UC Davis student Avantika Gokulnatha shares a phone screen with Jack McGruder, an older man in a red USC hat. They sit at a table smiling together in a warmly lit community space.
Avantika Gokulnatha, recipient of the University Medal as the top graduating senior at UC Davis, shows Jack McGruder, resident of an assisted-living facility in Fairfield, how to work an iPhone application. Gokulnatha, who is researching aging, served for two years as president of Breaking Barriers, a student organization that seeks to reduce the isolation of seniors by developing their skills for using technology. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

Genetics and Genomics Major Named Top UC Davis Graduate

Avantika Gokulnatha Aims to Transform Experience of Aging

  • by Julia Ann Easley

Only on annual visits to India was Avantika Gokulnatha able to help care for her now late grandfather as his health failed. But the San Jose resident endeavored to help others near her.

Gokulnatha did just that as she studied biological sciences, majored in genetics and genomics, and researched aging at the University of California, Davis. She volunteered with a local hospice, revived a student organization to help seniors with technology, and led other undergraduate volunteers at a clinic providing free medical care to uninsured and marginalized people.

Gokulnatha will be recognized as the top graduating senior at UC Davis when thousands celebrate earning a bachelor’s degree at five commencements at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center June 13-15. She will be awarded the University Medal — for excellence in undergraduate studies, outstanding community service, and the promise of future scholarship and contributions to society — and a Bachelor of Science in genetics and genomics at the 9 a.m. ceremony Saturday.

“I’ve had a simply phenomenal time,” Gokulnatha said.

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