Lizzie Hager-Barnard

Lizzie Hager-Barnard, Ph.D., is the director of K-12 Outreach for the College of Engineering. Lizzie brings a passion for both education and engineering to her work, and she loves introducing kids to the exciting world of engineering. She is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and is excited to grow Berkeley Engineering’s K-12 programs and showcase how fun engineering can be. Prior to directing the college’s K-12 outreach efforts, Lizzie designed and directed Berkeley’s Girls in Engineering program. Before joining the College of Engineering in 2015, Lizzie developed science education programs and professional development curricula at the Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley’s public science center. She earned a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Stanford University and an S.B. in materials science and engineering from M.I.T.

What exciting projects are you working on?
I’m very excited to be developing a strategic plan and vision for Berkeley Engineering’s K-12 outreach. I’m looking forward to harnessing Berkeley’s passion for STEM education and serving our community.

How did your career path lead you to your current role?
Since I was a teenager, I’ve been looking for ways to follow my passions for both engineering and education. My current role is a perfect fit and utilizes my varied experiences, including conducting engineering research, developing engineering curricula for kids, and directing Berkeley’s Girls in Engineering program.

What is your favorite Berkeley event?
I love Cal Day. Seeing everyone so excited to welcome the broader community to campus and showcase the Cal spirit is really inspiring, and always makes me proud to be a member of the Cal family.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I would love to be able to draw well! It’d be such a useful skill, and I would no longer be embarrassed during Pictionary games.