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Yana Ivkova

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Track and Field
  • Art
  • Baking
  • Volleyball
  • Sustainability
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Culinary Arts
  • Gender Studies
  • Astrophysics
  • Philosophy
  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Science
  • Physics

Reading

  • Science Fiction
  • Anthropology
  • Philosophy
  • Adventure
  • Crafts
  • Fantasy
  • Food and Drink
  • Mystery
  • Science‎
  • Social Science
  • Sports and Games
  • Folk Tales

I read books multiple times a week.

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:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
University of California-Berkeley, Princeton University, Harvard College
Majors of interest:
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Neurobiology and Neurosciences, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy, Cognitive Science
Desired degree modality:
In-Person
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • 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.

    Health, Wellness, and Fitness · 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.

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Work experience:
0 years
Has nursing license:
No

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