The tenth annual International Connections Reception, hosted by Global Affairs on Wednesday, March 12, 2024, brings together the UC Davis community to celebrate several award and grant programs, including the Grants for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals as a part of a partnership with Grand Challenges, Sustainability and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These team-focused grants fund global and multidisciplinary programs that enhance UC Davis’ connections to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs, a set of broad yet ambitious goals that address the universal need for sustainable development, were adopted by all UN member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 17 goals—such as ending hunger, ensuring clean water, and combating climate change—provide a common global framework to achieve sustainable development across economic, social and environmental dimensions.

On campus and around the world, UC Davis faculty, students, and staff are addressing all 17 SDGs in various teaching, research, and service activities. The Grants for Advancing SDGs support work already underway and spark new partnerships. This year’s six selected projects contribute to 13 of the 17 SDGs—locally and globally—bringing together more than 18 faculty, researchers and artists from across UC Davis and collaborating communities, government organizations and academic institutions worldwide.

2024-25 Grant Recipients

Jonathan London

Professor, Human Ecology
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Bapu Vaitla

Mayor
City of Davis

City of Davis

Advancing the SDGs through the City of Davis General Plan Update: Incorporating Community Health, Environmental Justice, and Equity Approach

United States (Americas: North America)

Their efforts aim to develop greater alignment for achieving SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Kurt Kornbluth

Adjunt Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering
College of Engineering

Irwin Donis-Gonzalez

Associate Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering
College of Engineering

Universidad Rafael Landívar, Guatemala

Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala

Appropriate Technology Power Wheelchair Design Workshop

Guatemala (Americas: Latin America)

Their efforts aim to support SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Maike Sonnewald

Assistant Professor, Computer Science
College of Engineering
CAMPOS Scholar

James Sanchirico

Professor, Environmental Science and Policy
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Stephanie Dutkiewicz

Senior Research Scientist, Earth Atmosphere and Planetary Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States

Building Resilient Fisheries Under Climate Change: Using AI in Supporting Fisheries Management

United States (Americas: North America)

Their projects will advance SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Ga Young Chung

Assistant Professor, Asian American Studies
College of Letters and Science

Daniel Potter

Professor and Chair, Plant Sciences
Director of the UC Davis Center for Plant Diversity
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Mao Lee

Herbal Medicine Practitioner and Community Healer

Judy Tretheway

Founder, Confluence Gardens & Teas in North Sacramento

Developing a Toolkit for Global Education through Hmong Herbs: Community-Engaged Education and Practice Involving Health Equity, Food Justice, and Cultural Diversity

United States (Hmong) (Americas: North America)

Their efforts will help advance SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 15: Life on Land.

Christina Cogdell

Professor, Design
College of Letters and Science

Valeria La Saponara

Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
College of Engineering

Danting Sun

Professor, Environmental Design
Yunnan Arts University

Yunnan Arts University, China

Don't Burn - BUILD! Prototyping Mycelium-Based Architecture from Local Agricultural Waste in Yunnan Province, China

China (Asia: East Asia)

Their project will help support SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Olukayode Jegede

Assistant Professor of Agricultural Toxicology and Cooperative Extension Specialist, Molecular Biosciences
School of Veterinary Medicine

Joseph Igbokwe

Lecturer, Biological Sciences
Joseph Ayo Babalola University

Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Nigeria

Assessing the Impact of Lack of Adequate Information and Pesticide Misuse on the Agricultural Productivity and Health of Women Farmers and their Households in Nigeria

Nigeria (Africa: Sub-Saharan Africa)

Their efforts aim to support SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 5: Gender Equality.

Register to attend the International Connections Reception on Wednesday, March 12, 2025