UC Davis student Kaylianne Jordan joined the Connect with Rwanda: One Health for a More Sustainable World program to explore the links between human, animal and environmental health. The experience deepened her understanding of sustainability and global collaboration, inspiring her to encourage other first-gen and African diaspora students to pursue global learning opportunities.

Kate is a fifth-year double-major in human development and communications. During her second year at UC Davis, she took part in a study abroad program, and her place of choice was none other than the magnificent destination of Madrid, Spain.

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.

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.

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.

One of the ways UC Davis students can get involved with the UN Sustainability Development Goals is through the SDGs Internship, where interns develop SDG-focused programming, identify SDG implementation opportunities, outreach about the SDGs, and more.

Kelly Mae Heroux, a third-year grad student in Soils and Biogeochemistry, received a Global Grad Grant to tackle food insecurity through agrivoltaics and community service. Her work bridges local action with global goals, fostering sustainable solutions and collaboration in Yolo County.