-scholarships-wrap-up/