December Student of the Month: Izzy Ilardi

My name is Izzy Ilardi, and I am a third-year student in the Global Disease Biology program from Wyckoff, New Jersey. Since transferring to UC Davis as a second-year student, I have become deeply engaged with the GDB program and the many enriching opportunities it offers. Through my studies, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of One Health, which has significantly informed my research pursuits and extracurricular activities.

Practicum Pods, Episode 27: Nicholas Wang

This month's pod features GDB student Nicholas Wang! Nich's practicum is titled "Identification of Uncinaria spp. infections in California Sea Lions", which they did under the mentorship and in the lab of Dr. Steven Nadler. The transcription for this episode is linked here.

 

December Alumni Spotlight: Sonia Nezami

My name is Sonia Nezami, and I graduated in June 2023 from UC Davis with a major in Global Disease Biology (GDB). Throughout my time at UCD, I developed a comprehensive understanding of health through the One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This perspective has profoundly shaped my aspirations and prepared me for a career as a Physician Assistant (PA).

Practicum Pods, Episode 26: Nimra Nazar

This month's Pod features former GDB Peer Advisor and UCD Alum, Nimra Nazar! Sloka's practicum is titled “Experiences of Low-Income Undergraduate Students with Disabilities at the University of California, Davis.” She completed her practicum with Dr. Michelle Ko with the Undergraduate Public Health Scholars program in the public health department.

November Student of the Month: David Froman

I am interested in health and medicine as a whole which is something
that has guided my journey at UC Davis. My interest in the Global
Disease Biology program began when I learned what the One Health model
is and how it serves to provide a holistic view of human, animal, and
environmental health. Currently, I am in my senior year at UC Davis,
and have had an amazing adventure thus far to say the least. Being a
transfer student made my junior year tough at the onset as I was
taking upper division courses in a university that I had little to no

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.

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.

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. Dr. Quides teaches GDB major requirement MIC 102: Introductory Microbiology.

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.