Advising Fellows Profiles

Alethea Stoltzfus (she/her)

Graduate Student Affairs Officer, College of Chemistry

In two sentences, what do you do?

I manage two professional master’s programs in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering - this encompasses recruiting and admissions, academic advising, event planning, running our mentorship program, alumni relations, career services, and much more.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I’ve been at Berkeley for almost 5 years, and I previously worked at the Berkeley International Office.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I applied to be an advising fellow to connect with other advisors at UC Berkeley, and to give back to the advising community here.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I was homeschooled!

Jahzeel Flores Morales (she/her)

College Adviser, College of Chemistry

In two sentences, what do you do?

I advise a roster of undergraduate students in the College of Chemistry, supporting them in academic planning, connecting with resources, and navigating college policies. Additionally, I manage our transfer admissions process, department scholarships & awards, data requests, and liaise with EOP. 

How long have you been at Berkeley?

Since July 2020 - I started during the pandemic, that was bizarre. 

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I’m interested in doing more for the student services community, getting to know more of my cross-campus colleagues, and contributing to initiatives and conversations beyond my department. All while learning and connecting with others.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I grew up in Watsonville, CA - a farming town on the Central Coast, home of Driscoll’s  (strawberries) and Martinelli’s (apple juice). Therefore, I love summer fairs and finding comfort at the beach. 

In my spare time, I mentor for BHS and MAPS (coaching former foster youth applying to graduate school).

Marjorie Ensor (she/her/ella)

Academic Advisor, Data Science Undergraduate Studies

In two sentences, what do you do?

I helped launch the Data Science major in Fall 2018 and now work with a team of talented advisors in the Data Science Undergraduate Studies academic within the Division of Computing, Data Science and Society. I also supervise our amazing and dedicated Data Science Peer Advisors (DSPAs) who in turn help guide and provide a peer perspective to potential and declared DS majors and minors. 

How long have you been at Berkeley?

This past June, I celebrated 21 years of service at UC Berkeley.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I applied to the Advising Fellows program because I was excited ot hear that a planned project for Spring 2022 is the relaunch of the Peer Advising Network. Since I currently am the supervisor for the Data Science Peer Advisors, I am very excited to help with this effort to revitalize a much needed resource for campus. Also, the opportunity to collaborate with others on campus is always appealing to me. 

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am a Competitive Tahitian ‘Ori Dancer and my Pupu Ori (school) is Matahani, based in Concord. I also study hula with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts in Oakland.  I am blessed to have the opportunity to travel all over the state to compete and during Covid-19 have been entered into a number of international virtual competitions. As part of my studies I am learning the Tahitian Reo (language) and Tā’ere Mā’ohi (culture). ‘Ia Ora Na and me ke aloha nui loa! 

Natalie Poulos (she/her)

Undergraduate Student Services Advisor & Course and CurriculumOfficer, Statistics Department

In two sentences, what do you do?

As an Academic Advisor and Enrollment Manager for the Statistics department, I help to guide Statistics students as they progress through their major or minor. I work closely with faculty and other staff to assist in scheduling the Statistics courses for the department and ensure that students enroll in the courses they need to achieve their goals.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

3 years.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I was looking for an opportunity to build relationships with colleagues across campus and to develop professionally so I can be a better advisor for my students.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

This is not little-known to the people that know me, but I am obsessed with Taylor Swift and pretty much listen to her all day!

Alethea Stoltzfus (she/her)

Graduate Student Affairs Officer, College of Chemistry

In two sentences, what do you do?

I manage two professional master’s programs in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering - this encompasses recruiting and admissions, academic advising, event planning, running our mentorship program, alumni relations, career services, and much more. 

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I’ve been at Berkeley for almost 4 years, and I previously worked at the Berkeley International Office.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I applied to be an advising fellow to connect with other advisors at UC Berkeley, and to give back to the advising community here.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I was homeschooled!

Jahzeel Flores Morales (she/her)

College Adviser, College of Chemistry

In two sentences, what do you do?

I advise a roster of undergraduate students in the College of Chemistry, supporting them in academic planning, connecting with resources and navigating major and college policies. Additionally, I manage transfer admissions for the college, working closely with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in the review of transfer applicants every spring. 

How long have you been at Berkeley?

Since July 2020 - I started during the pandemic, that was bizarre. 

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I’m interested in doing more for the student services community, getting to know more of my cross-campus colleagues, and contributing to initiatives and conversations beyond my department. All while learning and connecting with others.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I grew up in Watsonville, CA - a farming town on the Central Coast, home of Driscoll’s  (strawberries) and Martinelli’s (apple juice). Therefore, I eat fruits in season, love going to summer fairs, and find comfort at the beach.

Marjorie Ensor (she/her/ella)

Academic Advisor, Data Science Undergraduate Studies

In two sentences, what do you do?

I helped launch the Data Science major in Fall 2018 and now work with a team of talented advisors in the Data Science Undergraduate Studies academic within the Division of Computing, Data Science and Society. I also supervise our amazing and dedicated Data Science Peer Advisors (DSPAs) who in turn help guide and provide a peer perspective to potential and declared DS majors and minors. 

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I started this amazing journey in 2002. This June I will reach my 20 years of service at UC Berkeley. 

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I applied to the Advising Fellows program because I was excited ot hear that a planned project for Spring 2022 is the relaunch of the Peer Advising Network. Since I currently am the supervisor for the Data Science Peer Advisors, I am very excited to help with this effort to revitalize a much needed resource for campus. Also, the opportunity to collaborate with others on campus is always appealing to me. 

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am a Competitive Tahitian ‘Ori Dancer and my Pupu Ori (school) is Matahani, based in Concord. I also study hula with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts in Oakland.  I am blessed to have the opportunity to travel all over the state to compete and during Covid-19 have been entered into a number of international virtual competitions. As part of my studies I am learning the Tahitian Reo (language) and Tā’ere Mā’ohi (culture). ‘Ia Ora Na and me ke aloha nui loa! 

Natalie Poulos (she/her)

Undergraduate Student Services Advisor & Course and Curriculum Officer, Statistics Department

In two sentences, what do you do?

As an Academic Advisor and Enrollment Manager for the Statistics department, I help to guide Statistics students as they progress through their major or minor. I work closely with faculty and other staff to assist in scheduling the Statistics courses for the department and ensure that students enroll in the courses they need to achieve their goals.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

About a year and a half.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I was looking for an opportunity to build relationships with colleagues across campus and to develop professionally so I can be a better advisor for my students.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

This is not little-known to the people that know me, but I am obsessed with Taylor Swift and pretty much listen to her all day!

Paige Corey (she/her)

Academic Records Evaluator, Office of the Registrar

In two sentences, what do you do?

The Academic Records Unit is responsible for the posting of all undergraduate degrees; I evaluate and monitor the completion of graduation requirements for all undergrad students while working closely with college & major advising staff regarding students’ academic records and progress toward degree completion. My team is also responsible for academic record maintenance, such as retroactive adds, drops, option changes, the resolution of NR and blank grades, and academic transcript conversions.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I have been at Berkeley for two years, and have been working in Higher Ed./Student Services for the last 8 years. 

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet new colleagues on campus and get the opportunity to work together collaboratively while learning from each other.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice Workshops 

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am passionate about animal rescue. I have been volunteering with Muttville, a dog rescue in San Francisco that works with senior (age 7+)  dogs for the past three years and one of my favorite things is fostering a dog and helping them find their perfect family.

Sarah Acosta, Senior Fellow (they/she)

Program Coordinator, Office for Graduate Diversity

In two sentences, what do you do?

As Program Coordinator with OGD, I work with colleagues and scholars across campus to advocate for and implement programming that increases diversity in the graduate population and supports a more equitable and positive experience for minoritized graduate students.

How long have you been at Berkeley?
Berkeley and I have been in and out of each other’s lives since 2010.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?
Advisors are a core component of the student experience. As someone who has now worked across the higher education pipeline - college access, undergraduate, and now graduate - I see how our systems interconnect and feed into each other. My hope is to contribute to shaping the foundation that all student-facing professionals can rest on to ensure the most fruitful experience for our students. I am bringing a particular emphasis on marginalized and minoritized students and graduate students. On a more personal level, amazing things are happening across campus and I’m excited to connect with even more colleagues!

What project(s) will you be working on as a fellow?
NewBe Orientation and Advancing Practice Curriculum

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?
Reality TV is my ultimate guilty pleasure.

Tim Cahill, Senior Fellow (he/him)

Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Undergraduate Advising, College of Letters and Science

In two sentences, what do you do?

In addition to working with students in an advising capacity, I am responsible for all training in our office, including onboarding new staff and continuing education for the whole department. I am also a proud member of the of the Biological Science advising team.

How long have you been at Berkeley? 

I started at Cal in October of 2017

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I am passionate about training, onboarding, and curriculum development and wanted to work closer with other Cal staff on these initiatives and projects.

What projects will you be working on as a fellow? 

I will be on two teams, including the NewBE Team that works to onboard new Cal staff and the Advancing Practice Curriculum Team.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I grew up in a small town in Montana where my grandparents owned and operated a toy store. Wandering around the aisles of the store was a pretty fun way to grow up!

antmen pimentel mendoza (he/him & she/her)

Assistant Director of Cross Cultural Student Development, Multicultural Community Center

In two sentences, what do you do?

I co-conspire with CCSD and MCC interns and pro staff to dream up a more free world by stewarding the flame of the Third World Liberation Front that created the MCC. I work closely with students who are managing the MCC’s lending library and archive, co-facilitate the MCC and CCSD internships, and develop collective knowledge of curriculum development and facilitation.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I have been in this role for over two years, but I was also an undergrad at Cal and an MCC intern!

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

After attending a few Advancing Practice workshops, I was excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Fellows on fostering these spaces of mutual learning with staff. I am especially interested in sharing out on the liberatory praxes that we’re exploring at the MCC and to learn from folks across campus and beyond.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice workshops

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

It’s not little known per se, but I really love books and storytelling and would love to talk with your favorite books and stories and poems.

Kandis Rodgers (she/her)

Career and Internship Specialist, School of Public Health

In two sentences, what do you do?

As a Career and Internship Specialist, I support public health graduate students in achieving their career goals by creating a space for self-exploration, professional development, and practical application. I have the great opportunity to provide career counseling as well as assist residential and online students with gaining field experience through practicums and internships.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I celebrate my one year at Berkeley on July 1st. 

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

The Advising Fellows is a great intersection of some of my professional goals: to expand my community at Berkeley, to co-create space for continuous development, and to enhance resources available to my fellow student-facing colleagues.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advanced Practice Certificate Program 

What's an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I "starred" in a commercial as a baby for an east coast automotive center. I was the diapered baby in a tire.

Marjorie Ensor (she/her/ella)

Academic Advisor, Data Science Undergraduate Studies

In two sentences, what do you do?

I helped launch the Data Science major in Fall 2018 and now work with a team of talented advisors in the Data Science Undergraduate Studies academic within the Division of Computing, Data Science and Society. I also supervise our amazing and dedicated Data Science Peer Advisors (DSPAs) who in turn help guide and provide a peer perspective to potential and declared DS majors and minors. 

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I started this amazing journey in 2002. This June I will reach my 20 years of service at UC Berkeley. 

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I applied to the Advising Fellows program because I was excited ot hear that a planned project for Spring 2022 is the relaunch of the Peer Advising Network. Since I currently am the supervisor for the Data Science Peer Advisors, I am very excited to help with this effort to revitalize a much needed resource for campus. Also, the opportunity to collaborate with others on campus is always appealing to me. 

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am a Competitive Tahitian ‘Ori Dancer and my Pupu Ori (school) is Matahani, based in Concord. I also study hula with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts in Oakland.  I am blessed to have the opportunity to travel all over the state to compete and during Covid-19 have been entered into a number of international virtual competitions. As part of my studies I am learning the Tahitian Reo (language) and Tā’ere Mā’ohi (culture). ‘Ia Ora Na and me ke aloha nui loa! 

Matt Benson (they/them)

Berkeley Hope Scholars Student Success Counselor

In two sentences, what do you do?

I work with former foster youth at Berkeley to make sure they have the tools and resources they need to be successful in their time during and after being students at UC Berkeley.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

Since October 2021.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I wanted another opportunity to build community with colleagues and across the Berkely community.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I used to be a professional seeing-eye dog trainer for 4 years.

Natalie Poulos (she/her)

Undergraduate Student Services Advisor & Course and Curriculum Officer, Statistics Department

In two sentences, what do you do?

As an Academic Advisor and Enrollment Manager for the Statistics department, I help to guide Statistics students as they progress through their major or minor. I work closely with faculty and other staff to assist in scheduling the Statistics courses for the department and ensure that students enroll in the courses they need to achieve their goals.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

About a year and a half.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I was looking for an opportunity to build relationships with colleagues across campus and to develop professionally so I can be a better advisor for my students.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

This is not little-known to the people that know me, but I am obsessed with Taylor Swift and pretty much listen to her all day!

Nicole Rucinski (she/her)

Graduate Student Advisor

In two sentences, what do you do?

The Graduate Student Advisor is a title within UCB that allows for students, faculty, and staff to identify within a department the "go-to" person in the Student Services Office for graduate student matters. I advise on degree requirements, course enrollment policies, student funding matters, campus resources, and many other facets that make up the student experience.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

Three years.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I wanted the opportunity to work closer with other Cal staff on initiatives and projects that benefit the greater good of everyone on campus! My hope is to contribute to shaping support programming for student-facing professionals because everyone deserves a safe and supportive community to fall back on when needed, especially while providing an equally safe and supportive space for our students.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

When I was 12, I starred in my hometown’s community rendition of the musical Les Miserables as Young Cossette. I sang about a castle on a cloud.

Paige Corey (she/her)

Academic Records Evaluator, Office of the Registrar

In two sentences, what do you do?

The Academic Records Unit is responsible for the posting of all undergraduate degrees; I evaluate and monitor the completion of graduation requirements for all undergrad students while working closely with college & major advising staff regarding students’ academic records and progress toward degree completion. My team is also responsible for academic record maintenance, such as retroactive adds, drops, option changes, the resolution of NR and blank grades, and academic transcript conversions.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I have been at Berkeley for two years, and have been working in Higher Ed./Student Services for the last 8 years. 

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet new colleagues on campus and get the opportunity to work together collaboratively while learning from each other.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice Workshops 

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am passionate about animal rescue. I have been volunteering with Muttville, a dog rescue in San Francisco that works with senior (age 7+)  dogs for the past three years and one of my favorite things is fostering a dog and helping them find their perfect family.

Sydney Ji (they/them)

Cal Student Central Advisor, Cal Student Central

In two sentences, what do you do?

I am a student services advisor in Cal Student Central, a one-stop hub that primarily supports Financial Aid and Scholarships, Office of the Registrar, and Billing and Payments. In person, via on the phone, and via Salesforce cases, I help students, parents, alumni, and other members of the public to understand policies in these realms, navigate our electronic systems, handle transactional matters such as completing forms and lifting holds, and find the appropriate other departments and contacts for matters that our department cannot take action on.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

A little over three years as a full-time staff, and prior to that, 3.5 years as an undergraduate.

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

I'm excited for the opportunity to get to work with student services staff who span many different departments and life experiences, build a greater sense of community while contributing to projects that help staff support students more effectively, and further develop skills such as project management.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice Certificate Program

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I have a YouTube channel where I upload my vocal covers under an alias; I mainly sing Japanese songs but also some English.

Sarah Acosta, Senior Fellow (they/she)

Program Coordinator, Office for Graduate Diversity

In two sentences, what do you do?

As Program Coordinator with OGD, I work with colleagues and scholars across campus to advocate for and implement programming that increases diversity in the graduate population and supports a more equitable and positive experience for minoritized graduate students.

How long have you been at Berkeley?
Berkeley and I have been in and out of each other’s lives since 2010.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?
Advisors are a core component of the student experience. As someone who has now worked across the higher education pipeline - college access, undergraduate, and now graduate - I see how our systems interconnect and feed into each other. My hope is to contribute to shaping the foundation that all student-facing professionals can rest on to ensure the most fruitful experience for our students. I am bringing a particular emphasis on marginalized and minoritized students and graduate students. On a more personal level, amazing things are happening across campus and I’m excited to connect with even more colleagues!

What project(s) will you be working on as a fellow?
NewBe Orientation and Advancing Practice Curriculum

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?
Reality TV is my ultimate guilty pleasure.

antmen pimentel mendoza (he/him & she/her)

Assistant Director of Cross Cultural Student Development, Multicultural Community Center

In two sentences, what do you do?

I co-conspire with CCSD and MCC interns and pro staff to dream up a more free world by stewarding the flame of the Third World Liberation Front that created the MCC. I work closely with students who are managing the MCC’s lending library and archive, co-facilitate the MCC and CCSD internships, and develop collective knowledge of curriculum development and facilitation.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I have been in this role for over two years, but I was also an undergrad at Cal and an MCC intern!

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

After attending a few Advancing Practice workshops, I was excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Fellows on fostering these spaces of mutual learning with staff. I am especially interested in sharing out on the liberatory praxes that we’re exploring at the MCC and to learn from folks across campus and beyond.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice workshops

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

It’s not little known per se, but I really love books and storytelling and would love to talk with your favorite books and stories and poems.

Paige Corey (she/her)

Academic Records Evaluator, Office of the Registrar

In two sentences, what do you do?

The Academic Records Unit is responsible for the posting of all undergraduate degrees; I evaluate and monitor the completion of graduation requirements for all undergrad students while working closely with college & major advising staff regarding students’ academic records and progress toward degree completion. My team is also responsible for academic record maintenance, such as retroactive adds, drops, option changes, the resolution of NR and blank grades, and academic transcript conversions.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I have been at Berkeley for two years, and have been working in Higher Ed./Student Services for the last 8 years. 

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet new colleagues on campus and get the opportunity to work together collaboratively while learning from each other.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice Workshops 

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am passionate about animal rescue. I have been volunteering with Muttville, a dog rescue in San Francisco that works with senior (age 7+)  dogs for the past three years and one of my favorite things is fostering a dog and helping them find their perfect family.

Sydney Ji (they/them)

Cal Student Central Advisor, Cal Student Central

In two sentences, what do you do?

I am a student services advisor in Cal Student Central, a one-stop hub that primarily supports Financial Aid and Scholarships, Office of the Registrar, and Billing and Payments. In person, via on the phone, and via Salesforce cases, I help students, parents, alumni, and other members of the public to understand policies in these realms, navigate our electronic systems, handle transactional matters such as completing forms and lifting holds, and find the appropriate other departments and contacts for matters that our department cannot take action on.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

A little over three years as a full-time staff, and prior to that, 3.5 years as an undergraduate.

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

I'm excited for the opportunity to get to work with student services staff who span many different departments and life experiences, build a greater sense of community while contributing to projects that help staff support students more effectively, and further develop skills such as project management.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice Certificate Program

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I have a YouTube channel where I upload my vocal covers under an alias; I mainly sing Japanese songs but also some English.

Kandis Rodgers (she/her)

Career and Internship Specialist, School of Public Health

In two sentences, what do you do?

As a Career and Internship Specialist, I support public health graduate students in achieving their career goals by creating a space for self-exploration, professional development, and practical application. I have the great opportunity to provide career counseling as well as assist residential and online students with gaining field experience through practicums and internships.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I celebrate my one year at Berkeley on July 1st. 

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

The Advising Fellows is a great intersection of some of my professional goals: to expand my community at Berkeley, to co-create space for continuous development, and to enhance resources available to my fellow student-facing colleagues.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advanced Practice Certificate Program 

What's an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I "starred" in a commercial as a baby for an east coast automotive center. I was the diapered baby in a tire.

Raty Syka

Student Services Advisor, Department of Art Practice

In two sentences, what do you do?

I am the Undergraduate Major Advisor, Graduate Student Affairs Office, Scheduler, and Enrollment Manager for the department. I work primarily with undergraduate students, including many transfer students, to plan their course of study in Art while at Berkeley and enroll in the classes they need.  

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I’ve been a staff member at Berkeley since fall of 2019; previously I was a graduate student in an MA program from 2017-2019.

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

Working in student advising has been my favorite, and the most rewarding, role that I’ve had at Cal so far. I have a lot of various work and academic experience, so I applied to become an Advising Fellow in order to focus on and refine my advising skills more formally, and to work on project-based learning with other members of the Berkeley advising community.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

NewBe (Onboarding bCourse for new Advising and Student Services staff)

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am the equivalent of an Eagle Scout in 4-H (4-H All Star).

Jon Phillips

Graduate Student Affairs Officer, Mathematics

In two sentences, what do you do?

I advise and provide administrative support to PhD students throughout their time in the graduate program. 

How long have you been at Berkeley? 

I graduated from Berkeley in 2015 and began working here in August, 2017.

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

I really enjoy learning about other offices and jobs on campus. I saw this is a unique opportunity to meet new people and gain a better understanding of our sprawling university. 

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

The Remote Advising Circles

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am an avid player of Dungeons & Dragons and tactical board games.

Sarah Acosta

HSI Academic Success Counselor, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

In two sentences, what do you do?

As an HSI Academic Success Counselor with EOP, I'm working with campus partners to shape an environment that is prepared to become an HSI as well as support Latine scholars in their pursuit of a Berkeley education.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

Berkeley and I have been in and out of each other’s lives since 2010.

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

Advisors are a core component of the student experience. As someone who has now worked across the higher education pipeline - college access, graduate, and undergraduate - I see how our systems interconnect and feed into each other. My hope is to contribute to shaping the foundation that all student-facing professionals can rest on to ensure the most fruitful experience for our students. I am bringing a particular emphasis on marginalized and minoritized students. On a more personal level, amazing things are happening across campus and I’m excited to connect with even more colleagues!

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?
Reality TV is my ultimate guilty pleasure.

Tim Cahill, Senior Fellow (he/him)

Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Undergraduate Advising, College of Letters and Science

In two sentences, what do you do?

In addition to working with students in an advising capacity, I am responsible for all training in our office, including onboarding new staff and continuing education for the whole department. I am also a proud member of the of the Biological Science advising team.

How long have you been at Berkeley? 

I started at Cal in October of 2017

Why did you apply to be a fellow?

I am passionate about training, onboarding, and curriculum development and wanted to work closer with other Cal staff on these initiatives and projects.

What projects will you be working on as a fellow? 

I will be on two teams, including the NewBE Team that works to onboard new Cal staff and the Advancing Practice Curriculum Team.

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I grew up in a small town in Montana where my grandparents owned and operated a toy store. Wandering around the aisles of the store was a pretty fun way to grow up!

Paige Corey (she/her)

Academic Records Evaluator, Office of the Registrar

In two sentences, what do you do?

The Academic Records Unit is responsible for the posting of all undergraduate degrees; I evaluate and monitor the completion of graduation requirements for all undergrad students while working closely with college & major advising staff regarding students’ academic records and progress toward degree completion. My team is also responsible for academic record maintenance, such as retroactive adds, drops, option changes, the resolution of NR and blank grades, and academic transcript conversions.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I have been at Berkeley for two years, and have been working in Higher Ed./Student Services for the last 8 years. 

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet new colleagues on campus and get the opportunity to work together collaboratively while learning from each other.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice Workshops 

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am passionate about animal rescue. I have been volunteering with Muttville, a dog rescue in San Francisco that works with senior (age 7+)  dogs for the past three years and one of my favorite things is fostering a dog and helping them find their perfect family.

Sydney Ji (they/them)

Cal Student Central Advisor, Cal Student Central

In two sentences, what do you do?

I am a student services advisor in Cal Student Central, a one-stop hub that primarily supports Financial Aid and Scholarships, Office of the Registrar, and Billing and Payments. In person, via on the phone, and via Salesforce cases, I help students, parents, alumni, and other members of the public to understand policies in these realms, navigate our electronic systems, handle transactional matters such as completing forms and lifting holds, and find the appropriate other departments and contacts for matters that our department cannot take action on.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

A little over three years as a full-time staff, and prior to that, 3.5 years as an undergraduate.

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

I'm excited for the opportunity to get to work with student services staff who span many different departments and life experiences, build a greater sense of community while contributing to projects that help staff support students more effectively, and further develop skills such as project management.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice Certificate Program

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I have a YouTube channel where I upload my vocal covers under an alias; I mainly sing Japanese songs but also some English.

antmen pimentel mendoza (he/him & she/her)

Assistant Director of Cross Cultural Student Development, Multicultural Community Center

In two sentences, what do you do?

I co-conspire with CCSD and MCC interns and pro staff to dream up a more free world by stewarding the flame of the Third World Liberation Front that created the MCC. I work closely with students who are managing the MCC’s lending library and archive, co-facilitate the MCC and CCSD internships, and develop collective knowledge of curriculum development and facilitation.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I have been in this role for over two years, but I was also an undergrad at Cal and an MCC intern!

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

After attending a few Advancing Practice workshops, I was excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Fellows on fostering these spaces of mutual learning with staff. I am especially interested in sharing out on the liberatory praxes that we’re exploring at the MCC and to learn from folks across campus and beyond.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advancing Practice workshops

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

It’s not little known per se, but I really love books and storytelling and would love to talk with your favorite books and stories and poems.

Jon Phillips

Graduate Student Affairs Officer, Mathematics

In two sentences, what do you do?

I advise and provide administrative support to PhD students throughout their time in the graduate program. 

How long have you been at Berkeley? 

I graduated from Berkeley in 2015 and began working here in August, 2017.

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

I really enjoy learning about other offices and jobs on campus. I saw this is a unique opportunity to meet new people and gain a better understanding of our sprawling university. 

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

The Remote Advising Circles

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am an avid player of Dungeons & Dragons and tactical board games.

Kandis Rodgers (she/her)

Career and Internship Specialist, School of Public Health

In two sentences, what do you do?

As a Career and Internship Specialist, I support public health graduate students in achieving their career goals by creating a space for self-exploration, professional development, and practical application. I have the great opportunity to provide career counseling as well as assist residential and online students with gaining field experience through practicums and internships.

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I celebrate my one year at Berkeley on July 1st. 

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

The Advising Fellows is a great intersection of some of my professional goals: to expand my community at Berkeley, to co-create space for continuous development, and to enhance resources available to my fellow student-facing colleagues.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

Advanced Practice Certificate Program 

What's an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I "starred" in a commercial as a baby for an east coast automotive center. I was the diapered baby in a tire.

Raty Syka

Student Services Advisor, Department of Art Practice

In two sentences, what do you do?

I am the Undergraduate Major Advisor, Graduate Student Affairs Office, Scheduler, and Enrollment Manager for the department. I work primarily with undergraduate students, including many transfer students, to plan their course of study in Art while at Berkeley and enroll in the classes they need.  

How long have you been at Berkeley?

I’ve been a staff member at Berkeley since fall of 2019; previously I was a graduate student in an MA program from 2017-2019.

Why did you apply to be an Advising Fellow?

Working in student advising has been my favorite, and the most rewarding, role that I’ve had at Cal so far. I have a lot of various work and academic experience, so I applied to become an Advising Fellow in order to focus on and refine my advising skills more formally, and to work on project-based learning with other members of the Berkeley advising community.

What project will you be working on as a Fellow?

NewBe (Onboarding bCourse for new Advising and Student Services staff)

What’s an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I am the equivalent of an Eagle Scout in 4-H (4-H All Star).