2013  Alumni News

UCSC announces lineup for Winter 2014 Living Writers Series

Award-winning author and alumna Reyna Grande will kick off the winter 2014 Living Writers reading series at UCSC, one of a number of notable UCSC graduates who will return to campus to give readings and talk about their success in the writing world.

Life lessons and a fast break for success

For UCSC student James Townsend, basketball not only provided lessons in hard work, perseverance, and self control—it was also his ticket off the streets.

UCSC’s Ethics Bowl team qualifies for national competition

UCSC’s Ethics Bowl team placed third at the Regional Ethics Bowl Tournament hosted by National Hispanic University on Saturday, qualifying the campus to compete at the National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Competition.

Acclaimed director Peter Sellars channels the power of art at Maitra Lecture

Peter Sellars, one of America’s leading directors, spoke of art's transformative and community-building power at sold-out, 13th annual Maitra Lecture on campus.

Visionary director Peter Sellars to deliver 2013 Maitra Lecture

The UC Santa Cruz Foundation presents the 13th annual Sidhartha Maitra Memorial Lecture--featuring acclaimed opera, theater and festival director Peter Sellars--on Thursday, December 5, at 7 p.m.

UCSC computer engineer Katia Obraczka elected IEEE Fellow

Katia Obraczka, professor of computer engineering, has been elected a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Algebra Academy gives eighth graders a pathway to college

The intensive program, a unique collaboration between Graniterock, UC Santa Cruz, and CSU Monterey Bay is designed to boost math education at rural schools

UCSC's Museum of Natural History holds open house November 22 and 23

'Skins and Bones' is the theme for this year's open house at the UCSC Museum of Natural History.

A nonconformist in a school of mavericks

Emeritus professor of chemistry Frank Andrews, in his 53rd year of teaching, includes classes that help students maximize their potential and feel valued.

Hidden workshop turns out complex equipment for UCSC scientists

Born tinkerers, two 'old-school' UCSC machinists take rough sketches and turn them into 'works of art.'

Korean traditional music & dance concert premieres UCSC faculty works

Korean traditional music and dance, including new works by UCSC music faculty, will be presented by master performers of the Korea National University of Arts on Nov. 21.

UCSC honors arts alums in Film/TV at Hollywood event

Renewing the connection from campus to professional life, a high profile group of UCSC arts alums working in the entertainment and film industry gathered at West Hollywood's Soho House.

Theatre Arts’ Kathy Foley directs students in 'Mughal Miniatures:Tales of Love'

Theater arts professor Kathy Foley and a student cast collaborate for an evening of Indian and Persian tales November 8-17.

Award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye to read at 4th annual Morton Marcus memorial event

UCSC will host the fourth annual Morton Marcus Memorial Poetry Reading featuring award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye on Nov. 14

Celebration of two new Jewish Studies books Nov. 13

UCSC’s Center for Jewish Studies and University Library will present a celebration of two new books on Jewish Studies--featuring professors Peter Kenez and Murray Baumgarten, and librarian Lee Jaffe, Nov. 13 at Stevenson College.

Hitachi sponsors UCSC research in cancer genomics and data storage

Two areas of expertise at UCSC, genomics and data storage, are brought together under a new research agreement sponsored by Hitachi.

SSC holiday show 'It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play' opens Nov. 15

Nine actors perform dozens of characters from the beloved 1946 Frank Capra movie, in the style of a live 1940s radio broadcast, in this holiday show presented by Shakespeare Santa Cruz and the Theater Arts Department

UCSC well represented at upcoming Santa Cruz Film Festival

A wide range of films by UCSC faculty, students, and alumni will be showcased at the 2013 Santa Cruz Film Festival, running November 7- 12 in downtown Santa Cruz.

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 competitions.

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

UCSC coastal experts testify at Assembly committee hearing

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

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 Theater.

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 launch of UCSC's first comprehensive fundraising campaign.

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 Talks”—three TED-style talks by acclaimed UC Santa Cruz faculty.

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 Conroy.

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 campus for a visiting artist talk on Monday, October 21.

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, balanced, and transparent policy making.

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 advertising.

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 12 faculty mini-lectures showcasing contemporary research.

Cover crop workshop covers how to protect and improve your soil

Gardeners, don’t put away your spade and fork just yet. Fall is the time to plant cover crops, and master gardener Orin Martin will show you how at an upcoming workshop at UC Santa Cruz’s Alan Chadwick Garden.

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 Oct. 29 at UCSC’s Emeriti Faculty Lecture.

Sesnon Gallery to feature American artist Charles Griffin Farr

"Formal Complexity," a new exhibition at the Sesnon Gallery, highlights UCSC’s permanent collection of figurative works by the late artist Charles Griffin Farr (1908-1997).

Institute to present inaugural Leonardo Art/Science Evening, Oct. 8

On Tuesday, October 8, UCSC's Institute of the Arts and Sciences will present the campus’s inaugural LASER event, hosting an evening of speakers who will lay the foundation for a new UCSC series by speaking about the intertwining of art and science.

Pan-Cancer studies find common patterns shared by different tumor types

The Pan-Cancer Initiative, a major effort to analyze the molecular aberrations in cancer cells across a range of tumor types, has yielded an abundance of new findings.

UCSC economics chair testifies on bill to raise California's minimum wage

UC Santa Cruz professor and chair of economics Rob Fairlie told state lawmakers that California's minimum wage should be raised so its purchasing power doesn’t continue to erode with inflation.

UCSC Farm hosts Fall Harvest Festival Sunday, September 29

Bright orange pumpkins, roasted red peppers, and apples galore mark the changing seasons at the 19th annual Fall Harvest Festival, Sunday, September 29 at UC Santa Cruz’s 30-acre organic farm.

UCSC hires game industry veterans to run professional degree program

Award-winning game designers Brenda Romero and John Romero will direct the new master's degree program in games and playable media.

Humanities to host exhibit celebrating centennial of Albert Camus

Beginning on October 15, UCSC will be one of 500 venues worldwide to host an exhibit commemorating the 100th birthday of the French Nobel Prize winning author and philosopher Albert Camus. The new digital/paper exhibit combines print editorial with QR code technology.

California's sea otter numbers continue slow climb

California sea otter numbers are up, according to the latest population survey led by federal, state, and UCSC scientists.

NSF grant supports training of math and science teachers at UCSC

$1.45 million Noyce Scholarships grant supports UCSC's teacher training partnerships with high-need school districts and community colleges

Farm fresh

The U.S. farming population is growing older, but a young UCSC alum—founder of Lonely Mountain Farm—is bucking the trend.

Sea otters promote recovery of seagrass beds

Recolonization of Elkhorn Slough by sea otters led to recovery and expansion of seagrass beds due to cascading effects on the food web.

Two UCSC alumni win prestigious science teaching fellowships

Alumni Rick Barlow and Melissa Meloy won teaching fellowships from the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation.

'Science Notes 2013' now available online

Science Notes 2013, published by UCSC's Science Communication Program, features compelling writing, art, video, and podcasts.

Science and Justice Training Program explores ethics of scientific research

A subtle but significant shift in how national science policy makers regard the outcomes of scientific research has created opportunities for innovative programs such as the Science and Justice Training Program (SJTP) at UC Santa Cruz.

Film grad promoting documentary that won chancellor’s award

Last May, UCSC graduate student Sadia Halima received the Chancellor’s Research Award for her thesis film Laal Pari/The Red Fairy, a documentary addressing women’s participation in politics at the grassroots level in rural India. Her documentary has now been accepted for screening at several international film festivials

UCSC establishes Department of Technology Management

UCSC has established a new Department of Technology Management in the Baskin School of Engineering.

The astonishing world of UCSC alumnus artist Brandon Bird

UCSC alumnus Brandon Bird is an artist known for his inclination to draw and paint figures from pop culture in absurd situations. The Internet phenomenon returns to Santa Cruz on Aug. 19 to celebrate his first book with a reading, discussion, and signing at Bookshop Santa Cruz.

2013-14 Campus Food & Garden Guide now available

The 2013-14 Campus Food & Garden Guide, produced annually by the UCSC Food Systems Working Group and the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems, is now available.

UCSC receives highest score on Princeton Review's 'Green Honor Roll'

UC Santa Cruz is one of 22 colleges and universities to receive Princeton Review's highest score (99) in its sixth "Green Ratings."

UCSC alumna Kathy Sullivan nominated to lead NOAA

President Obama has nominated UCSC alumna Kathryn Sullivan to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

UCSC’s Dana Frank speaks in Congress about Human Rights in Honduras

UC Santa Cruz history professor Dana Frank testified last week before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the U.S. House of Representatives about human rights and U.S. policy in Honduras.

Psychology professor Phillip Hammack wins early career award

UC Santa Cruz associate professor of psychology Phillip Hammack is one of two winners of the 2013 Erik Erikson Early Career Award from the International Society of Political Psychology.

UCSC acquires powerful new astrophysics supercomputer system

State-of-the-art computer systems have been instrumental in making UCSC one of the world's leading centers for computational astrophysics and planetary science.

Descendants of Charles Dickens to appear at UCSC’s annual celebration

Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson, and Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, will speak and perform as part of the annual Dickens Universe program, running August 4-10 on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Colleges Nine and Ten Provost Helen Shapiro to head UC Washington Center

Helen Shapiro, provost of Colleges Nine and Ten at UC Santa Cruz, has been named executive director of the University of California's Washington Center known as UCDC.

Soc Doc alumna’s work with Syrian refugees featured on CBS News

UCSC alumna Bridgette Auger’s ongoing work with Syrian refugees is featured as “The Toll of Syria’s War” on the CBS News web site.

Regents appoint Janet Napolitano as UC's first woman president

The University of California Board of Regents July 18 appointed Janet Napolitano, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a two-term governor of Arizona, as the 20th president of the University of California.

Shakespeare Santa Cruz kicks off 2013 summer festival July 23

The 32nd season of Shakespeare Santa Cruz (SSC) opens July 23 with Shakespeare’s popular and thought-provoking comedy, The Taming of the Shrew.

New child-study room a bridge to research and teaching

The Early Childhood Education Center was able to remodel its observation room as part of a $165,000 grant from the Claire Giannini Fund, allowing advanced developmental psychology students a place to practice scientific observation.

UCSC researchers develop 3D display with no ghosting for viewers without glasses

3D+2D TV allows viewers with stereo glasses to see 3D images, while viewers without the glasses see a normal 2D image.

Geothermal power facility induces earthquakes, study finds

Seismologists found a strong correlation between seismic activity and operations for production of geothermal power.

Lick Observatory's 'Saturday Stars' program offers prime viewing opportunities

A new program at Lick Observatory offers prime viewing opportunities for amateur astronomy groups.

Latin American and Latino Studies professor wins career enhancement fellowship

Sylvanna Falcón, assistant professor of Latin American and Latino Studies at UC Santa Cruz, has been awarded a yearlong Career Enhancement Fellowship for junior faculty administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.

Campus honors 'best of the best' with year-end teaching awards

Seven faculty members from UCSC received the 2012-13 Excellence in Teaching Awards during a recent campus ceremony.

Cover coup

A childhood dream of gracing the cover of National Geographic comes true for Rob Irion.

UC Santa Cruz ranks tops in research influence, 11th overall among universities under 50

UC Santa Cruz ranks at the very top – 99.9th percentile – in research influence, and 11th overall among the 100 top universities in the world less than 50 years old, according to an annual analysis by Times Higher Education.

Economist's new book reveals underpinnings of economic disasters

In a newly revised book, UC Santa Cruz economist Daniel Friedman argues that aligning morals and markets so they work together is the premier challenge of our world today.

High school student's work in UCSC lab earns Intel Science Fair prize

Eesha Khare, a student at Lynbrook High School in San Jose, won a $50,000 science fair prize for work carried out in Yat Li's chemistry lab.

UCSC ham radio club takes part in annual Field Day exercise June 22-23

Faculty and students from the Baskin School of Engineering will take part in the national Emergency Communications Field Day.

Anthropologists argue field must play a vital role in climate change studies

Anthropologists can and must play a vital role in climate change studies, a UC Santa Cruz professor and a former UCSC doctoral student argue in an influential scholarly journal. That role has long been overlooked, they write.

Major grant funds UCSC researchers using big data to predict cancer outcomes

UCSC bioinformatics experts received a $3.5 million NIH grant to develop tools to analyze cancer genomics data.

New exhibit now on display at UCSC’s Grateful Dead Archive

“Songs of Our Own: The Art of the Grateful Dead Phenomenon” is the second annual exhibition of The Grateful Dead Archive, now open to the public at UCSC’s McHenry Library.

Health sciences grad Aaron Surrey earns Sutter medical school scholarship

Health sciences grad Aaron Surrey will receive the 7th annual Primary Care Physician Award.

Steck Award winner shares stories of survival

Kristoffer Hellén traveled to Europe and Russia, to find out why two small and vulnerable ethnic groups resist assimilation, hold onto their cultures, and survive. Now he is being recognized with one of UCSC's highest undergraduate honors.

Anthropology professor Anna Tsing wins $5 million Danish research award

UC Santa Cruz anthropology professor Anna Tsing is one of six international scholars to win a $5 million Niels Bohr Professorship from the Danish National Research Foundation.

Large-scale biodiversity is vital to maintain ecosystem health

New analysis by ecologists at UC Santa Cruz demonstrates that high levels of biological diversity are necessary to maintain ecosystem health in larger landscapes over long periods of time.

Genomics pioneers look to future, form global alliance for data sharing

UCSC bioinformatics expert David Haussler is on organizing committee for global alliance to enable secure sharing of genomic and clinical data.

7th annual screening of Soc Doc graduate films at Del Mar Theatre

UCSC presents the 7th annual exhibition of thesis films from the Film and Digital Media Department’s masters program in Social Documentation, June 12, at the Del Mar Theater.

New College Nine mural is a collaboration with OxfamUSA

A colorful, new mural graces the entrance to College Nine, alongside another that students painted last year bearing a message of peace.

The faith to follow her heart

Former veterinarian Elizabeth Devitt, graduating from UCSC's Science Communication program, trades a scalpel for a pen in a lifelong dream of becoming a journalist.

'I recognize I can make a difference'

Student Carson Watts's experience in a Ghanaian slum confirmed his career path of sustainable development.

UCSC commencements, June 14-16, feature myriad speakers

A member of Congress, an eminent historian, several alumni, professors, and the daughter of the Oakes College founding provost are among the speakers who will address UCSC graduates during commencement ceremonies June 14-16.

UCSC graduate honored for “green” leadership skills

Focus the Nation, a non-profit organization, has recognized UCSC graduate Dominic Coccia as one of the nation’s top rising young leaders in sustainable energy.

Engineering students present senior design projects

Corporate Sponsored Senior Project Program gives students an opportunity to work on real-world engineering problems.

Music of the Spheres draws summer visitors to Lick Observatory

Lick Observatory's summer concert series features music, lectures, and star-gazing on Mt. Hamilton.

Popular Community Studies major reinstated at UC Santa Cruz

The popular Community Studies major, suspended in 2010, has been reinstated at UC Santa Cruz beginning fall 2013.

Linguistics professor receives Dizikes Award for teaching in Humanities

Linguistics professor Donka Farkas was presented with the 2013 John Dizikes Teaching Award in Humanities yesterday at the Humanities Division’s Spring Awards Celebration.

UCSC Spring Opera: Fidelity, love…and the Tour de France

Each spring, the UCSC Music Department offers up a major opera production--the only fully staged, live opera presentation in Santa Cruz County. This year it will present "Così fan tutte," a story of love and jealously, featuring the music of Mozart and the comic libretto of Lorenzo da Ponte.

UCSC showcases outstanding student artists in Irwin Scholars Exhibition

UCSC's Irwin Scholars Exhibition at the Sesnon Gallery features work from 12 students selected for outstanding work and promise in the visual arts.

Memorial events commemorate the life of Professor Aaronette White

Two events commemorating the life of UC Santa Cruz psychology professor Aaronette White are planned for Friday, May 31, and June 1, 2013 on the UCSC campus.

Farm & Garden Market Cart opens at UCSC entrance Tuesday, June 4

The chance to “buy fresh, buy local” and support new organic farmers and gardeners starts again Tuesday, June 4, when organically grown berries, vegetables, and flowers go on sale at the UCSC Farm & Garden’s Market Cart.

Free monthly guided tours of the UCSC Farm begin Sunday, June 2

Free, guided tours of one of Santa Cruz’s most beautiful locations—the 30-acre organic farm at UC Santa Cruz begin Sunday, June 2 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

UCSC film professor celebrates release of new book at Lincoln Center

Two decades ago, UCSC film professor B. Ruby Rich coined the term “New Queer Cinema” to describe a new type of film making its debut at film festivals featuring lesbian and gay protagonists. Her latest book offers new thoughts on the topic and also brings together the best of Rich’s writing on the genre.

Puma capture demonstrates success of non-lethal intervention

The capture in downtown Santa Cruz and resettlement of a young male mountain lion is one of the first tests of a new state policy that calls for using non-lethal methods when mountain lions are discovered in populated areas.

PG&E rewards UCSC for “green” energy savings at BioMedical building

Pacific Gas & Electric teamed up with UC Santa Cruz to help design energy-efficient labs in the new BioMedical Building.

UCSC to be honored for eco-friendly improvements at Earth and Marine Sciences building

The California Higher Education Sustainability Conference will honor the campus next month with a 2013 Best Practice Award for improving energy efficiency at the Earth and Marine Sciences building on campus.

UCSC to host first annual Middle School Summit focusing on solving community challenges

UC Santa Cruz will pilot the first annual Middle School Summit on Tuesday, May 21, as part of the Santa Cruz County College Commitment--bringing up to 350 local students to the university campus.

2013 Commencements and Graduation Celebrations

Commencements and other graduation celebrations for the Class of 2013 will begin on Thursday, June 13.

Sign-ups open for Community Supported Agriculture program

Membership signups are now open for the UCSC Farm’s 2013 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program from the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems.

UCSC physicist Michael Nauenberg wins UC distinguished emeriti award

Michael Nauenberg, professor emeritus of physics at UC Santa Cruz, has been honored with the 2013 Constantine Panunzio Distinguished Emeriti Award.

History professor Dana Frank to speak May 8 in Stevenson Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series

UCSC history professor and alumna Dana Frank (American Studies, ’78) will speak about human rights in Honduras on May 8 as part of the Stevenson College Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series.

Three ENVS graduate students receive NSF graduate research fellowships

Three Environmental Studies doctoral students have been awarded National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships for 2013.

CASFS Apprenticeship program hosts premiere of 'Symphony of the Soil'

“Symphony of the Soil,” a feature film that depicts the complex and dynamic nature of this precious resource, will have its Santa Cruz premiere on Saturday, May 11th, 2013, at the Nickelodeon Theater.

UCSC to present student-run Community Arts Festival May 11

The UC Santa Cruz Good Neighbor Initiative Program will present a free Community Arts Festival at Abbott Square--outside the Museum of Art & History in downtown Santa Cruz--on Saturday, May 11, from 12 to 3 p.m.

26th annual Bike Week begins May 3

UCSC's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) has joined with Ecology Action to host the 26th Annual Santa Cruz County Bike Week, May 3 - 11, 2013. The Bike Week program aims to provide a safe, supportive and festive environment for local commuters to try traveling by bike.

So You Think When You Dance?

UCSC’s Ted Warburton will give the Arts Division’s 2013 Outstanding Faculty Research Lecture May 16, plus direct a faculty dance concert with guest Bay Area alumni and students, May 24-June 2.

Alumna Dana Priest updates security report in light of Boston bombings

Washington Post reporter Dana Priest (Merrill, '81, politics) has updated a television report on the national security industrial complex in light of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Time to remember: more than 1,000 revelers attend Alumni Weekend 2013

A large group of returning Banana Slugs participated enthusiastically in all Alumni Weekend activities, while getting a chance to reconnect with old friends, visit faculty mentors, and ham it up with UCSC's mascot.

UCSC language students to present International Playhouse

UCSC will present International Playhouse XIII--an annual program of fully-staged short theater pieces by students in the Language Program May 16-19, featuring works in French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, with English super-titles.

Astrophysics internships bring community college students to UCSC

The astrophysics program is reaching out to community college students through a new summer internship program.

Interactive storytelling symposium on May 10 explores the future of games

The Interactive Storytelling Symposium will bring together experts from academia and the computer game industry to explore the future of games.

Judge David Sotelo named Social Sciences distinguished alumni winner

When David Sotelo graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 1983 (Merrill, politics) he was older than most undergrads, married, and the father of two small boys. Today, Sotelo is a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge and winner of the 2013 Distinguished Social Sciences Alumni Award at UCSC.

Shakespeare Santa Cruz collaborates with Jewel Theatre for Pinter plays

UCSC’s Shakespeare Santa Cruz has joined forces with Santa Cruz’s Jewel Theatre Company to present two one-act plays by Harold Pinter, running April 25 through May 19, at the Center Stage in downtown Santa Cruz.

Elaine Kihara: Immeasurable dedication toward students

Oakes College academic preceptor named 2013 recipient of Outstanding Staff Award

Wilderness on the edge of town: Younger Lagoon a 'living lab' for students

Younger Lagoon Reserve is a postage-stamp-sized parcel of wilderness. Students sharpen their minds while they get their hands dirty: learning, researching, and making a difference too.

UCSC hosts symposium on stem cells and aging

Leading stem cell scientists from around the world will gather at UCSC May 30 and 31 for the Stem Cells and Aging Symposium.

UCSC Farm & Garden’s annual spring plant sale set for weekend of May 4, 5

Satisfy your green thumb at the UCSC Farm and Garden’s spring plant sale, featuring the region’s largest collection of organically grown herb and flower starts, vegetables, and perennials Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5.

UCSC alumna wins prestigious 2013 Guggenheim

UCSC 1993 graduate Brenda Shaughnessy has been awarded a 2013 Guggenheim Fellowship for the creative arts in poetry. She returns to campus for Alumni Weekend events, including a free public reading on April 25.

Mathematics lecturer Richard Mitchell wins teaching award

Richard Mitchell, a lecturer in mathematics, has received an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Phi Beta Kappa Northern California Association.

Uncommon People / Rachel Wheat and Yiwei Wang: Crowdsourcing for research

Grad students turn to a crowdfunding website to fund their bald eagle research.

Uncommon People / Juan Ledesma: Persistence and faith

Juan Ledesma, the son of agriculture laborers, arrived in Santa Cruz from Hartnell Junior College with a $25,000 S-STEM scholarship from the National Science Foundation, and a love for physics and medicine.

New book explores relentless evolution in a constantly changing world

In his new book, biologist John Thompson argues that species must evolve constantly or they will not persist.

It's a Slug's life

Students have created activities ranging from mock trial to tango—gaining social outlets while learning valuable life lessons as part of a vibrant campus community.

Working hand in hand

Every year, hundreds of UCSC student interns and volunteers do important work in the community that surrounds them.

Engineering opportunities

Senior engineering students create design projects to address real-world problems—some with sponsorships from high-profile companies.

Dream job

A student writes about her experience caring for, and learning from, UCSC's marine mammal "animal ambassadors"

Puma tracking in Santa Cruz Mountains reveals impact of habitat fragmentation

In the first published results of more than three years of tracking mountain lions in the Santa Cruz Mountains, UC Santa Cruz researchers document how human development affects the predators' habits.

Digital Arts and New Media grad student exhibition opens April 27

Amplified CB radios, playable wrestling games about nutrition, and buildings that grow in the dark are just a few of the things you’ll encounter at “ground (ctrl)”—opening April 27 at UCSC’s Digital Arts Research Center (DARC building).

Signs installed, cabin restored in Cowell Lime Works Historic District

Friends of the Cowell Lime Works Historic District celebrated installation of six new interpretive signs Friday and phase one of the restoration of one of the remaining lime workers cabins.

Arts Division public event to help shape new Institute of Arts and Sciences

The UCSC Arts Division will present a day-long public event to help plan a groundbreaking new interdisciplinary Institute of the Arts and Sciences on Friday, April 26.

Second Gabe Zimmerman scholarship winner is sociology major

Carson Watts, an Oakes College sociology major and politics minor, has been selected as the second winner of the Gabriel Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship at UC Santa Cruz.

CO2 at work during last global 'hot spell' but hardly alone

UC Santa Cruz ocean sciences professor Christina Ravelo is part of an international team that is using ocean floor sediment samples to compile data on past periods of global warming in order to understand today's climate changes.

Domhoff's power structure research featured in urban affairs session

A plenary session is devoted to the groundbreaking research into urban power structures by UC Santa Cruz Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Research Professor of Sociology G. William Domhoff when the Urban Affairs Association holds its 43rd annual conference this week in San Francisco.

UCSC Spring Living Writers series kicks off April 4

Acclaimed up-and-coming writer Tupelo Hassman--author of the novel 'Girlchild'--will kick off the spring installment of UCSC’s Living Writers reading series, Thursday, April 4, at the Humanities Lecture Hall.

Registration begins April 9 for spring recreation and intramural activities

Spring quarter registration begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 9 for for UCSC Recreation & Intramural Sports classes and activities.

Sea lion defies theory and keeps the beat

Scientists trained a sea lion to bob her head in time with rhythmic sounds, the first example of beat keeping in a non-human mammal.

Gary Young wins 2013 Lucille Medwick Memorial Award

UCSC humanities lecturer and alumnus Gary Young has received the 2013 Lucille Medwick Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of America (PSA) for best original poem on a humanitarian theme.

Marine scientist Adina Paytan receives prestigious international award

IMS researcher Adina Paytan has been awarded the Excellence Award of the Werner Petersen Foundation.

UCSC and industry partners launch center for data storage research

The Center for Research in Storage Systems was established through NSF's Industry/University Cooperative Research Program.

Computer History Museum honors UCSC computer scientist Harry Huskey

Harry D. Huskey, professor emeritus of computer science at UCSC, will receive the 2013 Fellow Award from the Computer History Museum.

Alumni Weekend: Reliving memories, making new ones

Excitement is building for UCSC's premiere alumni event, April 26-28, which is packed with reunions, celebrations, receptions, and opportunities.

Baskin School of Engineering hosts meeting on women in technology

Members of the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Pacesetters Program met at UCSC in February.

Shakespeare Santa Cruz announces lineup for 2013 season

Shakespeare Santa Cruz will open with the popular comedy, "The Taming of the Shrew," and continue through Sept. 1 with "Henry V" and "Tom Jones." For the first time, all shows will take place outdoors among the redwoods in the Sinsheimer-Stanley Festival Glen.

Alumna Belle Yang contributes cover art to second issue of Catamaran

“Kite”--a 1997 painting by UC Santa Cruz alumna Belle Yang—is the featured art on the cover of the just released Spring 2013 issue of Catamaran Literary Reader.

Historic Hay Barn to be reinvented as environmental center

Thanks to a $5 million gift, the historic Cowell Ranch Hay Barn at UC Santa Cruz will be reinvented as the centerpiece of a revived campus entrance and new home for many of UCSC's innovative environmental sustainability programs.

DNA study clarifies relationship between polar bears and brown bears

A new genetic study of polar bears and brown bears upends prevailing ideas about the evolutionary history of the two species.

Works by UCSC music professor to be featured at Smithsonian

Thousand Gates, a concert featuring two new works by UC Santa Cruz professor of music Hi Kyung Kim, is set to be performed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., on April 7.

UCSC ranked among top 10 graduate schools for game design

The graduate programs in game design at UC Santa Cruz were named among the top 10 in the nation by the Princeton Review.

International collaboration to investigate disappearing reptiles and amphibians

UCSC biologist Barry Sinervo leads NSF-funded project to study the effects of climate change on plants and animals around the world.

Slug Stand-Up lets students express themselves through comedy

The four members of UCSC's Slug Stand-Up comedy squad bare their souls while trying to keep stage-fright in check, but they say everything is worth it just to make people laugh.

The Rosa Parks African American Theme House: Discovering similarities, embracing differences

Students from diverse backgrounds learn about struggles of race, gender, and class while becoming a family to each other.

Student robotics competition on March 13 features Star Trek theme

Robotic "starships" built by UCSC engineering students will face off in a free public demonstration on Wednesday, March 13.

Restaurant worker advocate visits Santa Cruz for reading, book signing

Saru Jayaraman, author of Behind the Kitchen Door, will speak and sign copies of her book Thursday, March 21, 7-9 p.m. at the Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz in an event co-sponsored by the UCSC Center for Labor Studies, Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, and Friends of the UCSC Farm and Garden.

UCSC arts, humanities professors collaborate for ‘New Orleans Suite’

A new book by UCSC professors Lewis Watts (Art) and Eric Porter (History, American Studies) maps the changing cultural scene in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina hit the Crescent City in the summer of 2005.

12th annual Earth Summit branches out with workshops, displays, food

The 12th annual Earth Summit at UC Santa Cruz will take place Friday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the College 9/10 Multipurpose Room. It is free and the public is invited.

UNESCO releases lecturer's book online as free download

State legislators, UCSC administrators talk budgets at legislative meeting

Voter approval of Proposition 30 in November gives UC Santa Cruz and the UC system a welcome respite to years of budget cuts but it is not a panacea, state legislators and university administrators agreed Friday.

UCSC night at the Santa Cruz Warriors draws enthusiastic crowd

Over 200 members of the UCSC community came out to support the Santa Cruz warriors this past Friday.

UCSC alumna Kathy Sullivan named acting administrator for NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has appointed UCSC alumna Kathryn Sullivan to serve as acting administrator for NOAA.

Alumna killed in line of duty; info on memorial, support for families

Detective Elizabeth Butler (Kresge, '96, community studies), who was killed in the line of duty Tuesday, February 26, put her skills working with people into action on the streets of Santa Cruz. A memorial is set for March 7.

UCSC community reports record-breaking holiday season of giving

The UC Santa Cruz community stepped up once again to support those in need, with record-breaking donations to the Second Harvest Food Bank, the United Way of Santa Cruz County and the Student Volunteer Center’s Giving Tree program.

UCSC arts alumnus wins Academy Award

UC Santa Cruz alumnus Rick Carter won an Oscar Sunday for production design on Steven Speilberg’s acclaimed film, Lincoln. This marks the second academy award for the former UCSC art major.

Bringing it back home: Scholarship Benefit Dinner celebrates 10 years of giving

Held on campus for the first time in five years, the Scholarship Benefit Dinner featured a rousing, Banana Slug-centric address by Kevin Beggs, president of Lionsgate Television Group, with hit shows including "Mad Men" and "Weeds."

UCSC presents interactive, multi-venue production of Ibsen's epic masterpiece

Henrik Ibsen’s play "Peer Gynt" has been staged at theaters across the world since its premiere in 1876—as well as at an insane asylum in Iceland, in the Wild West, on a German boat, and in a Scottish pub.

Award-winning UC Santa Cruz Model UN team to compete in San Francisco

The award-winning UC Santa Cruz Model UN team will compete against other regional college teams February 28-March 3, 2013, at the UC Berkeley Model UN Conference in San Francisco.

UCSC Linguistics professors receive $300,000 NSF grant

UCSC humanities professors Sandra Chung and Matthew Wagers have been awarded a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate language comprehension in the Mariana Islands.

Crafting a way to help those less fortunate

After witnessing a tragic incident, UCSC student Radhika Mitra founded a nonprofit that aims to give artisans in developing countries the tools they need to be financially successful.

Student research project attracts European partners and NSF funding

Research on Mediterranean seagrass leads to international collaboration and a grant to extend students' findings.

"Science on Tap" aims to engage public in science

A new "science cafe" is starting up in Santa Cruz, designed to connect the Santa Cruz community to the latest research happening at UCSC.

UCSC symposium to address issues of nutrition, health, and food policy

A symposium on nutrition, health, and, food policy is scheduled for Friday, March 8 from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in 261 Social Sciences I on the UC Santa Cruz campus. The public is invited and admission is free.

UCSC astrophysicist Charlie Conroy wins Sloan Research Fellowship

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship to Charlie Conroy, assistant professor of astronomy and astrophysics.

Winner of groundbreaking historic Gay Rights case to speak at UCSC

UCSC will present a lecture by Karen Thompson titled “Love is a Dangerous Promise” on Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m., at the Second Stage Theater in the Performing Arts Center on the UCSC campus. Admission is free, and the public is invited.

Overcoming the odds: Student learned English by playing video games

The son of migrant workers, Juan Morales's path to UC Santa Cruz was anything but typical.

Israeli filmmaker to screen acclaimed documentary about famed architect

UCSC’s Film and Digital Media Department will present a free public screening of award-winning Israeli documentarian Duki Dror’s acclaimed film "Mendelsohn's Incessant Visions" on Feb. 25, followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker.

Workshop offers basics of blueberry selection, planting, care Feb. 16

Liz Milazzo, field production manager at the UC Santa Cruz Farm, will lead “Growing Blueberries in the Home Garden" Saturday, February 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UCSC Farm.

Karen Yamashita to read and lead talk about Asian American & Ethnic Studies

Award-winning author and UCSC literature professor Karen Yamashita will give a reading of excerpts from her work, followed by an informal conversation with guest professors Alondra Nelson (Columbia University) and Aimee Bahng (Dartmouth College).

UCSC places in top 20 on Peace Corps’ volunteer list

UC Santa Cruz is tied for fifth place among California universities and in the top 20 nationally for the most Peace Corps volunteers in 2013, according to the Peace Corps' annual ranking of top volunteer-producing colleges.

Free docent training at the UCSC Farm & Garden begins March 12

A five-session docent training program begins Tuesday, March 12 at two of Santa Cruz’s most beautiful locations: the historic Alan Chadwick farm and UCSC Farm on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

Astronomer Sandra Faber honored in White House ceremony

President Barack Obama presented astronomer Sandra Faber with the National Medal of Science in a White House ceremony on Friday.

Students help local teens navigate the college admission process

The undergrad-led program UCAN aims to help high school students negotiate the sometimes tricky path to higher education.

Life after homelessness: Stephen Nelson to be honored at Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation

Formerly homeless, Nelson will be honored at the February 6 ceremony with the UCSC Tony Hill Award for his work ethic, communication skills, and strong sense of empathy.

Sociology alumnus named number two executive at International Crisis Group

Joost Hiltermann, who received his Ph.D. in sociology from UC Santa Cruz in 1988, has been named chief operating officer of the International Crisis Group based in Brussels.

Gail Hershatter to deliver 47th annual UCSC Faculty Research Lecture

UC Santa Cruz professor of history Gail Hershatter will deliver the 47th annual UCSC Faculty Research Lecture on Tuesday, February 12, at 7 p.m. at the Music Recital Hall in the UCSC Performing Arts Complex.

UCSC alums to perform at 12th annual SF Sketchfest comedy festival

Two UC Santa Cruz alumni-- Maya Rudolph (’95, Art) and Jesse Thorn (’03, American Studies)--will be featured performers at the 12th annual SF Sketchfest comedy festival, opening Jan. 24, and running through Feb. 10, at various venues throughout San Francisco.

Exhibition by internationally known environmental artists at Sesnon Gallery

In the mid 1990s, environmental artists Newton and Helen Harrison were asked by the Dalai Lama to create a work of art titled “Tibet is the Higher Ground.” That piece is just one sample of their work that will be on display at UCSC’s Sesnon Gallery, beginning February 6.

Free screening of 'Doctors of the Dark Side' set for Jan. 30 at UCSC

A free screening of "Doctors of the Dark Side," the award-winning documentary that examines the critical role of psychologists and physicians in the torture of detainees in U.S. controlled military prisons, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 30 at the Merrill Cultural Center, on the UC Santa Cruz campus.

UCSC agroecology expert to speak on genetically engineered crops Feb. 12

UC Santa Cruz environmental studies professor Deborah K. Letourneau will speak on “Genetically Engineered Crops and the Environment: Risky Business?” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 12, at the Red Restaurant and Bar in downtown Santa Cruz. It is free and open to the public.

UCSC sees sharp increase in undergraduate applications for fall

More than 46,000 prospective undergraduates – the most ever – have applied for admission to UC Santa Cruz for the fall 2013 quarter.

Novel technique reveals dynamics of telomere DNA structure

New findings reveal structural properties of chromosome-capping telomeres, a potential target for anti-cancer drugs.

UCSC to host 3rd annual Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture, Jan. 31

The UC Santa Cruz Philosophy Department will host the third annual Peggy Downes Baskin Ethics Lecture on Thursday, Jan. 31. Jan Boxill to speak on “Using Sports as a Public Forum for Ethics”

U.S. team poised to begin drilling into subglacial lake in Antarctica

UCSC scientists are part of a team in Antarctica to investigate one of the last unexplored aquatic environments on Earth.

Popping the question is his job

In a survey of young people, researchers at UC Santa Cruz report that both women and men tend to hold traditional views when it comes to marriage proposals.

Arts faculty collaborate for ‘Guitar Fantasy’

UCSC music lecturers Mesut Özgen and William Coulter will present “Guitar Fantasy”--a special program of Spanish, Latin American, Celtic, Turkish, and Russian music—on Friday, January 25, at the UCSC Music Center Recital Hall.

Monk seal book wins AAAS/Subaru prize for young adult science book

A book about Hawaiian monk seals by marine biologist Terrie Williams has received a prize for excellence in science books.

Music professor Linda Burman-Hall to receive Gail Rich Award

UC Santa Cruz professor of music Linda Burman-Hall will be one of six community members honored at the 17th annual Gail Rich Awards, Wednesday, January 23 at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz.

Low extinction rates made California a refuge for diverse plant species

The remarkable diversity of California's plant life is largely the result of low extinction rates over the past 45 million years, scientists say.

Memorial for Don Rothman planned for Saturday, January 26

A memorial for Don Rothman, a leading voice for writers and writing during a distinguished 39-year career at UC Santa Cruz, will take place on January 26.