College of Biological Sciences

Transcript

Now let’s go to the greenhouse on top of the Sciences Laboratory Building to meet Jeremy. He’s a junior majoring in genetics and genomics plus a minor in psychology. And he’s gonna talk about his studies at the College of Biological Sciences and his journey towards helping everyday people better their own family genetics. We can’t wait to hear what you have to say, Jeremy, take it away.

– Thanks Alex. I originally applied to UC Davis as a mathematics major, but in AP biology class my senior year really sparked my interest in molecular biology and DNA. Growing up, I knew some of my own family members have been personally affected by genetic issues. So I decided I wanted to become a genetic counselor so that I could help other families who have had similar experiences. Luckily, one of the four colleges at UC Davis is dedicated to biological sciences with 10 majors and disciplines ranging from ocean life, to the human mind and the molecular mechanisms behind them. One of the best aspects here is the chance to really learn hands-on. I remember how excited I was in my first campus visit exploring the labs and the greenhouses, just like this one on top of the Sciences Lab building and seeing all the plants and animals I’d get to work with, especially the ancient horseshoe crab. My first biology class sealed the deal. Although we’re introduction courses tend to be large, we break them down into discussion and lab sections each with about 24 students and the teaching assistant, all of my teaching assistants have been so helpful and are a big part as to why I love lab sections so much. But my number one reason for why I love lab sections so much are for the people you get to meet. I know at other elite schools, class can be pretty cutthroat, but at UC Davis that was not the vibe at all. I immediately saw students push each other to succeed and I met two of my best friends, Hailey and Tori, who had also become one of my housemates. We’d walk to class, eat together in the dining commons and coordinate which classes to take next. I needed help switching my major from math to genetics, keeping a psychology minor and graduating in four years. And actually I’m on track to graduate a quarter early. The staff and peer advisors at the Biology Academic Success Center helped me by recommending classes and organizing my class schedule. Participating in research as an undergraduate has been a real privilege and there’s so much exciting work being done in the College of Biological Sciences. I know work in the Genome Center where my lab manipulates epigenetic mechanisms to find the therapy for neurological genetic diseases like Angelman syndrome, which causes problems like intellectual disability and speech impairment. Also the Genome Center played a major role in developing the rapid saliva-based COVID-19 testing that is now widely used by students and staff. I’ve been getting tested twice a week now and it’s been a major part of preventing the spread of COVID here in Davis. Well, that’s my experience here at UC Davis, back to you, Alex.

– Jeremy, that’s super impressive. I knew UC Davis is a research leader, but it must be exciting to personally be on the front lines. I don’t know much about genetics but it sounds like as a genetics counselor, you’ll help improve the lives of a whole lot of people. And that’s amazing. Thanks again, Jeremy.