March 2022 News Archive

Supporting affordable, sustainable transportation

As global events continue to lead to concerns about climate change, rising inflation, and increased gas prices, many faculty, staff, and students may be seeking more affordable and sustainable transportation options.

Spring update; plans for fall; record applications

Welcome to spring quarter. I’m so happy we’re starting this quarter off on a high note.

First complete, gapless sequence of a human genome reveals hidden regions

Parts of the human genome now available to study for the first time are important for understanding genetic diseases, human diversity, and

Miriam Ellis, lecturer emerita (1927—2022)

Miriam Ellis an indelible mark on students and colleagues in French, theater, music (especially opera), and administration

Postdoctoral fellowships support planetary science research

Brittany Miles and Paul Dalba have won 51 Pegasi b Fellowships to support their research on exoplanets and brown

UCSC Ph.D. students dive deep into engineering open-domain dialogue AI with the support of industry partners

LivePerson, which builds conversational AI, is funding two students' study of the models that drive chatbots, digital assistants, and

Interim leaders selected for Employee and Labor Relations

Effective April 12, Barbara Greening and Sabrina Shaver will share the leadership roles for labor relations and employee relations, respectively.

Raymond Hess: In a state of flow

Dorothy R. Santos: An artistic voice

Jonathan Green: The value of mentorship

Pearl Ibeanusi: Finding her village—and elevating her community

Jazmine Miles: Hands on research brings learning full circle

Cassandra Mar: Bringing the power to the people

Neil Hardy: Generational health

Meleia Simon-Reynolds: Documenting the local Filipino-American experience

Discovery in McHenry Library Inspires First-Generation Alumnus to Become a Champion of Social Change

Babak Farahmand: Navigating complex systems

Methane could be the first detectable indication of life beyond Earth

A new study assesses the planetary context in which the detection of methane in an exoplanet’s atmosphere could be considered a compelling sign of

UCSC leadership shares bold vision for campus’s future with Regents

Chancellor Cynthia Larive on Thursday presented the University of California Regents with a bold vision for UC Santa Cruz’s future — leading at the intersection of innovation and

Seed funding grants for early-stage research, creative projects given to 19 awardees

The UCSC Office of Research has awarded funds this month to 19 projects through its inaugural Seed Funding for Early Stage Initiatives

Staff Picnic RSVP and Tabling opportunities

The Staff Advisory Board is excited to bring back the UCSC Staff Appreciation Picnic this year!

The 2022 UC Undergraduate Experience Survey opens April 6

Undergraduate students are invited to take the 2022 UC Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES) starting on Wednesday, April 6.

Local pumas don’t sense danger in places where they’re most often killed by humans

A new study led by UC Santa Cruz researchers suggests that pumas in the Santa Cruz Mountains don’t make accurate assessments of where they are most likely to

Celebrating 50 years of immersive natural history education at UC Santa Cruz

In June, an event will gather UC Santa Cruz alumni, faculty, staff, current students, and community members to honor the legacy of Ken Norris and natural history at

Rekindling friendships through volunteering: Pioneer alumni organize Crown’s 50th

UC Santa Cruz pioneer alumni Lisa Rose, Jim Lapsley and Susan Nerton have spent three years planning Crown College’s first-ever 50th reunion. With the COVID-19 pandemic pushing the

Annual Confronting Climate Change Conference focuses on local impacts and solutions

UC Santa Cruz offers a weekend of free events at the Seymour Center to spark conversation and inspire

A remarkable, first-time film course tackles the criminal justice system

UC Santa Cruz Film Professor Sharon Daniel’s two-quarter undergrad course, FILM 171S-02, is not your typical film school fare. This course, titled Reasonable Doubts: Making an Exoneree, aims

In Memoriam: Ian McNeilly, Dining Services

It is with deep sadness that I write to share the news regarding the unexpected death of one of our Dining employees, Crown Merrill Sous Chef, Ian McNeilly.

Suggested language about indoor masking

Masking remains strongly recommended in all indoor campus settings and people may choose to mask at any time.

Pioneer Alumna Marion Howard Hoekenga announced 2021 Alumni Survey giveaway winner

All participants of the 2021 Alumni Survey were automatically entered into a drawing. Marion Howard Hoekenga is the winner of the giveaway.

UCSC alumna Kira Gaber announced 2021 alumni survey getaway winner

All participants of the 2021 Alumni Survey were automatically entered into a drawing. Kira Gaber is the winner of the getaway trip to Santa Cruz with hotel accommodations

Spring Break 2022 Food Truck-A-Thon

The UCSC Spring Break 2022 Food Truck-A-Thon will take place March 19-27

Recruitment for Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Now Active

The leadership recruitment for campus’ first Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is now live.

Staff Advisory Board voting is now open

The Staff Advisory Board is pleased to announce the 2022 election for new members is open.

NSF funding boosts undergraduate research experience in MCD Biology

A course-based undergraduate research program is expanding opportunities for biology undergraduates to get faculty-mentored research

Economics Professor Rob Fairlie testifies before committee in U.S. House of Representatives to share research on Paycheck Protection Program

Fairlie testified on his latest research, which showed that changes to the Paycheck Protection Program in 2021 helped to improve racial equity in loan

UC Santa Cruz lecturer and alumna contributes to IPCC’s 2022 report on global climate change

Pam Rittelmeyer, a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Studies and College Nine, is a contributing author on the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Campus fire risk remains high

With firefighters responding to three fires at UC Santa Cruz over the past several weeks, we want to remind the campus community that wildfire poses a serious and potentially devastating threat to our campus.

Upcoming closure for Student Health Center, SHOP and CAPS

Student Health Services—Student Health Center, CAPS, and SHOP will be closing early the afternoon of Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 12 PM–5 PM for Staff Development.

Effects of ancient carbon releases suggest possible scenarios for future climate

New findings reveal a precursor event before the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, giving scientists a fresh perspective on future global climate

Statement on challenges to 2021 Long Range Development Plan

We believe our 2021 Long Range Development Plan is a win for our campus and a win for our community. It is a well thought-out, comprehensive plan that will serve as a blueprint for our physical development over the next two decades.

Campus to re-open infant care program for fall 2022

Starting in fall 2022, Early Education Services is planning to reopen its infant care program and expand its operating hours.

Update to indoor masking policy

Effective April 10, masks will not be required for most indoor settings at UC Santa Cruz facilities, but their use will still be strongly recommended.

Cannibal galaxies and devastating collisions

Amanda Quirk won the annual Grad Slam competition last week after compressing billions of years of galactic history into a humorous and insightful three-minute presentation. She won $3,000

Chemical analysis reveals effects of wildfire smoke on grapes and wines

A new study provides practical guidelines for using biomarkers to identify ‘smoke taint’ in grapes and wines affected by the smoke from

Campus Tours Update

Recently, we have been carefully resuming our in-person tours, as you may have seen around the campus. The tours are outdoors and serve a limited number of people per group.

Keeping the stoke fresh

Alumnus David Schulkin, who has taught surfing to UC Santa Cruz students for more than two decades, is 'all about joy and about passing on the joy of

New study confirms bioengineered RSV protein vaccine evokes protective immune response

Two UC Santa Cruz researchers just marked a major milestone in their effort to create an effective vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause severe respiratory

California Sea Grant funds graduate research fellows at UCSC

California Sea Grant has awarded funding to four UC Santa Cruz graduate students for marine science research projects that address the agency’s priority themes of resilient coastal communities

UC Santa Cruz Professor Marianne Weems directs new interactive online performance I Agree To The Terms

UC Santa Cruz Professor in Performance, Play & Design Marianne Weems, Artistic Director and Founder of the award-winning performance and media ensemble The Builders Association, debuts a new

UC Santa Cruz to implement strategic plan for internationalization

UC Santa Cruz is advancing comprehensive internationalization to ensure that the members of the campus community are prepared and encouraged to study, teach, conduct research, and work in

New responsible data sharing technique will enable better understanding of disease-causing genetic variants

Scientists may better understand and test for the genetic variations that cause cancer and other heritable diseases through the application of a novel strategy for securely sharing and

Homebuying, financial wellness resources from Landed

UC Santa Cruz offers employees access to Landed in support of homeownership.

Younger Lagoon study tells a tale of two fishes

Research at UCSC's Younger Lagoon shows that the state of estuary waters, not competition from another fish species, is the most important predictor of populations of an endangered

UC Santa Cruz invites alumni, community to Alumni Week

Alumni Week 2022 will have a unique “hybrid” format—combining virtual and in-person gatherings, with activities ranging from a virtual elephant seal tour to an in-person wildflower walk in

Counting the decades at Alumni Week

UCSC's annual alumni gathering will feature several 50th anniversary celebrations, with Crown and Cowell grads remembering the past. There will also be gatherings for younger alumni, including a

Spring quarter course materials now available

UCSC has partnered with Akademos to provide textbooks and other course material at reduced prices and offer more purchasing options including new, used, digital, and rentals.

Condemnation of anti-Black and antisemitic graffiti

As a community and a country we must continue to work together to reject racism and all expressions of hate.

Institute For Advanced Study selects environmental sociologist Hillary Angelo as a member

UC Santa Cruz Associate Professor of Sociology Hillary Angelo was selected among a group of 25 world-leading researchers and academics who will focus on the theme “Climate

Feedback welcome for Vice Chancellor for Information Technology recruitment

We have created a survey for each finalist for you to provide feedback to me and the search advisory committee. The surveys will be available until 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10.

Campus update: The return from spring break; White House honor for Ramirez-Ruiz; plaudits for impressive holiday food drive

I know these are busy times for everyone right now. Good luck to our students, faculty and staff as we wrap up the winter quarter.

Sareil Brookins: The path to fearlessness

UC Santa Cruz Alumna Sareil Brookins (Stevenson ’19, Intensive Psychology and Critical Race & Ethnic Studies) grasped every opportunity that came her way during her time at UCSC.

Mario Galdamez: Determination. Hard-Work. Perseverance.

UC Santa Cruz alumni Mario Galdamez (Merrill ’06, Politics and Latin American & Latino Studies) was born in a rural, impoverished town in El Salvador. After immigrating to

Computer scientist Yang Liu wins NSF CAREER award

Yang Liu, assistant professor of computer science as the Baskin School of Engineering, won a prestigious NSF CAREER award for his study of human-centered machine

Spring Break COVID Updates

With Spring Break quickly approaching March 19-26, we are writing to provide some important COVID-related reminders.

Danielle Dadiego named recipient of 2022 Society for American Archaeology Dissertation Award

UC Santa Cruz alumna Danielle Dadiego (M.A. Anthropology, ’17; Ph.D. Anthropology, ’20) has worked in the archeology field for nearly two decades. Her dissertation, Beads, Bullets, and Brokerage:

Planning for in-person instruction this fall

We are excited to share that we are planning for in-person instruction this fall.

Spring break COVID testing protocol and travel guidelines

With the end of winter quarter quickly approaching, we write to share UCSC’s 2022 COVID spring break guidelines.

Marizza Delgado Leads in the Era of Multipotentialite Women

UC Santa Cruz Alumna Marizza Delgado (Rachel Carson ’21, Technology and Information Management) is a data scientist at Etsy in New York City, fashion model, and Miss

Staff Human Resources is collecting feedback

Staff Human Resources is conducting a short, confidential survey for nonacademic staff to collect feedback about SHR's services.

Introducing The 2022 Deep Read: Yaa Gyasi’s Transcendent Kingdom

The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz announces the return of The Deep Read annual program. The group will read Transcendent Kingdom, the acclaimed novel from Brooklyn-based author

Russian invasion of Ukraine - Supporting our community

Over the past week, we have closely followed the news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and we join the international community in condemning this unprovoked attack.