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May 2014 News Archive

June 12, 2014
Steck Award honoree recognized for cancer project
UC Santa Cruz senior Beau Norgeot received UCSC's highest honor for an undergraduate research project for his cancer drug
May 30, 2014
Oakes student's football helmet science project scores two White House visits
A chance to visit the White House and chat with the president is a pretty big deal for most people, but UC Santa Cruz student Maria Hanes had
May 30, 2014
Welcome to retirement event
The Staff Advisory Board, The Emeriti Association and the Retiree's Association are excited to announce a new event to welcome staff and faculty to retirement.
May 30, 2014
Marine scientist Adina Paytan honored by Geochemical Society
Adina Paytan, a research scientist in the Institute of Marine Sciences, will be honored as a Geochemical
May 30, 2014
Remembering Our Commitment to Our Principles of Community
Chancellor Blumenthal writes to the campus about UCSC's commitment to our Principles of Community.
May 29, 2014
8th annual screening of Soc Doc graduate films at Del Mar Theatre
UCSC presents the 8th annual exhibition of thesis films from the Film and Digital Media Department’s masters program in Social Documentation on June 11.
May 29, 2014
UC Santa Cruz commencements are set for June 13-15
Commencement ceremonies at UC Santa Cruz are scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 13-15, hosted by UCSC's 10 colleges, as well as the graduate division and the
May 29, 2014
Congrats, Class of 2014!
Ideally, we'd profile every one of UCSC's talented, passionate, and determined graduates--but the three students featured here serve as excellent representatives of the Class of
May 29, 2014
UCSC receives major grant to revamp introductory science courses
A $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute supports efforts to increase the number of students earning science
May 28, 2014
Social Sciences division ranked 7th for faculty impact in news media
The Social Sciences Division at UC Santa Cruz ranks seventh in the nation in a study based on faculty citations in the news media compared with federal research
May 28, 2014
UCSC research helps extend Internet backbone in Santa Cruz, Monterey counties
A survey of unmet broadband needs by UC Santa Cruz information technology experts proved key to the approval last month of a $10.6 million state grant to extend
May 28, 2014
Caring for yourself during this difficult time
During these difficult times we look to our community to help us through. Please remember to take care of yourself, reach out to your support systems, and be there for others.
May 28, 2014
Communicating science
Student Nick Lounsbury saw a problem at UCSC: there was cutting-edge research happening on campus, but no one knew about it. His answer? The creation of UC Santa
May 27, 2014
First annual spring ‘Celebration of the Arts’ set for June 6
On Friday, June 6, the UCSC Arts Division will present its first annual "Celebration of the Arts," featuring work from students in all six departments of the
May 27, 2014
NSF grant funds development of alternatives to phthalate plasticizers
Chemistry professor Rebecca Braslau has developed a new approach that could lead to a safe and affordable alternative to widely used
May 27, 2014
June 3 is Primary Election Day — Reminder to Vote
Tuesday, June 3 is Primary Election Day. There are important votes for Governor and other federal, state and local candidates as well as two initiatives.
May 27, 2014
Possible UAW Strike in June
The United Auto Workers union, representing academic student employees on UC campuses, has indicated that it is preparing for a systemwide strike that would begin June 7.
May 24, 2014
Santa Barbara tragedy: UCSC students hold vigil
In a message Saturday, Chancellor Blumenthal expressed horror at the shootings near UC Santa Barbara and reminded students of available counseling support. UCSC students held a campus vigil
May 23, 2014
UCSC Farm & Garden’s market cart produce stand opens June 3
The UCSC Farm & Garden’s market cart opens for the 2014 season on Tuesday, June
May 23, 2014
UCSC honors Jack Baskin with a plaque at the Baskin School of Engineering
Campus leaders honored Jack Baskin for his many contributions to the Baskin School of Engineering in a ceremony on
May 23, 2014
Time to Renew Parking Permits and Metro Bus Passes
It is time for staff and faculty to renew or purchase parking permits and Metro bus passes for 2014-15.
May 23, 2014
Time to Purchase 2014-15 Student Parking Permits for Graduates
Graduate students may now pre-order their 2014-15 permit by using the on-line application at http://basx2.ucsc.edu/application14/.
May 23, 2014
Opening the doors of history
History major Helen Porter took a circuitous path to a unique undergraduate research project exploring the complicated world of Okinawa in the
May 23, 2014
The impact of wildfires
A grad student who came to the U.S. from Nigeria with dreams of becoming a scientist discovers a hidden consequence of
May 22, 2014
CAFIN Spring Lecture: Finance at light speed, high-frequency trading
An expert on high-frequency stock market trading will deliver the Spring Lecture of the UC Santa Cruz Center for Analytical Finance (CAFIN) on Wednesday, May 28, from 3:30-5
May 22, 2014
Gun control, gun rights, and Second Amendment panel set for Wednesday
Gun advocates, gun opponents, and Constitutional experts will discuss gun control, gun rights, and Second Amendment issues Wednesday, May 28, at 7 p.m. at the Colleges Nine and
May 22, 2014
Spring 2014 Campus Elections Results
I write to announce that the results of the 2014 Campus Elections for undergraduate students are now available.
May 22, 2014
Time to Purchase 2014-15 Student Parking Permits
Undergraduate students who are eligible for parking may now pre-order their 2014-15 permit by using the on-line application at http://basx2.ucsc.edu/application14/.
May 21, 2014
Acclaimed TV and film producers coming to UCSC on May 28
The 2014 Arts Dean's Lecture Series comes to a close on Wednesday, May 28, with a special panel discussion featuring prominent artists from the television and film
May 21, 2014
New book examines states' influence on national voter turnout
In her new book, Melanie Jean Springer, UC Santa Cruz assistant professor of politics, examines voter turnout in the United States, one of the lowest in
May 21, 2014
Astronomer Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz wins fellowship at Harvard's Radcliffe Institute
Astrophysicist Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz is among a select group of 50 artists and scholars chosen for the Radcliffe Fellows
May 20, 2014
Flora Lu named provost of College Nine and College Ten
Flora Lu, associate professor of environmental studies, has been named provost for College Nine and College Ten beginning in the fall.
May 20, 2014
Focus on excellence: Student Achievement Week recognizes outstanding work
Student Achievement Week from June 2-6 honors high academic achievement and creativity. Highlights include a science and mathematics poster symposium and the 40th annual Print
May 20, 2014
UCSC data storage researchers tackle practical problems
In the rapidly evolving field of data storage, UCSC has been a leading academic research center for more than a
May 20, 2014
Two initiatives to enhance graduate education
Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Alison Galloway and Graduate Dean Tyrus Miller announce two initiatives that will enhance graduate education -- and improve the quality of the undergraduate experience, as well.
May 19, 2014
Wireless camera network offers new possibilities for security systems
A prototype solar-powered device developed at UCSC has potential applications for security cameras and wildlife monitoring in remote
May 19, 2014
Formal Review: Proposed Renewal of the Employee-initiated Reduction In Time (ERIT) Program
The University is proposing to renew the Employee-initiated Reduction In Time (ERIT) Program, which is an optional tool that locations and organizational units may choose to implement as a cost saving resource.
May 16, 2014
Irwin Scholars Exhibition opens May 28 at UCSC’s Sesnon Gallery
Each year in the spring, the annual Irwin Scholars Exhibition at the Sesnon Gallery showcases some of UCSC’s most promising young
May 16, 2014
Astronomer Harland Epps honored by Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Harland Epps, a pioneer of astronomical optics, will receive the ASP's Maria and Eric Muhlmann Award.
May 16, 2014
Reporting Academic Dishonesty
The Council of Provosts and I ask you and your teaching assistants to be on guard for, and to formally report, incidents of academic dishonesty by following the Committee on Educational Policy's Academic Integrity Policy.
May 15, 2014
UCSC Events Calendar
In an effort to better promote UC Santa Cruz and provide a one-stop web site to promote all campus events, University Relations is pleased to announce a new and improved online Events Calendar.
May 15, 2014
New Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects
I am pleased to announce that Kate Aja will succeed Larry Castro, who is retiring as Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects at the end of June.
May 14, 2014
Land and power: Study shows how women discover one leads to the other
UC Santa Cruz assistant professor of psychology Shelly Grabe finds that when women in developing countries own land, they gain power within their relationships and are less likely
May 14, 2014
11th Cesar Chavez Convocation features activist, educator Cesar Cruz
The 11th annual Cesar Chavez Convocation will feature Cesar A. Cruz, a writer, educator, and community organizer who will speak on the need for immigration reform.
May 14, 2014
Update on strategic planning
As the campus's year-long strategic planning process unfolds, Chancellor Blumenthal and CP/EVC Galloway invite stakeholders to provide input.
May 14, 2014
Cancer biologist Joan Brugge to give annual Sinsheimer Lecture May 22
Joan Brugge from Harvard Medical School will deliver the 2014 Sinsheimer Distinguished Lecture in Biology on Thursday, May
May 14, 2014
Export Control Awareness
Information to increase awareness about export control regulations.
May 13, 2014
UCSC grad student to promote short film at Cannes Film Festival
UC Santa Cruz graduate student Rolando Vargas is heading to France this week for the screening of his documentary film, "Walking Kids of Choco," at the 67h annual
May 13, 2014
Invitation for Voluntary Disability Survey
As a friendly reminder, if you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete the one-question voluntary survey emailed to all UC staff and academic employees on or around April 3rd, from the following sender UC_Disability_Survey@vres.us.
May 13, 2014
Coral reefs provide valuable protection for coastlines
A new study shows that coral reefs offer cost-effective protection from coastal storms, flooding, and rising sea
May 13, 2014
Alumni Profile / Alejandra Vargas: A light in the darkest hours
For 11 months, Alejandra Vargas and her father lived in half of a tiny garage. Her father, an electrician who often worked seven days a week, slept in a blanket on the floor. Vargas was 17 then, and living through one of the hardest times in her life.
May 13, 2014
Alumneye
With the spring 2014 issue of UC Santa Cruz Review magazine, we started a new alumni photo submission feature to highlight and celebrate the experiences, travels, and artistic insights of UCSC's diverse and fascinating alumni.
May 13, 2014
Philanthropy Focus: Students helping students
When students ask her why they should give to UCSC's Undergraduate Scholarship Fund, Dominique Carella tells the story of her life.
May 13, 2014
Into the wilderness: Intrepid hiker, biologist blazes her own trail
The 34-year-old UC Santa Cruz alum Sage Clegg is the first woman to complete the triple crown of long-distance, end-to-end trail hiking — hoofing 7,400 miles over the
May 12, 2014
Good humor and hard work: Associate registrar Margie Claxton recognized with Outstanding Staff Award
Margie Claxton, this year’s UCSC Alumni Association Outstanding Staff Award honoree, takes on “unimaginably gargantuan tasks,” according to the co-workers who nominated her for the award.
May 12, 2014
Awards recognize top presentations at Graduate Research Symposium
Graduate students from all divisions shared their research at the 10th Annual Graduate Research
May 12, 2014
2014 Thumbs Up Awards
The Staff Advisory Board is very pleased to sponsor the 2014 UCSC Thumbs Up Awards!
May 12, 2014
Staff Advisory Board Elections - 3 openings
It is time to choose your new or returning Staff Advisory Board members.
May 12, 2014
Making tangible change
Inspired by a UC Santa Cruz class, a group of friends formed a socially conscious nonprofit as a way of keeping in touch after graduating—and have since funded more than $180,000 in projects
May 12, 2014
Alumni Profile / Brett Dennen: Blessed
The singer-songwriter Brett Dennen (Kresge '04, community studies) stands out like a bright-yellow banana slug on a brown leaf. He's unmistakable, with his flame-colored hair, on-stage dance moves, and reedy voice.
May 9, 2014
UCSC Farm’s CSA program accepting members for 2014
The UCSC Farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is open for business and accepting new and renewing members.
May 9, 2014
Averting extinction
Island Conservation, a Santa Cruz nonprofit with UCSC roots, has saved 389 species from possible extinction on 52 islands around the world.
May 9, 2014
This is UCSC
News and people of note from UC Santa Cruz
May 8, 2014
UCSC emeritus professor Nathaniel Mackey wins prestigious poetry prize
Nathaniel Mackey, professor emeritus of literature at UC Santa Cruz, has been named the winner of the Poetry Foundation’s 2014 Ruth Lilly Poetry
May 8, 2014
GPS collar documents puma's travels from mountains to Mountain View
Forty-six m (46m) is a young puma on the move. A GPS tracking collar that UC Santa Cruz scientists placed around his neck reveals his journey into suburban
May 8, 2014
UCSC engineer focuses on assistive technology for people with disabilities
Roberto Manduchi applies computer vision technology to develop products that address daily challenges faced by visually impaired
May 8, 2014
Campaign update
From on-the-ground work in environmental science to facilities that enrich student experiences, philanthropy at every level is bringing critical new resources to UC Santa Cruz.
May 7, 2014
Proportion of shade-grown coffee shrinks as overall cultivation grows
While the cultivation of coffee has increased globally, the proportion of shade-grown coffee has fallen by nearly 20 percent since 1996, according to a study published in the
May 7, 2014
Cosmologist Tom Abel explores the early universe in public lecture May 27
Inaugural Mandel Lecture will provide a fascinating journey through the first billion years of our
May 7, 2014
Tchad Sanger appointed to University Registrar
After a national search for the University Registrar, the Division of Undergraduate Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Tchad Sanger.
May 7, 2014
Campus Access and Parking this Saturday
This Saturday, May 10, the Student Union Assembly is sponsoring the Edge of Eden Music Festival on UCSC's East Field. Several thousand concertgoers will start arriving by 2pm and stay until the show ends at 10pm.
May 7, 2014
From the chancellor: Become an associate
Among the most gratifying aspects of being the chancellor of UC Santa Cruz is meeting people who care deeply about the campus. One group that shares a commitment to UCSC is the Chancellor's Associates, a giving society made up of individuals who value our campus mission of teaching, research, and public service.
May 7, 2014
Editor's Note
Why can't we make water? You'd just need to slam together a couple hydrogens and an oxygen. It would solve an awful lot of problems if we could just manufacture the stuff.
May 7, 2014
Spring '14 Review masthead
Spring '14 Review masthead
May 6, 2014
Grad student in literature awarded Mellon/ACLS fellowship
Ariane Helou, a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Literature, has been awarded a 2013-14 Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellowship from The American Council of Learned
May 6, 2014
Thorne Lay honored by Seismological Society of America
Harry Fielding Reid Medal is the second major honor in one week for Lay, who was just elected to the National Academy of
May 6, 2014
Survey on eCommons and campus learning systems
UC Santa Cruz is interested in improving your experiences using eCommons, and your response to the survey below is very important to us.
May 6, 2014
Staff Appreciation Picnic and UC Walks – Tuesday, May 20
We are excited to share that the Annual Staff Appreciation Picnic and UC Walks will both take place this year on Tuesday, May 20th.
May 5, 2014
Biennial travel patterns survey
UCSC's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) is launching its biennial survey to collect data on the travel patterns of our students, faculty, and staff. The survey is a key part of our effort to monitor and improve our programs, services, and systems.
May 2, 2014
Anthropocene conference looks at living life on a damaged planet
Can humans and other species continue to inhabit the Earth together after all the havoc that has been wrought? And how will they do it? These questions are
May 2, 2014
Danny Scheie to direct student cast in ‘revolutionary’ rock musical
UCSC Theater Arts professor Danny Scheie will direct a student cast in the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical "Rent" at the Mainstage
May 2, 2014
SAB Call for Nominations - 3 openings
I am pleased to announce the nomination period for 2014-2015 Staff Advisory Board (SAB) members is now open.
May 2, 2014
Grad students in the spotlight at Graduate Research Symposium May 9
The 10th annual Graduate Research Symposium will take place on Friday, May 9, at McHenry
May 1, 2014
Graduate student in history wins Fulbright Award
Benjamin Pietrenka, a PhD Candidate in the Department of History, has been awarded a 2014-2015 Fulbright IIE Research Fellowship.
May 1, 2014
UCSC language students to present International Playhouse
UCSC will present the 14th season of "The Miriam Ellis International Playhouse," an annual program of fully-staged short theater pieces by students in the Languages and Applied Linguistics
May 1, 2014
UCSC ranks 2nd in the U.S., 11th overall among universities under 50
UC Santa Cruz ranks 2nd in the U.S. and 11th overall among the top universities in the world under 50 years old, according to an annual analysis by