Amanda Bischoff

Amanda Bischoff holds a PhD in Chemistry from UC Berkeley. During her dissertation research, she designed and synthesized biomaterial-based artificial light harvesting systems to model light capture and energy transfer in photosynthesis, with a goal of developing more efficient and sustainable solar technology. She conducted undergraduate research at the University of Utah in organic chemistry methodology and reaction modeling using density functional theory-derived parameters.

In addition to her thesis research at Berkeley, Amanda worked on an interdisciplinary team of students to prepare a report on greener alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), harmful and persistent chemicals, in consumer products to inform stricter regulations on their use in California. She also completed a three-month internship in Protein Chemistry at Genentech, where she developed an interest in how pharmaceutical companies can improve sustainability in research and manufacturing. Amanda has extensive chemistry teaching and leadership experience, including serving as the director of a mentorship program for undergraduate transfer students in chemistry and conducting research on the program’s effects on students’ sense of belonging and ability to obtain research positions. These experiences helped her learn to set and meet goals across disciplines toward positive social and environmental change.

As an Impact Fellow, Amanda is researching nature-based approaches to greenhouse gas measurement and sequestration and biodiversity preservation, especially in agricultural contexts. Her goal at the MCSC is to develop cost-effective, sustainable, bio-derived technology to improve crop resilience and yields while reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint.