Ava Smith

Psychology student at University of California, Berkeley

Santa Clarita, California, United States

About

I’m a pre-medical, first-year psychology student who is interested in learning how the intricate functions of the brain combine with sociocultural factors to contribute to human perceptions and experiences. I’m deeply interested in the intersection between STEM, humanities, and social sciences, and I’m pursuing a creative writing minor along with my psychology degree to achieve a multifaceted understanding of the intersections between these diverse fields. Ultimately, I aim to utilize my holistic understanding of various fields to serve communities and individuals and pursue a hobby I deeply enjoy. Currently, I'm involved in student-led research expanding upon how psychedelics can be used to treat anxiety disorders.

Experience

  • Lead Instructional Assistant at Kumon North America, Inc.
    Jan 2024 - Aug 2025 · 1 yr 8 mos

    As the Lead Instructional Assistant of my local Kumon branch, I instructed students—ranging from preschool to high school—in Reading and Writing and mathematics while developing lesson plans, grading their work, organizing the learning center, leading annual student recognition ceremonies and summer carnivals, and brainstorming with my boss on various ways to expand the chapter.

  • Hospital Volunteer at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
    Jul 2023 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

    As a volunteer signed under a 200-hour commitment, I assisted in patient rounds, explored medical careers, organized my hospital unit, trained new volunteers on how to complete their hospital duties, assisted in patient rehabilitation with physical therapists, gave patients non-medical necessities, and delivered supplies to other hospital units.