Meet Your 2023-24 Global Ambassador Mentor Fellows

Meet the Student Co-Coordinators

Agustina Diener (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Agustina Diener.

Place of origin: Argentina
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Major: Biomedical engineering
Year: Fourth

About me: I am very outgoing, and I love having fun. I love hanging out with my friends and going out to dance with them. I really like reading, and I got into crocheting this past year. I like being in nature and going on hikes. 

My goals: I am applying to Ph.D. programs for biomedical engineering and hope to do research in academia in the future.

Fun fact about me: I do pole dance at Rocknasium.

A message to international students: I know it is really scary coming to a new country with new people and a different academic system. We are here for you, and we want you to have the smoothest transition possible. Make the best out of your time here because the friendships you make will be part of the rest of your life. Good luck!

Brooke Hoang (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Brooke Hoang.

Place of origin: Vietnam
Languages: English, Vietnamese
Major: Psychology (biology emphasis)
Year: Third

About me: I was born and raised in Vietnam and moved to Florida when I was 14. After a few years of staying in Florida, I went back to Vietnam to finish high school, and now I am here at UC Davis! During my free time, I love to run, cook or read. 

My goals: My short-term goal is to learn how to code, and my long-term goal is to get into a clinical psychology graduate program. Hopefully, after graduate school and gaining some experience, I will come back to Vietnam and open up my own private practice. 

Fun fact about me: I used to run marathons for fun. 

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! This will be your best experience yet. We know that transition from one culture to another can be difficult and challenging, and we are here to help you. Please do not be afraid to reach out for help! 


Meet the Mentor Fellows

Safirah Aliyah (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Safirah Aliyah.

Place of origin: Indonesia 
Language: Bahasa Indonesia, English
Major: Community and regional development
Year: Fourth

About me: An adventurer who likes trying new things. I believe in the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone to truly discover what resonates with me. Whether it's diving into unfamiliar activities, delving into diverse cultures, or exploring uncharted territories, I enjoy pushing my boundaries to broaden my perspective and find new passions.

My goals: Working with an international organization that focuses on developing sustainable living. Then, continue a master's program in urban planning and policy.

Fun fact about me: Coffee is my support system

A message to international students: Hello, new Aggies! You are truly remarkable for embracing a new chapter in your life and seizing the opportunities that come with it. Looking forward to meeting you and building a positive relationship!

Liz Bae (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Liz Bae.

Place of origin: South Korea 
Languages: English, Korean
Major: Art studio
Year: Second

About me: I was born and raised in South Korea and attended an international school for ten years. My favorite hobbies are playing sports such as volleyball and soccer, and I also love playing poker with friends. I also like traveling, watching tv shows and movies on Netflix, and hanging out with friends.

My goals: I'm currently interested in the fields of marketing, product management, and UI/UX, but I still don't know what I'm most passionate about. My primary goal is to figure out what I want to do in the future and find the major that I want to study. Ultimately, I hope to find a job that I like in California or New York and start working.

Fun fact about me: I lived in Kansas City for two years when I was in pre-K and kindergarten.

A message to international students: Congratulations and welcome to UC Davis! This is a great place for students to chill, study, and make lifelong friends. The experience in Davis would be more than you expected, and I'm so excited for all the journeys for you. If you have any questions about the school, majors, and life outside of academics, I am more than happy to chat!

Drithi Balagurunathan (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Drithi Balagurunathan.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English, Tamil, Telugu
Major: Computer science
Year: Second

About me: I grew up in Dallas, Texas, and then moved to Chennai, India, when I was about 11 years old! During my free time, I love watching tv shows, having picnics in the arboretum, and listening to music. Some of my favorite artists are Gracie Abrams, Lana Del Ray and the Weeknd! I also love boba, so feel free to give me recommendations:)

My goals: Career-wise, I hope to work in the UX/UI design field after graduating. I also really enjoy learning about new cultures so another goal I have set for myself this year is to learn another language! Through this program I hope to meet people from various backgrounds and make new friends.

Fun fact about me: I have a twin sister! 

A message to international students: I am so so excited to meet all of you! I understand that coming to another country may seem both exciting and a little overwhelming at times, but I promise you that we are all here to help and guide you guys through this transition. I found a welcoming and supportive community at Davis, a place I now call home, and I hope you all will too.

Aryaman Bhatia (he/him/his)

Headshot of Aryaman Bhatia.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English, Hindi
Major: Cognitive science (computational emphasis)
Minor: Computer science
Year: Second

About me: Hey! I'm Aryaman Bhatia, I'm a cognitive science major from India, and I look forward to getting to know you and helping you make the most out of your college experience. I love making new friends and meeting people, so I look forward to being helpful to you in whatever capacity you'd like. Looking forward to meeting you!

My goals: In the long term, I want to be able to make the transition to the college experience for you as smooth and frictionless as possible. Coming to college from a new place can be hard, and I have dealt with many such issues firsthand. In the short term, I want to be the cool, grown-up best friend that helps you navigate through your day-to-day problems.

Fun fact about me: I am a black belt in Taekwondo.

A message to international students: Congratulations on getting into UC Davis! You are now about to start one of, if not the most, exciting and fun times of your life, and I am grateful that I can be there to help make it memorable for you. Looking forward to meeting you and helping you make the most out of your experience here!

Kyle Cheng (he/him/his)

Headshot of Kyle Cheng.

Place of origin: China 
Languages: Chinese, English, Spanish (elementary)
Majors: Human biology  
Minor: Statistics
Year: Third

About me: Hello, my name is Kyle. I'm an international student, just like you! I'm passionate about learning about different cultures and perspectives, and most importantly, I want to hear about you. Knowing the fact that being an international student can be really challenging sometimes, I want to help you guys tackle the problem you might face. Let's make the most of our time together and create unforgettable memories during our journey at this university!

My goals: My short-term goals are relatively simple: try to stay positive and maintain a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to become more efficient and focused, managing my time effectively to accomplish tasks in a timely manner.

My long terms goals: I want to travel to as many places as I can and try to make new friends along the way. Regarding my career goals, I want to dive into the medical industry and help more people! 

Fun fact about me: I have a crazy love for lasagna (the best dish ever created :). 

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! We are so happy you can join us in this vibrant international community. We are here to support you for academic and personal growth, and we are thrilled to see you succeed and make the most time at this cow town.

Eunice Choi (she/her/hers)

Profile of Eunice Choi outside wearing a baseball cap.

Place of origin: South Korea
Languages: English, Korean
Majors: Animal science 
Year: Second

About me: My name is Eunice. I was born in South Korea, but I lived in Michigan and Virginia during my childhood. I have a 2-year-old golden retriever called Charlie back at home in Seoul, and my plan is to hike every mountain near my home with my dog every break I get to go back home. I also love binge-watching shows on Netflix and reading webtoons, so please feel free to share any of your favorite recs!

My goals: Some short term goals are to try and become fluent in a third language and get back into beach volleyball. A long-term goal would be to apply and successfully get accepted into vet school.

Fun fact about me: I'm borderline deathly allergic to horses, and I might be immune to morphine.

A message to international students: Welcome to UCD! I'm sure many of you are feeling excited, hopeful and maybe even a little stressed or overwhelmed. It's often tough to be away from home in a new environment and juggle academics and settle in a new social environment, especially with the fast-paced quarter system. I wish my experience with overcoming these difficulties can be of some solace and assistance to you guys. Davis is packed with things to do and supportive peers and staff, so I believe that everyone can find something to enjoy here. 

Stella Chung (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Stella Chung.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English, Mandarin
Major: Psychology
Minor: Technology management
Year: Third

About me: I am from Taiwan and I moved to America to study abroad for high school. In my spare time, I like going outdoors, trying new food places, and thrift shopping with my friends. I am a fundraising intern for university development and the Arboretum. I live in Davis with four other girls and two cats. 

My goals: I am working on getting my clubs to have higher retention and funding. For my long-term goals, I want to go to grad school and become an organizational psychologist. 

Fun fact about me: I love collecting beautiful antique lamps from vintage stores all over California! 

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! It is a very beautiful place to spend your college years at filled with amazing opportunities to grow and thrive. I wish you all the best of luck.

Rooshni Dash (she/her/hers)

Photo of Rooshni Dash outside.

Place of origin: India
Languages: English, Hindi, Odia
Major: Computer science and engineering, and design
Year: Second

About me: I'm an international student from Bhubaneswar, India. I'm a super friendly person who likes to take challenges and motivates other people. My hobbies include painting and traveling and exploring the mysteries of world.

My goals: Short-term goals: I want to master my time management and effective communication skills and confidence within my college time and network with people as much as I can, and be afraid of nothing.
Long-term goals: I'm an aspiring product designer with a passion for creating innovative and user-friendly designs. With a keen eye for detail and a love for exploring new ideas, I dream of a future where I can apply my creativity and technical skills to help solve real-world problems. Along with that, I want to travel and explore different countries and have an adventurous life along with supporting my family.

Fun fact about me: I'm a Marvel movies fan and I admire Captain America more than Iron Man, which is unlikely among most people.

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! We are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community of international scholars. Embrace this opportunity to explore new cultures, forge lasting friendships, and broaden your horizons. We are here to support you every step of the way as you embark on this exciting journey of personal and academic growth.

Coco Fu (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Coco Fu.

Place of origin: China
Languages: Chinese, English, Japanese (elementary), Spanish 
Major: Psychology
Year: Second

About me: I am from Beijing, and I have been in school in the U.S. since middle school. I enjoy all types of sports and activities involving nature. Some of my favorite activities to do are: jujitsu, hiking, traveling and yoga. I also appreciate different forms of art, so I also try to make time for painting, singing and watching documentaries in my downtime.

My goals: Careerwise, my goal is to be a documentary producer. In terms of the bigger time scheme, I wish to live a life full of contentment and adventures.

Fun fact about me: I can move my ears.

A message to international students: Welcome to college! I want to let you guys know that the college experience isn’t only about academic achievements or making connections. While it is important to tackle these things, it is very crucial to build a relationship with yourself, understand the different things you are going through, and recognize your own growth. 

Quentin Gaudio (he/him/his)

Headshot of Quentin Gaudio.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English, Spanish (basic)
Major: International relations
Year: Second

About me: I'm a first-generation college student from Los Angeles, CA. I am an International relations major and I am thinking about minoring in Latin American and Western Hemispheric studies, so if you are interested in either of those let me know, and we can talk. 

My goals: Find a career that I enjoy and am passionate about. Live an overall happy life surrounded by good friends and family. 

Fun fact about me: I am a registered scuba diver.

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis, I hope you guys are excited to be here. Good luck with your start at Davis. 

Rikiya "Riki" Hatano (he/him/his)

Headshot of Riki Hatano.

Place of origin: Japan
Languages: English, Japanese
Majors: International agricultural development
Year: Fourth

About me: Hello, I'm Rikiya and call me Riki. I was born and raised in Japan until 18 years old and moved to the United States to pursue a degree as an international student. I'm a martial arts guy experienced in Kendo for ten years, Karate for 15 years and Jiujitsu for two years. I like playing guitar, listening to music (mostly Japanese music) and working out. I'm also a student farmer working for the Student Farm at UC Davis!

My goals: One of my future goals is to work for the United Nations and work on and international problems such as poverty and inequality and community development in various countries. Afterward I want to return my experiences to Japan to make better environments and places for people. My short-term goal is to graduate from UC Davis, do OPT in the U.S. and pursue a Master's degree (probably in a different country).

Fun fact about me: I have a complete straight palm line both on my hands.

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! Your new journey and adventure have just started. Most of you might feel both hopeful and anxious. Since I'm also an international student, I had that kind of moment in the past. But after I experienced many things, including both ups and downs, I now enjoy my life and am able to enjoy even hurdles. Believe in yourself, help each other and enjoy everything. I hope your new life is wonderful!

Shriya Jain (she/her/hers)

Photos of Shriya Jain on a beach.

Place of origin: India
Languages: English, French (beginner), Hindi, Punjabi ​​​​
Major: Biological sciences 
Year: Second

About me: I am an international student from India. I have been obsessed with Taylor Swift lately. During my free time, I indulge in painting, playing keyboards and sleeping. I like traveling to different places and discovering new cultures. Also, I love to talk to new people. I'm so excited to meet you all. 

My goals: I am looking forward to attending a medical school after my undergraduate degree or pursuing research in biology. 

Fun fact about me: I'm a shopaholic.

A message to international students: Hello and welcome to UC Davis! I am so excited to see you all. I hope your time at UC Davis is memorable. Transition as an international student is a bit tough at times, but seeking help from different resources on campus is so helpful. I hope that your experience with the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program will be fun. 

Megan Lacy (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Megan Lacy.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English
Major: International agricultural development
Year: Fourth

About me: I am from Woodland, CA, and I grew up in the Davis area. I transferred last fall from Sacramento Community College and am loving UC Davis! In my free time, I like to crochet, read and watch my comfort cartoons. My favorite thing to do with friends is get boba and go on a walk.

My goals: I am planning to graduate this year and thinking about applying to grad school. My long-term goal is to stay in Davis, but I am happy to go wherever life takes me.

Fun fact about me: I collect fun socks.

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! I am so excited to meet all of you and to get to know each other over the next year. Going to Davis is a great experience, but can also be very challenging, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Davis is an awesome community and I know you are going to have an amazing time this year!

Cameron Lee

Photo of Cameron Lee holding a pink hibiscus overlooking a Hawiian beach at sunset.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English
Major: Human development
Year: Second

About me: I was born and raised in Orange County, but wanted to come to UC Davis to try living in a different region of California. In my free time, I love watching movies, eating good food, traveling to new countries, and going skiing. I'm always down to try out new restaurants and hang out with friends!

My goals: As a global mentor, my goal is to be a friendly and approachable person who anyone can come and talk to. I am also aiming to graduate college and obtain my teaching credential in order to become an elementary school teacher!

Fun fact about me: I snorkeled with manta rays when I went to the Big Island of Hawaii!

A message to international students: Congrats and welcome to UC Davis! I just finished up my first year at UC Davis and I have had an amazing time so far. I’m so glad you decided to join this supportive, kind and welcoming community, and I'm positive that you are going to love it. University life may be daunting at first, but we, as mentors, are here to guide you through your first year and set you up to succeed. I look forward to meeting and becoming friends with everyone in the fall! :)

Shophia Li (she/her/hers)

Photo of Sophia Li outside.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English, Mandarin (conversational)
Major: Pharmaceutical chemistry
Minor: Education
Year: Second

About me: I grew up in the Bay Area. I enjoy running, watching K-dramas and C-dramas, and listening to music (mainly K-pop, C-pop, and R&B). During my free time, I like playing card games and mahjong with my friends. 

My goals: To attend medical school to fulfill my dream of becoming a sports physician. Through the Global Menter Ambassador Program, I hope to learn more about the wonderful cultures around the world! 

Fun fact about me: I ran a half marathon without training in December 2022. It was not a good idea. 

A message to international students: Welcome to Davis! Transitioning to a new environment, especially in a different country, can be overwhelming for an international student; however, my fellow mentors and I are here to help you on your journey. If you ever need any help, have any questions, or want to talk, don’t be afraid to ask. I look forward to meeting you all and I hope all of you get to experience the treasures of our college town.

Owen Li (he/him/his)

Photo of Owen Li taken outside.

Place of origin: China
Language: English, Mandarin
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Sociology
Year: Second

About me: I am from China; I was born in China, got into an international high school, and then applied to UC Davis. I love playing basketball and guitar. If you also love playing basketball, do not hesitate to contact me, and we can play together. Also, I love learning about different cultures and languages, so if you have any stories about yourself or culture, I am always willing to listen!

My goals: One of my short-term goals is to get two diplomas when I graduate, one in mathematics and the other in sociology; I would like to learn more than only math.

Fun fact about me: I earned about $3K in CSGO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) skins. 

A message to international students: Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome to UC Davis! You may be concerned about studying abroad in the first year. As an international student, I can genuinely have the same feelings as you, but do not worry about it; all the mentors are here to help you. You will have a wonderful experience here.

Jessica Manno (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Jessica Manno.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English, Japanese (conversational)
Majors: Economics and Japanese
Year: Third

About me: I was born and raised in the Bay Area in California before coming to Davis. In my free time I enjoy baking, listening to music and learning how to play instruments. I also love watching movies, and my current favorites include La La Land and Howl’s Moving Castle. Since coming to Davis, I’ve enjoyed learning to cook, so I’d love to learn about some of your favorite recipes!

My goals: To travel the world and to live my best life. I also hope to learn more Tagalog to surprise my Lolo and Lola!

Fun fact about me: If I had to eat any one food for the rest of my life I would eat tofu.

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! I hope you have a wonderful experience studying abroad, and if you have any questions or even just want someone to chat with, don’t be afraid to reach out and say hello. I look forward to meeting all of you.

Natalia Marin

Headshot of Natalia Marin.

Place of origin: Spain
Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish 
Majors: Psychology
Minor: Education
Year: Fourth

About me: I'm a very active, social, positive and outgoing person. I love music, animals and going to the gym. I am very interested in Japanese culture, and I love Asian food in general. I also look forward to living in Japan someday. I love traveling, hiking and hanging out with friends.

My goals: Finish my bachelor's degree at UC Davis, and continue my graduate education here as well, or maybe somewhere else, but I will continue my education for sure. Move to Japan. Reach my fitness body goal. 

Fun fact about me: My whole personality is a fun fact.

A message to international students: Hi! Welcome to UC Davis. I'm very excited for you, and I wish you enjoy this experience. I will be happy to be part of your journey by providing you with support and advice throughout your stay. 

Suzuran Schnyder (she/her/hers)

Photo of Suzuran Schnyder in a cafe.

Place of origin: Singapore
Languages: English, Mandarin (elementary)
Major: Environmental science and management, and managerial economics 
Year: Second

About me: I was born in Switzerland but grew up in Tokyo, Japan and Singapore. I love dancing, traveling, listening to music, learning about new countries and cultures, as well as drinking excessive amounts of coffee! In my free time I enjoy going to cafes, thrifting, reading on the quad and taking walks through the Arboretum.  

My goals: I hope to pursue research or environmental consulting in the future. In also hope to get to know all of you and to positively contribute to the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program community!

Fun fact about me: My mother is Japanese-American and my father is Swiss-Austrian.

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! I'm so excited to meet you all and to help you in any way I can. Being so far away from home can be daunting and uncertain, but I hope to make the process easier and more comfortable for all of you. I'm always here to talk if you need it. The Davis community is extremely welcoming and friendly, so I hope your transition here goes smoothly. I look forward to getting to know you all. 

Suhani Shokeen (she/her/hers)

Photo of Suhani Shokeen outside with fall foliage in the background.

Place of origin: India
Languages: English, Hindi
Major: Computer science
Year: Second

About me: I am originally from Delhi, India. When I am not studying, you will find me playing badminton, reading a book or hanging out with friends. I love traveling around the world and have explored every English-speaking country in the world. 

My goals: My goal is to become a fantastic programmer and then go to business school. I also strive to bring a positive impact into the world!

Fun fact about me: I have seen Queen Elizabeth II with my own eyes. 

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! I know the transition into a new community can be difficult, but that's why you have your mentor fellow to support you. Whether it's finding the best restaurants downtown or finding your class halls, feel free to reach out to me or anyone else on campus. Everyone here is really friendly and eager to help!

Andrew Tran (he/him/his)

Headshot of Andrew Tran.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English
Major: Neurobiology, physiology and behavior
Year: Fourth

About me: Hi everyone! I am a first-generation Vietnamese-American transfer student at UCD. I was born and raised in an immigrant family in the Bay Area, and attended community college there as well. Some of my favorite hobbies include going to the ARC, playing table tennis and drawing/painting. I also love Korean dramas and listen to a lot of Korean music, as well as American rap/hip-hop. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and making many meaningful connections!

My goals: My main goal as a Global Ambassador is to make sure each of my mentees walks away from their experience with me with at least one important connection made, whether that be joining an on-campus club, student-run clinic, or even one of the cultural groups on campus. My long-term career goals are to attend and graduate dental school and become a general dentist or maybe an orthodontist.

Fun fact about me: My middle name, Thai-Binh, means Pacific Ocean in Vietnamese. My parents gave this name to me because they wanted me to be a peaceful and generous person.

A message to international students: When I first came to UCD as a junior, I was very fortunate to meet so many amazing people that welcomed me to campus, so I would love to do the same for all of you! I admire your courage and respect the determination you have to have made such a difficult transition to a new country, a concept that is far beyond anything I have experienced. I wish you only good things as you adapt, develop and thrive as a new Aggie at UCD. Please know that everyone here at SISS and the Global Learning Hub, as well as myself and my fellow mentors, will do everything possible to ensure you have an excellent transition into this brand new experience. You are incredible and will achieve all of the spectacular goals you have in mind during your time here. Welcome to UC Davis!

Chuyuan Wang (she/her/hers)

Photo of Chuyuan Wang with the ocean and a ship behind her.

Place of origin: China
Languages: English, Mandarin
Major: Cognitive science and psychology
Year: Second

About me: I was born and raised in Beijing. I came to the United States in September 2022 to study at Davis as an international student. When I am not studying, I like to play ping-pong, badminton, jogging, listening music and watching musicals. I also enjoy learning about different cultures and people!

My goals: As part of the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program, my goal is to support my mentees and make new friends. Personally, I would like to learn more about the brain and the mind with my major and maybe pursue a master's degree.

Fun fact about me: I know four ways of cooking cabbage.

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! Studying abroad can be challenging, but these challenges could positively shape your skills and character. Also, you are never alone on this journey. We, along with the numerous resources on campus, are always there to support you. Supporting incoming students in navigating available resources is a crucial mission for us. Please feel free to reach out for any questions! 

Kiara Zecha (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Kiara Zecha.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English, Japanese (intermediate)
Major: Japanese
Year: Third

About me: Hello! I am a Chinese-American student majoring in Japanese. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music (K-pop/J-pop/R&B), watching anime and talking with friends. I love hanging out with people, but I also love spending time alone, as a true introvert. I’m a very open person who loves to joke but also someone who loves deep conversations.

My goals: My long-term goal after graduation is to teach English in Japan. A short-term goal that I have is to build relationships with people all around the world through programs such as this.

Fun fact about me: I listen to ASMR to help me sleep.

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis, everyone! I hope that you enjoy your stay here no matter how short. We mentors are here to help you so don’t hesitate to reach out to us with anything and everything! Also, don’t feel intimated, I am a person just like you so lets be friends :)

Tina Zhang (she/her/hers)

Headshot of Tina Zhang.

Place of origin: China
Languages: English, Mandarin
Major: Biological Sciences
Year: Second

About me: I was born and raised in China, and I'm now an international student here at UC Davis! I jog a lot, play tennis occasionally and go scuba diving during vacations. My family and I are all food lovers and we also enjoy traveling; we've been traveling around to world and trying different kinds of cuisines since I was five. Also, I really like watching movies and shows. My favorite shows are Modern Family and the Stranger Things. 

My goals: My plan is to go to graduate school, and hopefully get a Ph.D. Besides that, I just want to enjoy life, go travel, and spend more time with my family. 

Fun fact about me: I have a puddle called Leo! (I have tons of pictures of him in my phone if you wanted to see.)

A message to international students: Welcome to UC Davis! In case you are nervous or stressed, I just want you to know that everything is going to be okay. If you need help, don't be scared, just ask. We are here for you, and everyone else in Davis are also nice and willing to help. I'm really looking forward to meet you all. Go Aggies! 

Jason Zhang (he/him/his)

Photo of Jason Zhang sitting in his car.

Place of origin: China
Languages: English, Mandarin, Spanish
Major: Cognititve Science
Year: Fourth

About me: I have a passion for mechanical work and enjoy tinkering with bikes and cars (I own a proud Taco owner). In my free time, you can find me going off-road driving, indulging in video games, and rocking out to my favorite genres of music: rock and metal. I am also hooked on cooking especially trying out new dessert recipes. I'm always up for hanging out and exploring new adventures together (you wanna go camping?). Time to do some trailblazing! 

My goals: I want to make more friends and connections, continue exercising my time management and keep up with my academic progress. 

Fun fact about me: One time, I went wild and charged my truck toward a mud pit. Of course I got stuck and got mud all over the place. Took me an entire month to clean the mud off my frame, and today there is still some mud baked into different nooks and crannies, and some spots just stuck inside the cab forever telling the glory of the truck. Lesson learned: Stay away from mud! 

A message to international students: Welcome to the family of Aggies! Get ready to embrace the land of cozy ducks, swift squirrels and lazy cows (pun intended) resting peacefully and observing the pedestrians. Also, don't be surprised if you see groups of turkeys patrolling the area declaring dominance. While you are getting baked by the summer heat, don't forget to cruise around Davis and create some unforgettable memories. ¡Salud! 

Calvin Zuo 

Headshot of Calvin Zuo.

Place of origin: USA
Languages: English, Mandarin (conversational)
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Technology management
Year: Fourth

About me: My name is Calvin, and I am originally from Huntington Beach south of Los Angeles. I love martial arts and dancing. My favorite place in Davis is the Arboretum because it helps me both mentally and spiritually. Besides being at the Arboretum, I love to spend time with friends, playing volleyball and going on random side-quests. 

My goals: My goal is to live as a faithful man of God and also learn how to cook good cuisine like my mom.

Fun fact about me: I can walk in the lotus position using only my knees.

A message to international students: It's time! UC Davis is one chapter in your life that you will take on. Therefore, stay committed and go for whatever is in front of you. Your time at UC Davis is precious as a pearl in an oyster, both the good and the bad. The mentors are here to help and provide any resources in our power so you can succeed wherever you go.