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Your Berkeley Connect in Computational Biology Experience
- Small‑group discussions — Recent topics have included: a) What is Computational Biology?, b) How to get involved in research as an undergrad, c) The genome revolution and sequencing technologies, and d) Computational biology, biodiversity, and climate change.
- Research exploration — Creates space to talk about how undergraduates can join labs, what computational biology research looks like, and how students can build skills in coding, data analysis, and biological inquiry.
- Career pathways — Features alumni events highlighting the diverse professions Comp Bio graduates pursue across biotech, healthcare, data science, academia, and industry.
- Faculty conversations — Offers sessions where professors discuss their research areas, how they use computational tools to answer biological questions, and how scientific debates shape the field.
- Field trips & special events — Fellows lead visits to campus resources like the Bancroft Library’s digital collections or BAMPFA for science‑and‑society programming, along with events such as The Future of Computational Biology faculty talk and graduate student panels.
Graduate Mentor Role
At the heart of Berkeley Connect is the relationship between you and your mentor. They:
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Build community by leading small, discussion‑based sessions
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Provide one‑on‑one support with personalized guidance and resources
- Demystify the major by sharing skills, strategies, and tips on research and grad school
About Your Graduate Mentors
Mara Baylis (Spring Only)
Hi! I’m a Ph.D. student in Computational Biology studying how genomes shape behavior and brain function using comparative genomics and neuroscience. My research focuses on understanding how evolution influences traits such as social behavior, learning, and adaptation. I enjoy mentoring undergraduates to help make science less intimidating and discussing research opportunities, graduate school, career paths in science, and navigating academia. One thing I wish I had known as an undergraduate is that you don’t need to have everything figured out to get involved in research. Outside of science, I love running, swimming, backpacking, and baking.
Claire LeBlanc (Fall-Only)
Hi! My name is Claire and I am a fourth year PhD student studying computational biology. I use machine learning and other computational tools to study the proteins that turn on genes. Community has been the key to my success in both undergrad and graduate school, and so as a Berkeley connect mentor, my biggest goal is to provide a space where undergrads interested in comp bio can connect and build community. I'm happy to talk about everything from finding research opportunities to navigating grad school applications. Outside of research I enjoy playing various sports and trying (often unsuccessfully) to make sourdough.
Faculty Director
Yun Song
Berkeley Connect Faculty Director, Computational Biology
Professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences and Statistics; Director, Center for Computational Biology
Research Interests