What is GradFest?

The ESPM Graduate Symposium, or GradFest, is an annual celebration of graduating students in the department. It serves as an opportunity for students across diverse fields to present their research to the public.

GradFest 2025

GradFest 2025 will take place on Wednesday, May 7th starting at 10:00am in 311 Wellman Hall. In addition to research talks from our graduating students, this half-day symposium will feature an introductory keynote from an invited speaker; remarks from the Dean of RCNR, ESPM Faculty Chair, and ESPM HGA; a reception and party following; and an overall celebration of the ESPM community!

RSVP here to let us know you’re coming!

You can read about last year’s GradFest below, or check out the archives of past GradFests – this esteemed event goes all the way back to 2013!

Event Details

Venue

The event will be held from 10:00am – 4:00pm in 311 Wellman Hall on UC Berkeley’s campus. The reception will begin at 4:00pm and will be held on the GPBB Lawn outside Mulford Hall.

Format

This year’s symposium will feature talks by in-person speakers, and the event will be available via livestream on our Department YouTube channel: youtube.com/@ESPMBerkeley.

Food & Drink

Food and drink will be provided, including a lunch with the finishing graduate students and light refreshments during the reception. The event is public, but we request that you RSVP if you plan to attend at any point in the day to help us with numbers for catering.

Accessibility Info for Wellman Hall

Accessible entrances: Double doors on the north side of the building have automatic openers operated by push plates inside and outside the building. There is an exterior very steep ramp (similar to a driveway) leading to this usable entrance.

Restrooms: There are two multiple user restrooms on the first level. The mens room provides a stall with side transfer capabilities, but the womens room does not. Location: First Level: Mens restroom is at west end of building, and the womens restroom is at the east end.

Please contact the GradFest Coordinator (contact info below or in the RSVP form) for more information or to request an accommodation in order to fully participate in the event.

Contact

Questions, comments & concerns can be sent to ESPM Events Specialist Kelly Redfearn Kinder (kredfearnk at berkeley.edu).