Sparking inspiration
Judith Kjelstrom and Amrit Sahota
Amrit Sahota, a graduate student in neurobiology, physiology and behavior, studied under Judith Kjelstrom, the director of the UC Davis Biotechnology Program and a lecturer in the College of Biological Sciences.
“Faculty like her make this university so unique,” said Amrit Sahota.
Why is UC Davis the one for you? “UC Davis is the school for me because it provided me with mentor support and opportunities that I would not have been able to get at any other university.”
What is the best experience you have had here that you could share with us — something that happened to you uniquely because of your ties to UC Davis? “A researcher showed faith in me when I was 18 years old, giving me the opportunity to work in his stem cell lab at the Regenerative Cures Center at the UC Davis Medical Center. I was about to start my first year, had not taken a single class yet, but this person had faith in me simply because I was an Aggie.”
What do you hope to be your legacy here at UC Davis — what marks have you made or changes that you hope will continue? “I hope to create a generation of Aggies who do not forget the wonderful opportunities they have received from being a part of this campus. I want alumni to come back to UC Davis and give back to this university which gave so much to them.”
Tell us about one person at UC Davis who has enhanced your life or your work? “Judith Kjelstrom has been my mentor since 2009. She led me to UC Davis and continues to guide me along my academic and professional path. Faculty like her make this university so unique.”
