Research
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Major NSF grant supports research on soil fungi
Kai Zhu, an assistant professor of environmental studies, has received a $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study the biodiversity and distribution of soil fungi across North America.
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Massaro introduces app to boost literacy
Dominic Massaro, a professor emeritus of psychology, has developed a new iPhone app designed to help children learn to read.
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Scholars weigh in on new ideas about autism
The authors of a provocative new paper maintain that many of the behaviors common to autism—including low eye contact, repetitive movements, and the verbatim repetition of words and phrases—are misinterpreted as a lack of interest in social engagement. On the contrary, they say, many people with autism express a deep longing for social connection.
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While the cat’s away: Predators’ fear of humans ripples through wildlife communities, emboldening rodents
A new study indicates that pumas and medium-sized carnivores lie low when they sense the presence of humans, which frees up the landscape for rodents to forage more brazenly.
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UC Santa Cruz establishes interdisciplinary Southeast Asia research center
A $1 million grant from the Henry Luce Foundation will establish a new Center for Southeast Asian Coastal Interactions (SEACoast) at UC Santa Cruz that will bring together scholars from the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences to address the region’s challenges.
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Phil Hammack helps shape Exploratorium’s exhibition about identity
Psychology Professor Phil Hammack was thrilled to be invited to help plan a new exhibition at the Exploratorium about identity.
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Juries bring transparency and accountability to trials in Argentina
A trial by one’s peers is a pillar of democracy, which is why scholars and activists are celebrating Argentina’s budding embrace of jury trials.
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Video highlights cultural differences in collaboration
A video by Distinguished Professor of Psychology Barbara Rogoff is featured in the “2019 STEM for All Video Showcase,” a competition hosted by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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NSF grant supports training of math and science teachers at UC Santa Cruz
The $1.45 million grant continues NSF support for UCSC’s Cal Teach program, funding an integrated pathway to recruit and train new teachers for the Central Coast region.
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Addressing student hunger boosts academic success, too
A new study suggests that enrolling students in CalFresh—the state’s food assistance program for low-income residents—not only addresses student hunger but also boosts the retention rate of participating undergraduates.
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Jenny Reardon participates in Vatican workshop on personalized medicine
Sociology Professor Jenny Reardon, a leading voice in the field of genomics, was one of 15 participants invited to attend a workshop on personalized medicine hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
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Entrepreneurs emerge as a force in Europe’s refugee emergency
Camilla Hawthorne, assistant professor of sociology, says economic stagnation and a resurgence of racist nationalism are shaping conversations about what it means to be Italian in the 21st century.