Congratulations to our very own GDB Student and Peer Advisor, Sloka Suresh! She has been selected as the recipient of the Charles Hess Community Service Award for 2024. According to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Charles Hess Community Awards recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding public or community service.

The criteria for selection is:

• Graduating Senior with good scholarship and the most noteworthy record of public/community service while at UC Davis
• Demonstrated expertise in and an interest in serving humanity
• Volunteer from the College and University and in their community
• A record of academic excellence

Sloka's service is not limited to supporting GDB students as an experienced peer advisor. She also serves as Undergraduate Director for Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic, a student-run clinic committed to providing free health care to individuals, including those who are uninsured, use intravenous drugs, work in the sex trade, and/or identify as transgender. She is currently doing research in public health policy under the mentorship of School of Public Health Assistant Adjunct Professor, Melanie Dove, M.P.H., Sc.D. Her senior practicum project focuses on evaluating the impact of Medicaid funded smoking cessation treatments on infant and maternal health outcomes. Fun fact: She also teaches yoga in her free time!

We're proud to have Sloka as part of the GDB Community!