Ph.D. student Gillian Bergmann spent six months in Angers, France, conducting hands-on microbial ecology research while building global collaborations—and her confidence in French. From sequencing DNA in the lab to sharing baguettes with colleagues, the experience deepened her scientific skills and sense of belonging across cultures.
Amaya Lewis, a first-gen student majoring in Animal Science and Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, spent two transformative weeks in South Africa through Loop Abroad’s Zoo Medicine program. Gaining hands-on vet experience while engaging with local conservation efforts and South African culture, Amaya deepened her passion for wildlife medicine and global learning.
Spending the summer documenting animal management practices on California dairy farms was both eye-opening and rewarding for Ph.D. student Christian Bernal-Córdoba. From navigating cultural and language barriers to witnessing the real-world impact of antimicrobial use, this experience deepened Christian's research and reinforced the power of lived expertise in shaping sustainable solutions.
Kelly Mae Heroux, a third-year grad student in Soils and Biogeochemistry, received a Global Grad Grant to tackle food insecurity through agrivoltaics and community service. Her work bridges local action with global goals, fostering sustainable solutions and collaboration in Yolo County.
Alejandra Cano, a Ph.D. candidate in Native American Studies, participated in the UC Davis Grad Grants program in Colombia to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with stingless bee conservation. Collaborating with the Embera community, she helped revitalize eco-cultural practices and gained valuable insights into decolonial environmental approaches and cross-cultural collaboration.
Sophomore Eileen Dobzynski ('26) took part in the UC Davis Quarter Abroad Nepal program, working on sustainable development projects. "I've always wanted to study abroad, especially after the pandemic. This program allowed me to immerse myself in Nepali culture, form incredible friendships, and apply classroom learning in real-world projects."
Rising third-year UC Davis student Maddison Cunningham received The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, known as The Voyager Scholarship, Tuesday. Cunningham is the first UC Davis student to earn The Voyager Scholarship since its inception in 2022.
UC Davis third-year biochemistry and molecular biology major Vyoma Bhanap wants to change the world through dance. In April, the Donald A. Strauss Scholarship Foundation Committee awarded Bhanap $15,000 to implement her proposal, Dance Bhoomi. This project uses the power of dance — specifically, dance therapy — to safely bridge the mind-body disconnect that often occurs in children who experience constant trauma.
Participating in the UC Davis Summer Abroad Thailand program in Bangkok, Brittany sought personal and intellectual growth, immersing herself in a new culture to understand climate resilience within the Southeast Asian context.
Embarking on her Latinx health internship in Mexico, Melanie embraced a quarter abroad that was filled with clinical observations, cultural exchanges and personal growth.
