The (Not So) Secret Guide to Being a Berkeley Engi

Welcome to Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley—a new podcast series where we uncover what it means to be an engineer and dive into the paths that lead there. Hosted by Laura Vogt, director of student communications for Berkeley Engineering, this first episode features an inspiring conversation with Tsu-Jae King Liu, former dean of Berkeley Engineering and current president of the National Academy of Engineering. Together, they explore what engineering is, how it impacts society, and what makes Berkeley Engineering uniquely powerful in shaping the future. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Ever wonder what it’s really like to study rocket science? In this episode, we dive into UC Berkeley’s newest engineering major: Aerospace Engineering. Hear from current students Evan Smart and Maxwell Stolarz, who share what inspired them to pursue aerospace and how broad and exciting the field really is. You'll also get insights from Professor Panos Papadopoulos, who helped launch the program, and Kristyn Kadala, a Berkeley PhD alum working in aerospace R&D. From rockets and satellites to systems engineering and materials research, aerospace is more than just flying machines—it’s a launchpad to innovation. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

What does it mean to merge engineering with biology? In this episode of Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley, we dive into the world of bioengineering—a field that’s as interdisciplinary as it is impactful. You'll hear from Na’im Pierce, a recent graduate with a passion for genetic engineering and neurosurgery; Professor Kevin Healy, who shares his journey from artificial hearts to micro physiological systems; and Trishley Nubla, a Berkeley alum whose passion for medical devices started with volunteering in elementary school. Whether you're curious about healthcare innovation, biotechnology, or just how engineers are improving lives—you'll find inspiration here. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

In this episode of Exploring Engineering, host Laura Vogt guides us through the many layers of civil engineering. You’ll hear from faculty, recent grads, and alumni who’ve carved out careers in transportation, public service, and cutting-edge construction. Parson Galicia (City of Oakland), Kimberly Leung (San Francisco MTA), and Nelson Jurado (student) share how they discovered their passions and how civil engineering gave them the tools to make an impact. Whether you’re curious about infrastructure, sustainability, tech innovation—or simply how cities work—this episode shows the real-world power of civil engineering. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

What do robotics, video game mods, and chip design have in common? They’re all part of the incredibly broad and exciting world of EECS at UC Berkeley. In this episode, you’ll hear from faculty member Claire Tomlin, a MacArthur “Genius” and former chair of the EECS department, as well as undergraduates Robert Nochez, Julian Rickenbach, and Evan Sandoval. They’ll share how they discovered EECS, how it merges hardware and software, and why collaboration is central to innovation in this field. Whether you’re into AI, circuits, or creating the next big thing, this episode will show you just how much is possible with EECS. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

What do contact lenses, Newton rings, and computer science all have in common? For Jacqueline Thibault, a fourth-year Engineering Mathematics and Statistics major at UC Berkeley, they all came together in her first internship. In this episode of Exploring Engineering, host Laura Vogt sits down with Jackie to talk about what it means to be part of the Engineering Science program—a unique, interdisciplinary path that brings together physics, math, computer science, and engineering to tackle real-world challenges in energy, the environment, and beyond. Whether you're curious about transferring majors or wondering how to turn a passion for science into an engineering career, Jackie’s story is full of insight and inspiration. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Welcome to Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research — better known as IEOR. Join host Laura Vogt as she talks with UC Berkeley faculty member Rhonda Righter, current student Kenny Wongchamcharoen, and alum Nanavati Low. Discover how IEOR blends math, data science, and optimization to solve complex real-world problems in supply chains, healthcare, finance, and beyond. Whether you’re curious about analytics, logistics, or how to improve big systems, this episode reveals why IEOR is all about making the world more efficient and impactful. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

In this episode of Exploring Engineering, we dive into the dynamic and often overlooked world of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). Faculty member Mary Scott reveals the wide range of career paths in the field—from biomaterials to aerospace and electronics—while undergraduate Ava Daniels shares how a high school summer camp led her to discover the multidisciplinary power of MSE. We also hear from Calton Kong, a Ph.D. student passionate about electrochemistry and battery technology, who reflects on how materials science connects directly to solving global challenges like energy sustainability. Whether you're curious about how everyday materials work or dreaming of shaping the future of tech, this episode highlights just how essential MSE is to innovation. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

What does a robot-fetching chicken, baking, and diagnosing breast cancer have in common? Mechanical engineering! In this episode of Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley, host Laura Vogt talks with Aashray Manchanda, a recent graduate of the M.E.T. program, Michael McNabb, an alum with a passion for invention, and Professor Lydia Sohn, who bridges physics, biology, and the science of cooking. Together, they unpack how mechanical engineers solve society’s most complex problems through hands-on design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and endless creativity. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

In this episode of The Not So Secret Guide to Being a Berkeley Engineer, we’re talking about finding your community at UC Berkeley. Whether through clubs, classes, or where you live, building connections can make all the difference. You’ll hear from Chimkasinma and Katie, two bioengineering students who interviewed each other about their first-year experiences, self-care strategies, and go-to food spots. Then, Edwin and Madeleine from aerospace engineering share how they’ve found support in a small major and how student organizations have shaped their time on campus. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub

Debuting Tuesday, July 8, Exploring Engineering at UC Berkeley is your introduction into each of the academic departments and programs that are part of UC Berkeley Engineering. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub

In our final podcast of the summer, we speak with Luis Castillo, associate director of student development in ESS, and returning engineering students Andrea Limon, Gabriel Sianez and Rosalind Martinez. They will introduce us to the Center for Access to Engineering Excellence (CAEE), a program in ESS that includes academic support, a computer loan program, professional and leadership workshops and more. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Students transferring to the College of Engineering face many changes. Among them, they must learn to navigate an entirely new college environment. To support these students, we asked Heidi Maqueos, program manager for transfer success initiatives in ESS, to tell us about two resources that are for transfer students, by transfer students: the Engineering Transfer Center and Transfer Ambassadors. Mechanical engineering student Vic May tells us how these mentoring programs set them up for success as an engineering student. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Are you interested in someday making the leap from student to entrepreneur? This week, we are learning about the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology and its Student Innovation Fellows program. Engineering students Rachel Eizner and Claire Holland will give us pointers on signing up to be a fellow and ways you can engage with this program to grow your entrepreneurial mindset. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

We don’t expect students to always know their post-graduation plans.You will spend the next two to four years learning about the many opportunities that await you after graduation. This week, we are delighted to have Kate Zuby, from Berkeley’s counseling & psychological services, here to introduce the Career Library — a resource that will help you explore majors, careers, graduate programs and more! For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Berkeley Engineering students can study abroad! This week, ESS advisor Kendra Van Nyhuis and engineering student Simon Gonzalez share with us the amazing experience that awaits you studying abroad. You’ll learn when to start planning, some of the basic guidelines, and how students can fit a study abroad program into their degree timeline. Plus, Simon just returned from his semester abroad and shares what made his time in Rome such an amazing experience. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

You’ve come to Berkeley Engineering, so you can gain the knowledge needed to tackle the world’s most complex problems. This week I’m excited to introduce the Big Ideas @ Berkeley contest. Guests Phillip Dennny, Big Ideas director, and last year’s grand prize winner, Ashmita Kumar, will tell us more about the program, which provides training, networks, recognition and funding to interdisciplinary teams of UC Berkeley students trying to solve real-world problems. Plus, aerospace engineering student Madeleine Bardy talks about some opportunities worth exploring outside the classroom. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Mark Asta, executive associate dean at the College of Engineering, joins us this week to discuss what students can do if they don’t feel like they are in the right major. You’ll learn where to find more information about each major, what opportunities are available once you graduate, and whom you can reach out to for support and encouragement. You’ll also hear from civil engineering student Emanuel Arevalo, who will talk about his experiences with study groups. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Registration is right around the corner and we are sure you have questions about planning, the day of and what happens after. Mayra Rivera, associate director of advising and policy in Engineering Student Services joins us this week to give tips on the registration process and what to keep in mind once you’ve registered. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.

Our goal in Engineering Student Services is for each student to feel like they are successful and that they belong in Berkeley Engineering. This week we spoke with Marcia Breslin-Cantillana from ESS and current students Alisson Moreno, Zainab Alyosha, Simon Gonzalez, Cezar Carvajal to discuss how the Berkeley Mentorship Cohort gives students the opportunities to know that they belong and have a peer mentor to guide them during their academic journey. For a transcript, please visit the episode page on the ESS podcast hub.