GDB Alumni Spotlight April 2023: Jennifer Loza

GDB Alumni Spotlight, April 2023: Jennifer Loza

Happy Spring, everyone! My name is Jennifer Loza (she/her) and I graduated in the Class of 2020 with a degree in Global Disease Biology and a minor in Political Science. As a transfer student, I knew I wanted to make the most out of my limited time at UC Davis. Being a GDB major granted me the freedom to explore my interests in both public health and the sciences. I participated in the UCDC Program where I had the opportunity to intern in the House of Representatives with Congressman Eric Swalwell. Here, I realized how truly important our voice is when shaping legislation, and my love for policymaking solidified. This was reflected in my practicum project where I analyzed the respiratory effects of microplastics in the air in humans and developed a policy proposal. However, I ultimately returned to my passion for science and became a Lab Aide for the Human Gross Anatomy Lab here at UCD.


After graduating, I worked as an Emergency Department Scribe at Woodland Memorial Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a GDB background was crucial at this time and prepared me for this unforgettable and difficult experience where the One Health approach and epidemiological lessons unfolded in real time. Currently, I am a Junior Specialist in charge of the Perez Lab in the Department of Surgery, Transplant Division at UC Davis Health. In my role, I mainly work on researching cutting-edge methods of organ preservation such as ex vivo normothermic perfusion. My current focus is determining whether donor and recipient factors lead to early allograft failure and how these can be minimized. The support I have received from the attendings has been incredible and they have pushed me out of my comfort zone and given me the opportunity to write abstracts and even present my work at conferences such as the Pacific Coast Surgical Association this past February.


While I am still navigating where my academic and professional career will take me, I am extremely happy in my decision to major in Global Disease Biology. Our unique program equips its students with the tools needed to succeed in the real world, no matter what direction they go in (yes, even the practicum!). Please feel free to reach out with any questions (jeloza@ucdavis.edu) whether it be about post-grad life or if you want to learn about kidney transplantation. I look forward to collaborating and meeting more GDB Aggies in the future! 
 

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