Lamling Vista School and Sahaya

Dr. Koen Van Rompay, a veterinary doctor originally from Belgium, will take you on the journey of his (dual) life. For the past 3 decades, he has been an infectious disease researcher at the University of California, Davis. Most of his career has focused on studying HIV, which has led to several interventions that are now used globally to treat or prevent HIV infection. In more recent years, he has also done research on the latest pandemics, such as Zika virus, and SARS-CoV-2. In 1997, a trip to an AIDS conference in India inspired Koen to step outside his comfort zone and become more socially engaged. During his spare time, he founded and manages the Davis-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Sahaya International (www.sahaya.org). Sahaya International is a 100% volunteer-based network of friends that supports a growing number of grassroots organizations in developing countries, aimed at helping underprivileged communities by promoting education, health, socio-economic empowerment and conservation. Koen is also a Chair of International programs of the Davis Sunset Rotary club.