Our Mission
We support incoming transfer researchers by providing a space for workshops and meetings allowing for transfer students to learn more about essential skills needed to secure their first research positions. Moreover, we aim to build a community of diverse transfer researchers throughout UC Davis to support incoming generations of students.
Officers
Gurtaj Grewal
President
Hello everybody! My name is Gurtaj Grewal and I am the President of TRS for 2022-2023 school year and majoring in Community and Regional Development. In my free time, I like to hang out with my dog, Badal who is half wolf half German shepherd. Also, I love running and exercising as well so you can find me at the ARC often.
Email- gssgrewal@ucdavis.edu
Valeria Rodriguez
Vice President
Hi there! My name is Valeria Rodriguez and I am a fifth year Material Science and Engineering major. I transferred from Orange Coast College (in SoCal) in 2018. During my free time I like to bike, explore new places, and listen to podcasts. I am currently working at the UC Pavement Research Center- where we test pavement for sustainability and longevity. After I graduate, I plan to attend graduate school in the east coast.
Email- verod@ucdavis.edu
Jannie Xu
Secretary
Hi! My name is Jannie and I'm a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major. Currently I am doing research at Pires Lab at UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. I also work as a lab assistant at Dennis and Jay labs. After graduation, I’m planning to attend graduate school. In my free time, I like to watch movies, listen to music, and go out for walks.
Email- janxu@ucdavis.edu
Aditya Prasad
Treasurer
Hey Everyone! My name is Aditya Prasad and I’m an Economics major. My career aspirations are to work as a financial modeler for a couple of years, pursue an MBA, and become a college professor. My hobbies include running, biking, swimming, working out, and ping pong.
Nicole Cimmarusti
Transfer Advisor Manager
Hi, my name is Nicole Cimmarusti. I'm a psychology student who is in my fifth (and last) year at Davis. I'm from San Francisco, California, and I'm a proud transfer student. A few things I like do are watching horror movies, driving, and painting.
Nicole Cimmarusti
Social Media Coordinator
Hi, my name is Nicole Cimmarusti. I'm a psychology student who is in my fifth (and last) year at Davis. I'm from San Francisco, California, and I'm a proud transfer student. A few things I like do are watching horror movies, driving, and painting.
Gaby Wyatt
Advisor Team Director
I am a 3rd year PhD student in the Plant Biology Graduate Group. I currently work in the lab of Dr. Philipp Zerbe where I study P450 functional diversity in crop and medicinal plants. Much of my research focuses on diterpene biosynthesis in the bioenergy crop Switchgrass. As an undergraduate, I attended Butte College and then transferred to California State University, Chico where I received a BS in Plant Biology in 2020. As a transfer student, first generation college student, and returning older student, I received much guidance and support. I love working with the TRS and hope to inspire and support undergraduate researchers here at UC Davis.
Alyssa Maness
Advisor Team Director
Hi! My name is Alyssa and I am a PhD student in the Psychology department. Broadly, my current research is focused on better understanding nonhuman animal behavior, perception, cognition, and sociality as mechanisms for best promoting their physiological welfare as well as psychological well-being. However, I’ve worked in research for 10 years (wow, I’m old!) across five different labs here at UC Davis and have studied everything from wildlife management practices to monkeys as a model for the social deficits observed in humans with autism spectrum disorder… and everything in between. Throughout my research career, I have worked with monkeys, goats, sheep, ducks, and wild rodents. If I’m not hunched over my desk or outside watching animals, you can find me playing drums or guitar in bands, riding my motorcycle, rock climbing, backpacking, shooting photos, or romping around with my three dogs (and cat).
Email: acmaness@ucdavis.edu