The Ultimate Guide to Hidden Study Spots at UC Davis: Find Your Perfect Winter Study Sanctuary

As the winter quarter rolls in, UC Davis students often find themselves searching for the perfect cozy study spot to stay productive while avoiding the chill outside. While the library and CoHo are popular go-tos, they can get crowded quickly. If you're looking for a quieter or more unique environment, check out these hidden gems across campus that offer the perfect sanctuary for your study sessions.

Practicum Pods Episode 25: Sloka Suresh

 

This month's Pod features former GDB Peer Advisor and UCD Alum, Sloka Suresh! Sloka's practicum is titled “Evaluating the Impact of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion on Smoking Cessation Treatment Access and Utilization among Pregnant Women”. She did her practicum with Dr. Melanie Dove in the public health department. Find the transcript of this episode ⁠here⁠

GDB Alumni Spotlight November: Camila Rodriguez

Hello! My name is Camila Rodriguez and I recently graduated in 2024 with a B.S. in Global Disease Biology. When I first got to Davis, I was a biological sciences major with dreams of becoming a pediatrician, but I was apprehensive at the idea of committing to one specialty for the rest of my life. After taking Ochem, I thought my dreams of medicine were over because I didn’t have the right GPA, so I decided to take a few courses to help boost it and explore other interests. One of those classes was SAS13: “Disease and Society” with Dr. Leveau.

October Alumni Spotlight: Emily Fehrman

Hello! My name is Emily Fehrman (she/her); I am a UC Davis GDB graduate, Class of 2019. I entered college knowing that I loved science, but that I was not interested in going to medical school. I struggled a bit to find my academic niche because of this, but felt immediately at home when I found and declared the GBD major. In my Sophomore year at Davis, in GBD90, I met Dr. Barbara Shacklett and was immediately taken by her work in HIV research.

Professor Spotlight Fall 2024: Dr. Kenjiro Quides

Dr. Kenjiro Quides is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. His research interests are microbial evolution and ecology and strategies to improve student engagement, retention, and opportunities for collaborative learning.

Creative DIY Projects for Your Dorm or Apartment

Hello GDB Students!

 

When you first move into a dorm or apartment, you are greeted with empty walls, ready to be decorated and styled to make the space truly your own. With a small space and often a tight budget, it may seem like a difficult task. Fear not! With a little creativity and some DIY spirit, you can turn your dorm room into a cozy, stylish sanctuary that uniquely expresses your personality. Here are some fun and budget-friendly DIY project ideas that can help you personalize your college dorm:

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Work-Study at UC Davis: Federal and Institutional Programs

Work-study is a great way for students at UC Davis to earn money, gain work experience, and help cover educational expenses. UC Davis offers two types of work-study programs: Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Institutional Work-Study. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the two, eligibility requirements, and how to find job opportunities—whether it’s through Handshake or community service positions.

GDB Alumni Spotlight September 2024: Curtis Carlson

My name is Curtis Carlson, and I graduated from UC Davis in 2018 with a BS in Global Disease Biology. My academic journey followed a long and winding path – a path that continues to be long and winding. After I graduated from high school, I spent four years at my local community college where I ping-ponged between majors (at one point I even considered going into automotive body repair!). In 2015, I transferred to UC Davis as a non-science major.

September Student of the Month: Aydin Linzey

My name is Aydin and I'm a 3rd year GDB major who loves to bake, play violin and read. As a student, I am a part of a plant pathology lab on campus that studies annual crop diseases. I am also involved in multiple clubs, such as ballroom dance and French. Being a GDB major has completely changed my future plans. Before finding GDB, I was going to transfer as a microbiology major but the breadth of curriculum made me switch. As a result, I found my current lab job through the GDB newsletter and the restricted electives have given me the freedom to explore my passion in plant pathology.

October Student of the Month: Aayiz Mansuri

Hi, my name is Aayiz Mansuri, and I am currently a second-year student majoring in Global Disease Biology. GDB has significantly deepened my understanding of a wide range of issues related to diseases and their profound impacts on society and global health. One of my favorite classes so far has been Disease and Society with Dr. Leveau. This class provided me with valuable insights into various diseases and many epidemiology concepts, which have furthered my enthusiasm for future GDB coursework.

How I Did My Practicum Abroad

On March 27, 2024, I walked off the plane and into the Entebbe airport. As I rounded the corner of the baggage claim, I saw a large sign that read: “Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa”. Over the next three months, I learned why Uganda was the pearl of Africa; I saw Uganda’s beauty in the lush, rolling hills in Buhoma, in the family of elephants crossing in front of us into the vast green savannah in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and in the wildflowers and ferns decorating the steep slope of Mount Sabyinyo.

Cultural Competence and Humility in Education

Hello GDB Students!

One of the remarkable aspects of UC Davis is its incredible diversity. Our campus is enriched by individuals from all walks of life, contributing to the unique and vibrant community we enjoy. When attending a university with such a diverse student and faculty body, we have to address some really important principles: cultural humility and competence. These two key concepts play an important role in our day-to-day lives but also in education.

What is Cultural Humility and Cultural Competence? 

Unlocking Resources for GDB Students: How to Get an EBT Card with Aggie Compass and CalFresh

Hey GDB students!

College life can be a whirlwind of lectures, labs, and late-night study sessions. Amidst all this, taking care of your nutrition is vital. That’s where Aggie Compass and CalFresh come in handy, offering essential resources to help you stay healthy and focused. Let’s dive into what these resources are and how you can take advantage of them.

How to Take the Next Step After Identifying a Research Opportunity as a Global Disease Biology Student

Congratulations on finding a research opportunity that excites you! As a Global Disease Biology (GDB) student at UC Davis, you’re in a unique position to dive into research that can make a real impact. But what’s the next step? Connecting with the people involved—whether it’s a graduate student, research coordinator, or professional investigator—is crucial. Here’s how you can make that connection effectively.

Reach Out to the Right People

Navigating Research Opportunities as a Freshman GDB Student

Starting your journey as a Global Disease Biology (GDB) major at UC Davis is exciting and full of possibilities. As you begin to navigate your academic path, you might wonder how to make the most of your time here. One of the best ways to deepen your understanding of the field and gain valuable experience is by getting involved in research early on.