Laura Oelsner graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering in June 2019. While at UC Davis, she participated in design competitions, played Quidditch, learned how to drive a bus, and was a ski instructor for people with special needs. Before moving to northern California for college, she lived in Torrance, California (near Los Angeles). Laura enjoys spending time outdoors, sports, and crafting. She is volunteering this summer under a grant from the UC Davis Blum Center from the beginning of July through mid-August.
Laura doing vision screening
“I’m really happy that my experience in Nicaragua was in partnership with WCRF. They provided invaluable support pre-arrival and the whole time I was there. In-country staff, Manager Juan Carlos, and checkins with WCRF members ensured interns were comfortable and provided guidance for our projects/programs. WCRF’s programs that are already established allowed me to jump in and assist (like the weekly class for community members with special needs), and their connections with the community and schools helped lessen the hurdles to starting new projects.
One of the things that stands out to the most from my internship was the kindness of the people in WCRF and in La Calle Real de Tolapa. My host family was amazing, and even invited me on a day trip to Lago de Managua by Volcan Momotombo. Working with Teacher Veronica, Juan Carlos, and the other interns were huge in making my internship as great as it was. Huge thanks to WCRF!” — Laura