October 2013 News Archive

Geek chic

Groovy couches, big brains, and great camaraderie abound in Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz's supercomputer lab for

UCSC internships for high school students yield success in science contests

A summer internship program for high school students has consistently produced successful entries in nationwide science

Biologist Manuel Ares receives Outstanding Faculty Award

Biology professor Manuel Ares has received the 2012-13 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Division of Physical and Biological

UCSC United Way Campaign: November 1st – November 15th 2013

Each year UC Santa Cruz participates in the United Way campaign, supporting local programs that make a positive impact in our community.

Seeking UC mentors for Haitian scholars

The University of California has teamed up with UEH to connect students, faculty, administrators, and alumni of the two universities in a global partnership focused on helping Haiti recover.

Appointment of Jaye Padgett to lead retention and graduation effort

Jaye Padgett will assist CP/EVC Galloway on the campus's retention and graduation efforts.

Norris Lecture features a panel of marine wildlife veterinarians on November 7

A panel of three marine wildlife veterinarians from the Monterey Bay area will discuss their work in the annual Norris Memorial

Institute to host second art/science LASER evening Nov. 5

UCSC’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present its second LASER event on Nov. 5, beginning at 6:45 p.m. at the Digital Arts Research Center

50th Brown Bag Lunch

As the co-chairs of the 50th Anniversary Campus Coordinating Committee, we write to encourage you to attend a second Brown Bag lunch on Wednesday November 6 from noon to 1:00 pm at the Porter Hitchcock Lounge.

Social Sciences Research Frontiers Day spotlights 21st century challenges

Twelve professors from eight disciplines in the Social Sciences presented their research on contemporary issues at the division’s first Research Frontiers Day, held on campus at Colleges Nine

Study maps human impacts on top ocean predators along U.S. west coast

Research shows where human impacts are highest on marine predators such as whales, seals, seabirds, and

Interim appointment of vice chancellor of University Relations

Chancellor Blumenthal announces the pending appointment of Jeff Shilling to lead University Relations on an interim basis.

Halloween, October 31st and Days Prior

Housing and Educational Services is to provide you with information that helps you to make safe choices. You should find the information below useful as you plan how and where to spend your time on Halloween this year.

Our University - October 2013

Read the latest news for UC faculty and staff in Our University. Click on the link below to read the October issue, which includes:

Community Crime Bulletin -- Butane related explosions warning

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is warning the community of the growing dangers of manufacturing hash oil using butane.

UCSC coastal experts testify at Assembly committee hearing

The hearing, held at Seymour Marine Discovery Center, provided information for state policy

Flu Shot Clinics on Campus - Students

Seasonal Flu shots will once again be offered to students at the Student Health Center located across from the University Center and Colleges 9 & 10 on McLaughlin Drive.

Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics on Campus - Staff

Seasonal Flu shots will once again be offered to staff and faculty at the Student Health Center located across from the University Center and Colleges 9 & 10 on McLaughlin Drive.

Humanities Division’s Rothman Award honors freshman writing students

UCSC student Alma Morales and her writing instructor Steven Carter were awarded first place for Morales’s essay, "Nina de Mexico, Student of America--Daughter of Nowhere" in the 2012-13

Launch of New “Smart” Bike Lockers

In response to requests from cyclists for secure bike parking, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) is pleased to announce that 24 new “smart” bike lockers are now available.

Drug Enforcement Agency Unwanted Prescription Drug Collection

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will give the public its seventh opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

Winter Campus Curtailment 2013-2014

Our 2013-2014 Winter Campus Curtailment is scheduled for the time period of December 23, 2013 through January 1, 2014:

UCSC student to direct Larry Kramer's groundbreaking play

UCSC student Adam Odsess-Rubin will direct a Theater Arts Department production of Larry Kramer's award-winning, unflinching 1985 drama The Normal Heart, November 1-10, in the Theater Arts Experimental

Honoring excellence and generosity at UCSC Founders Dinner

Don and Diane Cooley, Jock Reynolds, Howard Haber and Abraham Seiden received special honors at Friday's celebration, held at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa

In Memoriam--Lou Fackler

Louis Facker, a longtime UCSC employee, died on October 11 at his Scotts Valley home. He was 87.

Research Review Day talks: From big data to brain development

Attendees heard talks from industry leaders and UCSC faculty at the Baskin School of Engineering's Research Review

Boldness and vision: Frank Gehry talks about creative risks and 'serious play' at UCSC Foundation Forum

During Friday's Foundation Forum, one of the featured events of UCSC's Founders Celebration, the legendary architect spoke candidly about his

Prominent legal scholar to speak on legal reform in Japan

Professor Setsuo Miyazawa, Japan’s most prominent socio-legal scholar, will speak on legal reforms in Japan, Friday, October 25, at UC Santa Cruz.

UC Santa Cruz launches $300-million fundraising campaign

The University of California, Santa Cruz, today announced the launch of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, an ambitious effort to raise $300 million to support students, research activities,

UC President Napolitano visits campus, talks with students, staff, and faculty

Janet Napolitano, the new University of California president, visited UC Santa Cruz for two days of talks with students, staff and faculty, and to participate in the public

UCSC’s first ‘Ed Talks' draws crowd in downtown Santa Cruz

An enthusiastic audience of 250 community members gathered at the “Top of the Ritt” in downtown Santa Cruz last night to celebrate UCSC’s very first evening of “Ed

The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz seeks support that will enable excellence in all areas across the campus, while highlighting the needs of students, several initiatives, and other special projects.

UCSC hosts experimental economics conference, researchers probe choices

Experimental economists from around the world will gather in Santa Cruz next weekend for the 2013 North American Economic Science Association Conference co-sponsored by the UC Santa Cruz

UCSC astrophysicist Charlie Conroy wins prestigious Packard Fellowship

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation has awarded a Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering to astrophysicist Charlie

Astronomers find most distant gravitational lens

Discovery of the most distant gravitational lens allows direct measurement of the mass of a distant galaxy, but also poses a

2014 Leadership Academy Applications Now Being Accepted

The 2014 Leadership Academy will meet over a three-month period, from January through March 2014.

Invitation to Reception October 21

All UCSC faculty members are invited to a reception hosted by the UC Systemwide Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (SACSW) on Monday, October 21, beginning at 3 p.m. at University House.

Paul Koch honored as a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences

Paul Koch, dean of physical and biological sciences, has been named a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences

MacArthur ‘genius’ photographer Carrie Mae Weems to speak at UCSC

Carrie Mae Weems--a photographer, video artist, and social activist who explores the complex legacy of African American identity, class, and culture in the United States—will come to the

UCSC astronomers featured in new book about planet hunters

Several UCSC astronomers feature prominently in a new book about the search for habitable planets beyond our solar

Giving back to a community in need

UCSC alums are well-represented in a program that sends participants to high-need

Community Crime Bulletin -- UPDATE (451 - Arson; Case # 13-800)

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the public's assistance with identifying a person of interest, to determine what if any involvement the person had with a recent arson fire that occurred on on October 9, at 2:40pm, in the ravine below Hahn Student Services Building, north of the Village.

Discussion of patients' privacy and big data in an era of personalized medicine

The Science & Justice Research Center at UC Santa Cruz will host a discussion of patient privacy and data collection in "Science and Justice in an Age of

New economic research center explores policy solutions, improvements to financial markets

The first event of the Center for Analytical Finance (CAFIN), a new research center at UC Santa Cruz, will feature a lecture by Professor Ila Patnaik, an expert

This week's festivities

Chancellor Blumenthal reminds the campus of several high-profile events this week that herald the arrival of Founders Celebration 2013.

USDA grant boosts opportunities for sustainable agriculture education

A three-year, $730,000 grant will help UCSC expand courses and team with Cabrillo and Hartnell colleges to bring more students into four-year degree programs focused on sustainable

Community Crime Bulletin UPDATE

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department wishes to thank the community for their assistance in the safe recovery of Winston the weasel.

2014 Multicultural Festival

The Multicultural Festival planning committee has begun organizing the 35th Annual Multicultural Festival.

Envision UCSC: Strategic Planning for 2020

Chancellor Blumenthal and CP/EVC Alison Galloway announce the kickoff of a campuswide planning effort, Envision UCSC: Strategic Planning for 2020.

Rainbow Theater celebrates 20 years with numerous shows

UCSC's Rainbow Theater, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has a busy fall quarter planned

UCSC to present symposium on Arab film and visual culture

Artists and scholars from Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Syria, Canada, Europe, and the U.S. will converge at the UCSC campus on October 25-26 for "Unfixed Itineraries," a two-day symposium

Celebration of the life of John Marcum set for November 2 at Merrill College

A celebration of the life of John Marcum, former Merrill provost and professor emeritus of politics, is set for Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the Merrill College Cultural

Social Sciences division honors teaching, staff, and scholarship

Marianna Santana received the Outstanding Staff Award for 2012-2013 and Gregory Gilbert the Golden Apple teaching award Wednesday as the UC Santa Cruz Division of Social Sciences held

Open Enrollment Town Hall Meetings and Informational Presentations

UC is planning some big changes to its medical plan offerings that may affect your health insurance coverage in 2014. You’ll have new plan choices and some decisions to make. Come learn about the changes and the new choices at town hall meetings and informational presentations.

Restricted access on Porter-Kresge Road

Due to the large construction project now taking place at the Porter-Kresge Apartments, within the next few days Porter-Kresge Road will close to through traffic near the construction area during weekdays (6am–6pm), and will remain closed until the project is completed (summer 2015).

New device harnesses sun and sewage to produce hydrogen fuel

A device that uses sunlight and wastewater to produce hydrogen gas could provide sustainable energy and treat

UC Santa Cruz economists praise Yellen's nomination as Fed chair

UC Santa Cruz economists who have worked with Janet Yellen, President Obama's nominee to head the Federal Reserve, said she is an outstanding economist who believes in analytical,

UCSC's founding principles featured in 'Time,' 'New York Times Magazine' ads

Bold graphics and a message of "questioning authority" herald UC Santa Cruz's entry into the world of national

This is UCSC

A roundup of UCSC news stories

Alumni Profile / Caitlin Hernandez: Musical vision

Caitlin Hernandez was auditioning to be in a movie when she got an unexpected break: A Los Angeles director commissioned her to write and star in her own show. Hernadez (Cowell '12, literature) has been blind since birth.

SAB Fall Chancellor’s Staff Forum – Tuesday, 22nd October 2013

All UCSC staff are invited to the SAB-sponsored Fall Staff Forum with Chancellor Blumenthal on Tuesday, 22nd October 2013 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm at Kresge Town Hall.

Alumni Profile / Marc Shaffer: Seeing unconventionally

Marc Shaffer makes movies that challenge our assumptions about the world. His documentaries explore button-pushing issues ranging from immigration, drugs, and gangs to the destruction of our waterways.

Celebrations

More than 1,000 Banana Slugs celebrated Alumni Weekend in April.

Community Crime Bulletin: Arson

On Wednesday, October 9, at 2:40pm, UC Santa Cruz Police and Fire responded to a small fire located in the ravine below Hahn Student Services Building, north of the Village.

Community Crime Bulletin: Stolen weasel specimen

On Tuesday, September 24, at 6:15 p.m., a stuffed weasel specimen was stolen from a table at the UC Santa Cruz Fall Festival.

First Research Frontiers Day features social science research on contemporary issues

The UC Santa Cruz Division of Social Sciences and Office of Research will present Research Frontiers Day, Friday, October 25, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring

Expanding UCSC's international presence and engagement

Chancellor Blumenthal announces plans to expand UCSC's international presence and engagement.

UCSC scientists applaud Nobel Prize for Higgs discovery

UCSC physicists played a significant role in advancing and confirming the theory that earned this year's Nobel Prize in

Baskin School of Engineering showcases research advances on October 17

Data science, mobile and pervasive computing, and regenerative medicine are featured topics at BSOE's annual Research Review

Hot Dates

A list of upcoming UCSC events

Sociology's Reinarman wins local ACLU's 'Hammer of Justice Award'

Craig Reinarman, professor of sociology at UC Santa Cruz, was presented with the "Hammer of Justice Award" by the Santa Cruz chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Philanthropy Focus: Investing in community

After moving "over the hill" from Silicon Valley in January, David Doolin wanted to immerse himself in Santa Cruz life and culture. Seeking a meaningful philanthropic endeavor, he joined the Chancellor's Associates at UC Santa Cruz.

The road to '65: Countdown to UCSC's 50th anniversary / Quarry revival

This third installment in our series of stories leading up to a celebration of UCSC's 50th anniversary is about the very early days of the Quarry Amphitheater and the central role the amphitheater has played on campus over the years.

Invitation to open forums for director of physical plant candidates

As Chair for the Director of Physical Plant Search Committee, I am writing to invite your participation in the interview process for the Director of Physical Plant.

Where have all the otters gone?

Decimated by the fur trade of past centuries, the southern sea otter population has never fully recovered. UCSC scientists are piecing together the reasons why.

'I felt a great sense of responsibility'

A young alum's experience in a Ghanaian slum confirmed his career path of sustainable development.

Medical Plan Rates and Changes for 2014 Open Enrollment

The UC Office of the President announced yesterday that most University of California employees will see only small increases in monthly premiums for medical insurance next year and some people’s rates will go down, a marked departure from the pattern of price increases in recent years.

Helene Moglen to give Emeriti Lecture: ‘From Frankenstein to Facebook’

Are stories about our ambivalent love affairs with our machines stories of imprisonment or empowerment? Are we in charge of our avatars, personal profiles and robots? Find out

UCSC receives National Leadership Grant for Libraries

UCSC has been awarded a grant of $418,540 from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for a project titled “From Descriptive Metadata to Citation: Building a

Genetic study of river herring populations identifies conservation priorities

Analysis of river herring populations along the U.S. east coast has identified distinct genetic stocks, providing crucial guidance for management and

Really special collections

From an ancient tablet to the sci-fi visions of a cult-classic author, the University Library's Special Collections holds a repository of astonishing artifacts.

Easing the burden

An Alumni Association Scholarship helps a determined math/econ major stay in school.

What can you do to reduce waste at UCSC?

Chancellor George Blumenthal announces the Chancellor's Sustainability Challenge and asks the campus community to help reduce waste.

Genomics & ethics: Cracking the code

UCSC researchers, leaders in the field of genomics, are at the center of the debate on how newly emerging genomic information should be used.

Data dilemma

As the tide of digital information swells, so do problems and concerns—and UCSC is leading the way toward solutions.

Pulling up chairs

UCSC has recently created several new endowed chairs, part of its commitment to attracting and retaining top faculty

Things everyone cares about

The Institute for Humanities Research asks questions that touch the core of human existence.

Blurring the lines

The Institute of the Arts and Sciences promises to explore unexpected convergences, provocative subjects

Astronomers observe distant galaxy powered by primordial cosmic fuel

Astronomers have detected cold streams of primordial hydrogen gas left over from the big bang fueling a distant star-forming

A special reception for UCSC faculty and staff

Chancellor Blumenthal invites all faculty and staff to a celebration of the public launch of The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz.

The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz

Approaching age 50, UC Santa Cruz seized its future with three bold decisions.

Why I Give

Trustees describe the personal reasons they give to UC Santa Cruz.

Campaign priorities

The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz is comprehensive. It seeks support for excellence in all areas and highlights initiatives and special projects.

Credits

College evolution

UCSC's colleges are ground zero for innovation—and they're home to new programs, fresh initiatives, and bold goals.

College collage

A roundup of the latest at the other colleges.

Welcome to The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz!

The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz is a comprehensive, multi-year effort aimed at raising a substantial amount of capital—$300 million—in support of this extraordinary university and its students.

The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz

This is a pivotal moment for UC Santa Cruz. This month—October 2013—UCSC is launching publicly its first comprehensive campaign and charting a new course for the future.