Discover Interests

Unveiling the Hidden Curriculum: How Inclusive Mentorship Reshapes the Experience of First-Generation Scholars

September 21, 2026
Mia Rauer

In high school, Lakshita Kutnikar built a foundation of wet lab research. But once she arrived at Berkeley, she craved work with more immediate impact. As a first-generation college student, she also hoped to join a project that addressed the unique needs of this group.

Her opportunity arrived in spring 2025 when Lakshita joined the Discovery Research Hub’s partnership with UCSF Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care. Their project, led by Dr. Rachel Schwartz and Dr. Jina Sinskey, co-PIs of the...

Interdisciplinary design and entrepreneurship

nilafur smiling

Adam started a company merging design, sustainability, linguistic science, and accessibility.

Eco-friendly marketing strategies for Gen Z

Amrita’s team designed strategies to market eco-friendly products to Gen Z and millennial consumers.

The evolutionary dance of insects and plants

Elizabeth Ordeman Screenshot

Elizabeth investigates the coevolution of milkweed feeding butterflies and their toxic milkweed plant hosts.

Innovating reproductive healthcare design

Grace Schimmel Still Cut

Grace's thesis explores future reproductive healthcare for women through the built environment.

Pursuing research for policy change

Laura Rambo studies the economic impact of 1980s-90s rural prison construction.

From biology to anthropology

Nika developed a passion for historical collections in a freshman seminar at the Hearst Museum.

Uncovering the legacy of Black Wall Street

Ockemia Bean's historical research on Black Wall Street

Ockemia's research on Black Wall Street explores perceptions of black wealth.

Protecting young salmon habitats

Phoebe is studying juvenile salmonid foraging behavior across the Lagunitas watershed.

Documenting COVID-19's varied impacts

Riya and Era created a documentary highlighting the coronavirus's impact on different communities.