Finding the opportunity to immerse herself in Scotland’s culture and landscape, Anya Nygaard, a third-year environmental science and management major and geographic information systems minor, studied abroad this past summer and had an experience like none other.
Ph.D. student Gillian Bergmann spent six months in Angers, France, conducting hands-on microbial ecology research while building global collaborations—and her confidence in French. From sequencing DNA in the lab to sharing baguettes with colleagues, the experience deepened her scientific skills and sense of belonging across cultures.
Taking on a mission to expand awareness about global learning opportunities at UC Davis, the Aggies Near and Far podcast club produces educational episodes each month. It is led by Ph.D. candidate and fourth-year graduate student Jannet Torres Espinoza, who takes her knowledge of Latin American Literature, Culture, and Human Rights and applies it to podcasting.
Amaya Lewis, a first-gen student majoring in Animal Science and Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, spent two transformative weeks in South Africa through Loop Abroad’s Zoo Medicine program. Gaining hands-on vet experience while engaging with local conservation efforts and South African culture, Amaya deepened her passion for wildlife medicine and global learning.
UC Davis faculty have proposed a new general education requirement mandating climate crisis education for all undergraduates, aiming to equip students across all disciplines with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change and promote sustainability.
On April 5, 2025, the UC Davis International Center hosted over 150 students, alumni, staff and global professionals for the 5th annual Global Learning Conference, themed Cultivating Authenticity in an Interconnected World.
Global Aggies article featuring Roy Akumu. Roy is an M.S. Civil Engineering student at UC Davis and a 2023-24 Alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Spending the summer documenting animal management practices on California dairy farms was both eye-opening and rewarding for Ph.D. student Christian Bernal-Córdoba. From navigating cultural and language barriers to witnessing the real-world impact of antimicrobial use, this experience deepened Christian's research and reinforced the power of lived expertise in shaping sustainable solutions.
The Global Impact Fellows Program draws upon UC Davis’ commitment to Global Education for All, which aims to provide all UC Davis students with global learning opportunities and experiences. Additionally, each of this year’s projects is tied to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to create a sustainable future for all.
