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. From exploring the vast Scottish Highlands to countless adventures in Edinburgh, she fulfilled her University Writing Program requirement while spending meaningful time with her lively cohort. Through a blend of journalism and environmental studies, Anya refined her research and writing skills during her four-week stay.

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. 

Elmira Louie, a Ph.D. candidate and associate instructor in Comparative Literature, strives to build an interconnected world that bridges cultures. Her Ph.D. dissertation, tentatively titled “Resisting the Periphery: Global South Borderlands in Turkish and Persian Literature,” looks at cultures, languages and people on the periphery in Turkish and Persian novels. The global nature of Elmira’s research has enabled her to seek out global experiences and ethical sources for a well-rounded project.

Jessica Romick, a fourth-year design major with a focus in graphic design, has been creative throughout her whole life. From painting to embroidery, Jessica has not only developed a love for the arts but also extensive skills in her field. Jessica transferred to UC Davis with an associate's degree in graphic design, hoping to expand her horizons in professional creative fields.

“Make sure to keep an open mind because you’ll never know what you’ll learn.” -Aidan Christopher Chiang