​​​​​​​Veterinary medicine doctoral student Amanda Crofton is helping animals and people—and advancing global education for all—right in our own backyard.

Oanh Meyer is no stranger to Alzheimer’s disease. Her everyday life revolves around caring for those who suffer from the ailment. Through her research and her experience as a caregiver, Meyer found that many Vietnamese elders lack knowledge about Alzheimer’s and wait a long time before seeking help or diagnosis.

A 2018 survey shows that mountain gorilla numbers have increased in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, and Sarambwe Reserve, DR Congo, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. From July 2018 to July 2019, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone, Gorilla Doctors conducted 126 health checks and performed 23 veterinary interventions to treat ill or injured gorillas.

Ramón Zermeño, a sophomore at the University of California, Davis majoring in human development, greets patients every week at Clínica Tepati, a free health care clinic serving the Sacramento area. "Being able to translate to patients that don’t understand a few words," said Zermeño. "Just knowing that the patient [will] be reassured and comfortable with having a Spanish speaking person there, that brings me happiness."