Steven Chavez (Riverside, CA)
University of California, Berkeley
What are your research interest(s)?
Renewable Energy, Catalysis, Electronic Materials
What are your Interests outside of school and research?
For fun, I like to exercise and go out to eat.
How did you hear about the ACCESS program? Why did you apply?
I heard about the ACCESS program from two previous participants (Christian Contreras and Camille Martinez). I decided to apply so I could get a better idea of for to prepare a competitive graduate school application.
What were some interesting/fun things you did at ACCESS and/or people you met?
I liked the Duck Tour we went on. I also just enjoyed the experience being in Massachusetts, it is beautiful.
What was your favorite part of the weekend and why?
My favorite part of the weekend was the banquet at the end. It allowed me to network with professors and let me get to know everyone a bit more.
Do you think you benefitted from the program – did it help you in any way? Why or why not?
The ACCESS program gave me better insight into what graduate school is like and allowed me to network with Professors who are at the top of their respective fields. Two of the Professors I met will be Co-Advising me when I do research at MIT this sumer.
Prior to attending ACCESS, did you have plans to apply for Graduate School? How did ACCESS impact your decision?
I knew I wanted to obtain my PhD before participating in the ACCESS program. This program gave me a better idea of how to prepare a competitive application.
Are you planning on applying to/attending Graduate School now? If so where? –
I will be applying to graduate school this Fall. Where I go will be decided on where I am accepted.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In 5 years I see myself finishing up my PhD. In 10 years I will hopefully have been hired as an assistant professor at a research university.
What’s new with you
I will be doing research at MIT this summer! Super excited!