Social Sciences

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn recognized by architects

The Cowell Ranch Hay Barn has received recognition from the East Bay chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

UC Santa Cruz students tackle poverty and income inequality

Each year, undergraduate and graduate student scholars of the Blum Center on Poverty, Social Enterprise, and Participatory Governance take a deep dive into a wide range of issues related to fiscal equity, affordable housing, and food insecurity as they build the skills they will need to help build a more equitable society.

Big data for social good: Tri-county initiative will benefit K-12 students

Rod Ogawa and Rebecca London are helping launch a data-sharing initiative that will benefit K-12 students in Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties.

Solar greenhouses generate electricity and grow crops at the same time, UC Santa Cruz study reveals

The first crops of tomatoes and cucumbers grown inside electricity-generating solar greenhouses were as healthy as those raised in conventional greenhouses, signaling that "smart" greenhouses hold great promise for dual-use farming and renewable electricity production.

New book reveals role of U.S. corporate elites in school privatization, foreign policy, agribusiness, banking reform

Bill Domhoff's new book, Studying the Power Elite: Fifty Years of Who Rules America?, presents a new, detailed analysis of the interplay of corporate elites on contemporary topics, including the privatization of public schools, foreign policy, agribusiness, and banking reform.

ENVS prof Elliott Campbell receives global environmental change award

Elliott Campbell, associate professor of environmental studies, will receive a 2017 Global Environmental Change Early Career Award from the American Geophysical Union during its December meeting in New Orleans.

New center, fellows renew commitment to teaching

Twenty-two faculty fellows are supported by the new Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning (CITL), which was established in July 2016 to revitalize the university's longstanding commitment to outstanding teaching.

Talk with the architect: Cowell Ranch Hay Barn

On Wednesday evening, November 8, architect, UC Santa Cruz alumnus and Professor Emeritus of architecture Richard Fernau will speak about his office’s renovation/reinvention of the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn.

Social Sciences Dean Katharyne Mitchell steps in to leadership, asks others to step up, too

Two months into her new job, Social Sciences Dean Katharyne Mitchell has brought energy, focus, and vision to the division.

Hay Barn receives preservation design award

The Cowell Lime Works Hay Barn has won a 2017 Preservation Design Award from the California Preservation Foundation.

European migrant crisis influenced by faith groups pursuing 'alternative justice'

Churches and other faith-based organizations are playing a distinctive role in the European migrant crisis, according to geographer Katharyne Mitchell.

The 2017-2018 Campus Food & Garden Guide is now available

Students who want to get involved in sustainable food systems will find all the options at their fingertips in the new 48-page 2017-18 Campus Food & Garden Guide.

Investments in Beginning Farmer Training Paying Off

A new report explores the impact of a unique beginning-farmer training program.

Migration, climate, housing among the topics featured during fifth annual UC Santa Cruz Research Frontiers Evening Oct. 26

Six UC Santa Cruz researchers who are tackling "key issues of the 21st century" will be featured during the fifth annual Division of Social Sciences Research Frontiers Evening on October 26.

Paleogenomic analysis sheds light on Easter Island mysteries

New paleogenomic research conducted by an international team led by UC Santa Cruz sheds light on the early inhabitants of Easter Island.

Social Sciences honors outstanding staff, teaching, research

The Division of Social Sciences at UC Santa Cruz presented four major awards today (Wednesday, October 11), recognizing outstanding accomplishments by faculty, staff, researchers, and emeriti faculty.

New neurocognitive theory of dreaming links dreams to mind-wandering

In his new book, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology Bill Domhoff presents an integrated neurocognitive theory of dreams that is grounded in the similarities between dreaming and drifting waking thought.

Nearly 70 percent experience "rent burden" in Santa Cruz County, according to UC Santa Cruz survey results

Nearly 70 percent of renters surveyed in Santa Cruz County experience "rent burden," defined as spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities, according to preliminary results of a survey of 1,700 renters across the county conducted by UC Santa Cruz.

Checking in or checking out? Millennials go online to build their offline lives

As the most tech-savvy and connected generation begins college this year, Assistant Professor of Psychology Adriana Manago says they are technological trailblazers rather than passive consumers.

New series of organic grower guides available from CASFS

A new series of technical guides developed at UC Santa Cruz targets small- and medium-scale organic specialty crop growers with the production information they need to be successful.

Dan Friedman named president-elect of Economic Science Association

New faculty further campus scholarship, research

The new professors, spread across all five divisions, further build on campus strengths in many key areas.

Memorial service for Walter Goldfrank scheduled for Nov. 4

The campus community is invited to a celebration of the life of Walter Goldfrank, professor emeritus of sociology and Latin American and Latino Studies, on Nov. 4.

Free public talk by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, pioneer of microfinance, on Oct. 10

The public is invited to attend a free talk by microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday, October 10, in the College 9/10 Multipurpose Room at UC Santa Cruz.

Join the fun at the Harvest Festival on Oct. 1

Celebrate the abundance of the fall harvest with live music, cooking demonstrations, tasty food, activities for kids, and tours of the UCSC Farm at the annual UC Santa Cruz Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Love 'em or hate 'em, robots are here to stay so let's make them better, says psychology prof

Leila Takayama's work focuses on improving the design and function of personal robots to make them more appealing to humans, expanding what they can do for us.

An advocate for awareness

Alumna Dyane Harwood is sharing her journey with postpartum bipolar disorder to raise awareness and help others struggling with postpartum mental illness

UC Santa Cruz ranked third worldwide for research influence

In a new analysis of the world’s top universities, UCSC ranked third in research influence as measured by the number of times its faculty’s published work is cited by scholars around the world.

Parents know best: How everyday conversations foster children's learning

For more than two decades, developmental psychologist Maureen Callanan has collaborated with Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose to study how children learn to think about the world around them.

USDA awards $2.5 million grant to UC Santa Cruz to expand organic strawberry research

UC Santa Cruz researchers who have pioneered alternatives to methyl bromide in commercial strawberry production have received a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will take their work national.

Lessons of regional recovery from around the country

As the country's political and cultural divides appear insurmountable, Chris Benner says hope can be found at the local and regional level.

Alum and independent filmmaker Peter Bratt directs, writes, and produces documentary about labor activist Dolores Huerta

Independent filmmaker Peter Bratt, a 1986 politics graduate of Cowell College, has written, directed, and produced a new documentary about legendary labor activist Dolores Huerta.

Murals tell a story of pan-Latino solidarity in SF's Mission District

Graduate student Mauricio Ramírez is an artist, a muralist, and a native San Franciscan who is fascinated by the murals in the Mission District of San Francisco—and by the progressive coalition of artists and immigrants that coalesced during the decades they were painted.

Welcoming Dean of Social Sciences Katharyne Mitchell

I want to officially welcome to campus Katharyne Mitchell, who this week began her appointment as dean of the Social Sciences Division.

Dining for Farmers supports Farm & Garden's apprenticeship training programs

Seven of Santa Cruz County's best restaurants are participating in the "Dining for Farmers" dinner series, donating a portion of their proceeds to apprenticeship training programs.

Tuning in to social justice

Professor-turned-radio show producer Sylvanna Falcón talks about the importance of public scholarship in the Trump era.

Social psychology sheds light on Trump's appeal

The surprising election of Donald Trump prompted a widespread desire to understand the factors at play in his unexpected victory. A recent analysis suggests that five social-psychological phenomena helped power Trump to victory: authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, prejudice, relative deprivation, and intergroup contact.

UC Santa Cruz celebrates 50 years of organic farming

The three-day celebration culminated with a joyful dinner presided over by famed chef, restaurateur, and organic food advocate Alice Waters.

Food movement grows beyond "voting with your fork" to embrace collective action, policy engagement, and regulation

After 20 years of scholarship at the forefront of food activism, Julie Guthman is gratified to see the movement expanding beyond market-based strategies that have catered to consumers with cash to burn.

Applications open for 2018 apprenticeship, new scholarship support available

Applications for the 2018 Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture are being accepted through August 15, 2017.

Master gardener Orin Martin celebrates 40 years at the Alan Chadwick Garden

Orin Martin, who is celebrating his 40th anniversary with the UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden this month, enjoys every minute, calling the students and apprentices he shares his days with "the light of the world."

Politics PhD candidate named a Jennings Randolph Peace Scholar

Michael Wilson Becerril, a doctoral candidate in politics, has been named a 2017-18 Jennings Randolph Peace Scholar.

Growing farmers and the food movement for 50 years

The experiment in organic gardening that began at UC Santa Cruz in 1967 is now the oldest university-based organic research and education facility in the country.

Don Brenneis honored for service

Donald Brenneis, distinguished professor of anthropology and interim dean of the Division of Social Sciences, has received the Franz Boas Award for Exemplary Service to Anthropology.

Gardening workshops July 29 are part of UC Santa Cruz celebration of 50 years of organic farming

The public is invited to attend an afternoon of gardening workshops on Saturday, July 29, as part of the "First 50 Celebration" of the UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden.

Judit Moschkovich appointed to NAS committee

Judit Moschkovich, professor of education, will serve on a National Academy of Sciences committee focused on the needs of English Learners in STEM subjects.

UC Santa Cruz names Katharyne Mitchell new dean of Social Sciences Division

UC Santa Cruz has appointed Katharyne Mitchell as dean of the Division of Social Sciences, effective Aug. 15.

Mountain lions fear humans, fleeing when they hear our voices, new study reveals

New research into the behavior of mountain lions indicates that they don't like encountering humans any more than we like bumping into them on hiking trails.

African leopards revealed: Study documents minute-to-minute behavior of elusive cats

The elusive behavior of the African leopard has been revealed in great detail for the first time as part of a sophisticated study that links the majestic cat's caloric demands and its drive to kill.

LALS doctoral candidate wins Fulbright for study in Mexico

Candy Martinez, a doctoral candidate in Latin American and Latino Studies, has received a Fulbright grant to study how indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico, define and cope with trauma.

Farm & Garden’s Market Cart produce stand opens June 20

Celebrate the start of summer on Tuesday, June 20, when the Farm & Garden’s Market Cart opens for 2017.

Global Studies Association honors Professor Emeritus Walter Goldfrank

The Global Studies Association will honor Professor Emeritus Walter Goldfrank during its 2017 conference being held June 14-16 at UC Berkeley.

Campus preparing for commencement 2017

More than 4,800 UCSC students are earning undergraduate and graduate degrees for work completed during the 2016-2017 academic year.

Success of Indians in the U.S. showcases importance of education

A new book coauthored by Nirvikar Singh tells the fascinating story of how a population from a poor developing country with low education became the most educated, highest-income group in the world's most advanced nation—in a single generation.

Ronnie Lipschutz appointed to chair in integral ecology and environmental justice

Ronnie Lipschutz, professor of politics and provost of Rachel Carson College, was honored as the inaugural holder of the Robert Headley Presidential Chair for Integral Ecology and Environmental Justice.

Hands-on learning is the name of the game in archaeology

In a unique partnership, UC Santa Cruz is collaborating with California State Parks, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, and a private firm to give students hands-on experience in archaeology.

Pettigrew receives Centennial Medal from Harvard University

Tom Pettigrew, research professor of social psychology, received the Centennial Medal from Harvard University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for his work in racial relations.

Alison Galloway to discuss "Life of the Dead" at the Rio Theatre on June 6

Forensic anthropologist Alison Galloway will give a public lecture on June 6 about the natural history of human decomposition and her work analyzing human remains.

Karen Holl recognized for tropical forest restoration work

Karen Holl, professor of environmental studies, has been named a recipient of the 2017 Theodore M. Sperry Award, presented by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER).

Psychology research featured in NSF video showcase

A new video about Barbara Rogoff's research is featured this week in the National Science Foundation 2017 "STEM for All" Video Showcase.

Graduating senior propelled by curiosity and a desire to give back

Jenn Figueroa arrived at College Ten from her hometown of Northridge and proceeded to take advantage of every extracurricular program offered by College Nine and College Ten.

Technology doesn't have to be a headache

Psychology Professor Steve Whittaker is working to improve the way we interface with technology--and harnessing it to improve our well-being.

Social Sciences Professor Julie Guthman wins Radcliffe Fellowship

Julie Guthman has been awarded a Radcliffe Institute Fellowship that will support a year-long residential research project at Harvard University.

U.S. farmland becoming a hot commodity as investors buy up acreage

Institutional investors have been buying up farmland across the country in a trend that could have significant impacts on farmers.

Alumni Weekend 2017: Glorious weather, vibrant events bring Slugs home

Revelers took a Fun Run, got a crash course in activism, rekindled old friendships, let their hair down, and paid tribute to Sammy the Slug at UC Santa Cruz Alumni Weekend 2017.

Sikina Jinnah named a 2017 Andrew Carnegie Fellow

Sikina Jinnah, associate professor of politics, was awarded a 2017 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship, one of the most prestigious awards available to scholars in the social sciences and humanities.

Social psychologist Phil Hammack studies well-being of LGBTQ youth

Phil Hammack is only partway through an ambitious study of the physical and psychological well-being of LGBTQ youth, and he is already surprised by his observations.

From founding farmer to champion of the fair food movement

Oran Hesterman, author of Fair Food: Growing a Healthy, Sustainable Food System for All and president and founder of Fair Food Network, talks about his roots on the UCSC Farm.

Community Supported Agriculture season is about to begin

Join the campus’s 2017 Community Support Agriculture program and get a fresh-picked box of organic produce from the UCSC Farm each week--at a 5 percent discount if you sign up by May 1.

Farm & Garden’s plant sale April 29-30 highlights 50th anniversary

The UC Santa Cruz Farm & Garden’s annual Spring Plant Sale will have a 50th Anniversary flavor this year, featuring some of legendary gardener Alan Chadwick's favorite plants.

Five graduate student alumni return for awards

The five honorees will be presented with the first Distinguished Graduate Student Alumni Award and be part of panel discussions where they’ll share their stories on career and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Dancing for joy: Los Mejicas dance troupe provides a home away from home

For 45 years, the Los Mejicas folklorico dance troupe has connected students with their cultural traditions--and each other.

Social Sciences Professor Julie Guthman wins 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship

Julie Guthman, a professor of social sciences and a leading scholar on the history and geography of California agriculture, has been awarded a 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship.

Growing farmers and the food movement for 50 years

Fifty years after students transformed a brush-covered rocky hillside into a verdant organic garden, UC Santa Cruz is widely regarded as a trailblazing force in sustainable agriculture education and research.

Three faculty members honored with Dickson Emeriti Professorships

Murray Baumgarten, professor of English & Comparative Literature, E.G. Crichton, professor of art, and Catherine Cooper, professor of psychology, were awarded Dickson Emeriti Professorships in recognition of outstanding achievements in scholarship and teaching.

Honoring the legacy of César E. Chávez on campus

The legacy of César Chávez, who would have been 90 years old this Friday, includes deep and lasting relationships with many UC Santa Cruz alumni, faculty, and staff, whose lives were changed through the nonviolent farmworker movement that started in the ’60s and continues today.

Prop. 8 plaintiff Kris Perry receives Distinguished Social Sciences Alumni Award

"You only win your civil rights by fighting for them," says alumna Kris Perry, who will be honored at a reception on Friday, April 28.

Rescuing data and shoring up environmental agencies in the Trump era

Sociologist Lindsey Dillon is part of a network of data champions monitoring federal websites to preserve scientific data and track changes made by the Trump administration.

Water wizards: Building an underground savings account to bolster water supply

An innovative water-conservation strategy diverts water from overflowing rivers to fallow farmland, where it seeps into the soil and replenishes depleted aquifers.

Tropical reforestation and climate change

Tropical reforestation is an important part of the global effort to mitigate climate change, but ecologist Karen Holl says current international goals may be overly ambitious.

Gun safety advocate Shannon Watts to speak at Gabriel Zimmerman Award benefit

Gun safety advocate Shannon Watts will be the keynote speaker at a campus reception to celebrate the life of alum Gabriel Zimmerman.

Alumni Weekend keynote to feature co-chair of Women's March on Washington

Alumna Carmen Perez, longtime community organizer, activist, and a national co-chair of one of the largest demonstrations in history, will speak on the role and importance of protest with a purpose.

Reef madness: A coral grows at UC Santa Cruz

Hundreds of students and community members are contributing their handiwork to the Crochet Coral Reef, a massive participatory art project that combines higher geometry with handicraft while calling attention to the disappearing wonders of the marine world.

Saving victims of deadly toxic mushrooms

Alumnus Todd Mitchell headed a clinical trial on using an extract of milk thistle seeds to overcome toxic mushroom poisoning and developed what has come to be known as the "Santa Cruz Protocol."

Social Sciences dean candidates visiting campus

During their visits, candidates will present a Dean’s vision talk as well as a scholarly presentation that will be followed by a public reception.

UCSC Grad Slam winner envisions surfing on shrimp shells

John Felts, a second year Ph.D. electrical engineering student, earned top marks for his talk about creating environmentally friendly surfboard foam from shrimp shells.

With more than 100 featured projects, UC Santa Cruz hosts Giving Day 2017

The website site will go live at 12:01 a.m. on March 8 for donors to make gifts and track their favorite projects in real-time. Giving Day 2017 builds on the success of last year’s event, when nearly 3,000 donors came together to collectively give $340,000.

Climate change experts focus on solutions in face of shifting U.S. policy

UCSC Climate Conference brought together top climate scientists and policy experts for a series of talks and panel discussions.

Campaign for UC Santa Cruz enters home stretch

The campaign is the university’s first campuswide effort to build a culture of giving in support of students, faculty, and campus programs. Launched in 2009 and publicly announced in fall 2013, the campaign has raised $311 million in gifts.

George Bunch wins American Education Research Association award

George Bunch, associate professor of education, is the winner of the 2017 Second Language Research Special Interest Group Midcareer Award.

The Conversation editor to encourage faculty expertise on pressing issues

Farm volunteer docent training starts March 9

The seven-session docent training for volunteers at the UC Santa Cruz Farm begins on Thursday, March 9.

UC Santa Cruz receives $191,000 grant to benefit grad students in humanities, arts, social sciences

UC Santa Cruz is one of five universities nationwide selected by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) to be part of its new University Initiative program.

Diversity, inclusivity key to a growing economy

The face of small business is shifting. From 2007–2012, Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. grew by 34.5 percent and African American-owned enterprises grew by 46.3 percent. A quarter of all new businesses were started by immigrants.

UCSC climate conference draws top scientists, policy makers Feb. 24-25

UCSC will host a national conference on climate change featuring top climate scientists and policy experts from across the country.

End of the pipeline

In a new book, Professor Flora Lu looks at the oil industry's impact on the Waorani, an indigenous Ecuadorian population living in a region renowned for its ecological diversity.

UC Santa Cruz receives $2.2 million for innovation and entrepreneurship program

New support program will help bring research innovations to the marketplace and spur economic development in the Santa Cruz area.

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn wins architectural awards

The Cowell Ranch Hay Barn has won two architectural awards: a 2016 Excellence in Design Honor Award from American Institute of Architects Montana, and the 2017 U.S. WoodWorks Regional Excellence Award from the Wood Products Council.

UC Global Food Initiative launches free online toolkit for schools

The UC Global Food Initiative has launched a free online toolkit to help schools teach healthy eating habits and provide nutritious, sustainable food to students.

Axel Alonso: Diversity’s superhero

Alumnus Axel Alonso, editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics, has worked to make comic book characters and their creators reflect our diverse world.

Jan. 18 teach-in highlights activism in the Trump era

UC Santa Cruz joins UCLA, UC Berkeley, and other college campuses for a nationwide day of democratic education and action

Santa Cruz receives $450,000 grant to study economic inclusivity in emerging countries

UC Santa Cruz will test and refine the foundation’s emerging inclusive economies framework in geographic contexts and markets.