BASIS Steering Committee
The BASIS Steering Committee is a group of seasoned BASIS volunteers in various science and engineering fields who help with departmental recruitment, outreach, and event coordination.
Integrative Biology
Kayli found her interest in paleontology during her undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder. There she experienced a wide variety of careers in STEM that she had not previously had access to and took part in her first STEM outreach program. While pursuing her PhD at UC Berkeley, she is pursuing her passion for engaging in STEM outreach and enjoys encouraging students to follow their curiosities through the BASIS program. Her research interests in the department of Integrative Biology are studying the impact of environmental change on ecology and evolution in an ancient inland sea that was in the Central Valley of California.
Astronomy
Eli is a graduate student in Astronomy focusing on radio observations of explosive events outside our galaxy. He loves sharing the wonders of space with young students throughout the Bay Area through BASIS and Be A Scientist. Outside of research, he enjoys baking, playing dungeons and dragons, and swing dancing!
Chemistry Faculty
Bioengineering
Joy grew up in Illinois and has always had a curiosity for the sciences and enjoys sharing that passion with younger students. She is pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering at UC Berkeley and is studying the interactions between the cancer microenvironment and the immune system. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, trying new bubble tea places, and watching Marvel movies!
Biophysics
Alex is a graduate student in Biophysics. He has always been interested in understanding how the world works through the lenses of physics, chemistry, and biology. When the opportunity arose to do research at the intersection of all three fields, he jumped at the chance! In his research, he studies how to make many of the molecules in our immune system better at supporting our well-being. Outside of the lab, he loves to share his enthusiasm for science with students through programs like BASIS. In his free time, he is often exercising or reading!
Neuroscience
Maya is a graduate student in Neuroscience at Cal where she studies how neurons decide to communicate flexibly or stably at their individual communication sites, called synapses. She has been fascinated by biology and brains for over 10 years and is convinced that the brain is by far the coolest organ! She has been passionate about making sure that curiosity and intrigue about science can be shared with young audiences, and has participated in science outreach programs since 2017! In her free time she enjoys cooking delicious meals, reading, biking around Oakland, flamenco dancing, and spending quality time with her pet rats.
Nutrition Science
Lindsey is a graduate student in Metabolic Biology. She has always had a knack for all things science since she was little and now enjoys sharing that enthusiasm with young minds via BASIS! In lab, Lindsey studies how proteins called nuclear receptors are involved in inflammatory bowel disease. Outside of lab, she enjoys hiking, yoga, cooking, and additional outreach through the Make a Wish and National Pancreas Foundations.
Earth and Planetary Science
Danika grew up in the Bay Area and has always loved exploring its incredible natural spaces. Now a graduate student at UC Berkeley, she studies how to quantify city-level CO2 emissions across the Bay Area to inform climate policy and understand environmental impacts. Sharing the excitement of science with students from all over the Bay brings her so much joy. Outside of her research, Danika enjoys hiking, backpacking, running, crocheting, and gardening..
Neuroscience
Samantha is a graduate student in Neuroscience studying adolescent development in mice. She has been passionate about neuroscience since high school, which is why she loves introducing neuroscience to a younger audience via BASIS. Outside of the lab, she spends her time building model kits, LEGO sets, and 1000-piece puzzles. If she’s not at home, she’s out spending time with friends and family and exploring her neighborhood.
Electrical Engineering
Originally from Michigan, Lucas Lahann moved to the Bay Area to pursue a PhD in Electrical Engineering at UC Berkeley. Grateful for the engaging STEM demonstrations he experienced at his hometown university as a child, Lucas is thrilled to give back through BASIS. He loves sharing his enthusiasm for science with the next generation and finds joy in interacting with bright young students across the Bay. Outside of research, Lucas enjoys running, cycling with friends, and digging into a good book.
Nutrition Science
Liza is a PhD candidate in the Metabolic biology program. She loves geeking out about biology to people, so teaching younger audiences about how the world works is right up her alley! In the lab, she studies how our liver function changes depending on how long it's been since we've eaten. Outside of the lab, she likes playing video games, watching new TV shows, walking, and playing with her cats!
Chemical Engineering
Justin is a graduate student studying chemical engineering. He loves how science can be used to explain the world and hopes to share his enthusiasm through BASIS. His current research focuses on all of the reactions happening inside a battery, so future phones and electric vehicles can last longer. Outside of work, Justin enjoys urban and nature hikes, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends.
Innovate Genomics Institute
Anna is a recent Berkeley graduate with degrees in Molecular and Cell Biology and Data Science. She first got involved with BASIS during her freshman year of college and has been an active volunteer ever since. She loves working and sharing her passion for science with students. Currently, Anna is a student research associate at the Innovative Genomics Institute, working on gene editing research for cures for otherwise untreatable diseases. She is also applying to medical schools this application cycle. Outside of work, Anna loves to learn languages and play instruments. She loves to write poetry, read books, and explore the city of Berkeley (especially the food!).