Top: Nathan Sweet, Angelo Verngetti, Yongbo Wang
Aakash (right) with big Grant (left)
Since I was young, I have always been an active person and sports have played a prevalent role in my life. I have played soccer since I was 3 years old and have developed a strong passion and appreciation for the game. I continued to play throughout my childhood and all the way through my senior year of high school. Though I may not be the strongest or fastest athlete, my goal is to at least tryout and hopefully play for the Cal men’s club soccer team next fall. To supplement my passion for soccer, I am a huge outdoor person in general. My appreciation for nature and the outdoors lead me to becoming an active member in my boy scout troop. Hiking, backpacking, canoeing, climbing, and camping are just a hand full of the many activities I actively participated in. Nowadays, I’ve started to play more basketball and lifting weights in the RSF in little free time I have.
Another goal of mine is to travel and see as much of the world as possible. I been fortunate enough to be able to travel around the world and explore and learn about new cultures. To me, traveling gives me an opportunity to diversify my own opinions and perspectives, thus making me a more understanding and appreciative individual. However, though most of my travels have been restricted to more popular tourist destinations, I’m hoping to expand beyond these common destinations and visit parts of the world where I’m exposed to brand new experiences, lifestyles, and cultures. I believe this would be a great way to learn more about myself by exposing me to situations I would never otherwise encounter.
Alex (left) with big Kendra (right)
Andrew (right) with big Joyce (left)
My name is Andrew Liu and I’m a first year Chemical Engineering major at UC Berkeley. I am currently pledging as part of the Fall 19 class. I joined AXS because I wanted to be a part of a small community of people with similar majors. The people of AXS have given me tons of support to me as I navigate my academic and personal life during my first semester of Berkeley.
Outside of academics, I like to dance. I am currently on UC Berkeley Azaad- the bollywood hip hop dance team on campus. Though we spend a lot of time practicing for competitions during second semester, there is still a lot of time to have fun outside of practice. During my free time, I like to watch youtube and listen to music. Some of my favorite topics and artists I keep up on are New Technologies, NBA, Lauv, and Jonas Blue.
Angelo (left) with big Tyler (right)
I am a mathematics major in my Junior year at UC Berkeley. I am interested in pursuing integrative medicine after I attain a Bachelors. I am buddhist and specifically follow the Theravada tradition of practice. One day I hope to become a monk - whether it be for a year or ten years.
Carly (left) with big Elijah (right)
I’ve always been local (I was born in Walnut Creek and now live in Danville). My parents are both from Hong Kong and I actually go back and visit every year, as all of my other relatives live there! As you probably know already, as an elementary schooler my love for both arachnids and insects blossomed. It started when my 1st and 2nd grade teacher assigned us all weekly tasks to weed the school garden. While everyone else was weeding, I’d spend the whole time picking up different insects and observing them, recording my observations in a little notebook I carried with me. I’d enjoy going on hikes just for the purpose of seeing if I could spot any insect that I have not yet recorded/seen.
In middle school, I actually started writing books for children that focused primarily on insect-insect, arachnid-arachnid, and arachnid-insect interactions (basically arthropods). I wrote these novels for hospitalized children and also some of my extended family members. I focused my novels mainly on adventures that insects embarked on that helped them both grow as a “person” and also helped them discover a deeper lesson on the importance of friendship, teamwork, etc. For example, one of my novels was about a praying mantis that embarked on a journey to find a stone that granted him the power to never die, but along the way, he discovered that the relationships he made along the way were much more meaningful than the end goal. I still have a copy of my first book at home, I believe.
In high school, I was a part of the Bug of the Month Club, which hosted both events for young children and the general public. For the children, I led events such as “Raise your own Praying Mantis” where I’d teach young children about the anatomy of the insect and let them take two praying mantises home along with an egg sac to illustrate the full “cycle.” As for the general public, I participated in events that demonstrated the importance of both insects and arachnids in our society and the environment. I became frustrated at the stigma against arachnids and insects, which was mainly imposed on the public by media.
I got my first tarantula 7-8 years ago and she is still with me today. As of now, I have 10 tarantulas and hope to gain more species. I love the sheer variety among species and how each and every individual, even within the same species, has a different personality. I’ll send you some pictures/videos of my tarantulas below! I used to have pictures of me holding my beloved Chilean Rose (my first tarantula), but they were on my old phone and I forgot to save them 😞.
Caroline (right) with big Sammy (Left)
Hello! Here is a short blurb about me: I was born and raised in Iowa. My first time away from home was my junior year I spent as an exchange student in France; I love other languages and the little details that differentiate cultures. I realized I wanted to study chemistry when it was the first subject I really understood in French and was able to succeed in there. In high school I loved running cross country and some of my best memories are from the long bus rides and the bonds or racing together. I have the undisputed best dog in the world and have abundant proof of this. Fall is my favorite season, thanksgiving my favorite holiday. And i love watching and discussing movies / deep books!
Charmaine (right) with big Alex (left)
I’m Charmaine. I’m a chem bio second year. I was born and raised in Hong Kong, but I also spent a few years in the Philippines and the Netherlands. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to travel but also insatiable wanderlust. Besides traveling, I love art, skin care, and coffee. I’m pretty health-conscious, and I try to stay fit. I used to do long jump and Muay Thai, but I only fence now. I’ve been fencing since high school, and it’s my favorite stress reliever!
Eric (right) with big Spencer (left)
Chemistry has been my love since my elementary school years. My readings outside of class were middle school chemistry books, and my weekend activities involved retreating into my balcony “lab” to see actual reactions happen in my cheap test tubes. The thrill of chemistry for me was simple back then: mix some things together to get some other things, creating bubbles, precipitate, or colour changes along the way. Who cared about atoms. As I delved further into the textbooks, however, I discovered that chemistry was more than mixing chemicals. The reactions that we observe serve as a window to look into what makes up our world and how it changes: the movement of electrons, the breaking and forming of bonds, the 3D arrangement of molecules, and the tendency toward lower energy states that drives all the chemical processes around us. As I began to explore scientific literature in high school, I gained a deeper understanding of how molecules make us what we are through the biochemical mechanisms that arise from the millions of years of evolution. How scientists set up assays to tease the details of specific events out of nature was always intellectually stimulating and eye-opening. The fact that understanding these processes may also allow us to contribute to the advancement of the medical sciences and ultimately the betterment of human lives only adds to the excitement. I thus set my heart on a course of study and a potential career in the basic life sciences and was lucky enough to have an opportunity to engage in hands-on research at the Desai Lab at UCSF. Initially, I was not too excited when I realized that “doing“ science does not always give you the pretty figures in publications. However, as our particles became more efficient in surface coating and more consistent in size, developing convincing conclusions and functional methods makes all the work worthwhile. I am now determined to continue pursuing science research in the future, making contributions to our knowledge of the world.
Esther (right) with big Ace (left)
As for basic information about myself, I was born in Texas and raised in SoCal, specifically Orange County, or even more specifically Placentia (fun fact, it’s the city next to where Richard Nixon was born). I have an older brother named Heeyoung. We’re seven years apart so I don’t see him often but we do share a lot of hobbies, interests, and even passions when it comes to politics (aka he was a poli sci major and I really enjoy reading up about politics). My parents and my brother are originally from South Korea, and they all immigrated to the United States before I was born. I have a maltese-yorkie mixed dog named Cookie. I would like to say I am boring and have no real interest in anything, but growing up I was a major art nerd. I played violin, I used to take a lot of art classes in my free time, I learned how to edit videos (and eventually upload them to YouTube), I learned how to take photos, and eventually, I got into graphic design. If I wasn’t doing chemical engineering and if I had no financial worries, I would probably be doing one of two things: freelance design artist or law. Though I’m not a film-junkie, I really like the aspect of cinematics and working behind the camera to perfect the look of a certain movie. Another major interest is law. In high school, I was in mock trial for four years, and it made me realize how much I love the aspect of arguing in court and even debating politics. I enjoy the logic behind legal arguments and even the art of argument, but being able to argue perfectly still terrifies me (and is probably the reason why I’m not going into law).
Jason (left) with big Maanasa (right)
Hi, I’m Jason Yen and I’m from Los Angeles. I’m Cantonese-American and I speak three languages semi-fluently. I have two older sisters and one pug. I went to Walnut High School. I’m currently a chemistry major at UC Berkeley. Some of my interests include art, makeup, and skincare. I self taught myself art in fifth grade and I’ve been trying to draw more recently (as you can see with my stickers). I really want to pursue a design oriented side project. Other than that, I mainly do stylistic or cartoon drawings. I used to have cystic acne so I got really into skincare. To be honest, that was the main reason why I chose chemistry as a major. I want to pursue a job in the cosmetics field pertaining to skincare. Originally, I intended to be PreMed and become a dermatologist, but I’m not so sure about that anymore.
Jessica (right) with big Ryan (left)
I was born and raised in Orange County. Moving to Berkeley is actually the first time I’ve moved so far/to an unfamiliar place. I guess besides the prestige and history, my main reason for coming to Berkeley is adventure. I’m pretty easy going and I like to think I can get along with almost anyone. I really like being social and meeting new people. I feel that my interests are very diverse. I like a lot of different kinds of music (from country to post hardcore). I like murder TV shows to dorky stuff like adventure time (one of the best cartoons of all time). I’m starting to get into photography, as well.
I didn’t always know what I wanted to do. I found my passion for chemistry in high school. However, it took me awhile to realize that I was meant to follow this passion. Ever since, I never looked back. It was not until I took organic chemistry that I really settled on a specific pathway. During the summer of 2018, I did an internship at UCI assisting graduate students in their research. I learned so much and really fell in love with the lab atmosphere. I decided that I wanted to apply for grad school and get my PhD. Being at Berkeley has really opened my eyes to all the possibilities.
Jesus (left) with big Anthony (right)
I like to go on runs in the morning while the air is still cold. It feels so much better to run in the cold rather than the heat and its helps to wake me up for the rest of my day/classes. I started to like running a lot more after cross-country in high school. It makes me feel free. I also like to hang meet new people whenever I can. It feels great to meet people from different communities and see things from their point of view. I think its cool how everyone has faced life in their own way.
Kai (right) with big Andy (left)
I’m a second year Chemistry major here at Cal, currently pledging AXS and also part of UCBMUN, Berkeley’s competitive MUN travel team. I mainly compete in reactionary “Crisis” committees, and will be competing at USC this October and debating the dot com stock market crash of the late 1990’s. Culturally I am half Japanese and half American, I was born in Hiroshima, Japan, and lived there for a while before moving to the states. My mom is from northern Japan, where I went to school every summer, and my dad is from Hawaii. My hobbies include playing tennis, too much fifa, and taking naps as often as possible. I have a very busy schedule at Berkeley, but when I am home I love to bake and make new things. I don't have any pictures of the stuff I bake, probably cause it tasted fine but looks odd most of the time. I share an apartment with 3 other roommates near the AXS house, and end up cooking a lot, mainly because I enjoy it. I also listen to lots of music, mainly alt pop or J hip hop and spend lots of time playing smash with my apartment mates.
Kyle (right) with big Brittney (left)
Hi! My name is Kyle De Matias! I am from San Luis Obispo, California, but I grew up in the Philippines! I really love food, working out, exploring new places, and especially science!
Leilany (right) with big Jazzy (left)
My name is Leilany Lopez and I am a chemistry major, junior transfer in my first semester at Berkeley. After highschool I thought I wanted to be an engineer but I was not sure if that was my true passion. In community college I took my first chemistry class and fell in love with the subject. Right away I knew this was a career path I would love to follow. I was hoping to major in environmental chemistry but this major is not offered everywhere and it had been my dream for a long time to attend UC Berkeley. The reason I am interested in environmental chemistry is because I am very passionate about the environment and sustainability. The way a lot of people mention they want to help others, I just want to help the environment. Some of my interests non-school related include the musical theatre. I was in a show choir in high school and we would put on musical plays and nothing makes me happier than singing and dancing on a stage (in the background I am not actually talented). I have a great love for music but this is not a passion that I would ever turn into my career. It is my favorite hobby and I hope to become involved in a club next semester that is related to the performing arts.
Lexi (right) with big Stephen (left)
I've always been really into dance since I've had to since I was six years old lol. At my studio I learned how to do ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop dancing. I did competitive dance with a studio from 8-14, when I finally decided to switch to dancing on my high school's team since a studio environment is pretty toxic. So I started dancing at my high school’s Varsity dance team and started competing with them, and I was the team’s Captain my senior year. I’ve competed 7 solos over the course of 5 years, ranging from lyrical, to contemporary, to jazz, and hip hop. Also, during my freshman year of high school, I joined a hip hop crew called Kaba Kids, and was a member of that until my senior year. However, I’m also taking a break from dancing for now and have recently gotten super interested in minecraft on the PC and my old DS games lmao. I have a minecraft server rn that I share with my dad and my boyfriend back home - although midterms kind of threw a wrench in that. I’ve been playing more of my 3DS lately with my old games like Legend of Zelda, Nintendogs, Mario Bros, MySims - there’s quite a few lol.
Meera (left) with big Katelyn (right)
My name is Meera and I am a sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering. I’m from the South Bay (Sunnyvale)! Some things I like to do outside of school is watching sports/movies/tv shows, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. Also I know a lot of random facts but can’t seem to memorize anything important ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Nathan (right) with big Nathan (left)
Before coming to Cal, Nathan lived his whole life in the same house in Davis. In fact, he has never even left the country. Hopefully he’ll change that someday soon. Nathan is passionate about environmentalism. He served on a recycling board in his school district and led a riparian restoration internship while in high school. At Berkeley, he is a part of the Global Environmental Theme House at Clark Kerr. If you find Nathan in the city, chances are he’d rather be hiking, camping, or trail running instead. He loves to run, and many of his fondest memories are with his high school cross-country team. He used to fence for many years but like many other things, ran out of time for it. Nathan also enjoys playing board games in his free time but free time is hard to come across nowadays.
Depending on the week, Nathan might give you a different answer as to what he plans to study and what are his professional goals. Currently he is a chemistry major intending toxicology minor, but what we’ll see how that changes. Other academic interests that he has are math, statistics, ecology, philosophy, and spanish. That’s a lot of room for change, but he is currently planning to go to grad school for toxicology, or maybe some other chemical field with environmental applications.
Yongbo (right) with big Sanket (left)
Hi there, Nice to meet you:
I am Yongbo Wang and here are some quick facts about me.
I am from Beijing; My personality type is ENTJ-A; Love all kinds of music; Love anime and Ghibli; lastly, I am allergic to Durian(lethal);
Our handsome and wholesome webmaster said I am supposed to share some of my interests here. But honestly, I am the kind of person that is interested in everything. I will always go try out new foods and new restaurant despite sometimes got wrecked by bad ones. Yet, if I have to pick something, it will be painting!
I started painting quite long time ago, started off practicing structures and compositions with plain sketch. I didn't quite like the classes but it built important foundation for me anyway. The first colored painting I drew was a replica of Monet's water lilies, who continued to be one of my favorite painter. I didn't draw for quite a long time during middle school due to classwork, and I picked it up after watching anime and now you can say I am professionalized in drawing waifu maybe??? Anyway what I put into paintings are somewhat like Dali. Also, inspired by wlop and Bob Ross(happy little tree) I am currently drawing on digital media while mimicking heavy oil look that one often finds in game portraits.
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