What is GradFest?
The ESPM Graduate Symposium, or GradFest, is an annual celebration of graduating students in the department. It serves as the only space for students across diverse topics to present their research altogether, to the community. In addition to research talks from our graduating students, this day-long event also features a keynote speaker, workshop, photo contest, awards ceremony, and celebration of the ESPM community!
GradFest 2022
Join us for the 2022 edition of GradFest on Thursday, May 5th from 8:30am-6:30pm at the David Brower Center in the upstairs lecture hall and patio, located in downtown Berkeley. All talks will also be offered remotely, via Zoom (link here).
This year’s theme is “Science Storytelling”, highlighting ways we communicate science, engage with the community, and different mediums through which to tell our stories about the environment. We have an amazing line up of speakers and activities this year, so be sure to check out the Program page & RSVP here!
Featuring Rausser College of Natural Resources Albright Lecture

Attendees of GradFest can watch the virtual panel in the Goldman Theater in the downstairs of the David Brower Center from 12:00-1:30pm, with an opportunity to participate in the live Q&A. It will also be streaming remotely. Go to https://nature.berkeley.edu/albright for more information.
Event Details
Venue
The event will be held 8:30am-6:30pm at the David Brower Center in downtown Berkeley, steps away from campus. We will be upstairs in the Tamalpais Room and patio. The venue requires we check vaccination status of all attendees, and we will be following UC Berkeley COVID-19 guidelines regarding mask-wearing.
Format
We are excited to offer this year’s GradFest in a hybrid format. All speaker talks will be livestreamed via Zoom, at the same link throughout the day. Please note that presentations by students and the keynote speaker are the only activities available remotely, all others are in-person only.
Food & Drink
Food and drink will be provided, including a light breakfast, snacks, lunch, and appetizers during the evening cocktail 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
The David Brower Center is ADA accessible, with an elevator up to the second floor. They also provide captioning for all presentations, and assisted hearing devices, if requested. Please contact the GradFest Coordinator if you have questions or specific needs, we want to ensure this event is accessible to all.
Contact
Questions, comments & concerns can be sent to GradFest Coordinator Rachael Ryan at espm_gradfest@berkeley.edu.