Portrait of MCIP graduate student Arik Davidyan

Graduate Student Arik Davidyan Named American Physiological Society Ambassador

The American Physiological Society (APS) recently announced the 2018 Graduate Student Ambassadors (GSA): Arik Davidyan, Kamila Migdal, Chelsea Weaver, Oluwatobiloba "Deborah" Osikoya. The GSA Program provides an opportunity for graduate student members of APS to serve as a liaison to promote physiology and the APS within their local universities. The 2018 class of ambassadors join the 2017 GSAs to build leadership and outreach skills, promote physiology, and increase awareness of the benefits of APS membership. The 2017 GSAs had an outstanding inaugural year, visiting over 13 universities in their communities and promoting physiology and the APS to over 350 undergraduate and graduate students.

The 2018 Class of Ambassadors (term 2018-2020):

Arik Davidyan – University of California, Davis (Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology)
APS Section – Environmental and Exercise Physiology

Kamila Migdal – University of Delaware
APS Section – Cardiovascular

Chelsea Weaver – University of Kentucky
​APS Section – Renal

Oluwatobiloba "Deborah" Osikoya – University of North Texas Health Science Center​
APS Section – Cardiovascular

The GSA program enrolls up to five APS graduate students each year who have passed their qualifying exams to serve a two-year GSA term. Ambassadors are selected based on their leadership skills, willingness to establish collaborations with local institutions, availability on social media platforms, presentation/lecture experience, mentoring experience and letters of recommendation. Each fellow receives web-based training to enhance their knowledge of physiology, leadership and presentation skills, APS programs and membership benefits, and also receives $1,200 in travel funds to attend the annual GSA training and present his or her research at Experimental Biology during their two year term as a GSA.

The GSA program is managed by the APS Trainee Advisory Committee (TAC) with support from the APS Education Office.  To learn more about the GSA program and/or apply online visit the GSA website.


About Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies at UC Davis includes 99 dynamic degree programs and a diverse and interactive student body from around the world. Known for our state-of-the-art research facilities, productive laboratories and progressive spirit – UC Davis offers collaborative and interdisciplinary curricula through graduate groups and designated emphasis options, bringing students and faculty of different academic disciplines together to address real-world challenges.

UC Davis graduate students and postdoctoral scholars become leaders in their fields: researchers, teachers, politicians, mentors and entrepreneurs. They go on to guide, define and impact change within our global community.

For information on Graduate Studies’ current strategic initiatives, visit the Graduate Studies strategic plan page.

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