Help us build a vibrant space for the next generation of physics students.

"I’ve always liked teaching in that environment where I know many first-generation students in my class are really, really interested in doing well, not only because they’re intrinsically interested in the subject, but because they view learning as a path forward economically for their extended families. I like the feeling that I can contribute to this upward mobility in society through places like the UW and Berkeley." 

— Wick Haxton, Professor of Physics at UC Berkeley

In a field known for its expensive experiments and otherwise dominated by elite private universities, the tight-knit and hardworking culture of Berkeley's science community, aided by the generous support of donors like you, allows us to remains steadfast in the ranks of the best physics programs in the world.

There is so much more to physics than the abstract lectures and infamously difficult homework. For physics students to develop a successful careers, be it in engineering design, science education, or fundamental research, they must be challenged in creative, independent problem solving beyond what is taught in standard curriculum, and supported by an inclusive, tight-knit community of motivated peers. 

We, the Berkeley Society of Physics Students, has been working for decades to help provide our undergraduate physics community with the extracurricular education, social bonding, and research opportunities that they need to flourish no matter where they go. 

We host food and crafts socials after exams for students to de-stress.
Our daily office hours, weekly faculty-student lunches, and monthly advising panels together make academic and career guidance accessible for everyone. At the same time, our weekly undergraduate seminars encourage students to share their research experiences with peers, contributing to an environment of intellectual scholarship and collaboration. Our members go on to pursue incredibly successful careers in academia and industry. 

We invite faculty to talk to students about their careers and research.

 This year, to help underprivileged students explore careers in academia, we want to begin holding graduate school field trips and covering a portion research expenses. However, the frequency and high participation of our community initiatives, which are open to all physics students, will incur costs which we are straining to afford due to budget problems in the Berkeley physics department. Your support will enable us to continue our array of social, educational, and career events for our undergraduate physics community.

Budget breakdown

If we raise $1,000 or less, your donation will go into 

1. Providing resources and refreshments at our speaker events, where we connect students to physics educators, academics, and industry professionals. (20%)
2. Covering travel expenses for field trips to graduate schools in California, for those that request a fee waiver (30%)
3. Covering laboratory experiments and computational resources for undergraduate researchers who apply for funding (50%)

All estimates are rough only, and actual expenditures may vary.

Stretch goal: $2,000

If we exceed our $1,000 goal, additional funding will also be split for funding physics competitions and demonstrations for both K-12 students and the undergraduates here.

Contact us:

Xing Liu (treasurer), xingyzt {at} berkeley {dot} edu

Michelle Dong (president), mid {at} berkeley {dot} edu