Cal NERDS

New Experiences for Research and Diversity in Science

NSF LSAMP Pre-PhD Research Program

A National Science Foundation STEM Network

This NSF grant-funded program was created to provide a buffet of opportunities for underrepresented STEM students. UC Berkeley’s NSF Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in the Sciences (LSAMP) program is nicknamed NSF CAMP (California Alliance Minority Participation) and it is part of a UC systemwide alliance. In 2018, our statewide office will be transitioning from UC Irvine (http://www.camp.uci.edu) to UC Riverside (http://camp.ucr.edu/contact.html) under the direction of Dr. Richard Cardullo. Nationally there are over 30 NSF LSAMP Alliances. This program focuses on increasing the number of baccalaureate degrees granted to underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and supporting continuation to graduate studies, particularly for the Ph.D. We have two Faculty Co-Directors: Dr. Oscar Dubon and Dr. Scott Moura.

STEM Faculty involvement is one of the keys to our success
STEM Faculty involvement is one of the keys to our success
"NSF CAMP is dedicated to UC undergraduate achievement in STEM. Faculty-mentored research experience is the cornerstone, providing the preparation and impetus for graduate studies. UC faculty assert that creative research is one of the best ways to prepare students for persistence toward the B.S. degree and success in graduate school." ~ NSF CAMP Statewide Office

Students gain many advantages through the academic and professional development opportunities that increase retention and degree completion. These include workshops, linkedin coaching, career pathway advising, and professional development grants to help support graduate school applications, etc. Often NSF LSAMP/CAMP scholars can qualify for STEM graduate school fee waivers at other universities because of its 25 year history of supporting diversity STEM. Typically in February, students from nine UCs travel to the host campus for a one day research poster competition. Over 25 STEM faculty mentor judge posters in areas of biological sciences, physical sciences, and engineering.

CAMP Scholars are involved in Faculty mentored STEM research, research conferences, and poster competitions
Many CAMP Scholars are involved in summer research internships (both on and off campus)

2021 Cohort - recruiting now, see application below

2020 Cohort - no cohort due to delay in funding

2019 Cohort

  • Ashley Quiterio, Data Science
  • Azucena Castro, Applied Math & Data Science
  • Carina Hernandez, Bioengineering
  • Daniel Santos, Mechanical Engineering
  • Diana Sanchez Ruiz, Chemical Engineering
  • Elias Saravia, Applied Mathematics & Data Science
  • Fatima Rodriguez, Physics & Astrophysics
  • Francine Morales, Physics
  • Ifechukwu Okeke, Molecular Cell Biology - Neurobiology
  • Memo Gonzalez, Computer Science
  • Migueljose Baeza, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jesus Rios, Nuclear Engineering
  • Jorge Soto Pena, Data Science & Ethnic Studies
  • Julia Davila, Mathematics & Astrophysics
  • Lauryn Jordan, Bioengineering
  • Nicholas Brathwaite, Data Science
  • Sandra Lucero Ramirez, Physics & Astrophysics
  • Sofia Haile, Bioengineering
  • Xiomara Gonzalez, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Our CAMP Scholar go on to STEM trajectories
Our CAMP Scholars go on to STEM trajectories

    Eligibility Snapshot

    • LGBTQ, U.S. military veterans, and transfer students welcome
    • Must be a registered UC Berkeley student at the time of the application
    • U.S Citizens or Permanent Residents
    • Be an individual who has faced or faces social, educational, or economic barriers to careers in STEM
    • Sophomore through Senior STEM Majors interested in going to STEM Graduate School Programs
    • Must have a 2.70 or above overall UC Berkeley GPA (new Fall 2021 transfer students without a UC Berkeley GPA may use their overall community college GPA)
    • This program is geared towards sophomores, juniors, and seniors in STEM majors interested in going to STEM Graduate School Programs.
    • Please note that program resources are contingent upon NSF federal funding
    • Please note: this is not a pre-med program

    Fall 2021 Application | https://forms.gle/UcdrA5Tds6aijhWk6

    CAMP Scholars Win Top Statewide STEM Research Poster Awards
    CAMP Scholars Win Top Statewide STEM Research Poster Awards

    Please send your questions to Director Diana Lizarraga via text at #510.778.5165 or contact Chris Noble,cknoble@berkeley.edu