campus tour uc davis

2023-2024 General Catalog

Visiting the campus.

UC Davis Welcome Center ; 530-752-2971

During campus closures, see http://visit.ucdavis.edu .

Welcome Center normal operating hours:

• Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (PT)
• Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (PT)
• Closed Sundays except for Apr 1-Apr 30 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (PT)

Campus Tours

Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. & 1 p.m. (PT) | Saturdays 11:00 a.m. & Sundays, Apr 1-30 11:00 a.m. (PT). Register at http://visit.ucdavis.edu .

UC Davis Virtual Tours can be accessed at https://www.ucdavis.edu/about/visit/campus-virtual-tour .

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Karina Talamantes ’11 goes on camera for “The College Tour.”

Campus Featured in ‘The College Tour’

by Julia Ann Easley | Sep 16, 2021 | Culture , On Campus

Most UC Davis tour guides show off the campus to a dozen or so people at a time. But this is very different.

Nine students and an alumna share their stories in a new episode of “ The College Tour ” — with the potential to reach millions on streaming platforms.

The 30-minute episode is part of the show’s second season, and UC Davis is the first California university to participate.

In the show, the Aggies perform backflips in the stadium, roll through downtown Davis on a bicycle, take viewers inside the Horse Barn and up close with baby goats, and do more as they tell their stories about UC Davis.

“We think it’s a great opportunity to open our doors and give prospective students the opportunity to see what our undergraduate experience is like,” said Jasmin Francis-Bush, director of Brand Management and Marketing for the campus. “This has the potential to be our biggest reach.”

How to Watch

The UC Davis episode is already on “The College Tour” app (available from Google Play and the iOS App Store ). It’s expected to be available in November through Amazon Prime Video and the show’s own channel on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and more.

To reach hundreds of millions

Rising sophomore Mahiri Moore Jr. talks in the video about living in Davis and is enthusiastic about “The College Tour.” “This is absolutely amazing — it’s definitely something I wish I’d had,” the communication major said in an interview. The pandemic and the 400-plus miles between his home in Victorville and the campus prevented him from visiting before he started his freshman year, he added.

Series co-creator and host Alex Boylan, who won CBS’s “Amazing Race” in 2002 and now produces and hosts television and web shows, said the inspiration for “The College Tour” came after the pandemic and financial constraints prevented a niece from traveling to tour colleges. The show launched in November 2020.

When producers invited UC Davis to participate in the show, the campus had already pivoted to remote instruction and virtual admissions events and tours. Pandemic or not, UC Davis seized the opportunity to help make the campus accessible to even more prospective students.

The $68,000 the campus paid DreamJobbing included video shooting, editing and post-production services. Even more advantageous, Francis-Bush said, is the guaranteed distribution for two years through the multiple streaming platforms with a reach of 268 million households.

She said UC Davis is also able to share the video through its own communications platforms and retains rights to all the video footage for other uses.

The project was funded by Enrollment Management, which oversees Undergraduate Admissions.

Chancellor Gary S. May films “The College Tour.”

In the UC Davis episode, Chancellor May welcomes viewers to campus and provides an overview of the campus. “Looking back, I remember how excited I was to plan for college, but I had a lot of questions too,” he tells viewers.

As the Aggies share their personal stories, they represent the four undergraduate colleges and highlight important aspects of a UC Davis education including the breadth and rigors of academics, creating community, opportunities for hands-on learning and more.

‘For our community’

Strategic Communications staff recruited students they had already worked with and sought recommendations from the Welcome Center, which oversees tour guides, and other campus units.

Twins Vanessa and Victoria Liera of Panorama City are working to enhance the support systems for fellow students of color and women pursuing engineering. The first-generation college students are both rising seniors studying electrical engineering.

“Community is an important part of college, and one of our goals is to share our faces for our community,” Vanessa said. “Sharing our story is a big part of why we did the video.”

Featured participants, all from California, are, by college:

• College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences — Gabrielle Ricks of Oakland, an animal science major who will be entering her sophomore year; Karina Talamantes ’11 from Willows, who graduated with a degree in community and regional development; and Karyn Utsumi ’21 from Dublin, who graduated with a degree in environmental science and management.
• College of Biological Sciences — Jeremy Brown of Redding, a rising senior studying genetics and genomics.
• College of Engineering — Vanessa and Victoria Liera of Panorama City, majoring in electrical engineering and soon starting their senior year.
• College of Letters and Science — Mahiri Moore Jr. of Victorville, a rising sophomore studying communication; Akshita Gandra ’21 from Fremont, who majored in cognitive science; Kyla Kessler of Fremont, a senior studying psychology; and Alexander Torres of San Jose, a rising senior majoring in sociology — organizational studies and international relations.

Students drafted their scripts, participated in production meetings and invited friends to join them in some shots. Photos and videos they provided made the UC Davis story even more personal.

As compensation, the students received a $250 gift card and additional funds to purchase UC Davis-branded clothing for the shoot. But the benefits also included the opportunity to hone their professional and communication skills as they worked with the production team — some students said they have already added the experience to their resumé.

The video highlights sweeping aerial views of campus; shows Kyla Kessler, co-captain of the women’s gymnastics team, doing backflips; showcases such campus icons as the Egghead sculptures and Unitrans buses; and visits the Davis Farmers Market.

Face coverings worn in the video show how the pandemic also had a role. The production team and participants followed county and campus public safety protocols during the video shoot, which took place in May. The episode includes additional campus footage and photos shot at other times.

The episode also features a shout-out for the development of a rapid saliva-based COVID-19 test and UC Davis’ award-winning community testing and vaccination efforts through Healthy Davis Together and Healthy Yolo Together .

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Visiting King Hall

Come to our campus.

We are happy to announce that UC Davis School of Law will be open to prospective students! Visiting King Hall is one of the best ways to learn about who we are as a law school and whether UC Davis is the right place for you to study law. Schedule an in-person visit. We can’t wait for you to join us! 

• King Hall Tour
• Book a tour to learn more about UC Davis School of Law and the King Hall community.  Book Now

Open House for Prospective Applicants 

Saturday, november 4, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. .

This exciting half-day program is a unique opportunity for prospective applicants to learn about King Hall's admission and financial aid process. During this event, you will have the chance  to see what makes King Hall an amazing place to study law. You will also get to tour our wonderful building and hear from our deans, faculty, and current law students.

• Open House Event Schedule

Check-In + Light Refreshments 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.

Welcome (Rm 1001) 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. Kevin Johnson , Dean and Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest and Chicana/o Studies Brenda Quintanilla Lopez ‘24 , Law Students Association President Kristen Mercado , Assistant Dean of Admission and Financial Aid

Admission and Financial Aid Presentation (Rm 1001) 8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Kristen Mercado , Assistant Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Montré Everett , Director of Financial Aid

Break 9:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Mock Class (Rm 1001) 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Katherine Florey , Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Law

Break 10:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Student Life Panel + Q&A (Rm 2302, 2304, and 2306) 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. UC Davis School of Law Students

Break 12:00 - 12:15 p.m.

Career Services Panel + Lunch (Rm 1001) 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. Craig Compton , Assistant Dean of Career Services UC Davis School of Law Students

Break 1:15 - 1:30 p.m.

King Hall Tours - Tours begin at the Martin Luther King Jr. Statue 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. UC Davis School of Law Students

Information Sessions

In addition to the annual Open House for Prospective Applicants, consider joining us for a one-hour information session. Our information sessions are designed to explain general aspects of the admission process while also addressing a select topic related to the application process and J.D. program. We will be hosting info sessions in-person and virtually on Zoom. 

• Upcoming Sessions
• Early Decision Program  Tuesday, September 12, 2023 4:00 - 5:00 pm (PT) DEI and Student Life  Thursday, October 19, 2023 5:00 - 6:00 pm (PT) How to Pay for Law School Tuesday, December 5, 2023 5:30 - 6:30 pm (PT) Alumni in Public Service  Tuesday, January 9, 2024 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (PT) Student Affinity Organizations  Tuesday, February 6, 2024 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (PT)

Can't make it to King Hall? 

If you are out of state, live far away, or prefer a one-on-one appointment. There are many ways to connect with our team remotely. If you are interested in speaking with a member of our admissions team, you can join a virtual drop-in session, or you may request a prospective student appointment. If are interested in connecting with us at a law school fair, check out our  recruitment events  to see when a King Hall representative will be visiting a location near you.

• Virtual Drop-in 
• We are hosting virtual drop-in hours via Zoom every Monday and Wednesday from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). Virtual drop-ins are intended for quick questions about the application process that will take no more than 10 minutes. Please note that drop-in hours are unavailable on law school/university holidays.  Please remember to also consult the Law School Calendar for holiday closures. Additionally, no drop-in hours will be available on the following dates: May 8, May 29. Monday & Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:  Join our Zoom Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 6833  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 646 876 9923  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 940 45478987 International numbers available:  https://ucdavislaw.zoom.us/u/ad5EGkc5T During drop-in hours, you will be placed into a waiting room and you will be admitted individually in the order you arrived. Please be patient, as there is only one person staffing drop-in hours at each session. This zoom room is only staffed during the hours listed. If you are unable to join the meeting, please email us at [email protected] .  
• Prospective Student Appointment
• You can schedule a 15-20 minute prospective student appointment by emailing us at [email protected] . These appointments are by phone or Zoom.

Get an Aggie’s perspective on life at UCD

Hear what it’s like to be a UC Davis Aggie from one of our enthusiastic and engaging student tour guides! They can help you discover what’s different about UC Davis, from the obvious (our bike-friendly campus ) to the outlandish (the Walt Disney World fire hydrant near our law school).

Read some of their stories below, then connect with an Aggie Tour Guide in real time by registering for one of our online admission presentations .

Student Ambassador Chairs

Riley Cisneros-Mann

Pronouns: he/him

Major: Sociology, Communication

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the dynamic of being such a large university (in population and size) while also providing a comforting home due to the inclusive community and plenty of chances to see friendly faces as you get around campus.

Joseph Sweeney

Major: Wildlife Fish & Conservation Biology

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the arboretum! I love studying in the Redwood Grove, going to office hours by the pond or just walking along the path with friends.

Student Ambassador Council

Jack Crandall

Major: Economics and Tech Management

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the collaborative culture. Every professor, TA, and student is willing to help out and help you succeed academically, even if you're complete strangers.

Missy Zepeda

Pronouns: she/her

Major: Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning

Favorite thing about UC Davis? One of my favorite things about UC Davis is how green the campus is. My favorite spot on campus is the Redwood Grove because in just a few steps it can feel like you are not even in the city anymore. Besides being green I love how friendly the community is. Walking through the quad or even through town you can always find familiar faces to say hello.

Ryan Taylor

Major: Civil Engineering

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the people, everyone is very friendly here and open to helping you out.

Zoe Brumbaugh

Major: Marine and Coastal Sciences

Coral Pongsuwan

Major: Human Development

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the collaborative spirit a majority of the study body has!

Favorite thing about UC Davis? I love how there is always something to do at Davis! Even though it is on the smaller side, you will never get bored here!

Jojo Carusa

Major: Nutrition Science and Psychology

Favorite thing about UC Davis? The people. Davis is full of unique, friendly, and helpful people that will blow you away. They are the easiest people to make friends with, whether you sit next to each other in a class or just bump into each other in the quad. The people of Davis are what make the campus such a vibrant and happy place.

Izzy Engler

Major: International Relations

Favorite thing about UC Davis? The community! The people here are amazingly supportive and I love the warm atmosphere of acceptance!

The Year of the Eggheads

California's College Town

Davis is the ultimate college town. It’s green, laid back and friendly. You can walk or bike from the main campus to the main street in a few blocks. College students fill up the tables at nearby restaurants and coffee shops with their laptops, homework and friends. The town of Davis helps our students thrive.

Main Campus

Davis, California

Bodega Marine Lab

Bodega Bay, California

UC Davis Health

Sacramento, California

Tahoe Environmental Research Center

Incline Village, Nevada

In the middle of everywhere

UC Davis is centrally located in Northern California. We’re a day trip away from some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Explore the region

A top-tier public university

Ranked 1st in the nation in agriculture and forestry

Ranked 1st in the nation in veterinary medicine

Ranked 11th best university in America, by value

Ranked 6th nationally among public universities

More rankings

Unrivaled student experience

UC Davis has all the opportunities you’d expect from a large public university — and a lot of experiences that will surprise you.

City of Davis

Campus facts

With roughly 55 miles of bike and pedestrian paths, davis is easy to get around., like the invention of the full-body scanner, uc davis has led the way with innovative discoveries for more than half a century., 700+ students present their research at our annual undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activities conference., unique to uc davis.

Learn to brew beer!

That’s right, you can learn the art of liquid bread! UC Davis has an entry level brewing class and even a Master’s in Brewing Science available.

Take a study break with a puppy!

During finals week students can take a break and pet some adorable fluffy friends at the MU.

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Fun Things to Do Outside of Davis

Take a Tour

If you visit the UC Davis central campus, chances are you'll walk past one of  artist and UC Davis Professor Robert Arneson's   Egghead  bronze sculptures. Since they began appearing on campus in 1991, the works of art have caught the attention — and often hit the funny bone — of visitors as well as the campus community.

Use our campus map to get to UC Davis and then, from Interstate 80, take exit 71 toward UC Davis.

Head north onto Old Davis Road. At the traffic circle, continue straight.

Just past the bright orange Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Studies on your right (the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts will be ahead of you on the left, and the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art across the way), turn right on Hilgard Lane and park in Gateway Parking Structure or in the parking lot behind.

There is a fee for parking .

According to his widow, Sandra Shannonhouse, people viewing Arneson’s work should look beyond what seems to be “edgy, naughty or funny” to find more serious comments about political, social and economic issues. In the case of  The Egghead Series , created by one of our most famous professors specifically for UC Davis, the fun is to figure out for yourself what Arneson was saying about life at the university.

Arneson's  Egghead  series is scattered across the UC Davis campus; some of the sculptures are tucked away and difficult to find. Use this tour to help you track them down.

Also, read about  the first  Egghead  Music Walk , held March 15, 2013, with members of the St. Louis Symphony performing music by UC Davis composers, each of whom wrote a piece for a particular Egghead or two.

Ready to start your tour?

1. See No Evil/Hear No Evil

After leaving the Gateway Parking Structure, walk north on Mrak Hall Drive, passing the Mondavi Center for Performing Arts on your left and the Buehler Alumni Center on your right. Cross over the Arboretum Waterway, and you will see a grass circle on this street with two  Eggheads  trying to communicate. This is  See No Evil/Hear No Evil.

Reinstalled:  November 2009

Description:  Two  Eggheads  face each other on adjacent grassy knolls speaking out of the corners of their mouths, but both lack ears.

Factoid:  Originally installed across the street in May 1994, the sculptures were moved to the grassy circle in front of Mrak Hall to make room for the law school  expansion.

2. Eye on Mrak (Fatal Laff)

Just north of  See No Evil/Hear No Evil  is the campus's main administration building, Mrak Hall. If it is open, cut through the building to the north entrance, where you'll see a single, unblinking eye staring at you from the bald head of  Eye on Mrak (Fatal Laff) . Don't forget to look at the sculpture from the other side once you've walked past it on Mrak Mall.

Installed:  May 1994

Description:  The upside-down head points away from the administration building, laughing. On the back of the head, a single eye stares at Mrak Hall.

Factoid:  By far, this is one of the most popular  Eggheads that people choose to photograph, often with themselves in the picture.

3. Bookhead

Continue down the long, grassy corridor to Hutchison Drive. Cross it carefully, looking out for bicyclists, and you'll find yourself at Shields Library , where  Bookhead  is prominently displayed on the entrance patio. If you're here during finals week, you'll see many students doing their best impression of the ceramic scholar.

Installed:  October 1991

Description:  The head is face-down, with a furrowed brow and its nose buried in an open book.

Factoids:  Bookhead  is the only sculpture of the five that is painted a different color (a light blue); it was made from a slightly tougher enamel. Students kiss the sculpture, or rub its head, for good luck during exams, in particular.

4. Yin & Yang

Now, turn around and head back to Hutchison Drive where you will turn left. After walking east about 150 yards, on the south side of the street you'll come upon the Art/Music/Theatre complex, with the colorful Wright Hall and Main Theatre in the center.  Yin & Yang  is located in the front courtyard.

Installed:  1992

Description : Two  Eggheads —  one, with eyes closed, is speaking. The other head is lying on its ear with the back of its head facing the speaker.

Factoids: Yin & Yang  lend themselves to many photos and as being a background for performance art.

5. Stargazer

To reach the final  Egghead , head north from Wright Hall. Cross Hutchison Drive and follow the sidewalk that runs past a bike parking area to the west and Olson Hall to the east. You'll end up at a bike circle at the intersection of East Quad and Shields Avenue. Cross Shields Avenue (again watching out for bicyclists) and continue north on East Quad, passing the brown shingled South Hall. Immediately after South Hall, turn right into a courtyard with a circular fountain and look to your left.  Stargazer  will be about 30 yards ahead of you.

Description:  The head is staring straight up with a slight smile on its face.

Factoid :  Stargazer , with its idealistic gaze toward the heavens, is located close to East Gate (look to the east on the same lawn for a brick wall), the original entrance to UC Davis in 1908.

Well done! You've finished the tour. Now you can head over to East Quad down the path north of  Stargazer , cross the street and make your way to the  Coffee House  to grab a snack before heading home.

Your Career Accelerator

Tips to Succeed

Campus COVID Information

Level up your career: bay area part-time mba in-person overview and campus tour.

• April 20, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm

Are you looking to advance your career? Join Associate Director of Admission  Brian Risi  to explore more about our Part-Time MBA program and how it can help you take the next step to accelerate your career!

During the admissions session, we will explore:

• Collaborative Leadership Program
• Industry Immersions
• MBA IMPACT Strategic Project
• Application Process 

Attendees will qualify to have their application fee waived.

Related content

Bay Area Part-Time MBA

Top 20 Public Part-Time MBA—45 minutes from Silicon Valley in San Ramon

Safety Services

Nature rx: sustainability walking tour.

Event Date Wed, May 22, 2024 @ 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Join the uc davis health sustainability team for a walking tour around the sacramento campus. .

Join the UC Davis Health Sustainability team for a walking tour to learn about more than a dozen sustainable points of interest around our beautiful medical campus. Bring your walking shoes and a reusable water bottle. The walk is approximately one mile long and will last one hour. Exact meeting location will be shared with registrants.   

Register for one or both sessions via Qualtrics survey . Two options to join:

• Wednesday, April 24, Noon-1 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 22, Noon-1 p.m.

Event Category

Large Group Tours

Which best describes your organization?

University of California, Davis , One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 | 530-752-1011

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• Last update: March 13, 2021

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Music, tours, tacos and ... cockroach races? Something for everyone at UC Davis’ 110th Picnic Day

“I am fascinated by the kiln gods,” Maria Tuccori said as she worked with small green and brown pieces of shiny glass in her glass fusing demonstration at the UC Davis Craft Center on Saturday afternoon.

“Every time I put something in,” she said, ”I never know how it’s going to come out.”

Tuccori was leading a workshop for curious onlookers celebrating the 110th annual UC Davis Picnic Day, a campus-wide open house and festival that takes place every April.

Thousands of Davis students, alumni and community members flock to the campus for demonstrations like Tucorri’s.

It’s one of Tucorri’s favorite days. She works in the university’s Department of Plant Pathology, and teaches one glass-based art class at the nearby Craft Center each quarter. Being at the Craft Center on Picnic Day meant she missed out on the exciting events of her department, like the plant diagnosis clinic, where people can take their “sick plants” for student and professor inspection.

She was also bummed to miss the cockroach races, where professor Jessica Draughon Moret and educational program designer Kate Turpin from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing brought their children to participate.

“I always bring my kids, and this is what we specifically want to do,” said Turpin, whose 10-year-old-son’s cockroach had just leaped out of its race cylinder and made a daring escape.

Turpin went to a small college for her undergraduate degree and loves bringing her three kids to Picnic Day to show them how the university helps shape and foster the community.

“To come here is really neat, just to see the layers of community that UC Davis has,” said Turpin, who teaches from the school’s campus near UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. “And my kids get to see that and think about higher education, too. It’s very inclusive, very accepting, there’s something for all ages. That’s what I love about Picnic Day, it’s so accessible for everybody.”

Draughon Moret, who attended the Davis campus as an undergrad more than 20 years ago, looked on as her 6-year-old daughter gently pet her race-winning cockroach.

Some things are different than they were two decades ago, she said — like the shiny new buildings and increasing number of Picnic Day attendees — but the important things haven’t changed.

“Being here in the community, with my kids, that’s the best part,” especially because the day’s events made Draughon Moret’s daughter want to become a future Aggie.

Attendance at the on-campus cockroach races were eclipsed by the ever-popular Doxie Derby, where hundreds of ticket holders gather at University Credit Union Center to watch dachshunds “stretch their little legs and compete for first place.”

Beyond cockroaches and wiener dogs, people visited the horse barn, checked out the orphan kitten project or looked over the butterflies at the Bohart Museum of Etymology — that is, if they weren’t waiting for the Battle of Bands, lining up for tacos or lemonade in the quad, watching artists like Tuccori teach a class, or staying downtown for the Picnic Day Parade led by the Aggie Marching Band.

Picnic Day typically accommodates more than 50,000 attendees, a far cry from the first Picnic Day in 1909, where ag students invited community members to see their new dairy barn. In 2020 and 2021, Picnic Day was canceled in favor of a virtual festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s been back in-person since 2022.

©2024 The Sacramento Bee. Visit sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Get an Aggie’s perspective on life at UCD

Hear what it’s like to be a UC Davis Aggie from one of our enthusiastic and engaging student tour guides! They can help you discover what’s different about UC Davis, from the obvious (our bike-friendly campus ) to the outlandish (the Walt Disney World fire hydrant near our law school).

Read some of their stories below, then connect with an Aggie Tour Guide in real time by registering for one of our online admission presentations .

Student Ambassador Chairs

Riley Cisneros-Mann

Pronouns: he/him

Major: Sociology, Communication

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the dynamic of being such a large university (in population and size) while also providing a comforting home due to the inclusive community and plenty of chances to see friendly faces as you get around campus.

Joseph Sweeney

Major: Wildlife Fish & Conservation Biology

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the arboretum! I love studying in the Redwood Grove, going to office hours by the pond or just walking along the path with friends.

Student Ambassador Council

Jack Crandall

Major: Economics and Tech Management

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the collaborative culture. Every professor, TA, and student is willing to help out and help you succeed academically, even if you're complete strangers.

Missy Zepeda

Pronouns: she/her

Major: Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning

Favorite thing about UC Davis? One of my favorite things about UC Davis is how green the campus is. My favorite spot on campus is the Redwood Grove because in just a few steps it can feel like you are not even in the city anymore. Besides being green I love how friendly the community is. Walking through the quad or even through town you can always find familiar faces to say hello.

Ryan Taylor

Major: Civil Engineering

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the people, everyone is very friendly here and open to helping you out.

Zoe Brumbaugh

Major: Marine and Coastal Sciences

Coral Pongsuwan

Major: Human Development

Favorite thing about UC Davis? My favorite thing about UC Davis is the collaborative spirit a majority of the study body has!

Favorite thing about UC Davis? I love how there is always something to do at Davis! Even though it is on the smaller side, you will never get bored here!

Jojo Carusa

Major: Nutrition Science and Psychology

Favorite thing about UC Davis? The people. Davis is full of unique, friendly, and helpful people that will blow you away. They are the easiest people to make friends with, whether you sit next to each other in a class or just bump into each other in the quad. The people of Davis are what make the campus such a vibrant and happy place.

Izzy Engler

Major: International Relations

Favorite thing about UC Davis? The community! The people here are amazingly supportive and I love the warm atmosphere of acceptance!

UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

Give to our trees for tomorrow campaign april 19-may 2.

Your donation will help us establish a more climate-resilient tree canopy across the UC Davis campus and provide support for the student environmental leaders central to the work. Learn more and give today !

Folk Music Jam Session

Event Date Fri, May 24, 2024 @ 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Folk musicians are invited to bring their acoustic instruments and play together informally during this jam session at Wyatt Deck (located next to the redwood grove in the UC Davis Arboretum).

Pull out your fiddles, guitars, mandolins, penny whistles, pipes, flutes, squeezeboxes (you name it) and join your fellow musicians for a little bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, klezmer, and world music over the lunch hour. All skill levels are welcome, and listeners are invited to revel in the beauty of nature accompanied by live music.

Join this complimentary event open to all. 

35 minute and 70 minute parking is available in Visitor Lot 5 on Old Davis Road at Arboretum Drive for $2.50 or $4 via  AggiePark on the AMP Park app .  For questions, please call (530) 752-4880.

Event Category

College of Biological Sciences

Meet the 2023-24 cohort of uc davis prep scholars.

Diverse postbaccalaureate scholars will move into graduate programs across the United States

• by Evan White
• April 23, 2024

The UC Davis Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP@UC Davis) promotes diversity in biomedical sciences, preparing scholars for success in Ph.D. programs. 

Since its inception in 2017, PREP@UCD has supported students who seek to increase their maturity as scientists and researchers and reflects the UC Davis commitment to fostering a vibrant learning community. The program , which is funded by the US National Institutes of Health, with additional support from the College of Biological Sciences, relies on collaboration among faculty, postdocs, and graduate students who mentor scholars in host laboratories, which provides access to cutting-edge research tools and experiences. In addition, other faculty and graduate students from across the life sciences at UC Davis share their experiences with scholars in professional development panels.

“PREP empowers aspiring scientists with the tools and mentorship they need to thrive,” said Joanna Chiu, a professor of entomology and nematology, and the program’s director. “By fostering diversity and providing a supportive community, PREP catalyzes positive transformations in both individuals and the scientific landscape.”

Scholars spend 75% of their time on research in mentor labs, and 25% on professional development, including training in science communication. Tailored seminars and workshops refine skills important for a scientific career and foster a strong scientific identity in scholars.

A legacy of impact and excellence

This year, PREP@UCD bids farewell to its longtime coordinator Carole Hom, who is retiring after 38 years at UC Davis. During her tenure, Hom nurtured generations of scholars by facilitating their transition into graduate research. Her work focused on the recruitment and retention of students from historically marginalized groups, and has helped bridge the gap between undergraduate institutions and UC Davis through dynamic research training programs and enriching summer experiences. 

Said Dan Starr, a professor of molecular and cellular biology, and the co-director of PREP@UCD, “Carole’s mentorship has left an indelible mark on the program's legacy and throughout the environmental and life sciences at UC Davis. She will be missed, but we’re all thrilled to see her close out such a successful tenure on campus.”

“Carole’s retirement marks the end of an era,” said Mark Winey, dean of the College of Biological Sciences. “She can enjoy her retirement knowing that she has played a significant role in shaping the future of biomedical research, one scholar at a time.”

Meet this year’s PREP Scholars

Dianah Anderson

PI:  Gerardo Mackenzie , Department of Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Dianah Anderson graduated in 2023 with a B.S. in biology from Savannah State University and joined  PREP@UC Davis to enhance her preparedness for graduate school. Throughout the program, Anderson expressed a broad interest in studying nutrition while developing the necessary tools and skills to ensure success in both graduate studies and her future professional endeavors. In her eventual career, Anderson hopes to bring a diverse perspective rooted in her unique background and experiences as an African American woman. She will begin a Ph.D. in integrated life sciences at the University of Georgia in the fall with funding from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Andrew Barber

PI: Sean Collins, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Andrew Barber graduated from North Carolina Central University in 2023 with a B.S. in biomedical science. During his undergraduate education, he conducted research through the National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program and as a McNair scholar, focusing on the toxicological effects of air pollutants and the neurological effects of alcohol dependency. Pursuing postbaccalaureate education in  PREP@UC Davis , Barber aimed to refine his scientific focus and enhance his research skills. As a PREP scholar, he delved into the molecular mechanisms of the immune system and solidified his aspiration to join a neuroimmunology graduate program. Barber aspires to address disparities in STEM representation and foster inclusivity within the scientific community. He will begin a Ph.D. in immunology at Johns Hopkins University in the fall, with support from the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative of Johns Hopkins University and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Ellianna  Damonzonio

PI: Wolf Dietrich-Heyer, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Ellianna Damonzonio is a current biochemistry and molecular biology major at UC Davis. She joined PREP@UC Davis in the fall of 2023 as an undergraduate affiliate, which is an opportunity available to exceptional undergraduate students who excel in research and seek a biomedical Ph.D. As an affiliate of the program, Damonzonio   has gained valuable experience in advance of graduation. Damonzonio conducts research on the DNA binding properties of BRCA2, which is responsible for the suppression of tumors in humans. After graduating from UC Davis in spring, Damonzonio will join the cancer biology track of the UC Irvine Cell and Molecular program.

Daniela Hernandez 

PI: Anna La Torre, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine

Daniela Hernandez graduated from California State University Fullerton with a B.A in psychology and a minor in cellular molecular biology. Joining  PREP@UC Davis provided both a supportive environment and alignment with her academic aspirations. Throughout her time in the program, Hernandez honed her scientific writing skills and boosted her confidence in communicating her research effectively. Driven by her experiences as a first-generation student from a historically marginalized community, she aspires to break down barriers and make science more accessible and relatable through outreach efforts. In the fall, she will begin a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of Michigan with funding from the Rackham Merit Fellowship and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

PI:  Theanne Griffith , Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, School of Medicine

Emari Mann earned a B.S. in biochemistry from Claflin University and joined  PREP@UC Davis to pursue her passion for research. Throughout her time in the program, Mann explored areas of research within the biological sciences while maintaining interest in chemistry. For her,  PREP@UC Davis has been instrumental in clarifying her long-term academic and career goals. Looking ahead, Mann aspires to make meaningful contributions to the academic and professional communities she is a part of. She will begin a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Delaware in the fall with funding from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Cassandra Morris

PI: Dan Starr and Gant Luxton, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Cassandra Morris completed a B.S. in neuroscience in May 2019 at the University of Minnesota. In her postbaccalaureate career at UC Davis, she aimed to enhance her scientific communication skills and focus her research interests on exploring the intricacies of dystonia. Envisioning  PREP@UC Davis as a crucial stepping stone towards her long-term academic and career aspirations, Morris appreciated its role in honing her communication skills and fostering collaboration with peers, mentors and researchers across campus. Morris plans to study psychiatric disorders, and aspires to become a professor so that she can help mentor future scholars. She will begin a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology at the University of Wisconsin in fall 2024.

Christian Torres Lopez

PI:  Ben Montpetit , Department of Viticulture and Enology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Christian Torres Lopez earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Northeastern Illinois University. Inspired by UC Davis's supportive environment, Torres pursued postbaccalaureate research experiences to further his academic pursuits. Recognizing the significance of earning a Ph.D. in the fulfillment of his professional ambitions, Lopez viewed  PREP@UC Davis as instrumental in providing graduate-level research experience as well as personal and professional preparation. As a first-generation college graduate, a member of the Latino community, and a member of the LGBT community, Torres brings a unique perspective to the research environment that is shaped by his experiences and cultural background. Torres will continue research as a PREP scholar in 2024-2025.

Cameron Vasquez

PI: John Albeck, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Cameron Vasquez earned a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from UC Davis, where he focused his research as an ADNR and CAMP scholar on the regulation of animal circadian rhythms. He was drawn to  PREP@UC Davis by a desire to delve deeper into his research interests surrounded by a supportive community, and sought to hone his skills for a successful transition to graduate study. As a PREP scholar, Vasquez conducted research on cellular responses to environmental stimuli using state-of-the-art imaging technologies. In addition to advancing our understanding of cellular biology processes implicated in health and disease, he also aims to foster diversity in STEM through outreach and mentorship. In the fall, he will begin a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of Michigan, with funding from the Rackham Merit Fellowship.

Media Resources

• Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program at UC Davis

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