Social Sciences
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What happens to ecosystems when you restore iconic top predators? It’s more complicated than you might think.
A new study analyzes findings from more than 170 papers to clarify what we know so far about the ecological impacts of large carnivore recovery in North America and what mysteries still remain.
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Cal Teach at 20: Striving to continue sending much-needed STEM educators into underserved communities
UC Santa Cruz program marks 20 years of putting service-minded STEM majors on a path to helping public schools students embrace math and science
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Environmental studies professor wins grant to support community-engaged research on California watersheds
Hannah Waterhouse was awarded the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award for her research on soil health practices.
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Could climate change create a new dust bowl?
International Drought Experiment shows severe impacts of extreme, prolonged drought
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UC Santa Cruz Alumni Association honors 2025 Alumni Award recipients
Barry J. Bowman, Terri McCullough, Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Daniel Nane Alejandrez, and Aviv Elor were honored on Oct. 17 at the UCSC Alumni Awards Celebration Event.
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From nanopore sequencing to neutron stars, UC Santa Cruz research advances our understanding, wellbeing
The federal government has been—and must remain—a critical partner in foundational technological innovation and research breakthroughs.
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Institute for Social Transformation awarded $700k grant to support inclusive economic development throughout Central California
The James Irvine Foundation has awarded the institute a two-year community-level learning partner grant as part of its Priority Communities initiatives, which seeks to strengthen regional economies by empowering low-wage workers, families, and organizations to drive economic change.
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Scheduling smarter: Combining technology and policy for more pleasant, equitable commuting
As housing costs push workers farther from their jobs, UCSC researchers are developing smart scheduling technology to ease commutes and reduce traffic in Santa Cruz. By combining real-time data, public policy, and community input, the project aims to create a more equitable and sustainable public transportation system.
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Get to know our researchers
Meet some of the passionate people leading our impact and innovation. Public support and federal funding make this work possible.
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Fall 2025 Emeriti Lecture: “Kicking the Prow: Reflections on a Life in Conversation with Past and Present People and Other Creatures”
Featuring UCSC Professor Emerita Diane Gifford-Gonzalez
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Breaking barriers and guiding others
As an outreach specialist with UC Santa Cruz’s Underground Scholars Program, Sammy Chavez (Rachel Carson ’25, Latin American and Latino studies and sociology) supports students navigating complex challenges in higher education. While completing his own degree, he was recognized with the Silver Slug Scholarship as a staff member pursuing his studies.
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Rooted in education, expanding opportunity
Inspired by a shared love of learning and a family of educators, alumnus Roger Koopmann (Stevenson ’80, economics) and his late husband, Tom Bullen (Ph.D. ’86, Earth sciences), established scholarships that give UC Santa Cruz students the chance to pursue research and study abroad experiences.