Computer science major Ahmed Eltayeb joins Chancellor Gary S. May on this month’s episode of Face to Face to discuss his efforts to boost representation online.

Eltayeb is the founder of Five Percent Studios, which he said posts vlogs and other videos online to showcase “the experience of Black students at UC Davis.”

That can range from interviews outside a concert to photoshoots with fraternities. The name of the organization is a reference to the fact that fewer than 5% of UC Davis undergraduates are Black.

‘An impactful voice’ 

He said his efforts have also brought people together for deeper connections.

“Building a community means we’re building a family,” he said.

That family feeling is what initially drew him to UC Davis as a transfer student from Laney College in Oakland.

“And as soon as I came for the first orientation and it says, ‘You belong here,’ that thing stuck with me a lot,” Eltayeb said. “So I was like: ‘You know what? I do belong here, and I want to (have) an impactful voice.’”

Eltayeb said his efforts have sought to connect with people not just at UC Davis, but around the world. And he has experience with different cultures — during his interview with May, Eltayeb talked about his upbringing in Sudan, and the fact that his mother now lives in Egypt.

He and May also discussed their membership in the National Society of Black Engineers, and the chancellor gave career advice to the undergraduate.

Watch the full episode above (or listen on Podbean) to hear more about Eltayeb’s hobbies, music recommendations and how he hopes to focus on artificial intelligence in his career.

More episodes of ‘Face to Face’

Chancellor May has interviewed more than 40 guests on his monthly talk show, including faculty, staff and students.

Listen to all of the conversations on the Face to Face webpage.