Hello everyone! My name is Rama, and I’m a fourth-year Global Disease Biology (GDB) student on the pre-med track. When I transferred to UC Davis, I was immediately fascinated by the wide range of topics the GDB major explores. As a pre-med student, I initially focused solely on the human aspect of diseases and global issues. However, GDB helped me take a step back and see the bigger picture.

Through GDB classes, I learned the importance of approaching health through the lens of One Health, recognizing how collaboration across multiple disciplines is essential for understanding and addressing complex global challenges. The curriculum allowed me to tailor my coursework to my interests. While I focused on human health, I explored how it intersects with environmental, animal, and societal factors that shape people’s lives.

Before joining GDB, I had only a vague idea of what research involved. Through the practicum experience, I have had the opportunity to work closely with experts and dive deeper into the research process. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate journey. GDB’s unique curriculum continues to help me discover new passions and develop skills I wouldn’t have explored otherwise.

I’m grateful for the growth GDB has offered me so far, and I look forward to continuing my journey through research, collaboration, and service in the healthcare field.