Welcoming the new 2025 CAMP scholars
Even when challenges like grant cancellations arise, our NERDS community stands strong. This year, Cal NERDS proudly celebrates our new NSF LSAMP cohort, a group of brilliant, resilient STEM scholars who remind us why perseverance matters. Each of these students embodies the spirit of innovation, curiosity, and determination that defines the next generation of scientists and engineers. We’re excited to support them, advocate for them, and cherish every moment of discovery and growth along the way.
The National Science Foundation’s Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program empowers universities nationwide to increase diversity and success in STEM. At UC Berkeley, our NSF CAMP program is part of the statewide California Alliance for Minority Participation, now led by Professor Emeritus Dr. Derek Dunn-Rankin and Dr. Pheather Harris from UC Irvine. Under the guidance of our Faculty Director, Professor Scott Moura, Berkeley continues to nurture underrepresented students through mentorship, hands-on research, and community support, ensuring that no challenge stands between these future graduate students and their dreams.
Here are our CAMP scholars:
Ruben Servin Leyva: Biological Sciences, Computer and Information/Data Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Frances Chuang: Engineering
Eduardo Garcia Sosa: Engineering
Aryssa Muhammad: Engineering, Mathematics
Carlos Plasencia: Engineering, Physical Sciences
Ria Bacon: Mathematics
Kimberly Ramos: Engineering
Daniel Gutierrez: Physical Sciences
Madeline Melendez: Engineering, Engineering Technologies, Health Sciences/Public Health
Daisy Corril-Castani: Physical Sciences, Physics