Gender Equity in Mathematics at Berkeley
Education·Health/Wellness·Community Service/Nonprofit
GEM is a safe place for UC Berkeley students interested in mathematics, with an emphasis on women and other underrepresented gender groups. Members meet weekly on Monday evenings in Evans Hall for a mix of social crafts (tote bag painting, bracelet making, air dry sculpting), math-themed activities (origami, tessellations, GEMpardy), professional events like resume workshops, and occasional guest speakers. The vibe is low-key and welcoming, focused on building a strong community within the Math Department.
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Weekly meeting
Events They Host
Resume & Cover Letter Workshop
Professional workshop held during Monday meetings, previously run in collaboration with the career center.
Guest Speaker: Catherine Cannizzo
Discussion on mirror symmetry and higher dimensional realities with postdoc Catherine Cannizzo.
Member Experiences
GEMpardy
Math-themed Jeopardy-style game night with pizza.
GEM x MUSA Board Game Night
Collaborative event with MUSA; held multiple semesters.
GEM x MUSA Cookie Decorating Night
Collaborative crafts event with MUSA.
GEM x MUSA Arts and Crafts
Collaborative arts and crafts session with MUSA.
Tote Bag Painting
Members paint their own tote bags; supplies provided.
The Math of Origami
Hands-on origami event exploring mathematical concepts through paper folding, with pizza.
Tessellations Crafting Event
Crafting event exploring the math and art behind tessellations.
Thanksgiving Potluck
Members bring food and watch a movie together (e.g. Good Will Hunting). Held annually.
Scavenger Hunt
End-of-semester campus scavenger hunt; winner receives a prize.
Math Bingo with Pizza
Math-themed bingo game night with pizza.
Picnic on the Glade
Outdoor picnic for members.
Holiday / Gingerbread House Making
End-of-semester holiday crafts event.
Air Dry Sculpting
Members create sculptures with air dry clay.
Make Your Own Perfume
Members create their own perfume during a Monday meeting.
Trivia Night
Trivia event for members.
Study Day
Group study session held during regular meeting time, recurring each semester.
Pass the Painting
Collaborative painting activity where members pass a canvas and each add to it.
Pi Day Celebrations
Annual celebration of Pi Day (March 14) during a Monday meeting.
Crochet and Knit Workshop
Members learn or practice crochet and knitting together.
Valentine's Day Crafts and Kahoot
Crafts event paired with a Kahoot on women in STEM.
Catered Dinner with NRing
RSVP-required catered dinner, co-hosted with NRing.