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Design Facilitator
Design Facilitator
You'll participate in a design studio where you will learn all about the SPRINT design process and create an original prototype of your own! Newly graduated and with tons of design experience, our Design Facilitator Sebastian will be working alongside Professor Scott Moura to support you in getting hands on engineering experience!
Sebastian Castañeda (he/him)
"Hi, I'm Sebastian Castañeda, a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate with an Aerospace Concentration. I'm thrilled to join PREP as a Design Facilitator this summer to help incoming students gain confidence using advanced fabrication machines and turn their first engineering ideas into functional prototypes."
Design Assistants
Design Assistants
While your group works on your design project, you'll have a dedicated Design Assistant - engineering students who have experience in design and prototyping - to support you in your process.
Vanessa Ngai (she/her)
"Hi, I'm Vanessa, and I'm going into my third year studying computer science. This is my first experience with PREP, but I'm super excited to be a design assistant for PREP this summer because I love all things design-- especially in the sciences--and I hope I can help more people love it too!"
Katelyn Medina Perez (she/her)
"Hi, my name is Katelyn Medina Perez, and I am a junior studying Civil and Environmental Engineering. I am excited to work for PREP this summer because I’m passionate about supporting incoming freshmen, helping them feel confident navigating UC Berkeley, and building meaningful connections while watching them grow throughout the program."
Nina Nguyen (she/her)
"My name is Nina Nguyen, and I am an incoming 4th-year Bioengineering major who was in PREP's Summer 2023 cohort. PREP has shaped my college journey and helped me develop as a Berkeley Engineer, so I wish to return the favor to the PREP program and their future cohorts. "
Natalie Leyva (she/her)
"Hi my name is Natalie and I am a bioengineering major at UC Berkeley and a PREP student from the 2024 cohort, now a rising junior. I’m excited to work as a Design Assistant this summer and support students as they build, iterate, and gain confidence in bringing their ideas to life."
Mariela Hernandez (she/her)
"Hi, my name is Mariela Hernandez, and I am from the Central Valley. I am a second year Bioengineering major and was also a part of last year's PREP cohort! I am excited to meet all of you, answer any questions, and help your project ideas come to life :)"
Ana Xu Li (she/her)
"Hi everyone! My name is Ana Xu Li, and I'm a 2024 Prep Cohort member. I entered Berkeley as an Undeclared Engineering major and have since declared Materials Science and Engineering. I'm excited to meet the new cohort and look forward to seeing all the design projects. I know navigating the transition can be a whirlwind, so please don't hesitate to reach out for advice, chat, or support!"
Alan Romero (he/him)
"Hi, my name is Alan Romero, and I’m a second year Aerospace Engineering student. I’m excited to work for PREP this summer because I look forward to connecting with students and supporting them throughout the design process."
Anthony Jin (he/him)
"Hey! I'm Anthony, and I'm a Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in Public Policy. I'm incredibly excited to see the ideas that everyone brings to the table, and to see everyone's growth over the course of this program (and beyond)!"
Learning Facilitators
Learning Facilitators
The learning facilitators will be leading the precalculus, calculus, chemistry, and computer science sessions during PREP. They are students who have excelled in their classes and have demonstrated expertise in the subjects they are supporting you with. Plus, they are excited to get you prepared for the classes you'll be taking in the Fall!
Galilea Gonzalez (she/her) - Math (Calculus) Facilitator
"Hello! My name is Galilea Gonzalez, and I am a second-year aerospace engineering student going into my junior year in Fall 2026. I was not a PREP participant, but I worked as a PREP Ambassador on the Events Planning Team during the 2025–26 academic year, and I’m excited to work with PREP this summer to help incoming freshmen get a head start and have fun at Berkeley. Feel free to talk to me about anything, including soccer, video games like Dead by Daylight, Fortnite, and Minecraft, food, coffee, reggaeton (my favorite music genre), and more!"
Julian Bergado (he/him) - Computer Science Facilitor
"Hi! 😋 I'm Julian, 3rd year EECS, I do digital art (anime, games, manga), did PREP 2 years ago, and I actually enjoyed all my lower div math classes, so maybe I can joybait you into liking it too? Time flies, so while you're here, you have to try Boba Ninja popcorn chicken at least once!"
Ernesto De Santiago (he/him) - Chemistry Facilitator
"Hi! I'm Ernesto, I'm going into my junior year majoring in BioEngineering with a focus in medical devices and I was part of the 2024 PREP cohort! I'm excited to start working as a Learning Facilitator for PREP this summer and introduce students to the academic side of Berkeley and offer advice on the best ways to succeed!"
Tutors
Tutors
Similar to the Design Assistants, our team of tutors will be there to support you in your learning process for math, chemistry and/or computer science.
Lily Nguyen (she/her)
"Hi preppies! My name is Lily and I'm majoring in EECS + Data Science. I was a part of the PREP '25 cohort, and I'm really excited to be working as your tutor this summer. I'm grateful for this opportunity to give back to the community and connect with the next generation of PREP students."
Camilla Rodriguez (she/her)
"Hi! My name is Camilla Rodriguez, and I'm a civil engineering major who participated in the 2025 PREP cohort. I'm excited to work with PREP this summer because it gives me the opportunity to build community, connect with new people, and give back to the program that supported me. "
Sienna Pon (she/her)
"Hi everyone! My name is Sienna and I am a first-generation, rising junior studying Civil Engineering (yes, I think bridges are cool). I was part of PREP'24 and loved every minute of it! Now, I'm excited to give back, share what I have learned, and get to know the awesome new PREP family."
Student Engagement Assistant
Student Engagement Assistant
Not only will you be taking classes, but we have several fun social events for you to participate in, planned and hosted by our very own Student Engagement Assistant, Kelly! She'll be dedicated solely to ensuring that you are able to build community and have fun here at PREP!
Kelly Texta-Lopez (she/her)
"What another beautiful day in PARADISE; My name is Kelly Texta, a Bioengineer, minor in EECS and part of the 2025 PREP cohort. I am super excited to meet you all, build strong connections and great memories with each other, and make sure that you all have a built-in best friend and side-quester!"
Residential Assistants (RAs)
Residential Assistants (RAs)
In addition to building community at social events, our PREP RAs will be there to help build a welcoming and inclusive community in the dorms. Whether you locked yourself out of the building or you want someone to grab boba with, your RAs will be there for you!
Estela Jauregui (she/her)
"Hi everyone! My name is Estela Jauregui; I’m an incoming 2nd-year Mechanical Engineering major and was a part of the 2025 PREP cohort. I’m excited to help you all grow as Berkeley Engineering students this summer and watch you build lasting connections with one another!"
William Lopez-Rodas (he/him)
"My name is Will, I’m a 2nd year EECS major, and I was part of the 2025 PREP cohort. I'm returning to PREP this summer to give back to the community that opened many opportunities for me and to support this year’s incoming students. Go Bears!"
Milagros Perez Mejia (she/her)
"Hello, my name is Milagros. I just finished my freshman year, I’m majoring in Bioengineering with plans to double major in Legal Studies. I’m from Compton, California, and I was in PREP’s 2025 cohort, so just last year. I’m excited to start working, meet new people, help however I can, and have fun while learning."
Joaquín Cabrera Caballero (he/him)
"Hi! I’m Joaquin, a rising sophomore studying Bioengineering, and I’m one of your RAs this summer! I’m excited to help create a supportive and joyful community for you all (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)!"
Yulia Yang (she/her)
"Hi, I am Yulia Yang and will be entering my sophomore year as a Bioengineering student. I was in the 2025 cohort, and it was so enjoyable (you will also enjoy it)! I am very excited to meet you all and help make the transition into college for you all smooth! :)"
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