Daniel Scates
Russian Class of 2021
What was your major/minor? Why did you choose it?
I triple majored in International Relations, Economics, Russian and minored in Math. I chose to major in Russian because I was interested in the geopolitics of Russia-EU relations when I started undergrad a few years after the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine. I saw Economics as tying in clearly with international relations, and essential for its understanding. Same with the Russian language and history/culture. Math was mostly there for my intellectual satisfaction/ a compromise of not being able to do physics. It's turned out to be extremely helpful in my career though.
What are you up to now?
Currently, I am a Ph.D. student in the department of political science here at UC Davis. I have a three-pronged research agenda: studying Eastern European politics, especially far-right/populist parties; conflict, especially as it relates to humanitarian and developmental issues; and public health issues in politics. Studying Russian has helped me a lot in two of these areas. First, I have developed a deep background knowledge of the Russian political system, and the history and politics of the region. I am also able to engage with news reporting in Russian. This is also helping with my work studying war. I'm currently working on a project on informal aid networks in Ukraine and their ties to the Euromaidan movement. One of my future goals is to learn Ukranian to help in this work.
How did your experience at UC Davis prepare you for the next step in your academic and professional journey?
It has helped me read Russian/Ukrainian language media to learn about the region and experiences of people through their language. It has also helped me meet and bond with colleagues from the region.
What's your advice for someone considering your major?
It is a great experience! Languages are so important for understanding other people, and helping to relate with them. It can also open fun opportunities in life. Non-professionally, I frequent Russian/Ukrainian markets and cafes, and have a whole new type of cuisine I enjoy as a result. It is such a valuable experience for opening your worldview and connecting with others. Also Russian literature and media classes were some of the most fun classes I took!
I would say that the Russian program, through its language training, historical and political studies and cultural knowledge makes a great supplement to any degree. I have been able to leverage the knowledge gained to help myself become an area specialist and engage in academic and journalistic work published outside the typical English-language work. Additionally, my favorite classes at UC Davis were almost all Russian language and literature classes.
What was your favorite part of your undergraduate program here?
Russian literature and media classes were some of the most fun classes I took! I wish I had taken more of these than I did.
What are you most proud of from your undergrad experience?
I did it all, and tried all the things I was interested in, while still continuing in music.
Do you have a professor or a class you want to shout out?
Professor Kaminer and Professor Avramenko. Liliana Petrovna is so sweet and helpful! And Professor Kaminer has some of the most fun classes. Russian fairy tales was an absolute blast!
What were you involved in outside of class (clubs, internships, etc.)?
UC Davis Marching Band, Videogame orchestra, research in the economics department, and a marketing internship.