2022  Graduate Student News

New study shows COVID-19 genomic recombination is uncommon but disproportionately occurs in spike protein region

An analysis of millions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes finds that recombination of the virus is uncommon, but when it occurs, it is most often in the spike protein region, the area which allows the virus to attach to and infect host cells.

Envisioning food systems change with new Center for Agroecology Executive Director Darryl Wong

The UC Santa Cruz news team interviewed the Center for Agroecology's new executive director, Darryl Wong, to learn more about the center’s goals for the future and the perspective he’ll bring to the role.

Incoming UC Santa Cruz class exemplifies academic excellence and diversity

UC Santa Cruz anticipates welcoming approximately 5,100 new Banana Slugs this fall, concluding an admissions cycle that reflected increased interest in the campus. Campus leaders are carefully managing student enrollment and working to provide more on-campus housing for students because of a statewide housing crisis that is particularly difficult in Santa Cruz.

Locally supportive climates may do little to aid mental health for LGBTQ+ youth amidst broader societal stigma

New research shows little difference in mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth between some of California's most and least supportive communities for sexual and gender diversity. The findings also indicate factors that may contribute to this trend.

Courtesy notice regarding annual systemwide payroll disclosure

As part of the university’s commitment to transparency and public accountability, including the way it compensates faculty and staff, UC is conducting its annual disclosure of systemwide employee compensation for calendar year 2021.

Back to School Planning - UCSC benefits for your individual and family needs

As you plan for the coming school year, we want to remind you of some benefits available through Bright Horizons to meet your individual and family needs, including child and elder care, education support and coaching, and guidance and well-being for the whole family.

Application period opens for Vice Chancellor for Finance, Operations and Administration

The application period for Vice Chancellor for Finance, Operations and Administration is now open.

Celebration of Life for Audrey Stanley, 1927-2022

A memorial celebration will be held at 2p on August 19, 2022, at Audrey Stanley Grove, 501 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz.

With a focus on student success and research impact, UC President Michael V. Drake visits UC Santa Cruz

The daylong visit included meetings with faculty, staff, and students to learn more about research, teaching, and learning at UC Santa Cruz—and the important work that supports the university’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving research university centered on student success.

UCSC student named one of 50 top hackers of 2022

Rising second-year computer science: computer game design student Mansi Saini has been recognized by Major League Hacking for outstanding contributions to the hackathon community.

As alumni regent, Art Torres advocated for access, diversity in higher education

Art Torres (Stevenson, ’68, government) worked to support the University of California in advancing the diversity of its student body while serving a two-year term as the alumni representative on the UC Board of Regents.

New book traces the scientific and technological development of militarized border

In her new book, Professor of Feminist Studies and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Felicity Amaya Schaeffer draws stunning connections between indigenous ways of life and relationships to the land with modern-day, militaristic border surveillance technologies.

UC Santa Cruz teams with TiE Global to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life

UC Santa Cruz and TiE Global are establishing the Destination Silicon Valley program to leverage the Silicon Valley presence of both organizations and create new learning opportunities for university-based entrepreneurs from across the world, including University of California students and innovators, and others from TiE’s 59 chapters.

Center for the Advancement of STEM Leadership

The Center for the Advancement of STEM leadership has been established, effective July 1, 2022. Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, will be the faculty director of the center.

Eric Palkovacs appointed Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives

Steve Kang celebrates a career of seizing challenges

As the first in his family to graduate college and in taking on positions as the second dean of the Baskin School of Engineering and chancellor of UC Merced, Sung-Mo “Steve” Kang has always been someone ready and willing to take on challenges. 

Daily symptom check guidance for employees

Effective Aug. 1, the daily symptom check questionnaire will no longer be required for employees working on-site at UCSC-owned or leased facilities.

Hallmark cancer gene regulates RNA ‘dark matter’

A new study finds that a key genetic mutation that occurs early on in cancer alters RNA “dark matter” and causes the release of previously unknown RNA biomarkers for cancer early detection.

Take extra precautions with aggressive coyotes on campus

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department encourages people on campus or visiting campus to be extra aware of their surroundings after receiving reports of coyotes acting aggressively or coming in proximity to people.

UCSC iGEM developing yeast-based type 2 diabetes medication for 2022 international competition

14 UCSC undergraduates are addressing access and cost of Type 2 diabetes medications by creating an alternative, yeast-based treatment that will be presented at the 2022 iGEM Jamboree in Paris.

UC Santa Cruz’s new Department of Performance, Play & Design redefines the art of storytelling for the modern era

Earlier this year, the Department of Theater Arts and the Art & Design: Games + Playable Media Program (AGPM) within UC Santa Cruz's Division of the Arts fused to become the the Department of Performance, Play & Design (PPD). It is the only university department in the world to break the traditional silos of theater, dance, and games.

ASPIRE program launches to aid conservation in a changing climate

A new program out of the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute involves students in an effort to measure changes in biodiversity and ultimately prevent them.

Alternate reality game launching Fall ‘22 will measure resilience of first-year students

“LUX,” a non-traditional research project to measure the resilience of its players, will officially launch this fall, recruiting participants from the incoming first-year class..

California budget supports UCSC in building additional housing for hundreds of students

California lawmakers have awarded $89 million to UC Santa Cruz in the 2022-23 state budget, funding that will help to significantly increase student housing at Kresge College.

State budget passage good news for our campus

The 2022-23 state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law just two weeks ago is a boon for the University of California system as a whole and for our campus specifically.

New study dives deep into the sustainability of an alternative aquaculture feed ingredient

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed a new life cycle sustainability assessment documenting the environmental benefits and impacts of using the marine microalga Schizochytrium sp. to replace fish oil as an ingredient in aquaculture feed.

Road repairs on Red Hill Road

Construction crews will begin road maintenance work Monday, July 18, on Red Hill Road between the Biomedical Sciences and Interdisciplinary Sciences Buildings (ISB), with an expected completion date of Friday, August 5.

The Humanities Division honors faculty, alumni, and students at the 2021-22 Spring Awards

UC Santa Cruz’s Humanities Division marked the end of the school year with their Spring Awards, a ceremony that celebrates the achievements of students, instructors, and alumni.

UCSC scholars join researchers statewide on a massive genomic study of California’s biodiversity

The California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP) is a state-funded initiative with a single goal: to produce the most comprehensive, multispecies genomic dataset ever assembled to help manage regional biodiversity.

Two from UC Santa Cruz awarded Fulbright grants

Two PhD candidates at UC Santa Cruz have been offered prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Adapted machine learning models will allow for better understanding of federal surveys

With the support of a three-year, $337,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, Assistant Professor of Statistics Paul Parker will develop statistical and machine learning methods to best suit the analysis of complex surveys produced by federal statistics agencies.

~$6M NSF grant for cyber-physical systems project will enable engineers to explore the next generation of transportation systems

With the support of a nearly $6 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), researchers at UC Santa Cruz will lead a five year, multi-institutional project to explore a new vision of engineering cyber-physical systems.

Autistic adults have become increasingly visible in media, books, television, and more in the past decade, but challenges with representation persist

Researchers documented a shift toward more numerical representation for adults in popular portrayals of autism, which have historically focused on children.

UC Santa Cruz celebrates innovative and dedicated teachers

The Academic Senate’s Committee on Teaching (COT) in collaboration with Chancellor Larive and CP/EVC Kletzer, Cruz celebrated UCSC’s innovative and dedicated teachers with a gathering at the Cowell Provost House in early June.

These red flags can let you know when you’re in an online echo chamber

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have identified specific elements of tone and style in online speech that are linked to hyperpartisan echo chambers. These language markers could also prove useful for flagging spaces where disinformation may be likely to emerge.

Campus recognizes innovative, dedicated teachers

The Academic Senate’s Committee on Teaching (COT) in collaboration with Chancellor Larive and CP/EVC Kletzer, Cruz celebrated UCSC’s innovative and dedicated teachers with a gathering at the Cowell Provost House in early June.

Supreme Court decision revokes fundamental civil rights

We are deeply dismayed by the U.S. Supreme Court opinion issued this morning that revokes the rights of millions of Americans to make private, personal, informed choices about their health care and ultimately their lives.

Allied for exponential impact

The Black Men’s Alliance, established in 1994 as an organization to create community for Black students at UC Santa Cruz, now boasts a population of 60 engaged and active alumni—and wants to expand further.

The team behind a tree of 10 million Covid sequences

10 million sequences of COVID-19’s genomic code have now been organized into a phylogenetic tree in the UC Santa Cruz SARS-CoV-2 Browser, which is the largest tree of genomic sequences of a single species ever assembled.

Grant funding will support university-community partnership on inclusive economic development in neighboring city of Salinas

UCSC's Institute for Social Transformation will partner with the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative in an effort to reduce economic inequality and improve financial stability and quality of life for local families.

Ingenious, tech-based solutions pitched at Santa Cruz Launchpad 2022

The annual UC Santa Cruz business pitch competition and job fair drew in 19 student teams, 25 local companies, and nearly 500 attendees.

New executive leadership position for the Arts Division

UC Santa Cruz Dean of the Division of Arts Dr. Celine Parreñas Shimizu has appointed Art Professor Dee Hibbert-Jones to serve as Associate Dean of Research, Exhibition and Engagement.

Zimmer to develop Responsible AI course

Zimmer will join colleagues from around the U.S. to plan classes that better explore the impact of artificial intelligence on our world.

Annual message about the California Whistleblower Protection Act

The California Government Code requires every state agency, including the University of California, to annually distribute to its employees a message from the California State Auditor that provides an explanation of the California Whistleblower Protection Act.

UCSC joins new alliance aimed at boosting Latinx doctoral students, professors

The group, officially launching today and comprising all 20 of the nation’s top research universities that are also classified as Hispanic-Serving Institutions, aims to increase opportunity for those historically underserved by higher education.

Prestigious $3.8M NIH grant awarded to biomolecular engineering professor to develop an RSV vaccine

Associate Professor of Biomolecular Engineering Rebecca DuBois will use the five-year grant to develop a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, a common and potentially dangerous virus.

Social Sciences Division recognizes students at annual awards event

The annual Student Awards Luncheon honors undergraduates and graduate students across the Social Sciences Division for excellence in scholarship and creativity.

Graduate student’s research helps environmental organizations better serve coastal communities of color

Coastal Science and Policy Program graduate student Kalina Browne led development of a new research report on behalf of Green 2.0, a national watchdog organization focused on diversity and equity in the environmental sector.

Proposal for new program, Pathways to the Professoriate in the Arts and Humanities, selected for funding by UC President’s Office

A new cross-divisional initiative to prepare graduate students in the Arts and Humanities at UC Santa Cruz from historically underrepresented groups to go on to the professoriate has been selected for funding.

UC Santa Cruz Distinguished Professor of the Arts Isaac Julien knighted by Queen Elizabeth

UC Santa Cruz Distinguished Professor of the Arts Isaac Julien was granted knighthood by Queen Elizabeth on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee

Graduate student town hall focuses on developing short and long-term solutions to housing crisis

The panel discussion was centered on generating new ideas and recommendations for short and midterm solutions for graduate student housing for the implementation task force for inclusive excellence in graduate education.

CIDER Pilot Training Program helps students reach new heights in drone research and industry

18 students participated in the CIDER’s first-ever Pilot Training Program, which prepared them for success in research and industry opportunities.

UC Santa Cruz named No. 2 public university for ‘making an impact’

Princeton Review has named UC Santa Cruz the No. 2 public university in the nation for students focused on making an impact on the world. The honor underscores the university’s commitment to encouraging positive social impact and is an increase from last year’s No. 3 spot.

Construction well underway on new student housing at UC Santa Cruz

Committed to advancing student success, UC Santa Cruz leaders are confronting the ongoing housing crisis by providing immediate support programs for students while building new residential buildings to significantly increase the number of students who can live on campus.

‘Crossing Latinidades’ program selects UC Santa Cruz faculty and graduate students for national research and mentoring collaboration

Two UC Santa Cruz faculty were awarded $310,000 grants to lead national research working groups, and two doctoral students have been selected for one-year research fellowships and a summer institute focused on interdisciplinary research methods.

Campus update: Gearing up for commencement; celebrating Pride month; professor among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people

This has been a remarkable academic year—from the return to largely in-person instruction to many historic moments, including the naming and dedication of John R. Lewis College and leading the effort to produce the first truly complete sequence of a human genome.

Capstone to console: UC Santa Cruz student-developed game releasing to Nintendo Switch

The soon to be released, interactive, fast-paced game Squish was developed by UCSC engineering and arts, games, & playable media students.

Year-end exhibition highlights the work of UC Santa Cruz’s 2022 Irwin Scholars

Throughout the month of June, visitors to the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery at UC Santa Cruz will have the chance to see the work of twelve undergraduate artists selected as this year’s Irwin Scholars.

Marcella Gomez appointed as the Baskin School of Engineering’s inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Marcella Gomez has been appointed as the Baskin School of Engineering’s inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and will focus on student success and recruitment and retention of historically underrepresented groups in STEM.

Sociology doctoral candidate wins national fellowship for research on travel programs that teach youth about the African diaspora

Theresa Hice-Fromille was one of five top scholars selected nationwide for the American Sociological Association’s 2022-2023 Minority Fellowship program. Funding from this and other recent awards will support her dissertation research on travel abroad programs led by Black women that teach youth about the African diaspora.

Fellowships support graduate students studying queer movies, Mau Mau Uprising

Raed El Rafaei is examining queer movies made by artists from Lebanon and the diaspora, and Christian David Alvarado is investigating how the Mau Mau Uprising, which ran through the 1950s in Kenya, fits in with the larger processes of decolonization in Africa.

Sad news regarding Audrey Stanley, Professor Emerita of Theater Arts

It is with deep sadness that we write to share the news that Audrey Stanley, Professor Emerita of Theater Arts and the Founding Artistic Director of Shakespeare Santa Cruz, died May 15, at her home in Santa Cruz. She was 94.

Sign-up to participate in the Santa Cruz Pride parade on June 5

Members of the UC Santa Cruz community are invited to join in this year's Santa Cruz Pride parade, which starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 5. 

Student Union Assembly to host budget forum for campus community on Thursday, May 26

Student Union Assembly (SUA) will host a university budget forum Thursday, May 26. Campus leaders will answer questions about the budget, resource allocation, and the fiscal decision making process.

Karen Miga named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022

Karen Miga, assistant professor of biomolecular engineering at UC Santa Cruz, was named one of the 100 most influential people of 2022 by TIME. The honor was announced on May 23.

A special outdoor production of The Fairy Queen celebrates the return of fully-staged, live opera at UC Santa Cruz

The UC Santa Cruz Music Department presents Henry Purcell’s The Fairy Queen in a very special outdoor production to celebrate the return of fully-staged, live opera at UCSC on May 27 and 28, 2022.

Upcoming closure for Student Health Center, SHOP, and CAPS

The Student Health Center, SHOP, and CAPS announces upcoming closures.

Invaluable connections through alumni networks: How three slugs came together to help one another

With the help of UCSC alumni Marcia Wall (Stevenson ‘92, English and American literature) and Frank Marquardt (Stevenson ’92, American studies), alumna Morgan Jones (Stevenson ’04, linguistics and cognitive science) was able to land her dream job in UX design.

Politics doctoral candidate wins Newcombe Fellowship for research on women’s testimony against sexual violence

Natali Levin-Schwartz is one of 22 winners of a national fellowship award for scholars working on ethical or religious issues. Her dissertation research focuses on how women resist and organize against sexual violence and the role that testimony plays in that process.

Indoor masking is strongly encouraged

Even though masks are no longer required from the State of California and in most UC Santa Cruz facilities, their use indoors, especially in high-density spaces, is strongly recommended.

DSAS welcomes Ebonée Williams as new associate vice chancellor for student success and equity

Ebonée Williams joins the Division of Student Affairs and Success as the new associate vice chancellor for student success and equity.

Father of Modern Entrepreneurship to speak during inaugural Entrepreneurial Day at UCSC

The first annual Entrepreneurial Day at UC Santa Cruz will take place Saturday, May 21. The two-part event will feature a fireside chat with Steve Blank, the Father of Modern Entrepreneurship, followed by a resource fair and networking event with clubs from around campus.

Welcoming our new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success

I am happy to announce that Akirah J. Bradley-Armstrong, our new Vice Chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs and Success, has officially joined us.

Sad news regarding former Chancellor Karl S. Pister

Karl S. Pister, who devoted a remarkable 70 years to the University of California and to expanding educational opportunities for students, died Saturday, May 14, at his home in Walnut Creek. He was 96

A new class in the Arts Division aims to broaden students’ understanding of careers in the creative economy

Careers in the Creative Economy, a first-time course in the UC Santa Cruz Division of the Arts, has been introducing students to a wide array of professionals in creative fields to help them explore and prepare for arts careers.

Motorcyclists to ride through campus on Sunday to raise money for cancer research

The ride will begin at Porter and Kresge colleges and make its way through campus before ending in downtown Santa Cruz.

Rejecting hate, violence, and intolerance

Our hearts go out to the Buffalo community, to the victims and their families, and to our campus community who mourn this weekend’s senseless tragedy.

Vote in California's primary election

Tuesday, June 7 is Election Day in California for the primary elections.

Increased patrols while investigation continues into possible threats of violence this weekend

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department has increased patrols this weekend in an abundance of care and caution while officers continue to investigate threats of violence made on social media postings and by someone loudly shouting at 1:52 a.m. Thursday in the lower quad at Stevenson College. 

Investigating possible threats of violence this weekend

UC Santa Cruz community members are urged to immediately share any information related to threats of violence made on social media postings and by someone loudly shouting at 1:52 a.m. Thursday in the lower quad at Stevenson College. The threats referenced possible violence this weekend.

Applications open for UC Santa Cruz 2022-2023 Global Food Initiative student fellowship

A public dedication in the name of civil rights 

Hundreds of campus and regional community members gathered beneath the redwoods encircling Quarry Amphitheater to watch the former College Ten make history, rededicating itself as John R. Lewis College in memory of the legendary civil rights leader.

New Department of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies invites students to think critically about race during a time of global reckoning with racism

CRES was first introduced as a degree program in 2014 and, thanks to its rapid growth and strong faculty and student advocacy, gained departmental status in 2021.

In support of reproductive rights

We are deeply troubled by the long-term ramifications for reproductive rights if the leaked draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion in "Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization" becomes law.

Enter to win a $75 gift card! Complete the annual transportation survey today

Please take about 15-20 minutes to complete the annual transportation survey to help us help you by improving our programs and services.

May concerts of new work by UC Santa Cruz composers the result of residencies with leading new music artists

UC Santa Cruz doctoral students in composition will premiere several new works this May developed during two unprecedented residencies with top names in the experimental music world.

UC Santa Cruz Dean of the Arts Division Celine Parreñas Shimizu will debut her latest film at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival on May 12

Filmmaker and film scholar Celine Parreñas Shimizu, UCSC’s Dean of the Division of Arts, debuts her new documentary at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival on May 12. The feature film 80 YEARS LATER explores the racial inheritance of Japanese American family incarceration during World War II through multigenerational conversations with survivors and their descendants.

UC Santa Cruz alumna and thought leader Roshawnna Novellus to deliver Baskin Engineering 2022 commencement address

Roshawnna Novellus—Baskin Engineering computer engineering undergraduate alumna, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized financial inclusion advocate—will deliver the UC Santa Cruz Baskin School of Engineering 2022 commencement address.

John Brown Childs earns UC’s highest system-wide award for emeriti

UC Santa Cruz Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Sociology John Brown Childs is a 2021-2022 recipient of the Constantine Panunzio Distinguished Emeriti Award, which recognizes exceptional legacies of research, teaching, and service.

Nearly 30 years of conservation in Santa Cruz, alumna stays connected to the university and invests in students

UCSC alumna Jodi McGraw (Rachel Carson ’94, Environmental Studies and Biology) founded her conservation consulting firm in 2001 and has since hired upwards of 15 UCSC graduates and has sponsored almost 50 UCSC interns.

Team of researchers win the public benchmark phase of new Alexa Prize competition

UC Santa Cruz’s team of computer science and engineering (CSE) Ph.D. students came out victorious by a generous margin during the public benchmark phase of the first-ever Amazon Alexa Prize SimBot Challenge, far surpassing other teams in the university competition focused on advancing virtual assistant technology.

Deep Read welcomes author Yaa Gyasi to UC Santa Cruz

The annual program of The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz has brought together students, faculty, alumni, and other curious minds from across the globe to unpack and discuss Transcendent Kingdom, the most recent novel by Ghanaian-American author Yaa Gyasi.

International stages to the Quarry, alumna Terisa Siagatonu returns for dedication ceremony

UCSC alumna and award-winning poet, Terisa Siagatonu (John R. Lewis ’11, community studies), will be a keynote speaker at the John R. Lewis College dedication ceremony on May 6.

Puzzling it out

Linguistics student David Tuffs started making crossword puzzles to stave off boredom during COVID-19 restrictions. Now he's had his third puzzle published in the New York Times.

Wisdom Cole: Paving the way for a new generation of Black leaders

National Director of the NAACP Youth & College Division and UCSC alumnus Wisdom Cole (Oakes ’15, chemistry) will be a keynote speaker at the John R. Lewis College dedication ceremony on May 6.

Women's water polo team wins Division III championship

The UC Santa Cruz women's water polo club won the Collegiate Water Polo Association Women’s Division III Club Championship in Middlebury, Vermont, on Sunday.

New global and community health majors available this fall

UC Santa Cruz students who want to build a future with better, more equitable health outcomes will have the option to declare one of two new global and community health majors, starting in fall 2022.

New Google-funded research project applies computer science to aid bird conservation

Two faculty members have begun a new collaboration to use machine learning models to create continent-wide maps of bird habitat connectivity for conservation purposes, and they have recently received a $60,000 Google Research Scholar award to fund this work

Afrofuturism takes center stage in the Institute of the Arts and Sciences’ Surge series

UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences offers a month-long series of performances and discussions on Afrofuturism, a global artistic and social movement, utilizing the arts, science, and technology to imagine—and create— a world where African-descended peoples and cultures can live and flourish.

Unlocking a cure for carbon monoxide poisoning

UCSC researcher Tim Johnstone has designed small molecules that can bind CO, sequester CO that is already bonded to hemoglobin, and rescue red blood cells exposed to CO, all promising signs for a future antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Linguist Sandra Chung elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Sandra Chung, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Linguistics, has been elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary societies.

Deer fawning season alert

Please be aware that spring is the prime birthing season for a wide variety of campus wildlife, including deer.

Chancellor Larive assumes position as new Board Chair for Monterey Bay Economic Partnership

University of California, Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia K. Larive will assume the role of incoming board chair for the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership.

CITRIS drone program lands $1 million grant from James Irvine Foundation

The UC Santa Cruz CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) along with several partners has received a $1 million, 15-month planning grant to support regional drone education and workforce development from The James Irvine Foundation.

10 questions all funders should ask before supporting tree-planting campaigns

Environmental Studies Professor Karen Holl is concerned that widespread enthusiasm for tree-planting may be leaving restoration best-practices by the wayside. But a new set of research-based questions can help potential funders determine which reforestation campaigns are poised for success.

Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells awarded $1M training grant for postdoctoral researchers

The directors of the Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells brought in a new $1M training grant for postdoctoral researchers, and have been awarded over $12M in grants in just two years.

New study examines ethics of community-engaged research from the perspective of community partners

Even the most collaborative research models come with ethical challenges, a new study shows. This highlights the importance of equity-centered approaches. 

Cruz Foam teams up with DiCaprio, Kutcher as advisors and adds a major industry partner

Cruz Foam, a company that started as a Ph.D. student’s project at the UC Santa Cruz Baskin School of Engineering and makes a compostable alternative to styrofoam packaging, has added actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Ashton Kutcher as advisors and investors.

Thought-provoking new works of media art in exhibition by Digital Arts and New Media MFAs

The UC Santa Cruz Digital Arts and New Media (DANM) MFA program presents unforgetting, the culminating exhibition of its 2022 MFA cohort, on view free to the public at the Digital Arts Research Center April 22-May 1 with a special performance May 20-29 at the Experimental Theater.

Superheroes, spaceships, and social wearables: An immersive, social STEM camp for middle school girls sparks interest, builds confidence in STEM

The UCSC-developed STEM camp combines the crafting of wearable technology with social experience to pique interest in computation and technology for middle school girls.

Coming together to heal

UCSC Arts dean and her family establish scholarship in son’s memory

Honoring UC Santa Cruz’s 2022 Distinguished Graduate Student Alumni

Each year, UC Santa Cruz’s five academic divisions select one graduate student alumnus/a/i as their Distinguished Graduate Student Alumni honoree. The awards ceremony for the 2022 cohort will take place on April 23 of Alumni Weekend.

Statistics professor wins Hellman fellowship to rethink verbal autopsy survey design

Assistant professor of statistics Richard Li will use his Hellman award to rethink survey design for verbal autopsy, the process of determining cause of death outside of the hospital which is routinely implemented in many low- and middle-income countries throughout the world.

Politics professor’s book challenging Western notions of Sharia wins global acclaim

In the past year, Politics and Legal Studies Professor Mark Fathi Massoud's latest book has earned him a series of award recognitions, speaking engagements around the globe, and an invitation to a closed session with resident representatives of the United Nations Development Program.

Rock on: summer concert series coming to Quarry Amphitheater

In partnership with Noise Pop Industries, UC Santa Cruz announces summer concert series to be hosted in the Quarry Amphitheater.

Watsonville Filipino history digital archive now available for public viewing

The Watsonville is in the Heart Digital Archive is now viewable online and features oral history recordings, original documents, photos, and family artifacts highlighting Filipino history in the Pajaro Valley.

Caitlin Keliiaa and Philip Longo receive American Council of Learned Societies fellowship

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) announced the recipients of their 2022 ACLS Fellowships. Philip Longo, Continuing Lecturer in the Humanities Division’s Writing Program, and Caitlin Keliiaa, assistant professor in UC Santa Cruz’s Feminist Studies Department, will both be receiving awards that will allow them to take leave to continue their scholarly research.

I Am Here: Home movies and everyday masterpieces

I AM HERE: Home Movies and Everyday Masterpieces, a major new AGO exhibition opening in April of 2022, is a revealing look at our universal need to capture, share and cherish the everyday. Lost-and-found home movies from the Prelinger Archives, founded by UCSC professor of film and digital media Rick Prelinger.

Paid fellowship opens doors and opportunities for Humanities students

Unique partnership between The Humanities Institute, a leading national media outlet, and a generous UC Santa Cruz donor amplifies opportunities for UC Santa Cruz students

Seeking assistance with Unlawful Entry of Occupied Dwelling

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community’s help in the investigation of a crime that occurred early Monday, April 11.

Risa Wechsler named 2022 Physical and Biological Sciences Distinguished Graduate Student Alumna

UC Santa Cruz alumna Risa Wechsler (Ph.D. Physics ’01) has played an instrumental role in groundbreaking research in the cosmology field, with pioneering galaxy structure and cosmic structure surveys, and more than 300 widely cited publications. Wechsler has also been committed to ensuring the growth of diversity and inclusion within the physics and astronomy community.

UCSC and Amazon Web Services work to accelerate genomics research

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to allow researchers to quickly and efficiently execute bioinformatics pipelines on AWS’s global cloud infrastructure.

Grazing goats to help reduce wildfire risk

Hundreds of hungry goats will arrive on campus later this week to graze on about 30 acres of vegetation that would otherwise dry into potential wildfire fuel as summer arrives.

Dean Celine Parreñas Shimizu to receive prestigious award

The Association for Asian American Studies has selected UC Santa Cruz Division of Arts Dean, Dr. Celine Parreñas Shimizu, for its 2022 Excellence in Mentorship Award.

Sarah Peelo named 2022 Social Sciences Division Distinguished Graduate Student Alumna

Sarah Peelo (Ph.D. Anthropology ’09) looked to UC Santa Cruz as an institution beaming with women in leadership. Now company president and co-owner of cultural resource management firm, Albion, Peelo is at the forefront of cultural preservation in the Bay Area.

Harryette Mullen named 2022 Humanities Division Distinguished Graduate Student Alumna

The Humanities Division’s 2022 Distinguished Graduate Student Alumna, Harryette Mullen (M.A. Literature ’86, Ph.D. Literature ’90), published her first poetry book Tree Tall Women in 1981 and has since published dozens of poems, stories, books, and essays that have been published worldwide and reprinted in over one hundred anthologies.

Title IX graduate interns shine a light on sexual violence and sexual harassment research

Two UC Santa Cruz graduate students are working to showcase campus research focused on preventing, responding to, and addressing gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination with a new online spotlight series.

Works by some of the country’s most influential contemporary artists on view in Strange Weather

A new group exhibition presented by UC Santa Cruz Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH), features contemporary artworks by some of today’s leading artists. On view April 14-August 14, 2022 at the MAH, Strange Weather: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation is co-organized by IAS director Dr. Rachel Nelson and UCSC History of Art and Visual Culture Professor Jennifer González.

UCSC selects Aisha Jackson as Vice Chancellor for Information Technology

Aisha Jackson comes to UC Santa Cruz from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she is that university’s first Assistant Vice Provost and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Technology and Student Success.

Announcing the appointment of Vice Chancellor for Information Technology

We are excited to announce that Aisha Jackson will serve as our next Vice Chancellor for Information Technology. Her first day will be Aug. 1.

Genomics Institute tool becomes primary method to identify lineages of COVID-19 worldwide

As COVID-19 continues to mutate, software developed and maintained at the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Genomics Institute will now be at the core of the primary tool used by health officials worldwide to track the spread of variants in their community. It is now the default software behind the ubiquitously used tool Pangolin, replacing previous software to more accurately assign genomic samples of COVID-19 to a known branch on the virus’s family tree.  

Ricky Bluthenthal announced as 2022 social sciences distinguished alumni award recipient

The Social Sciences division is proud to announce trailblazing health equity researcher and advocate Ricky Bluthenthal (Merrill ’86, History and Sociology) as the recipient of the 2022 Social Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award.

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.

Rosa Garcia to serve as associate director of Equity & Equal Protection, ADA Officer

The Equity & Equal Protection Office is happy to welcome back Rosa Garcia as Associate Director of Equity & Equal Protection, ADA Officer.

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.

Information about Ramadan at UCSC

This message is intended to provide our campus community with information about observing and celebrating Ramadan.

UCSC helps produce first truly complete sequence of a human genome

The first truly complete sequence of a human genome — covering each chromosome from end to end with no gaps and unprecedented accuracy — is now available for the whole world to access.

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 more

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 social justice — and detailed how the campus’ strengths, challenges, opportunities, and planning processes are advancing this vision.

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 program

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 be killed by humans, especially when it comes to the threat of being killed in retaliation for loss of livestock.

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 UCSC, including the 50th anniversary of Natural History Field Quarter.

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 for nothing less than to free wrongfully convicted persons currently incarcerated in American prisons.

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.

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 distribution.

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 (IPCC).

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.

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 and a chance to compete in the UC Grad Slam finals in May.

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 disease in children and the elderly.

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 interactive crossmedia performance, livestreaming online this March 25-April 3.

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 a global context, and that institutional policies, programs, and initiatives are aligned to achieve this shared goal.

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 analyzing genomic data developed at the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute.

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 Crisis Politics" as 2022-2023 members of the IAS School of Social Science.

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.

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 learning.

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.

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.

UC Santa Cruz joins Social Science Research Council

The campus is now a member of the Social Science Research Council's College and University Fund for the Social Sciences, which will offer new opportunities for UC Santa Cruz to help shape research priorities across the field.

Family-friendly opera returns to Mainstage Theater this March with My Head is Full of Colors

On March 12, Family Opera returns live to the Mainstage Theater with My Head is Full of Colors, a joyful tale of imagination composed by UCSC Lecturer Chris Pratorius Gómez, with a libretto by Nicole Paiement, and directed by Lecturer Sheila Willey.

Record applications enable UC Santa Cruz to build strong, diverse fall class

With record-breaking applications from undergraduate students, UC Santa Cruz is looking to admit students who will be ready to contribute to and benefit from a high-impact research university.

Indoor masking still in effect on campus

We have decided to continue the indoor masking requirement at all UC Santa Cruz facilities until further notice.

UCSC selected to join US CYBERCOM Academic Engagement Network

UCSC will join the inaugural class of the U.S. Cyber Command’s (CYBERCOM) Academic Engagement Network (AEN), a group of 84 colleges and universities selected to help strengthen the country’s cybersecurity operations.

First nationwide study of scams targeting immigrants shows local social context may help or hinder reporting

Assistant Professor of Sociology Juan Manuel Pedroza's latest research offers insights that may help improve access to justice for vulnerable communities.

Campus Fire Safety and Awareness

With the current dry conditions, the threat of fire on our campus is high and potentially devastating. Anyone who smells smoke or sees a fire should call 911 immediately.

Computer scientist Lindsey Kuper wins NSF CAREER award

Lindsey Kuper, assistant professor of computer science and engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has won a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund her lab’s study of distributed systems.

UC Santa Cruz announces ambitious investment to hire 100 additional faculty over decade, part of broader effort to advance student success and research excellence

To advance its place as an international leader at the intersection of innovation and social justice, UC Santa Cruz announced today its intention to prioritize faculty hiring by adding 100 additional faculty over the next decade.

UC Santa Cruz Foundation votes to provide additional one-time endowment payout to support student scholarships, fellowships 

Hundreds of continuing and incoming UC Santa Cruz students will benefit from additional financial support from scholarships and fellowships after the UC Santa Cruz Foundation Board approved an additional, one-time payout from the university’s endowment.

Creating a shared vision to increase our faculty to advance student success, research enterprise

We are thrilled to announce today an ambitious effort to hire 100 additional Senate faculty over the next decade.

'From the Margins: Dante 701 Years Later' to provide critical perspectives on author's work

Funded through the Siegfried B. and Elisabeth Mignon Puknat Literary Studies Endowment and presented by The Humanities Institute, the series will include events taking place throughout 2022 to engage with Dante’s work through a much different lens than the usual discussions of his life and work.

UC Santa Cruz tops ranking of women in leadership at R1 universities

UC Santa Cruz is first in the nation for racial and gender diversity in leadership, according to a new report by the Women’s Power Gap Initiative at the Eos Foundation, in partnership with the American Association of University Women.

An advocate for menstrual equity

Student Amanda Safi helped get a new California law passed that requires public schools to stock restrooms with free menstrual products—a move activists say is a first step toward rectifying the discrimination, stigma, and financial, educational, and health consequences faced by those who menstruate.

Stories of Black women take center stage in upcoming performance of ''da Kink in My Hair'

The award-winning play "‘da Kink in My Hair" will be presented February 18-27 by the Department of Performance, Play & Design and the African American Theater Arts Troupe.

Equity gaps in COVID-19 deaths closed for some racial and ethnic groups, widened for others during vaccine rollout in California

New research from UC Santa Cruz, Stanford University, and UC San Francisco shows how racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 deaths across California changed as the rollout process for vaccines began.

Hitting a high note

Music Professor Karlton Hester, named the first associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts for the Arts Division, believes all ethnicities benefit from inclusion and an increased focus on Black history, Indigenous history, and traditional knowledge.

Climate action planning misses equity opportunities in many California cities

A new study led by UC Santa Cruz analyzed 170 climate action plans across California to find out how cities are incorporating equity into their efforts to curb emissions and address climate change impacts.

COVID-19 reminders, expanded testing options, updated testing protocol, and more

As we resume mostly in-person instruction this week, we write to share important reminders and critical updates pertaining to COVID-19.

Excited for in-person instruction to resume January 31

We are happy to report that we are set to resume primarily in-person instruction starting Monday, Jan. 31.

Ten new picnic tables customed designed, handcrafted, and installed on campus

It was a rush order, no question about it. In early September, Chancellor Cynthia Larive asked Physical Plant, Development and Operations to install 10 picnic tables on the main residential campus by the opening of fall quarter. Campus carpenters decided to do-it-themselves.

The struggle to protect voting rights must go on. Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement can help

Distinguished professor emeritus John Brown Childs shares his opinion on the U.S. Senate's recent blockage of voting rights legislation and reflects on lessons he learned during the Civil Rights Movement that may help voting rights activists today.

Booster shots available this week: on-campus clinics Jan. 26-28

To help provide students, staff, and faculty access to booster shots, Student Health Services will be administering Moderna boosters Jan 26, 27, and 28 at Stevenson Event Center.

On-campus testing, masks, booster clinics, proof of vaccination

Here are the latest COVID-19 mitigation updates to help us prepare for a more populated campus during the winter quarter.

Expanded services offered by back-up care program

Today, we are pleased to share that there are additional forms of support available through our partnership with Bright Horizons .

UC Santa Cruz receives National Endowment for the Humanities grant to connect studies of humanities, engineering

UC Santa Cruz will create a new Certificate in the Humanities introducing students enrolled in the Baskin School of Engineering to humanities disciplines aimed to help them better understand the social and cultural impacts of technological change.

Rebecca Hernandez to serve as campus's first community archivist

Rebecca Hernandez, who previous served as the director of the American Indian Resource Center, will seek out partnerships with community organizations and leaders to support the preservation of community history, with a particular focus on reaching out to traditionally underrepresented communities.

National Endowment for the Arts award to support 'Surge,' an afrofuturism festival

Events will take place throughout the academic year, culminating in a month-long festival in May 2022 with live music concerts and dance performances.

Campus update: Mostly in-person instruction returning; commemorating Black History Month; finalizing commencement plans

We are happy to say that we remain on schedule to return to mostly in-person instruction Jan. 31.

Winter quarter instruction - instructor exception process for the return to in-person instruction; other information

We write here to provide an expanded exception program to which instructors may apply now to continue teaching remotely this winter quarter after the general return to in-person instruction on January 31.

Returning to campus: testing requirements, COVID call center, booster clinics, and more

As we plan to resume in-person instruction January 31, I write to share essential information regarding the processes and protocols for students returning to campus.

Supporting our Jewish community

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families of the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 15.

Be careful near the ocean with tsunami advisory in effect

The West Coast is under a tsunami advisory after an undersea volcano erupted earlier today near the island nation of Tonga in the South Pacific.

Merrill College courses offer opportunity to learn about Africa, develop global connections

Merrill is offering two Global Classrooms, courses developed with the support of the Global Engagement Division that involve online collaboration between students from UCSC and the Co-Operative University of Kenya.

Winter Quarter Update - Residential Students

Urgent response requested from All UCSC residential students.

Campus Booster Clinics: Jan. 19-21

The Student Health Center has expanded its availability of COVID-19 booster shots to faculty, students, and staff with a series of clinics in January.

Implementation Task Force for Inclusive Excellence in Graduate Education

We are convening a task force to develop plans for implementing the recommendations proposed in the Joint Senate-Administration Working Group on Graduate Education (JWG) report.

UCSC selects Akirah J. Bradley-Armstrong as vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Success

Akirah Bradley-Armstrong, who comes to campus from the University of Colorado Boulder, is a dedicated student affairs professional with 17 years of experience in the field.

Announcing the appointment of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success

We are excited to announce that Akirah J. Bradley-Armstrong will serve as our next Vice Chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs and Success. Her first day will be May 16.

Caring for Students: Winter quarter COVID update

In consultation with academic and administrative leaders on our campus, at other UC campuses, and with UCSC health center staff, we have made the difficult decision to delay in-person instruction by an additional two weeks.

2022 Campus Elections

The Dean of Students Office is pleased to announce the 2022 Campus Elections process.

Undergraduate Pearl Ibeanusi wins national scholarship in honor of late U.S. Rep. Patsy Takemoto Mink

UCSC student Pearl Ibeanusi was one of five women selected among nationwide applicants to receive a scholarship award recognizing her outstanding record of community service and educational and career goals.

Delaying in-person instruction until Jan. 31

After consultation with academic and administrative leaders on our campus, at other UC campuses, and with our health center staff, we have made the difficult decision to extend alternate and remote modes of instruction for two additional weeks

Legal studies major Aissata Ba looks back on the “whirlwind” of meeting Michelle Obama at recent event

Aissata Ba, a 20-year-old Black Muslim first-generation American, was among a group of students brought together to be part of a conversation with Michelle Obama on some of the themes addressed in her best-selling memoir.

Parking pay station decommissioning, ParkMobile roll out

On January 14, 2022, TAPS will take the parking pay stations on the residential campus off line and replace them with the ParkMobile mobile payment system.

Announcing our new interim senior associate vice chancellor for Business and Administrative Services

Walter Branson will serve as interim Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration, effective Jan. 3.