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Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Advising

At Chemistry & Biochemistry Academic Advising, we provide support for:
Educational planning and goal setting
Understanding major requirements
Navigating academic policies and procedures
All current UC San Diego students must submit advising questions via the VAC. Non-UC San Diego students can reach us at chemadvising@ucsd.edu.

 Advising Services:

  • Virtual Advising Center (VAC): The preferred and most efficient way to contact our office is by sending a message to our team of academic advisors via VAC.. Questions submitted via VAC typically receive a response within 24-48 hours.

  • Remote Drop-Ins: We offer virtual one-on-one 15-minute advising sessions. Please refer to the schedule below. You can access our remote drop-ins through the “Meet with an Advisor” tab in the VAC.

  • In-Person Drop-Ins: Located in York Hall 4010, reference the schedule below for drop-in advising hours.

  • Appointments: 30-minute sessions intended for long-term planning, including major planning for readmission purposes. You can schedule an appointment through the "Meet with an Advisor" tab in the VAC. Please note that appointments can only be booked 10 days in advance. If no appointments are available, please check back as new slots open daily. 

  • Email: If you need to submit supporting documents for your petitions, please send them to chemadvising@ucsd.edu.

Fall Quarter Walk-In Hours and Appointment Availability (Starting Week 2/Oct. 9th) :

Note: Any changes do not affect Graduate Student walk-ins, which will continue as planned unless otherwise noted on our website or via email.

Peer Advising

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Who are Peer Advisors?

Chemistry Peer Advisors are undergraduate students majoring in one of the degree programs and who are available to answer questions from fellow students. It is especially helpful for freshmen and new transfers, but all are welcome!  They can provide insights on questions such as:

  • Why did you pick Chemistry as a major?
  • What is it like to be a Chemistry student at UCSD?  
  • What resources have you found helpful?
  • How did you get involved in research or teaching?
  • What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Have quick questions? Our Peer Advisors are available via e-mail at chempeers@ucsd.edu.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Advising Calendar

Meet our Peer

 Advisors!

Elana Friendlich

Elana Friedlich

Elana is a third-year student studying Public Health in ERC. She is currently studying abroad in Valencia, Spain and is completing biochemistry courses abroad! After she graduates, she hopes to pursue medical school. She is interested in psychiatry and is currently working in a lab which is studying the improvement of neural pathways after a mild traumatic brain injury. In her free time Elana loves to explore beaches in San Diego and hike! As a peer advisor, Elana hopes to help students achieve their goals in and out of the classroom.

Bryan Rinde
Bryan Rinde
Bryan is a fourth-year Biochemistry major in Roosevelt College originally coming from Ventura, CA.  He is conducting research into biodegradable plastics in the Pomeroy Lab and cancer metabolism in the Metallo Lab at the Salk Institute.  He hopes to pursue a career in surgery and research.  In his spare time, Bryan likes adventuring outdoors, especially in the water, and enjoys an active day working with others.
Rubini Mohanaraj

Rubini Mohanaraj

Rubini is a fourth year Biochemistry major and a biology minor at Revelle College. She is an International student from Sri Lanka. Rubini has previously worked in Joseph lab studying the translational control of Influenza virus. Rubini is interested in pursuing a career in research and is specifically interested in research and development in RNA World. In her free time, she likes to paint and go on hikes. Her goal as a Chemistry peer advisor would be to assist students to achieve their educational goals and navigate through undergraduate studies.
Pop Chanwong

Pop Chanwong

Pop is a fourth year biochemistry student and a general biology minor in Marshall college. She is an international student from Bangkok, Thailand. She is currently research autoimmunity from silica induction at the Pollard Lab. She enjoys cooking for her friends, crocheting, and shopping! As a peer advisor, she hopes to learn more about each student and help personalize a plan that will help you achieve your goal.