Peer Advising
Our peer advisors hold both virtual and in-person drop-in hours during the Fall and Spring semesters whenever classes are in session. They also monitor our mailing list on Edstem to help with any additional questions.
If you have questions related to Cognitive Science, try reaching out to a peer advisor first. They can answer most advising questions and provide valuable advice based on their first-hand experience in the program.
Virtual Peer Advising
All virtual peer advising takes place in this dedicated Zoom room.
In-Person Peer Advising
In-person peer advising sessions are available on select days in 101 Stephens Hall.
Staff Advising
Summer Advising
During the Summer term, Cognitive Science staff advisors will be available remotely via appointment Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm. Students may access available summer virtual appointments here.
Fall/Spring Advising
Drop-in staff advising is available remotely each week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am-12pm via Zoom See calendar below.
Attend a staff Drop-in when: Your questions is quick or urgent (i.e. cannot wait until the next available appointment), AND a peer advisor has been unable to help solve it.
Schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with a staff advisor when: You need to have a longer conversation, are facing academic or personal struggles (withdrawal, probation, health-related, etc.), or when a peer advisor has been unable to help resolve your issue
Remote and in-person staff advising appointments are available except when campus is closed.
Meet the Cognitive Science Advisors!
Peer Advisors
Ardan Giordjie
Hi everyone, I’m Ardan, an international transfer student majoring in Cognitive Science with a Data Science minor. I’ve completed certificates in entrepreneurship (SCET), design (BCDI), and New Media. This year, I’ll be working as a CogSci peer advisor and at Edmonds Cafe. My experience includes UI/UX, marketing, research, and product management, and I aspire to build my own startup. I’ve been involved with UX@Berkeley, ASUC OCTO, and PERMIAS (Indonesian Students Association).. Outside of academics, I love traveling, exploring new cuisines, visiting bookstores and cafes, and trying new things. Please say hi if you ever bump into me, or if you have questions or just want to chat about life! Will always be there to support you!
Cogsci Courses: COGSCI (1B, 115, C126), DATA 100, DESINV (15, 21), INFO (C265, 290, 290M, 225), ENGIN (183, 183A, 183B, 183D), UGBA 152, LINGUIS 100, and PHILOS 3
Daniela Mejia
Hello! My name is Daniela Mejia and I am a first generation college student from the Central Coast! As a first generation college student, I understand how intimidating it can be to navigate higher education, so as a peer advisor I hope I can help alleviate some of that tension amongst my peers. I am currently a junior pursuing a double major in Cognitive Science and Data Science, so I have taken a variety of courses during my time here at Cal. I am particularly interested in the intersectionality of Cognitive Science and its applications in technology for mental rehabilitation purposes. Outside of peer advising, you can find me at one of Berkeley’s many coffee shops or hanging out with friends!
Cogsci Courses: CogSci 1B (Croom), Stat 20 (Sanchez), CS 61A (Denero), MCB 61(Adesnik), CogSci 115 (Chan), CogSci 127 (Gallant), CogSci 131 (Ramirez), CogSci 180 (Chan), Psych 160 (Chen)
Grace Lytle
Hi everyone! My name is Grace, and I am a senior double majoring in Cognitive Science and Data Science (emphasis in Neurosciences). I’ve been involved in a variety of organizations on campus related to my interests in human behavior and decision making, consumer insights, data analytics, and more, including working in Cal Athletics in a number of positions and taking part in many of the clubs Cal has to offer (CSSA, Sports Analytics Group, and Business Careers in Entertainment Club to name a few)! I also have experience in a few different analytics internships. In my free time, I enjoy running, watching baseball and football, being outdoors, and dancing! I am excited to talk with you about CogSci courses and course selection, 2 or 4 year planning, double majoring, getting involved on campus, ways to discuss Cognitive Science in resumes and interviews, and more! Cognitive Science is such a fantastic major because of the infinite possibilities of courses and personalizations for each student based on specific interests, and I’m looking forward to helping you make the most out of your CogSci and college experience.
CogSci Courses: Math 1A (Haiman), Data 8 (Adhikari/Wagner), CS61A (Fox), CogSci 1 (Li), MCB W61 (Presti), Math 55 (Srivastava), Linguis 100 (Jenks), Integbi 139 (Kaufer), Philos 3 (Campbell), CogSci 115 (Chan), Music 108 (Wagner), CogSci 131 (Ramirez), Econ 119 (Meng), CogSci C127 (Gallant), CogSci 180 (Chan)
Lyn Xuan Khoa Hoang
Hello! My name is Lyn. I'm a fourth year senior Cognitive Science major and also trying to get my minor in Data Science. My interests currently are all over the place, but right now I'm focused on integrating better experience design in technology and bridging onlines spaces with real life spaces. Outside of peeradvising, I'm a facilitator at the Cal Pokemon Academy DeCal this year, and am a club leader of Splatoon @ Berkeley. In my free time, I'm learning illustration, UX website design, and also love playing the piano!
Cogsci Courses: COGSCI 1B, COGSCI 115, COGSCI 131, COGSCI 126, COGSCI 150, DATA C8, DATA C88C, LINGUIS C142, MUSIC 108, PSYCH 160, UGBA 177
Sophie Young
Hello! My name is Sophie, and I'm a transfer student graduating this year with a major in cognitive science and a minor in data science. Aside from my work as a peer advisor, I currently work as the Undergraduate Experience Residential Student Coordinator for Berkeley Resident Life. I'm also a UC Berkeley Fung Fellow, class of 2024. During the fellowship, I designed and consulted for UCSF Health. I've also previously interned for Nicole Hollis Interior Design. I'm passionate about local politics and have worked and volunteered for the City of Oakland, the City of Berkeley, and the City of Emeryville. If you have questions about transferring to Berkeley, getting involved in local politics, the Fung Fellowship, DSP, or what to explore in the Bay Area, come chat with me. I'm excited to meet you!
Cogsci Courses: CogSci 115, CogSci 1B, CogSci 144, Data 8, Data C88C, Philos 3, Sociol 150, CogSci 131, MCB C61, Data 100, Psych 133
Major Advisors
MacKenzie
MacKenzie Moore (she/her) is the Student Services Lead & Program Development Coordinator. In addition to providing on-on-one student advising, she oversees Cognitive Science advising and student services and conducts strategic planning for the program as a whole. She began her career in higher education upon admission to the PhD program in History here at UC Berkeley. She worked as a history instructor and lecturer for 9 years, through which she discovered her passion for working directly with students as an advisor. She first worked as student advisor with the American Studies program at UC Berkeley before transitioning to the Cognitive Science program. She loves talking with students about all aspects of their academic lives. She is a skilled educator with tremendous problem solving skills just waiting to help students when they need it!
Catherine
Catherine Byrne (she/her) earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Sonoma State and has worked in Higher Education since 2010. In 2017 she joined the Cognitive Science program as a Student Services Advisor. Catherine is grateful for the opportunity to work with students one-on-one and enjoys watching students progress through their college careers. Catherine is passionate about providing individualized, strengths‐based, and culturally competent services to students. She's also interested in food, art, music, and international travel, and speaking to students about what makes them tick. She enjoys getting to know her students and following them through their academic and personal development.
Meagan
Meagan Mason (she/her) earned her Master's degree in Higher Education from the University of Michigan and joins us as a Student Services Advisor in the Cognitive Science Department. Meagan began her career in Higher Education in 2019 working with other community college transfer students at UC Davis. She served as an EAOP college advisor in East Contra Costa through UC Berkeley's Center for Educational Partnerships, promoting college access throughout the Bay Area. At Michigan, she worked as an Academic Advisor in University of Michigan School of Information and Research Assistant in the U-M Institute for Social Research. Meagan is passionate about centering students' stories and voices, building community, and developing equitable ways to make resources and information more accessible throughout students' higher education journeys.