Diverse adult audience, some taking notes, listening attentively in a lecture hall

Waves of Change: 2026 One Health Symposium Recap

Bringing Together Students and Experts Across Disciplines

  • by Eunah Cho Preston

The 13th Annual One Health Symposium celebrated interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative research, and creative approaches to addressing challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.

On Saturday, October 24, the One Health community gathered at UC Davis for the 13th Annual One Health Symposium, a day of learning, connection, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With an impressive turnout of engaged students, faculty, and staff from across campus and beyond, this year's event was a wonderful celebration of the growing One Health community and its shared commitment to addressing complex health challenges.

Two women smiling at a lectern during a presentation, floral centerpiece and small pumpkins
One Health Symposium planning committee co-leads Hayden Dillon and Emeline McMann-Chapman

Organized by the Students for One Health Club, with support from UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine and UC Davis School of Medicine faculty as well as staff at the UC Davis One Health Institute, the annual symposium provides an opportunity for people from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to explore the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment.

This year's theme, Waves of Change, reflected both the complex challenges facing our world and the opportunities for meaningful progress when experts across disciplines come together.

Exploring Waves of Change Across One Health

Throughout the day, engaging panel discussions brought together ten experts representing a wide range of fields to explore the intersections of migration, social justice, marine health, conservation, and zoonotic and vector-borne diseases.

The symposium's panelists represented an impressive breadth of expertise, from public health, medicine, and social sciences to wildlife conservation, marine science, and veterinary disaster response.

Four smiling panelists in casual discussion on a lecture-hall stage, audience in foreground
Waves of Population Displacement + Migration panelists (L-R) Farah Shaheen, Matt Sparke, Briana Hamamoto, Brian Joseph

Speakers included Dr. Briana Hamamoto of the California Veterinary Emergency Team; Dr. Brian Joseph, an aquatic and wildlife veterinarian; Dr. Farah Shaheen of UC Davis Health; and Dr. Matt Sparke, a distinguished professor of politics at UC Santa Cruz.

Three panelists on stage; center woman speaking into a microphone while others listen.
Disease Risks + Spillover Dynamics in a Crowded World panelists (L-R): Erik Turner, Devinn Sinnott, Anne Kjemtrup

They were joined by Dr. Anne Kjemtrup of the California Department of Public Health; Dr. Devinn Sinnott and Dr. Erik Turner of the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Michelle Barbieri Lino of SeaDoc Society; Dr. Miles Daniels of the UC Santa Cruz Institute of Marine Sciences; and Dr. Heather Harris of The Marine Mammal Center and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Three panelists seated on stage addressing audience; bouquet on table, photo
Waves of Change Affecting Ocean Health panelists (L-R): Heather Harris, Miles Daniels, Michelle Barbieri Lino

While their areas of expertise varied considerably, the discussions reinforced a shared message: addressing today's complex health challenges requires collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and communities. Panelists shared their perspectives and experiences, encouraging attendees to think critically about the connections between human, animal, and environmental health and the role they can play in creating positive change.

For the many students in attendance, these discussions also offered an opportunity to learn directly from professionals working across the One Health spectrum and discover the diverse career paths available in this growing field.

Putting One Health into Practice

The learning continued beyond the panel discussions with a series of interactive afternoon activities that challenged participants to apply One Health concepts in creative, collaborative, and hands-on ways.

During the One Health Solution Proposals activity, students worked in teams to develop and present strategies for addressing real-world One Health challenges, putting their problem-solving and interdisciplinary collaboration skills to the test.

The Live One Health Scenario invited participants to step into the roles of One Health officials responding to a mysterious disease outbreak, working together to investigate its cause and navigate the interconnected challenges of outbreak response.

Meanwhile, the PPE Relay Race brought some friendly competition to the afternoon as participants raced to correctly put on personal protective equipment used during oil spill response, offering a fun and practical introduction to an important aspect of disaster preparedness.

Group of people in white coveralls outdoors in a circle, instructor gesturing
One Health Institute laboratory director Brian Bird leading the PPE relay activity

Together, these activities reinforced the value of teamwork, communication, and creative thinking in addressing challenges that no single discipline can solve alone.

Celebrating Research, Creativity, and the Next Generation of One Health Leaders

Two additional highlights of the symposium were the research poster session and One Health Art Contest, both of which showcased the remarkable talent and dedication within the One Health community.

The poster session featured an impressive range of research, offering attendees opportunities to explore new ideas, ask questions, and connect directly with emerging researchers. The enthusiasm and depth of knowledge on display reflected the growing interest in interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and improving health.

Woman in red dress pointing to scientific poster during conference presentation
MPVM student Gabriella Johnson presenting her poster during the lunch session

Equally inspiring was the One Health Art Contest, which demonstrated the power of creativity to communicate complex ideas, spark conversations, and bring new perspectives to One Health challenges. The talent and thoughtfulness reflected in the artwork were a reminder that science and art can be powerful partners in inspiring awareness, understanding, and action.

We were also especially excited to welcome a group of undergraduate students from the One Health Club at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, who made the trip to Davis to participate in the symposium! Their enthusiasm and commitment to exploring One Health beyond their own campus were wonderful examples of the connections and community this event helps foster.

Five people in white protective coveralls and blue gloves smiling in a lecture hall
One Health Club members from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo participating in the afternoon PPE Relay activity

A Student-Led Celebration of Collaboration

One of the most remarkable aspects of the annual One Health Symposium is that it is organized and led by students. The dedication of the Students for One Health club, supported by faculty, staff, and volunteers across UC Davis, makes this event possible year after year.

The success of this year's symposium was evident not only in the strong attendance, but also in the energy and engagement throughout the day. From thoughtful questions during panel discussions to conversations sparked by research posters, artwork, and interactive activities, the event created opportunities for meaningful connections across disciplines and generations.

Three smiling colleagues with name badges in a bright office, photo
UC Davis virologist Koen Van Rompay with UC Davis student Santhosh Gopalakrishnan and MPVM student Amrita Chennapragada

We extend our sincere thanks to the Students for One Health organizers, our outstanding panelists, presenters, artists, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making the 2026 One Health Symposium such a memorable experience.

As we reflect on this year's gathering, we are reminded that meaningful change often begins with conversations, new connections, and a willingness to see challenges through different perspectives. If the curiosity, enthusiasm, and commitment demonstrated at this year's symposium are any indication, the future of One Health is in excellent hands.

We look forward to seeing how the ideas and connections sparked at this year's symposium continue to make waves.