Asher Cohen, 20, has been named UC Berkeley’s 2025 University Medalist, the highest honor awarded to a graduating senior. His success was shaped not only by academic excellence, but by curiosity, service, and community involvement.
Cohen explored many corners of campus life, from tutoring math and leading French Club to working in medicine and digital psychiatry. His research included using smartphone data to help predict mental health relapses, showing how technology can support real-world care.
What made his journey stand out was his ability to connect different interests into one purpose: helping people. Rather than following a narrow academic path, Cohen embraced collaboration across disciplines, proving that meaningful achievement often comes from combining knowledge, empathy, and action.
His story reflects a larger lesson for students: success is not only about grades or awards. It is also about asking questions, joining communities, serving others, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.
As Berkeley celebrates its newest University Medalist, Cohen’s journey shows that curiosity and collaboration remain powerful tools for building both personal success and positive impact.
