'Grow Forth': The UC Davis Commencement, Spring, 2024

"Congratulations on reaching this wonderful milestone! Today is a moment to celebrate and connect with fellow classmates, families and loved ones, and feel the support from our entire UC Davis family."

"When you came to UC Davis, you joined a community that’s driven to make the world a better place. You understood that academics are paramount, and you discovered that the college experience is about so much more. You learned to outgrow the expected, to exceed what’s needed and to do what’s just. And you did it all during some of the most challenging times in recent history."

So said UC Davis Chancellor Gary May when he addressed the students receiving their master's degrees and doctorates at a recent ceremony in the University Credit Union Center, UC Davis.

"UC Davis has prepared you well for your next chapter," Chancellor May continued. "This campus thrives on a commitment to excellence, and our faculty sets the bar high for students. You not only met that bar, but you pushed beyond. Wherever life takes you — or wherever you take life — remember this is just the beginning of your journey...I hope you leave UC Davis with cherished memories to last a lifetime. I encourage you to keep close our values of excellence and openness to diverse perspectives and new ideas. Now is the time to grow forth and imagine what’s possible, to consider how you will make an impact and contribute to the public good."

"The world is waiting for you. Go Ags!"

Among those participating or honored:

Danielle Rutkowski, entomologist, doctorate. She is member of the laboratory of Rachel Vannette, associate professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. "I will be starting a National Science Foundation-funded postdoctoral position at Iowa State University with Dr. Amber Crowley-Gall at the end of the summer."  Her research focuses on the relationships between bees and microbes.

Shawn Christensen, microbiologist, doctorate. He is a member of the laboratory of Rachel Vannette. He researches studies ecology and evolution through a microbial lens. He is the 2024 recipient of the Merton Love Ecology and Dissertation Award, an annual award that celebrates the university’s most outstanding doctoral dissertation in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology.

Xavier Zahnle, entomologist, doctorate. He is member of the laboratory of Professor Jason Bond, who is the Schlinger Endowed Chair and director of the Bohart Museum of Entomology, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology. His research involves the evolutionary tension between structure and function in arthropod systems.

Gabriel 'Gabe' Foote, entomologist, doctorate. He is a member of the Hugh Safford laboratory and a former student of the late Steven Seybold (1959-2019), Department of Entomology and Nematology. "I'll be starting a post-doctoral position with Dr. Seth Davis at Colorado State University later this summer, but will still be located at UC Davis. The research focuses on the chemical ecology of the Sequoia bark beetle."

Eliza Litsky, entomologist, master's degree. She is a member of the laboratory of apiculturist Elina Niño, associate professor of Cooperative Extension, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology.

The commencement is posted on YouTube.