Chembassadors

Third Year | B.S. Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Morgan Hill, CA

I chose UC Davis because I felt this institution would give me the best career opportunities, and I truly love the campus! After having the smash burger at The Gunrock for the first time and walking past the turkeys in the quad, I knew this was my school. Additionally, with my favorite subject being chemistry, I have worked with the Chemistry Department in many regards and have greatly appreciated the help they have provided. 

I signed up to be a Chembassador because I wanted to give back to my peers and the faculty at UC Davis who have helped me find my place on campus. The academic guidance, career-focused events, and fun socials presented by the Chemistry Department have been incredible resources that I hope to continue to make available to future students!

My advice to Chemistry students is: Opportunities come in every form! Be willing to try new things and learn at every chance you get!

Third Year | B.S. Pharmaceutical Chemistry, A.B. History

Cupertino, CA

UC Davis won me over with its atmosphere. The campus is big enough to always have something going on, but never feel overwhelming, and everyone I've met has been genuinely welcoming. Chemistry has changed the way I look at everything. There are so many connections to make and I love that I'm never done learning. The faculty and staff here have been incredibly supportive and truly invest in their students.

This is my second year as a Chembassador! I joined to meet other chemistry majors and plan events, and it turned out to be one of my favorite parts of being in the department.

My advice to Chemistry students is: Give yourself permission to not get it on the first try, almost no one does! Chemistry can be frustrating, but I find that the struggle is where the learning happens. Looking back, the concepts I fought the hardest with are the ones I understand best now, and it makes this subject all the more rewarding to pursue.

Third Year | B.S. Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

San Francisco, CA

What initially drew me to attending UC Davis was its proximity to my family and friends. However, from my years at UC Davis, I've grown to appreciate how much UC Davis's programs and departments, specifically the Chemistry Department, care about supporting their undergraduate students through the countless resources they provide.

I signed up to be a Chembassador for the rewarding experience of planning and attending events that provide valuable resources for fellow undergraduates, helping them make the most of their undergraduate years!

My advice to Chemistry students is: If you're actively looking for opportunities to enrich your undergraduate experience, I highly, highly recommend keeping up to date with the Chemistry Newsletter or emails from the Chemistry department! I wouldn't even have this position if I didn't discover the opportunity from my emails!

Fourth Year | B.S. Chemistry (American Chemical Society Accredited)

Sacramento, CA

I chose UC Davis because I liked the nature around Davis, specifically the arboretum was one of my favorite places to walk around as a kid. UC Davis seemed like a strong STEM school and the chemistry department is large so I thought it would be good to become a chemistry major here. 

I chose to be a Chembassador because I enjoy planning events and connecting with new people. I am not afraid of public speaking unless I'm presenting my research, then I am scared. I also like contributing to the greater UC Davis community creating a welcoming environment for people. 

My advice to Chemistry students is: Use office hours! Collaborate with your classmates, they are a great resource to learn more and study with. 

Fourth Year | B.S. Chemistry (American Chemical Society Accredited), English Minor

San Pablo, CA

I chose UC Davis because everyone in the Chemistry Department is so friendly and ambitious! I love being surrounded by people who are passionate about their goals and open to sharing their journey with others. 

I signed up to be a Chembassador because coming in as a transfer student last fall, I wanted to explore all the resources that the chemistry department had to offer. Having been here a while, I now want to help other transfer students adjust quickly and meet super cool chemistry majors and faculty as I have! 

My advice to Chemistry students is: Take any chemistry class/join a research lab that sounds interesting and identify your goals through those experiences. 

Fourth Year | B.S. Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

King City, CA

I chose UC Davis because of the culture! Other than being close to home, the vibe is what I enjoy and I think the campus is beautiful. The chemistry department is also very involved which I appreciate. 

I signed up to meet other like-minded peers and build community within the chemistry department. I also signed up to be a resource for other students if they need tips or to just know a friendly face! 

My advice to Chemistry students is: Having an organized color coding system for notes helps a lot! Notes are a tool you will use to study, so being able to read and understand them later is important.

Fourth Year | B.S. Chemistry (American Chemical Society Accredited)

Sebastopol, CA

I chose Davis for the wonderful vibes and beautiful campus! I knew I wanted to transfer here the day I had first stepped on campus for a tour. I chose chemistry after changing my major five times. I loved my organic chemistry classes in community college and decided that I wanted to pursue research in chemistry!

I signed up to be a Chembassador to support students like me who had/have a hard time adjusting to the quarter system and large campus. I want to help students navigate their undergraduate education and help them explore chemistry!

My advice to Chemistry students is: Do not be afraid to talk to professors. It can be intimidating, especially with larger classes, but in general, professors love to talk with students and are very approachable! 

Fourth Year | B.S. Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

Chico, CA

I chose UC Davis and the Chemistry Department because of it's strong academics and how it was close to home.

I signed up to be a Chembassador to set up fun events for other students.

My advice to Chemistry students is: Get to know peers and faculty!

Third Year | B.S. Applied Chemistry (Environmental), A.B Japanese

San Diego, CA

I chose the UC Davis Chemistry Department because it is a great program and an opportunity to study something I love. 

I signed up to be a Chembassador in order to be able to help incoming university students with advice regarding major advising and other advice as first-years. 

My advice to Chemistry students is: Don’t give up, there is always new chances and opportunities!

Fourth Year | B.S. Applied Chemistry (Forensics), Political Science Minor

San Diego, CA

I chose UC Davis because of its strong chemistry program and the student environment here. This small town feels like such an uplifting community, where we all learn and grow from each other. UC Davis to me really stood out for its supportive chemistry department.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time being a Chembassador last year and want to connect with the department that has provided me so many resources over my years here at UC Davis. I remember how helpful it was for me, as a new student, to connect with other chemistry students, and I want to help foster an inclusive environment, and make chemistry feel more welcoming.

My advice to Chemistry students is: Don't be afraid to ask questions to your professors and your TAs, and go to office hours directly. No matter how small your question might seem, making that extra effort to build connections and communicate with the chemistry staff makes a huge difference in the learning experience!

Third Year | B.S. Applied Chemistry (Forensics)

San Jose, CA

I chose UC Davis because of the campus and the town, and I chose to study chemistry because I love how many aspects there are to it and how it can be applied to everyday life!

I signed up to become a Chembassador because I wanted to support my peers while being more involved in the chemistry program!

My advice to Chemistry students is: Studying and working with other students always helps with learning!

Second Year | B.S. Applied Chemistry

Beijing, China

I chose UC Davis because I liked the campus environment and the strong focus on science. I chose the Chemistry Department because I’ve always enjoyed chemistry and wanted to learn more through classes and research experience!

I signed up to be a Chembassador/Peer Advisor because I want to help other students and share my own experiences with them. I also want to get more involved in the Chemistry Department and meet more people in the chemistry community.

My advice to Chemistry students is: Join a research lab as early as you can. Getting hands-on experience can help you figure out what areas of chemistry you’re actually interested in and what kind of research you enjoy.

Fourth Year | B.S. Applied Chemistry (Environmental), Atmospheric Science Minor

Santa Cruz, CA

I chose UC Davis because it’s a beautiful campus with really friendly people. While I started as a Biochemistry major, I switched into the Chemistry Department because I found that chemistry aligns with my interests better than biochemistry/biology. 

I signed up to be a Chembassador because I want to connect with more chemistry majors on campus. Chemistry courses can be really difficult, but creating a community with other students who are going through the same challenges is helpful. 

My advice to Chemistry students is: Do practice problems! Chemistry is a difficult subject and the best way to learn is by doing.