Global Affairs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Internship
In September 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all UN Member States. Central to the Agenda is the set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which define a plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity to be undertaken by all countries.
UC Davis is engaged in research, teaching, service and operations that contribute to the SDGs and is committed to increasing its contributions to SDGs. UC Davis is also committed to creating global learning opportunities for students on campus, domestically, and internationally.
The Global Affairs SDG Internship provides an opportunity for UC Davis undergraduate students to actively contribute to campus engagement on this global agenda. SDG Interns gain substantive understanding of the SDGs, and develop professional skills such as organizational strategy, project design and management, partnership development, outreach and analytical skills. The internship is open to students in all majors.
To learn more about our efforts, see UC Davis's engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About the Internship
The internship’s focus areas and projects change each quarter, depending on Global Affairs’ priorities and new initiatives. Interns are expected to participate in a weekly intern meeting and to work in collaboration with other interns on projects.
Internship Projects May Include:
- Developing and implementing strategies to involve students across campus in the SDGs. Liaising with students/groups to build awareness and involvement on SDGs on campus.
- Collecting information on campus, local, regional, and international efforts that contribute to the SDGs. This may involve desk research, categorizing and organizing information, and outreach to contacts in other offices or organizations.
- Identifying and cataloging UC Davis activities, supporting the gathering of case studies that demonstrate the impact of SDG work, and assisting with developing metrics and narrative on UC Davis efforts.
- Supporting Global Affairs in communicating with campus and local communities about SDG work and disseminating opportunities related to one or more SDGs.
- Assisting with the preparation and the logistics of organizing programs, events, and meetings on SDGs.
- Collecting good practices from other universities and institutions about organizing SDG efforts.
- Attending meetings, in person events, and webinars and taking notes.
- In fall quarter 2025, the internship will also include opportunities to work with the City of Sacramento on Zero Hunger, Sustainable Cities/Extreme Heat Mitigation topics.
Internship Duration/Credit
- The internship is offered for academic credit (2 credits/6-8 hours/week) for upper division students.
- Eligible for transcript notation
- This is a hybrid internship. Most of the internship hours are completed virtually, with some in-person meetings and activities.
- The internship may be extended beyond one quarter on a case-by-case basis, based on Global Affairs needs and the student interests.
Qualifications
- Current UC Davis upper division undergraduate student.
- Demonstrated interest in the 2030 Agenda and one or more SDGs.
- Strong research, writing, organization and communication skills.
- Experience with data collection and analysis, including with Excel, is preferred.
- Passion for the SDGs and desire to contribute to this global agenda.
Application Process
Please submit the following to Jolynn Shoemaker, Senior Director of Global Engagements, at jmshoemaker@ucdavis.edu:
- One-page cover letter explaining your interest in the SDGs and this internship and highlighting any relevant professional development and volunteer experience
- Resume/CV
An interview may be conducted with the final candidates.
Deadlines for 2025-26 Academic Year:
- Fall Quarter Internship Application Due: September 19, 2025 (Extended Deadline)
- Winter Quarter Internship Application Due: December 19, 2025
- Spring Quarter Internship Application Due: March 20, 2026
Current Projects
Coming soon!
Past Projects
- City of Sacramento Voluntary Local Review (VLR)
- Research and Editing the Voluntary Local Review on the SDGs for Sacramento
Conducted desk research and assisted with proofreading text for the finalization of the first VLR for Sacramento.
Presentation of the Voluntary Local Review on the SDGs for Sacramento to the City of Sacramento Youth Commission
Presented the VLR to the Sacramento Youth Commission.
Food Literacy Center Feature
Conducted site visits and interviews at the Food Literacy Center, a non-profit organization is partnering with the City of Sacramento to promote healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods.
Best Heat Mitigation Strategies for Sacramento, CA
Researched Voluntary Local Reviews on the SDGs from cities around the world to identify approaches to support implementation of the Sacramento Climate Action & Adaptation Plan and long-range planning for extreme heat. - UC Davis Student Guide to the SDGs
- Conceptualized, developed and completed the Student Guide to the SDGs, including desk research, survey design and extensive outreach on campus.
Current and Past Interns
- Global Affairs SDG Interns
2025-26
Mika Aglipay is a third-year international relations and economics student. She is passionate about giving back to her community and hopes to make a change in the world through the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Isaiah Heusinkveld is a fourth year International Relations and Russian double major. He thinks that the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a noble cause and is happy to have been granted the opportunity to promote international cooperation.
Cuauhtemoc Martinez Marquez (he/him) is an international relations major and is an environmental journalist and activist working at the intersection of fashion, justice and policy. He investigates corporate exploitation across global supply chains to expose the fashion industry’s role in environmental destruction and labor abuses. His work seeks to reimagine fashion as a driver of ecological regeneration and human dignity, leveraging legislation as a blueprint for systemic change and a future where Sustainable Development Goals are not only achieved but made standard.
Ai Masuda is a third year exchange student from Tohoku University, Japan and is majoring in plant sciences. She is interested in ensuring food access for everyone and in developing sustainable ways to produce food.
Zice Sun is a statistics major passionate about connecting data with storytelling to support sustainable development. After contributing to campus sustainability reporting and SDG communications, he is now focusing on SDG 2: Zero Hunger, with interests in food access, nutrition equity and community resilience. With experience in multilingual outreach, visual communication and social media strategy, Zice enjoys translating complex information into clear, human-centered narratives. He is especially interested in how research, empathy and creativity can work together to promote global food justice.
Spring 2025
Aidan Chiang is majoring in international relations with an emphasis on Peoples & Nationalities and a minor in music. He is a Taiwanese-Filipino American who can proficiently speak English, Mandarin and Spanish, and is currently learning Tagalog and Japanese. He enjoys traveling, watching documentaries, and playing the piano, allowing him to engage and build relationships. His goal is to expand his knowledge of other cultures and acquire the necessary skills to join the Foreign Service, making an impact both locally and globally.
Stella Chung is a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Intern with a focus on Goal 2: Zero Hunger. She also serves as a Global Affairs Advisory Student Council Member and Global Ambassador Mentor.
Alexi Espinosa is majoring in sociology and design. She is a Sustainable Development Goals intern with a focus on environmental justice.
Nitya Golla
Isabella Gonzales is a majoring in statistics with a minor in sustainability in the built environment. She is passionate about sustainable urban development and transportation. Outside of class and work you can find her at KDVS or the craft center on campus.
Genevie Hong is studying cognitive science and sustainable environmental design. She is interested in designing healthier and more inclusive cities to promote community development and improve cognitive health. Working in line with the sustainable development goals, Genevie is interested in understanding the intersection of people, places, and power and is empowered to work towards creating quality education and improving city and community design.
Rishita Kumar is majoring in science and technology studies with a minor in global studies. Drawing from diverse skills, from graphic design to creative writing, she pushes for a more equitable future for all individuals through her work. In her free time, she writes poetry, plays her guitar and cello, and engages in art of all forms.
Vivien Mathis is majoring in civil engineering. She is interested in public safety, sustainability, and climate change. She believes strategic infrastructure is an essential part for meeting sustainability goals like climate action, resilient communities, and clean water and energy. She is most focused on SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Vivien is also exploring data/quantitative metrics for SDGs, funding support for the SDGs at UC Davis and challenges and opportunities to effectively communicate the SDGs.
Chely Saens is a student studying international relations with minors in human rights and sustainability in the built Environment. She has previously worked in higher-education policy, human-development and media research, and housing-cooperative initiatives. In her free time she enjoys hiking, playing guitar and bass, and being with her cat, Doris.
Meghan Van Note is an international relations and human rights student. As an intern, she hopes to strengthen connections and resources on campus that orient our university towards a sustainable world that values compassion towards the environment, other humans, and living creatures. Particularly, she is interested in equality in education and anchoring peace, justice, and strength into our institutions locally and globally.
Winter 2025
Eileen Dobzynski is pursuing a Bachelor's of Arts in anthropology and a minor in technology canagement. Educational equity is a cause she is passionate about; she has previously worked with school districts in California, mentored young adults with disabilities in the Redwood SEED Scholars Program at UC Davis, and conducted Project LEAP, an international educational research project in Pokhara, Nepal, in Summer 2024. Outside of her role at Global Affairs, she is the Operations Director of Davis Women in Business and serves as a Social Inclusion Lead for the Redwood SEED Scholars Program.
Genevie Hong is studying cognitive science and sustainable environmental design. She is interested in designing healthier and more inclusive cities to promote community development and improve cognitive health. Working in line with the sustainable development goals, Genevie is interested in understanding the intersection of people, places, and power and is empowered to work towards creating quality education and improving city and community design.
Rishita Kumar is majoring in science and technology studies with a minor in global studies. Drawing from diverse skills, from graphic design to creative writing, she pushes for a more equitable future for all individuals through her work. In her free time, she writes poetry, plays her guitar and cello, and engages in art of all forms.
Vivien Mathis is a civil engineering student. She is interested in public safety, sustainability, and climate change. She believes strategic infrastructure is an essential part for meeting sustainability goals like climate action, resilient communities, and clean water and energy.
Corinne Hui-Ming Nicholson is studying environmental engineering and minoring in electrical engineering. She has worked previously in constructed wetland research and design, nutrient reduction in wastewater lagoon systems, and environmental justice for increasing climate education and inclusion in underserved communities.
Chely Saens is a student studying international relations with minors in human rights and sustainability in the built Environment. She has previously worked in higher-education policy, human-development and media research, and housing-cooperative initiatives. In her free time she enjoys hiking, playing guitar and bass, and being with her cat, Doris.
Amy Yang is a Hmong-American international relations major who loves to create conceptual systems and ideas for normative political change and development. She loves to discuss ideas with solutions-oriented peers to create inspiration and excitement in others to innovate multilateral diplomacy, cooperation, and peace. Determined to the brim, Amy wants to also inspire others to notice that politics can truly save many lives if studied and reinvented enough.
Fall 2024
Gülce Celik is an exchange student from the Netherlands. She is majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience and Linguistics with a minor in Public Health. She believes that every action, no matter how small, can create ripple effects that lead to significant change. Every bit counts in building a more sustainable planet for all!
Eileen Dobzynski is pursuing a Bachelor's of Arts in anthropology and a minor in technology canagement. Educational equity is a cause she is passionate about; she has previously worked with school districts in California, mentored young adults with disabilities in the Redwood SEED Scholars Program at UC Davis, and conducted Project LEAP, an international educational research project in Pokhara, Nepal, in Summer 2024. Outside of her role at Global Affairs, she is the operations director of Davis Women in Business and serves as a social inclusion lead for the Redwood SEED Scholars Program.
Megan Lacy (she/her) is finishing up my undergraduate degree in international agricultural development, with a specialization in rural communities, which is where she found her interest in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Corinne Hui-Ming Nicholson is studying environmental engineering and minoring in electrical engineering. She has worked previously in constructed wetland research and design, nutrient reduction in wastewater lagoon systems, and environmental justice for increasing climate education and inclusion in underserved communities.
Alecia Perez is an international relations major and history minor. She is interested in studying international security methods and is committed to sustainable development. She is also fluent in Spanish and has studied Japanese.
Meghan Van Note is an international relations and human rights student. As an intern, she hopes to strengthen connections and resources on campus that orient our university towards a sustainable world that values compassion towards the environment, other humans, and living creatures. Particularly, she is interested in equality in education and anchoring peace, justice, and strength into our institutions locally and globally.
Amy Yang is a Hmong-American international relations major who loves to create conceptual systems and ideas for normative political change and development. She loves to discuss ideas with solutions-oriented peers to create inspiration and excitement in others to innovate multilateral diplomacy, cooperation, and peace. Determined to the brim, Amy wants to also inspire others to notice that politics can truly save many lives if studied and reinvented enough.
Spring 2024
Abril Rambla Calatayud
Aidan Christopher Chiang
April Rose Engelmeier
Sarah Marie Glick
Rebecca Katherine Libby
Alecia Alexandria PerezWinter 2024
April Rose Engelmeier
Rebecca Katherine Libby
Kayla Phuong Kha NguyenFall 2023
Alina Issakhanian
Spring 2023
Yudai Akana
Ariana Janelle Araujo
Pavandeep Gill
Hei Lam Ho (Helen)
Molly Medin
Julia Miller
Motomi Saeki
Trinity Monroe Salazar
Greta WestWinter 2023
Ariana Janelle Araujo
Pavandeep Gill
Trinity Monroe Salazar
Phuong TranFall 2022
Ariana Janelle Araujo
Hyokyeong Cho (Sally)
Chika Iwamoto
Trinity Monroe Salazar
Caren YoussefSpring 2022
Peijie Dai (Jerry)
Alfonso Larumbe Fernandez
Nadiyah Helal
Akari Kondo
Santiago Garcia Martin
Simone NelsonWinter 2022
Peijie Dai (Jerry)
Nadiyah Helal
Santiago Garcia MartinFall 2021
Peijie Dai (Jerry)
Santiago Garcia MartinSpring 2021
Alexandra Bucheli
Roshni Desai
Alexander Jackson
Arisa Oshiro
Eleni-Athena Piliotis
Michael SiuWinter 2021
Alexandra Bucheli
Roshni Desai
Eleni-Athena Piliotis
Michael SiuFall 2020
Alexandra Bucheli
Roshni Desai
Alexander Jackson
Michael SiuSpring 2020 and Winter 2020
Christal Juarez
Jeanett Lor