Sept. 5, 2013 Cesar Urbano* Joel Christenson* *B.S. Chemical Engineering, UC Berkeley, Expected 2014

Outline 1. Why community college first? 2. Why choose ChemE? 3. What were the classes we took to prepare for transfer and for our major? 4. What were the programs we joined to prepare for transfer? 5. Admission application. 6. Why choose UC Berkeley? 7. Difference between UC Berkeley and Chabot. 8. Techniques/Tips on how to do good in Cal. 9. Research/internship.

Why Community College? – For Joel Low High School GPA (2.9). Wanted a chance to get into Cal. Wasn’t sure which engineering discipline I wanted to get into.

Why Community College? – For Cesar Unsure which field to go to. Was initially majoring in Nursing. Save money. Image from:

Why ChemE? Enjoyed chemistry classes at chabot (1A, 1B, 12A, 12B) + math and physics. Combination of all three disciplines (plus some biology). Make sure engineering is for YOU before deciding!!!

Why ChemE? cont.. I like problem solving. I enjoyed my engineering design class (Engr 11). I look for the practical application of science

Why ChemE? cont.. Chemical Engineers are highly employable. Chemical engineers work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and construction, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food processing, specialty chemicals, polymers, biotechnology, and environmental health and safety industries, among others.

Important Classes at Chabot Engr 25/CSCI 14 Many classes/research projects/internships require the use of Matlab. Computer programming skills in VERY high demand Math 1,2,3,4,6 Calculus is the most commonly used math in upper level engineering classes. Understanding vs. Memorizing Patterns

Important Classes at Chabot Cont.. Physics 4a,4b,4c Develop problem solving skills Learn how to APPLY calculus to problems (4b).

Helpful Programs for Transfer Transfer Alliance Project (TAP), Berkeley, CA prepares underserved CA community college students to be competitive transfer applicants to UC Berkeley assistance with transfer applications, personal statements, financial aid forms, and scholarships. Offer full-time summer research with UC Berkeley professors and taking Berkeley summer classes

Helpful Programs for Transfer cont.. TAP Info Website: Drop by at Chabot student center and meet Christina Tinsley, TAP Coordinator for Chabot. Talk to your counselor and meet people in the Student Center. Ask questions regarding your major Ask for any available opportunities Be part of TAP if you can!!

E3S Transfer-to-Excellence Program TTE participants experience life at UC Berkeley by either participating: research (TTE REU) enrolling in a credited course (TTE X-Enroll) Website: ugrad-oview.htmhttp:// ugrad-oview.htm

Admission Essay 2 Parts Why is the major for you? An experience that has affected you. Persuade the reader that you are a very hard worker and that you are determined to be an engineer.

Extracurricular Activities Join existing clubs and/or form a new club while at Chabot! Volunteer. Work/part-time job also counts! Be active and demonstrate a good balance between academics and non-academics(leadership experience, extracurricular activities)

Cesar’s Sample Extracurricular Activities

Cesar’s Sample Extracurricular Activities Cont..

Why Berkeley? Top ranked engineering programs (top 3 in the world) Not necessarily best place to learn Many opportunities for research and internships. Employers know that it can be more challenging than other schools.

Chabot vs. Berkeley HW Difficulty: Berkeley. No solution manual. No answers in the back of the book. Exam Difficulty: Berkeley. 50 minutes for 2-3 hour exam. 40% averages. Miserable 3 hour finals, feelings of hopelessness. Workload: Berkeley. 21 units at chabot + sports == 14 units at berkeley.

Tips on how to do good in Cal Start doing your HW one week before the due date. Always ask the Graduate Student Instructors (GSI) questions. Always try to do your HW first by yourself. – No Solution Manual available Write down all the important formulas/concepts in a single 8” x 11” sheet

Tips on how to do good in Cal cont… Do not underestimate your classes. Attend the lectures. Read the book if lectures aren’t clear. Practice solving many problems and recognize the pattern. Join research groups and start building connections. Keep yourself busy!

Joel’s Research Lipid membrane mechanics (combination of fluid and solid mechancics) -Use computers to solve equations and get simulations

Cesar’s Research Experience Improve the recovery of Silver from Silver King mine using a less toxic solution under the supervision of Prof. Gretchen Lapidus-Lavine Results will be presented by Prof. Lapidus in 2014 Hydrometallurgical Symposium in Canada Currently creating a program (utilizing Python) for DNA sequence analysis at Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) under Dr. Gregory Linshiz. Requires knowledge in MATLAB and C++ (both taken from Chabot College).

Cesar’s Research cont.. Electrodeposition of Neodymium (Nd) for Seimens application Knowledge of General Chemistry(taken in Chabot) is helpful. Will help in the development of the microfluidic Platform (lab in a chip) at JBEI

In Sum Study well and keep a good GPA while at Chabot Be active. i.e. have a good balance between academics and non-academics (leadership experience, volunteering, part-time job) Join different programs such TAP, E3S and others Start your application early (as early as summer) Remember the tips (discussed) when you transfer to any university Join research groups and build connections

If you have further questions Feel free to send us an Cesar’s Joel’s