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Yana Ivkova

1,775

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I’m a Bulgarian student and future Astrophysics major at UC Berkeley. I’m fascinated by the unknown—by big questions about reality, existence, and our place in the universe. During my gap year, I’ve explored these passions while reconnecting with my roots and leading projects focused on sustainability, gender equity, and community care. I’m also a competitive sprinter, and the discipline I’ve developed through sport fuels my academic drive. My dream is to become a researcher and science communicator exploring the nature of reality and how we construct it—working toward a unified theory of existence that draws on astrophysics, neuroscience, and philosophy. I want to not only uncover cosmic truths, but help others see their place within them—making the universe feel both personally meaningful and scientifically knowable. Above all, I’m committed to making science more accessible, diverse, and deeply human. Growing up between Bulgaria and Germany, I’ve learned to navigate cultures with empathy and initiative. I believe I’m a strong candidate because I combine curiosity with purpose—and I’m committed to using both to make a meaningful impact.

Education

University of California-Berkeley

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Minors:
    • Philosophy
    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences

Another School

High School
2018 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
    • Philosophy
    • Physics and Astronomy
    • Cognitive Science
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Astrophysics

    • Dream career goals:

    • Customer Success & Marketing Intern — Enhanced outreach accuracy by updating client data in HubSpot; proposed a creative campaign concept; gained insight into B2B wellness marketing; advocated for institutionalized mental health support.

      Liane Care Srl — a B2B company dedicated to enhancing work-life balance through personalized wellness services—including mental and physical health, plus child, elder, and pet care—reducing burnout and fostering healthier, more productive workplaces.
      2025 – 2025

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Club
    2015 – Present10 years

    Awards

    • 4×200m National Champion
    • 4×100m National Vice-Champion
    • 10× Bulgarian Nationals Qualifier
    • 3× Go Kids Tournament Champion (athlete with most annual titles)
    • 3× European Kids Games Qualifier
    • 60+ medals (60m, 100m, 200m, relays, high jump & long jump)
    • 2× Sportico Club Champion (Age Group 2004–2005)
    • 2× MVP for Varsity Track & Field
    • 3× Varsity Girls Team Title Winner
    • 2× German International School Sports Conference Team Titles
    • Mentored 40+ peers, led drills, initiated coach-free training
    • Learned to balance individual excellence with team responsibility

    Volleyball

    Varsity
    2021 – 20243 years

    Awards

    • 3rd place - European Sports Conference
    • 3rd place - German International School Sports Tournament
    • Evolved from Reserve Playet to Team Captain
    • Named Team Morale Leader for unity and motivation

    Research

    • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other

      Berlin Brandenburg International School - Personal Project Fair — Custom-made subliminals, merged neuroscience & physics concepts, tested impact on mindset/motivation
      2020 – 2021
    • Applied Mathematics

      Berlin Brandenburg International School - Mathematics Interpretations & Applications Higher Level — Modeled athletic performance using biomechanics/physics; optimized training & assessed limitations.
      2022 – 2024
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics

      "From Dark Matter to Dark Energy" Online Astrophysics Course — Independently completed course with honors, solved extra problems, and applied insights cross-field.
      2024 – 2024
    • Physics

      Berlin Brandenburg International School - Physics Internal Assessment — Built custom barrels, tested dart displacement, and applied physics to childhood-inspired investigation.
      2022 – 2022
    • Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

      Immerse Education, Oxbridge Summer Program Conference — Led research team, analyzed environmental/social impact, and helped shift 40% of audience behavior.
      2022 – 2022

    Arts

    • Home Art Media Exploration, supported by National Art Academy Courses; Berlin Brandenburg International School Art Department; Sofia Art Fair;

      Visual Arts
      Organized and led 2 stress-relief art workshops (10+ attendees each), Helped coordinate the first-ever Sofia Art Fair (2023), Repaired jewelry & clothing through creative recycling, Experimented and created mixed-media art (watercolor, pottery, origami,), Learned crocheting, connecting with Bulgarian traditions and my grandma
      2011 – Present

    Public services

    • Advocacy

      Immerse Oxbridge Female Future Leader Program — Explored gender inequality & women in STEM/business. Led group ESG analysis on menstrual products; proposed climate/gender solutions to 50+p conference. Partnered with media to inspire action in Bulgaria. Strengthened strategic thinking & public speaking.
      2023 – 2024
    • Advocacy

      Climate As Action Club: first-ever school environmental organization — I co-led Day Zero, ran poster workshops (20+ ppl), educated peers, created protest chants, initiated eco-certification, promoted “Lights Out Day,” joined recycling efforts, and mobilized local/home community involvement in clean-ups and climate protests.
      2022 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      United World Schools - a zero educational poverty organization — I led the food team, organized 4 school-wide fundraisers, and helped raise $4,000+ for UWS. I used baking and crafts to support 62 kids' education, advised other teams, promoted the cause, and learned the power of collaboration and initiative.
      2022 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      Daily Life Extended Family Caregiver & Translator — Supported my grandmas with daily to bi-monthly care—chores, IT, gardening, errands, grooming. As the only German speaker, I translated and managed appointments/documents abroad. Learned patience and the value of connection in easing emotional distress.
      2018 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Various Short-term Volunteering Experiences, CEO for One Day at Education Without Backpacks -NGO improving BG educational resources- Charity Runs, Community Events — Helped digitize & improve education access at 12 rural BG schools at an NGO as a daily CEO; raised €150+ for breast cancer/Ukraine via charity runs; promoted ASL club; volunteered at Summer Fest/Music Mania; tended community garden; sport meet official.
      2019 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Imm Astronomy Scholarship
    What drives me is the unexplainable. Astrophysics doesn’t just describe the universe—it invites us to question the nature of existence. I’ve long been drawn to the cosmos, not only for its stars and galaxies, but for the unspoken poetry behind them. To me, astrophysics is a bridge between the macrocosm and the mind, where science meets wonder and logic meets mystery. I’m pursuing this path to demystify not only the night sky but reality itself—and to become the kind of scientist who makes the magical both understandable and deeply human. My first encounter with the universe was not in a lab, nor through a lens, but in the space documentaries, my uncle and I watched instead of traditional cartoon movie nights. I couldn’t yet understand the language, but mesmerized by the imagery, I understood the feeling: vastness, limitlessness, and a beauty that felt almost lyrical. Over time, that awe evolved into intellectual curiosity. I find it fascinating that observing distant stars is a form of time travel—glimpsing the past through light years of distance—or that detecting a single subatomic particle can reveal events from billions of years ago. From gravitational waves hinting at hidden dimensions to string theory suggesting a binary code embedded in the universe, astrophysics doesn’t end mystery—it provides the recipe for magic. As I delved deeper, I began questioning not just how the universe works, but how we come to know it. When I learned that particles exist in a state of uncertainty until observed, I wondered: Are we shaping the universe simply by perceiving it? Could our thoughts influence physical matter? Might particles possess a form of intelligence we don’t yet understand? I’m fascinated by this dialogue between observer and observed—and what it might reveal about consciousness, perception, and reality. Through particle duality, quantum entanglement, and uncanny parallels between the cosmic web and human synapses, I aim to bridge astrophysics, neuroscience, and philosophy—reimagining what intelligence and meaning truly are. In ten years, I envision pursuing a PhD, ideally contributing to NASA’s Physics of the Cosmos Program, developing a unified framework that connects cosmology with cognition—and helping others see science not just as knowledge, but as a story of interconnectedness. My passion lies not only in exploring cosmic phenomena but in making them accessible and deeply human. Too often, astrophysics is seen as distant or abstract—but I believe it’s intimate. Matter-antimatter annihilation informs cancer treatments; muon detection reveals buried archaeological structures. These aren’t just scientific curiosities—they’re proof that space science shapes life on Earth. Beyond utility, astrophysics carries philosophical weight: we are made of stardust, and in studying the stars, we study ourselves. I plan to bring the sky closer by creating and hosting a TEDx series called 'The Universe Within'—connecting cosmic discovery to everyday meaning. Because science becomes powerful when it doesn’t just inform, but moves. After all, the universe is made of more than atoms—it’s made of stories. This mission is deeply personal. In an 85% male physics class, I was often dismissed or overlooked. I nearly gave up, mistaking self-doubt for lack of ability. However, receiving a scholarship to the Immerse Cambridge Female Leadership Program helped me reclaim my confidence and voice. Now, I’m committed to mentoring young women in STEM and building the inclusive scientific culture I once needed—where curiosity has no gender, and no one feels out of place among the stars. To me, astrophysics is not just about discovery—it’s about meaning. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll turn curiosity into impact—on Earth and beyond—being the scientist who uncovers cosmic truths and the storyteller who helps others find purpose within them.
    Yana Ivkova Student Profile | Bold.org