Emmy-nominated actress Mayim Bialik will be the distinguished alumna speaker for the UCLA College commencement June 15, the university announced Wednesday.
Bialik will speak at both the 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. commencement ceremonies at Pauley Pavilion.
“Dr. Bialik embodies the values of a Bruin,” said Patricia Turner, senior dean of the UCLA College. “Throughout her career, she has shown how hard work, determination and civic duty can lead to success. I know that our graduates will be inspired by her story as they set out to make their own mark in the world.”
Bialik received a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience with a minor in Hebrew and Jewish studies from UCLA in 2000 and a doctorate in neuroscience from UCLA in 2007. Her thesis examined the role of oxytocin and vasopressin in obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome.
As an undergraduate, Bialik was a leader in the Jewish student group UCLA Hillel, chanting and blowing a ram’s horn known as a shofar for the High Holy Day services and conducting and writing music for UCLA’s Jewish a capella group.
Bialik has received four outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series Emmy nominations for her portrayal of neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler on CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory.”