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.
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.
Alejandra Cano, a Ph.D. candidate in Native American Studies, participated in the UC Davis Grad Grants program in Colombia to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with stingless bee conservation. Collaborating with the Embera community, she helped revitalize eco-cultural practices and gained valuable insights into decolonial environmental approaches and cross-cultural collaboration.
UC Davis MBA student Myrna Robles Couch and Allison Judy participated in a week-long MBA International Study Trip (IST) to Santiago, Chile, including a visit to UC Davis Chile.
Felicia Zhornitsky spent a month in Peru, volunteering with Sacred Valley Health to support community health workers in Quechua-speaking villages. This experience deepened her commitment to culturally sensitive, community-based healthcare and reinforced her dedication to pursuing a medical career that bridges healthcare systems and underserved populations.
UC Davis Ph.D. student Carlos Brito explores the impact of Venezuelan migration on local elections and public education quality in Boa Vista, Brazil. He highlights different aspects of his field experiences, including interactions with diverse cultural groups and the challenges of delivering public services in a multicultural environment.
The Global Impact Fellows Program is a one-year commitment to leading or assisting a student-led initiative that addresses a global+local issue where students can hone project management, leadership, and specific technical skills in an environment where they have real autonomy.
UC Davis veterinary medicine student Ruth Goins recently completed an internship at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo, Namibia. With a focus on One Health, Ruth worked to protect cheetahs and promote coexistence between wildlife and local communities. Read about her four-week experience.
UC Davis student, Sudikshya Bhandari, reflects on her global learning experience on the Quarter Abroad Nepal—Community, Technology, and Sustainability program.
