Prospective Women Students
Messages from our Faculty
Tsu-Jae King Liu, Dean and Roy W. Carlson Chair in the College of Engineering
Engineering involves the creation and development of scientific knowledge for practical application. Because of the ever-increasing complexity of electronic devices and systems, research in this exciting field has come to involve a lot of interdisciplinary team work. It is a rewarding field, because your inventions and innovations are ultimately used to build new products.
The best part of being a professor is interacting with the students, teaching them as well as learning from them, challenging them and, in turn, having them challenge me. They are an invigorating source of enthusiasm and creativity.
Kathy Yelick, Professor of Computer Science
I was hooked on computer science with my first programming course as a freshman. Now I get to relive that experience with each new crop of students. For me, the best part of being a professor is working with the students. They have so much energy and enthusiasm and are a constant source of new ideas.
People don’t always realize how broad engineering is. My research, for example, has included simulation of a human heart to improve the design of artificial heart valves. Although most people associate engineering with math and science, it also involves a lot of creative design and team work. There’s a great feeling of satisfaction in seeing other people use something that you built.
Messages from our Students
“Dan Garcia sees the potential in every one of us, even if we don’t see it. He makes us feel like we could become the next Steve Jobs and his enthusiasm is contagious” – Itzel Martinez, Current EECS student on EECS Professor Dan Garcia
“Berkeley is so great because I have finally found a way to intertwine my artistic side with my technical side. Pursue what you love and Berkeley will help you find some connection.” – Ashley Collins, Current EECS students on UC Berkeley
“As one of the top universities in electrical engineering in the nation, I was amazed at the number of resources and world-class faculty at this school. It was mind-boggling to see the vast number of connections Berkeley has with industry and other schools and the number of researchers who were leaders in their fields. On Cal Day, I met a number of students, including members of the Association of Women in EECS (AWE), and saw that AWE provided a strong support network for women in the field.” – Brittany Judoprasetijo, EECS (2013) on why she chose Berkeley
“Berkeley opened up a range of opportunities to change not only myself but change the world around me in a positive way. Berkeley provided me with the skills, courage, and knowledge to be a great leader in industry. EECS taught me to think outside the box, to approach problems and solve them using reliable strategies that can be applied to real life situations. Being a woman in engineering is always difficult.” -Erica Maida EECS (2006) on how EECS at Berkeley prepared her for working in industry.
Organizations for Women EECS Students
Student organizations in EECS play a vital role in providing academic and social support at Berkeley.
The largest EECS women’s organization is the Association of Women EE & CS (AWE). All EECS women are automatic members of AWE upon admission. AWE is a supportive community at UC Berkeley that seeks to empower women pursuing Computer Science and/or Electrical Engineering. AWE provides exposure to industry and research opportunities, as well as space to connect with each other, by hosting various academic, social, and professional events throughout the academic year. The AWE office is located in Cory Hall Room 286.
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offers peer advising, social activities, and a chance for women leaders to work together. Berkeley SWE is a group of women and men who work to support women in engineering. SWE provides an outlet to have fun, meet other people, and learn how to prepare yourself for the real world once you graduate.
CS KickStart(CSK) is one week introductory class in computer science designed for incoming freshman women at UC Berkeley.
The EECS Center for Student Affairs organizes several events throughout the year to help orient new women to the EECS department, as well as assist student organizations with forming community among students. The Big/Little Sister Mentoring Program provides each new woman student a “big sister” with whom she can write, e-mail, or talk on the phone about any questions concerning starting college. The Center also organizes a New Women Open House at the beginning of each year, as well as many lunches, dinners and guest speakers throughout the year.
Women in Science Engineering (WiSE) Residence Theme Program
The Women in Science Engineering (WiSE) aims to provide a living and learning environment for women students with a strong interest in math, science and engineering. Its goal is to maximize WiSE students’ awareness and understanding of their potential fields. In the classroom, WiSE students will likely be taking common, basic courses in mathematics, chemistry, computer science, and physics together. Outside the classroom, WiSE students will continue to learn from their peers, and receive specialized advising and mentoring that will assist them in their transition to Cal. Continuing WiSE students serve as peer mentors for incoming freshmen and transfer
students.
Extracurricular Activities
Many EECS students have broad interests and participate in extracurricular activities. There are over 350 student organizations (over 20 EECS-related) registered on campus, leaving something for everyone. EECS women are involved in all kinds of activities ranging from Cal Marching Band, Indian dance, and a cappella singing groups, to volunteer community work, Model United Nations, intramural sports, and campus sororities.