April Student of the Month: Sarah Azrin

Hi everyone! I’m Sarah Azrin and I’m a third year GDB major and Education minor from Southington, Connecticut.

Though I originally came to Davis as an Animal Science major, I realized that though I loved animals I really wanted to spend my life helping people. Switching my major to GDB was the best decision I have made in college because it allows me to still pursue my passion for animal health while expanding my knowledge base on human medicine and public health to find my niche at the intersection of my interests. Along the way, I discovered my love for education and GDB has allowed me to combine that with my science skills to concentrate on health education and public health through my restricted electives. I am still figuring out what I will pursue after college but GDB has allowed me to keep my options open and fully prepared me for whatever direction I choose by allowing me to incorporate all the prerequisite courses I would need to get a medical or public health degree.

Outside of my classes, I play for the UC Davis Ultimate Frisbee team, I am a mentor for the Redwood SEEDs Scholars program, and I have had multiple research and internship opportunities along the way. This summer, I completed my practicum research in Gulu City, Uganda working with patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease. I was inspired to do my practicum abroad by a previous GDB student and peer mentor that the GDB advisors connected me with who had done work in Uganda the previous summer. I couldn’t have done it without her guidance. My work allowed me to truly be immersed in the culture, make connections, and gain personal and authentic insight into the impact of disease globally. This research was part of a larger study currently in the process of publication but in my practicum report I have chosen to focus on the impact of health education on adherence to treatment. My practicum research was a truly life changing experience and I am so thankful for the GDB staff and community who supported me every step of the way!