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Melissa Long, 2009
Major: Art History, Design
Activities: Art History Club, Intramural and Club Water Polo
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"I've learned a lot about how I relate and connect to people, and have grown into my own person. I'm much more open to new ideas. I've also discovered a love of Asian art and plan to go to China through the Education Abroad Program."
Melissa Long visited UC Davis on Picnic Day, the campus's annual student-run open house, and enjoyed herself so much she decided to choose UC Davis and become an Aggie. "I liked the small-town atmosphere of Davis," says Long, "and was aware of its reputation as a good school."
"Get out there and join a club," she advises. "I've enjoyed activities from the art history club, which helped with studying for my major courses, to playing water polo." An art history and design major, Long says an Asian art class with Professor Katharine Burnett is one of her favorites so far. "Professor Burnett is personable and understands students," says Long. "Now I want to travel to China through the Education Abroad Program on a trip she leads."
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Ravi Deepak, 2009
Major: Environmental Biology & Management
Activities: Former senator, Associated Students of UC Davis (ASUCD), Dean’s Council, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Campus Council for Information Technology
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"I really enjoy the interdisciplinary aspect of the majors offered here, as well as the passion and commitment of our student body."
Interested in both politics and the environment, Ravi Deepak says the proximity to the California state capital and UC Davis regional resources such as the Tahoe Research Group and Bodega Marine Lab drew him to UC Davis. Deepak served as a first-year senator in the UC Davis student government.
Deepak says he also appreciates the interdisciplinary aspect of the majors at UC Davis. Professor Mark Lubell provided a memorable classroom experience. "I enjoyed Lubell's public land management class," says Deepak, "understanding how policies are developed in a bureaucratic environment."
Ultimate Frisbee and the crew team provide balance to Deepak's studies and political involvement on campus. For students who need a boost while studying, he recommends the Coffee House coffee.
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Millie Copara, 2009
Major: Classical Civilization
Activities: Classical Studies Association officer, Dean’s Honors List
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"I came to UC Davis as an animal biology major interested in veterinary medicine, but have since discovered a love of classical civilizations. Today, history, culture and language are my passion."
"UC Davis is a welcoming campus," says Millie Copara. "I had a wonderful freshman experience." Initially an animal science major, Copara switched her major to classical civilization after taking a Latin class. "I discovered I'm fascinated by languages," says Copara. "The classical civilization major is a close-knit one, and I've met wonderful people," she says.
Intramural sports and the Classics Student Association keep Copara busy outside of the classroom, and she's looking forward to spending her senior year studying in Rome. After graduation, Copara plans to prepare for an academic career by pursuing a graduate degree.
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Joseph Chatham, 2010
Major: International Relations
Activities: Integrated Studies Honors Program, Davis Honors Challenge, Dean's Honor List
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"One of my favorite classes has been the 'Study of Consciousness,' offered through the Integrated Studies Honors Program. Evan Fletcher, a leading neuroscience researcher, taught the course, and he was an enthusiastic and incredible lecturer. I've had so many opportunities to network and connect with researchers like Evan at UC Davis. They're approachable and easy to talk to, and they bring a real, personal element to a large research university."
Joseph Chatham knew he'd be challenged at UC Davis and felt the campus provided an ideal learning and living environment. "In addition to prestigious academic and honors programs, UC Davis offers research opportunities," he says. Chatham is focusing his studies on community development; specifically, how communities are formed and the interactions within them.
Snowboarding, intramural soccer and racquetball are a few of Joseph's extracurricular activities. "The Mondavi Center and the Activities and Recreation Center are other great ways to balance academics," said Chatham. "There are so many possibilities for creating a positive lifestyle here."
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Romobia Hutchinson, 2008
Major: Biological Sciences
Activities: Reentry Student, McNair Scholar
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"I wanted my son to be proud of me, so I enrolled in community college with an eye toward UC Davis. My advice to others considering college reentry: don't be discouraged by bumps in the road. Believe in yourself, understand you are capable and keep trying. You will succeed."
The prospect of conducting research brought transfer student Romobia Hutchinson to UC Davis. "I wanted research experience in preparation for graduate school," says Hutchinson, a biological sciences major with a molecular and cellular biology emphasis.
A McNair Scholar, Hutchinson has been conducting undergraduate research in medical microbiology and immunology for the past year in the laboratory of Professor Charles Bevins, a faculty member in the UC Davis School of Medicine. She has also pursued her interests in AIDS and African American studies. Hutchinson looks forward to continuing her studies at the graduate level in immunological research.
In addition to research opportunities, Hutchinson found UC Davis to offer ample student resources. "The Learning Skills Center, tutors, internships and the study abroad program all provide the components for success," she says. In addition to using those services, Hutchinson recommends that all undergraduates participate in volunteer work in their field of interest. "This invaluable opportunity will allow you to discover new things about yourself."
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Christian Santa Maria, 2009
Major: Genetics
Activities: Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program
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"The Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program at UC Davis helped me learn about career options within the field of genetics. I received research funding, completed an undergraduate research project and will be presenting a paper in Mexico this year. I’m now considering entering an M.D./Ph.D. program after I graduate."
A pre-med genetics major, Christian Santa Maria chose UC Davis for the research opportunities it offers in the sciences. "I'm currently researching plant biology genetics with Professor Simon Chan," he says. Santa Maria will present his findings later this year at a conference hosted by the American Society of Plant Biologists in Mexico.
Santa Maria particularly enjoyed an upper-division organic chemistry course led by Professor Melekeh Nasiri. Says Santa Maria, "Professor Nasiri challenges you and is very organized. She makes sure you really learn the material."
He finds the UC Davis campus environmentally friendly with lots of open space. "There are so many opportunities to explore here," he says. "I'm also excited about Athletics' move up to Division I."
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