News
Opera performance highlights Spanish music and Chicanx culture
February 21, 2025
Lecturer in Music Sheila Willey is bringing Spanish-language opera to the stage. The upcoming Opera and Zarzuela Scenes performance on March 13, 2025 at the Music Center Recital Hall on campus, will bring a wider cultural look at the artform from several Spanish-speaking countries.
UC Santa Cruz students and SUBA partner to bring East Salinas businesses online
February 21, 2025
In East Salinas, where family-owned businesses are the backbone of the community, a collaboration is helping them build an online presence and reach more customers. Crown College’s GetVirtual program at UC Santa Cruz and the Salinas United Business Association (SUBA) have joined forces, with students leading the way.
Music Department showcases student excellence
February 21, 2025
Part of the University of California, Santa Cruz’s groundbreaking music education is ensuring students have a chance to perform. Throughout winter quarter, students have strived to perfect their sound and their work will culminate in a series of performances through February and March.
Cosmic radiation from supernova altered virus evolution in Africa, study proposes
February 18, 2025
A new study led by recent undergraduate student Caitlyn Nojiri and co-authored by astronomy and astrophysics professor Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz and postdoctoral fellow Noémie Globus examined iron isotopes to identify a 2.5 million-year-old supernova. The researchers connected this stellar explosion to a surge of radiation that pummeled Earth around the same time, and they assert that the blast was powerful enough to break the DNA of living creatures.
Foraging seals enable scientists to measure fish abundance across the vast Pacific Ocean
February 13, 2025
A new study led by UC Santa Cruz marine biologist Roxanne Beltran to be published as the February 14 cover story for Science concludes that seals can essentially act as “smart sensors” for monitoring fish populations in the ocean’s eerily dim “twilight zone.”
New study documents California coyotes eating harbor seal pups
February 13, 2025
A paper published on February 12 in the journal Ecology details how the researchers used motion-triggered cameras placed at MacKerricher State Beach on California's North Coast during harbor seal pupping season in the spring of 2023 and 2024.
‘Random with a Purpose’ mixes dance styles for individualized performances
February 10, 2025
Every year students lead the charge in creating a dance showcase: Random with a Purpose (RWAP), which runs from Feb. 28 – Mar. 9. This year’s director, senior Emily Pflieger, hopes to shock audiences through a wide array of genres and styles that capture individual experiences of each choreographer and dancer.
Recent UCSC alumni take over the SF MOMA
February 10, 2025
Several University of California, Santa Cruz Arts and Engineering students and alumni worked together on two separate projects which are part of the same exhibition at the SFMOMA. Annalivia Martin-Straw (Porter ‘23, Art) worked with her collaborator to create an immersive racing game, which up to five visitors can play at a time.
New research and art installation demonstrate the viability of using fog as a water source
February 3, 2025
In a state known for its droughts, where the southern half recently experienced devastating fires, understanding California’s natural water sources is more important than ever. Three University of California, Santa Cruz professors have teamed up to create a multipart scientific and artistic research study, Art+Fog as a collective,
Explorer society honors Roxanne Beltran for advancing scientific field research, education equity
January 31, 2025
Roxanne Beltran, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz, is among 50 people from around the world being honored this year for “doing remarkable work to promote science and exploration.”
The Institute of Arts and Science curates two revolutionary exhibitions
January 30, 2025
The Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) is starting the new year with two imaginative and heartfelt exhibitions exploring liberation and justice. EDELO and Our Bedrock, both of which run from Jan. 31 – April 20
Climate change reshuffles species like a deck of cards, new study finds
January 29, 2025
A new study led by UC Santa Cruz ecology and evolutionary biologist Malin Pinsky finds that temperature changes due to climate change have a doubly detrimental impact: Not only do they destabilize animal populations, but the impacts accelerate as temperatures change more rapidly.
UC Santa Cruz AgTech Alliance launches to support interdisciplinary collaboration
January 28, 2025
Building on the long history of innovation in agriculture at the campus, the AgTech Alliance will support research, education, events, and workforce development related to advancing agricultural technology in order to create more formalized opportunities for collaboration within the university and beyond.
Professor Patty Gallagher reimagines Comedy of Errors in a new era
January 23, 2025
Shakespeare is coming to the University of California, Santa Cruz. The upcoming February performances of Comedy of Errors at the Theater Arts eXperimental Theater embody comedy and heartfelt performances.
Students make winning videos about importance of federal support for science research
January 21, 2025
Impactful scientific discovery isn't possible without funding to support the research, and three UC Santa Cruz students have created short videos that took top prizes in a national competition held by the Science Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to sustaining the federal government’s investment in basic scientific research.
John Jota Leaños selected as new Interim Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the UC Santa Cruz Arts Division
January 21, 2025
The University of California, Santa Cruz brought on a new Interim Assistant Dean of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for the Arts Division. John Jota Leaños, a professor of Film and Digital Media (FDM) and Guggenheim Fellow, is a Mexican/Italian-American and Chumash-award winning interdisciplinary artist, documentarian, animator, and social art practitioner whose work engages the intersections of history, memory, and power through a social justice lens.
New exhibition explores Afrofuturism through a look at the past
January 17, 2025
The newest exhibition at the Mary Porter Sesnon Gallery explores African history and Afrofuturism through the art of current PhD candidate Aaron Samuel Mulenga. Ukupupuka: An Exploration of Transcendence integrates Mulenga’s doctoral dissertation research on World War I porters called TengaTenga with the concept of the Afronaut to explore concepts of mobility, transcendence and divinity.
A Dream Realized: Silver Slug Award empowers first-gen student
January 16, 2025
UCSC student Stephanie Mayo-Burgos (Porter ’25, environmental studies and legal studies) pursues her dreams with the help of the Silver Slug Award.
Honoring UCSC’s 2024 Alumni Awards recipients
January 13, 2025
Six alumni were honored on Oct. 25 at the Alumni Awards Celebration dinner. Learn more about each recipient and watch their video feature.
Dean of Arts Celine Parreñas Shimizu’s newest work addresses sexuality and the importance of higher education and relationships between women in forging one’s power
January 13, 2025
Renowned filmmaker, film scholar, distinguished professor, and Dean of the Arts Division at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Celine Parreñas Shimizu will premiere her latest film at the 27th San Francisco’s Independent Film Festival on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Roxie Theater.
Award-winning independent filmmaker Trinh T. Minh-ha visits UC Santa Cruz
December 16, 2024
On Friday December 6th, 2024, University of California, Santa Cruz welcomed to campus the internationally acclaimed independent filmmaker, music composer and scholar Trinh T. Minh-ha for a screening of her 2022 documentary, What About China?.
Gift of Bösendorfer grand pianos elevates music excellence at UC Santa Cruz
December 12, 2024
Two extraordinary Bösendorfer grand pianos have found their new home at UC Santa Cruz, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Ken Corday (Porter ’75, aesthetic studies/music). Corday, an accomplished pianist, composer, and Emmy Award-winning executive producer of Days of Our Lives, continues his longstanding support of the Arts Division at UC Santa Cruz through this remarkable gift.
Employing Humanities: Bridging the gap between the classroom and the workforce
December 11, 2024
Launched just a year ago, the Employing Humanities initiative at the University of California, Santa Cruz is already transforming the lives of undergraduate students. The initiative was made possible by a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation and is led by Humanities Dean Jasmine Alinder.
Creative Technologies is a new major for a new age
December 10, 2024
Launched at the start of Fall quarter 2024, the University of California, Santa Cruz created a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary major in the Arts Division: Creative Technologies
UC Santa Cruz innovators recognized for impact at 2024 Santa Cruz Works Titans Awards
December 4, 2024
Two UC Santa Cruz faculty members, Richard (Ed) Green and Chris Benner, have been selected as awardees for the eighth annual Santa Cruz Works Titans Awards
Genomics Institute faculty and staff help create non-profit to center Indigenous Knowledge while accelerating conservation genomics research
December 3, 2024
Several current and former UC Santa Cruz faculty and staff have joined with leading experts in the field of conservation genomics to launch Wise Ancestors, a non-profit centering Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as co-creators of biodiversity conservation projects
Professor Elliot Anderson named the inaugural director of the new AI lab for the Arts Division
December 3, 2024
The Arts Division’s new AI lab on campus, A4, has an inaugural director. Professor Elliot Anderson, who is also the chair of the Art Department, is using his years of experience bridging art and technology to run the new lab.
UC Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay Aquarium lead collaboration on kelp conservation
November 26, 2024
In May 2024, UC Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Aquarium convened a workshop aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and the practical application of evolutionary resilience concepts for kelp.
2024 iGEM team’s foundational science project tackles infant formula affordability
November 22, 2024
The 2024 UC Santa Cruz iGEM team won a silver medal at the international Jamboree for a project focused on addressing the high cost of infant formula through a foundational synthetic biology approach.
Foundry celebrates 50th anniversary with a bronze pour
November 21, 2024
The foundry on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus has a long tradition of inviting guests to watch their spectacular bronze pour. This year’s pour is especially significant given it is the 50th anniversary of the Foundry.
Theater fireside chat aimed at bringing attention to African American students at UC Santa Cruz
November 21, 2024
Recently the founder and director of AATAT, Professor Don Williams, sat down with colleagues, including Lisa Marie Rollins, for a fireside chat about the organization and its future.
Student team wins ‘Excellence in Safety’ award at second Farm Robotics Challenge
November 18, 2024
A team of engineering students were recognized with the “Excellence in Safety” award at the second-annual Farm Robotics Challenge
Imperial Valley’s lithium reserves could power a global energy transition. But will they also fuel local economies?
November 18, 2024
Professor Chris Benner's latest book with coauthor Manuel Pastor, a professor at the University of Southern California, explores economic and environmental possibilities for a lithium boom in California's Imperial Valley.
UC Santa Cruz Music Department is gearing up for a holidays filled with music
November 15, 2024
One of the most important aspects of a music education is the ability to perform. At the University of California, Santa Cruz the Music Department arranges numerous events every quarter to make sure students have opportunities to show their skills and gain valuable experience on stage.
Bringing Broadway to Santa Cruz with ‘Into the Woods’
November 15, 2024
Sheila Willey, a lecturer in voice and opera in the Music department, is bringing Broadway to Santa Cruz. Into the Woods is a three-time, Tony Award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical, and it’s coming to campus. This 75-minute production will feature lead staff accompanist Luke Shepherd along with a cast of students.
$7.5 million awarded to UC Santa Cruz to support leadership in salmon-recovery science
November 13, 2024
UC Santa Cruz has received nearly $7.5 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) to vault scientific research on imperiled Pacific salmon populations into one of the nation’s most powerful collaborations between the agency and academia to save the vital species.
Computer engineering student builds cybersecurity solutions for Joby Aviation
November 13, 2024
UC Santa Cruz Computer Engineering student Shipra Ithal participated in an internship at Joby Aviation via the CITRIS Workforce Innovation Program
Physics Department improves undergraduate experience for non-majors
November 12, 2024
These fundamental teaching strategies—of making room for failure, and being explicit and transparent about how students’ knowledge will be assessed—combine to create an atmosphere that is more conducive to learning than traditional forms of physics instruction.
Legacy of helping minoritized students thrive in STEM careers faces uncertain future
November 1, 2024
If ultimately fully funded, the MPC2SC Program will start by identifying 10 students at the community college during their freshman year. They will then be guided through a targeted curriculum that will prepare them to transfer to UC Santa Cruz the fall of their junior year.
How researchers can maximize biological insights using animal-tracking devices
October 30, 2024
Biologgers allow us to see with unprecedented precision how animals move and behave in the wild. But that's only part of the picture, according to a UC Santa Cruz ecologist renowned for using biologging data to tell the deeper story about the lives of marine mammals in a changing world.
UC Santa Cruz named a U.S. National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps Hub for the Northwest Region
October 30, 2024
UC Santa Cruz has been selected as one of eight partner institutions in the newly established U.S. National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Hub for the Northwest Region.
Modern politics reexamined through classic play ‘Inspector General’
October 29, 2024
Michael Chemers’, a professor of Performance Play and Design and chair of the department at University of California, Santa Cruz, most recent project adapts The Inspector General, a Russian play by Nikolai Gogol which criticized 19th century Russian politics, for a contemporary audience. The show will open on November 15 and runs through November 24 at the Theater Arts Mainstage on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus
Professor A.M. Darke creates groundbreaking work in Black representation
October 29, 2024
A.M. Darke, an associate professor of Performance, Play, & Design at UC Santa Cruz, has spent her career becoming one of the leading voices of diversity in games, especially in the context of representing Black hair. For her latest work Darke has helped compile a program that better represents coily hair in animation.
New mapping techniques empower bird conservation in Colombia
October 23, 2024
Natalia Ocampo-Peñuela, assistant professor of environmental studies, and a team of Colombian researchers have introduced a transformative approach to mapping bird species distribution across Colombia, harnessing community science data and innovative modeling techniques.
David Lee appointed inaugural Director of Research Pathways for Baskin Engineering
October 21, 2024
To increase undergraduates’ engagement with research opportunities within the Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, Assistant Professor of Computational Media David Lee has been appointed as the school’s inaugural Director of Research Pathways
Grasslands live in the climate change fast lane
October 18, 2024
A new paper that built upon prior research efforts in the Environmental Studies Department shows that grassland communities across the California Floristic Province are transitioning toward plants that prefer hotter and drier conditions at a pace that's comparable to the observed rate of changes in climate.
UC Santa Cruz professor Anna Friz wins international prize in radio
October 17, 2024
Anna Friz, an associate professor of Film and Digital Media, has been raking in awards and honors. The multi-disciplinary artist who took a sabbatical last winter after receiving a Guggenheim fellowship, recently received the Karl Sczuka Prize for radio from SWR Germany.
California Academy of Sciences Honors Dan Costa with Fellows Medal
October 17, 2024
The California Academy of Sciences presented UC Santa Cruz’s Dan Costa, distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, with its highest honor at an awards ceremony on October 15.
Science Division debuts ‘degree-defining experiences’ drawing on UC Santa Cruz’s unique strengths
October 15, 2024
The Science Division has received a $1 million donation to begin a major new program on “degree-defining experiences.” The program will pilot 17 projects across campus that aim to profoundly inspire undergraduate students and fill them with the kind of optimism that forever changes how they see their time at UC Santa Cruz and their future careers.
Genomics Institute provides seed funds for six multidisciplinary projects
October 15, 2024
The Genomics Institute has awarded grants of up to $50,000 to six multidisciplinary research projects in the inaugural year of its seed funding program
UC Santa Cruz professor Derek Conrad Murray appointed Editor-in-Chief of leading arts publication
October 14, 2024
Derek Conrad Murray, Professor of History of Art & Visual Culture (HAVC), has recently been appointed editor-in-chief of Art Journal. After previously serving on the journal’s editorial board, Murray will be taking on an expansive position where he can shepherd the journal’s distinguished mission for the next three years.
UC Santa Cruz professor helps set national research agenda for atmospheric methane removal technologies that could help fight climate change
October 10, 2024
Environmental Studies Professor Sikina Jinnah was a co-author on a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) that recommends a national research agenda for atmospheric methane removal technologies and assesses potential atmospheric removal tools.
New AI-driven multimedia lab bridges art and technology
October 9, 2024
This year the UC Santa Cruz Art Division is introducing a state-of-the-art AI multimedia lab. The Ai Art Augmentation and Acceleration Lab, also known as A4, is aimed at assisting students across the Arts Division and includes $50,000 dollars worth of state-of-the-art equipment.
Recognizing outstanding faculty and staff in the Division of Social Sciences
October 8, 2024
Social Sciences Dean Katharyne Mitchell and award committee members recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Social Sciences Division faculty and staff awards, which are dedicated to honoring significant contributions to teaching, research excellence, and student support.
Professor Stacy Philpott leads U.S. delegates for “Agri-Young Hackathon” at G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Agriculture
October 8, 2024
Environmental Studies Professor Stacy Philpott led the U.S. delegation for a youth hackathon at the recent G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Agriculture in Italy. Philpott was asked by USDA representatives to coordinate and support the country’s team, a reflection of her national leadership role in preparing the next generation of agriculture professionals.
Experts on drone research discuss future challenges and opportunities at UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley campus
October 7, 2024
An interdisciplinary and multi-institutional group of academics, researchers, and practitioners discussed challenges and opportunities in using drones at an event hosted at the UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley campus on Friday, September 27.
Social Sciences Division welcomes new faculty
October 7, 2024
UC Santa Cruz’s Social Sciences Division is welcoming 10 outstanding new faculty members this academic year.
UC Santa Cruz launches new degree program in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications, and Research
October 7, 2024
UC Santa Cruz is launching a new Master of Arts program in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications, and Research (GISTAR), designed to meet the growing demand for expertise in geospatial technologies.
New policy essay: subsidies’ hidden costs for the environment
October 3, 2024
Government subsidies for business practices and processes should be approached with caution, even when they seem to be environmentally friendly, a team that includes a UC Santa Cruz researcher concludes in this week’s “Policy Forum” in the journal Science.
New exhibition honors groundbreaking artist and professor emeritus Doyle Foreman
October 3, 2024
As part of the Mary Sesnon Porter’s Sesnon Art Gallery’s goal to place a greater emphasis on faculty, students, and alumni, they are opening the new school year with an exhibition featuring the work of Doyle Foreman.
New internship program gives UC Santa Cruz and HBCU students a hands-on look at the lives of enslaved peoples in 19th century America
September 24, 2024
This summer, ten history-minded research interns uncovered rare glimpses of enslaved people’s lives in America. In the process, they helped future scholars understand the slave trade’s growth and development in the United States.
$1M NSF grant expands open source software mentorship program for HBCU students
September 23, 2024
A $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation will expand a program that enables students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to gain coding experience and receive intensive mentorship in open source programming.
2024 Arts Division Convocation honors Eduardo and Alison Carrillo
September 23, 2024
The annual Arts Division Convocation brings together the community to celebrate the new school year. The Distinguished Banana Slug Awards in the Arts is given every year to an honoree who exemplifies excellence and a dedication to the Arts Division. This year’s recipients are (posthumously) former professor Eduardo Carrillo, and his wife Alison Keeler Carrillo.
Famed economist and Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz speaks out against right-wing notions of economic freedom
September 19, 2024
On Tuesday night, famed progressive economist Joseph Stiglitz drew a large and enthusiastic crowd to downtown Santa Cruz, where he took aim at neoliberal economics and called for more equitable alternatives. The event was co-sponsored by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz.
Center for Archival Research and Training celebrates 10 years of success
September 19, 2024
This October, the University Library at UC Santa Cruz Elisabeth Remak-Honnef Center for Archival Research and Training (CART) marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of shaping graduate students’ careers through hands-on archival experience.
Santa Cruz Symphony opens new concert with music from professor
September 18, 2024
Despite his background in astrophysics former professor Martin Gaskell has always had a passion for music. This weekend the Santa Cruz Symphony will be opening their first concert of the season with one of Gaskell’s pieces.
"An Aesthetics of Resilience" fosters interdisciplinary conversations and research
September 18, 2024
Commencing last fall, An Aesthetics of Resilience is a collaborative research initiative between UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) and Friedlaender Lab that creatively addresses shared experiences of vulnerability in the face of ongoing climate crises.
UC Santa Cruz receives funding to continue undergraduate STEM diversity program
September 13, 2024
UC Santa Cruz has secured funding to support 100 students in completing bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) through the California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP)—a program that has helped more than 300 students from historically underrepresented backgrounds earn undergraduate STEM degrees from the university over the past two decades.
National Academy of Education awarded Josephine H. Pham the Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship
September 12, 2024
Josephine H. Pham, Assistant Professor of Critical Studies in Education at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has been awarded the prestigious National Academy of Education Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship.
A special look into art exhibition Seeing through Stone
August 27, 2024
For First Friday this September 6, Director and Chief Curator, Dr. Rachel Nelson will give a special curator-led walk-through of the major Visualizing Abolition exhibition, Seeing through Stone, at the UC Santa Cruz Institute of the Arts and Sciences Gallery on the Westside of Santa Cruz.
Bear DNA study to measure impact of conservation actions on genetic diversity
August 20, 2024
The National Science Foundation will fund research at UC Santa Cruz that will examine the DNA of brown bears in the lower 48 states, where the iconic beast’s numbers have seen catastrophic declines over the last century.
Dan Costa to accept Monterey Bay marine sanctuary award with lecture on September 25
August 14, 2024
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary will present its Ed Ricketts Memorial Award to Dan Costa, distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, and former director of UC Santa Cruz's Institute of Marine Sciences. As part of the honor, Costa will deliver a free lecture at the sanctuary's Exploration Center starting at 6:30 p.m.
New internship program gives high school students a hands-on education in art
August 14, 2024
A first for high school students in Santa Cruz County, the Institute for Arts & Sciences just wrapped up its inaugural youth program, Art For All. Funded by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation,The program brings together high school juniors and seniors from around the Santa Cruz area to give them a hands-on, behind-the scenes look at cultural spaces and exhibition curation.
Endangered Santa Cruz salamander featured in National Geographic photo project
August 9, 2024
National Geographic Explorer and photographer Joel Sartore visited the Coastal Science Campus to take pictures of the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, one of many endangered species that UC Santa Cruz researchers are working hard to save.
Fall 2024 exhibition highlights at UCSC’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences
August 7, 2024
The Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) is pleased to announce exhibitions and events for Fall 2024, including the multi-sited exhibition Seeing through Stone, performances by sound artists, along with many other events.
Preparing California’s agricultural lands for climate change
August 7, 2024
Two UC Santa Cruz researchers won a total of more than $1.5 million in federal funding for their research that's helping to create sustainable "agroecosystems" in response to climate change and other increased environmental pressures.
UC Santa Cruz alumnus named semi-finalist in Student Academy Awards
August 1, 2024
Despite having only graduated last June, John Ortiz (M.F.A. ‘24, Social Documentation) is already finding success in the film industry. His documentary, Jerhy, is in the running for a Student Academy Award. He and his film currently rank as semi-finalists in the documentary category.
Genomics Institute’s Research Mentoring Internship recognized with ‘Inspiring Programs in STEM’ award
July 31, 2024
The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute’s Research Mentoring Internship program was recognized with the ‘Inspiring Programs in STEM’ award from Insight Into Diversity magazine.
An overlooked side-effect of the housing crisis may be putting Californians at increased risk from climate disasters
July 29, 2024
In a new article for the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, UC Santa Cruz researchers laid out the foundation for their highly-anticipated upcoming study of how lack of affordable housing in urban areas of California may be driving increased development in and near wildlands, leading to more severe climate change impacts.
New grant funding will help UC Santa Cruz build and diversify a climate resilience workforce for the Monterey Bay region
July 26, 2024
UC Santa Cruz will receive more than $2 million in funding to support education and training programs for undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals as part of a larger $71.1 million federal grant to the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation and a host of local partners.
U.S. ATLAS collaboration names UC Santa Cruz alum ‘Outstanding Graduate Student’
July 18, 2024
The organization representing the U.S. contingent of the international ATLAS experiment conducted with the world's most powerful particle accelerator has presented its 2024 Outstanding Graduate Student Award to Yuzhan Zhao, who graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a Ph.D. in physics this year.
Gaining professional experience and helping fellow Slugs through Chancellor’s Undergraduate Internship Program
July 17, 2024
In her last year at UC Santa Cruz, Jane Grantham tackled numerous challenges, but one project stands out: developing a resource to assist fellow students in preparing for their careers.
Loss of oxygen in lakes and oceans another sign of Earth systems under strain
July 15, 2024
New essay co-authored by UC Santa Cruz researcher says aquatic deoxygenation is intertwined with climate change and other 'planetary boundary' processes
Artist-led walk-through offers rare opportunity to hear a creator discuss their own work in relationship to peers'
July 12, 2024
Seeing Through Stone opened in April, but is now hosting a unique opportunity to walk through the exhibition with one of the artists.
Students across the region invited to help shape the future of semiconductors
July 12, 2024
As AI weaves itself into more areas of life, scientists and engineers at UC Santa Cruz have come together to develop a better component that serves as the "neuron" in brain-inspired computing. The imperative to make such processing much more energy efficient, and faster, means that those who can design and build these next-generation devices will be in high demand on the job market.
Philanthropy in action: Alumna Roberta Gordon invests in students for Earth's future
July 8, 2024
Roberta Gordon bridges science, law, and philanthropy for environmental progress
UCSC students discover, help patch cybersecurity flaw for free laundry
July 2, 2024
UCSC students worked with the company that provides the app and the machines, called CSC Serviceworks, to help patch the cybersecurity flaws that could let millions of customers run loads of laundry for free.
Iconic concert film ‘Stop Making Sense’ playing at the Quarry Amphitheater
July 2, 2024
Of the many iconic figures who’ve come to Kresge Hall, none seem to be remembered as widely or as fondly as Talking Heads. Their 1977 performance and its history is what, in-part, led Jose Reyes-Olivas, the events and facilities general manager of the Quarry Amphitheater, to host a showing of the bands 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense.
EmpowHer Sound: A seminar to help pave the way for women in music
June 26, 2024
UC Santa Cruz will be hosting EmpowHer Sound, a three hour exploration of a music production for women. The July 11 event is free for everyone. As an introductory course audience members will learn basic skills and tools to help that on their career journey in music.
UC Santa Cruz alumna receives prestigious Sundance Fellowship
June 24, 2024
Brenda Avila-Hanna, who finished her MFA in Social Documentary in 2013, has won a prestigious fellowship at Sundance as part of their Producer Program. Her new film which combines fiction and documentary is her second ever feature film.
Fort Ord reserve inspires youth to consider careers in natural science, conservation
June 12, 2024
As the only full-time staff member at UC Santa Cruz's Fort Ord Natural Reserve, Director Joe Miller doesn't need to create more work for himself. And yet, he's managed to do just that by successfully partnering with a nearby charter high school that brings students onto the 610-acre property to teach them about local natural history and introduce them to career pathways in natural science and conservation.
The UC Santa Cruz Film and Digital Media Department celebrates 25 years
June 10, 2024
The Film and Digital Media Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz proudly marks 25 years, celebrating a legacy of success and innovation.
The Harrisons' 'Survival Piece #5: Portable Orchard' on display at the Whitney
June 10, 2024
Survival Piece #5: Portable Orchard conceived and designed in 1972 by leading pioneers of the eco-art movement and UC Santa Cruz emeriti professors Helen Mayer Harrison (1927–2018) and Newton Harrison (1932–2022) will be exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York starting on June 29, 2024.
The print sale celebrates its 50th anniversary
June 3, 2024
The Art Department is celebrating the 50th anniversary of UC Santa Cruz’s annual print sale. The widely beloved event features unique, handmade works and it is open to the public.
The UC Santa Cruz Film and Digital Media Department presents: 'Echoes of Home'
May 30, 2024
To celebrate their achievements over the past two years the graduate film students are showcasing their works. The presentation at the Del Mar Theatre marks years of progress and the end of their time at University of California, Santa Cruz.
The UCSC Arts Division & Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery present 'Material Matters'
May 21, 2024
Once a year the art department hands out its most prestigious award, the William Hyde Irwin and Susan Benteen Irwin Scholarship. Every year twelve students receive this merit scholarship to help them create work that will be presented in the Mary Porter Sesnon Gallery. This year the 38th annual Irwan Exhibition runs from May 29 through June 15.
The UCSC Arts Division presents Los Mejicas annual Spring show ‘Grupo Folklorico’
May 20, 2024
As one of the oldest organizations on campus, Los Mejicas has over half a century of bringing people together to celebrate their Mexican heritage. Their upcoming annual spring show, which marks the 52nd anniversary of the groups existence, celebrates traditional dance forms from six different regions in Mexico.
Sea otters use tools when feeding to survive a changing world
May 16, 2024
Sea otters are one of the few animals that use rocks and other objects to access their food, and a new study has found that individual sea otters that use tools—most of whom are female—can eat larger prey and reduce tooth damage when their preferred prey becomes depleted.
UC Santa Cruz biologist tapped to contribute to national report on nature's role in society
May 16, 2024
For America's first-ever report on nature’s inherent worth, and its contributions to the economy, our health and well-being, UC Santa Cruz's Malin Pinsky will co-author a chapter on nature and climate change. He is a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and one of 10 authors contributing to the chapter.
UC Santa Cruz Arts Division Presents 'Find Your Path!'
May 15, 2024
Find Your Path! is a two-day experience that guides students through potential career pathways through both in person and online events.
UC Santa Cruz Arts Division presents "Iolanthe"
May 15, 2024
Iolanthe may not be Gilbert & Sullivan’s best known work but according to music lecturer Sheila Willey “I actually think the music is more interesting and a little bit more sophisticated, but not less accessible,” than their other productions. The upcoming performance of the operetta at UC Santa Cruz marks the first time in five years the music department has put on a Gilbert & Sullivan show since they did Pirates of Penzance in 2019.
California State Board of Food and Agriculture visits campus
May 7, 2024
On April 30, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross and members of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture held their April Board meeting at the Hay Barn on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus.
UC Santa Cruz Arts Division presents "An Iliad"
May 2, 2024
Professor Patty Gallagher, in collaboration with other UCSC faculty, arranged an upcoming of 'An Iliad,' a retelling of Homer's classic. The show represents years of work, and has been showing around the world since 2022.
Ecological Society of America names Dan Costa a lifetime fellow
April 30, 2024
Dan Costa, distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and director of UC Santa Cruz's Institute of Marine Sciences, has been named a 2024 Fellow of the Ecological Society of America.
UC Santa Cruz Arts Division presents Prahlad Singh Tipanya
April 23, 2024
University of California, Santa Cruz is happy to welcome Prahlad Singh Tipanya and his ensemble for a rare performance of Indian folk music featuring the poetry of singer-saint Kabir. The Sunday performance will include music that is rarely heard in the United States.
Three UC Santa Cruz faculty members named 2023 AAAS fellows
April 18, 2024
Three UC Santa Cruz faculty members have been named 2023 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science: Diane Gifford-Gonzalez, emerita distinguished research professor of anthropology; longtime journalist Robert Irion, emeritus director of UC Santa Cruz’s science communication master’s degree program; and acclaimed paleo-geneticist Beth Shapiro, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology.
Slug 48: The new 48 hour film challenge for students
April 17, 2024
The Department of Film and Digital Media is introducing the first event of its kind, Slug 48. Participating undergraduates will have 48 hours to create a film from start to finish including script writing, filming, and post production. Students can participate in groups or sign up alone, it all starts this Friday April 19.
UC Santa Cruz ‘Shadow the Scientists’ program honored for astronomical DEI efforts
April 17, 2024
A science-inclusion program based at UC Santa Cruz that has allowed thousands of school-age children, educators, and inquisitive individuals to look through world-class telescopes alongside trained astronomers has been honored for opening up scientific exploration to those from underrepresented backgrounds around the world.
Humanities program provides rewarding research experience—and also crucial career prep
April 16, 2024
Employing Humanities–funded undergraduate students have begun working with faculty in paid research opportunities that connect their classroom curriculum with hands-on training.
Arts Division alumnus and artist, Fritz Chesnut, teaches art workshop for students
April 16, 2024
Recently, the University of California, Santa Cruz Arts Division hosted a workshop with alumnus and noted artist Fritz Chesnut. For three days Chesnut worked with a group of Art students teaching them a technique for applying paint distinctively to canvas using unexpected tools and materials as a new mode of creating abstract art.
UC Santa Cruz expert helps to weigh costs and benefits of controversial research on a high-risk technology to fight climate change
April 11, 2024
Environmental Studies Professor Sikina Jinnah recently wrapped up almost three years of work co-chairing Harvard University’s SCoPEX Advisory Committee, one of the world’s first efforts to design and implement a governance framework for an outdoor solar geoengineering experiment.
Global social change leaders gather at UC Santa Cruz for Right Livelihood International Conference
April 9, 2024
From April 23 through 27, UC Santa Cruz will host social change leaders and student activists visiting from around the world for the Right Livelihood International Conference, which includes a series of public events and will launch a new international student network and international research partnerships.
New research reveals steps California must take to capture more jobs from lithium battery boom
March 26, 2024
A new study from the UC Santa Cruz Institute for Social Transformation, New Energy Nexus, and the UC Berkeley Labor Center demonstrates the need for strategic investments and policy approaches to encourage build-out of the lithium supply chain within California in an environmentally friendly and economically inclusive manner.
The Hindustani music concert featuring Uday Bhawalker accompanied by Sukhad Manik Munde
March 18, 2024
As a part of the (unofficially titled) Indian Music Series, University of California, Santa Cruz is welcoming Uday Bhawalkar to campus for a concert on Friday, April 12. The renowned vocalist will be performing Dhrupad music, one of the oldest musical genres in the Hindustani tradition.
April in Santa Cruz Creative Music and Arts Festival 2024: "A Time For Change"
March 18, 2024
The annual month-long celebration of the arts is back at UC Santa Cruz. There will be a dozen performances by talented professionals in art forms including dance, animation and much more.
Shaping tomorrow: Earth Futures Institute’s Frontier Fellows program amplifies student-led innovation
March 15, 2024
UCSC’s Earth Futures Institute's Frontier Fellows Program, wrapping up its second year, supported six undergraduate students engaging in groundbreaking interdisciplinary research aimed at improving the planet's future. The program is made possible through the generosity of multiple donors.
Frontier Fellows Program propels student's research, paving the way for sustainable solutions to carbon emissions
March 15, 2024
UCSC student Jennifer Valadez spearheads pioneering research on carbon sequestration in California coastal prairies, exploring the crucial role of restoration in recovering soil carbon stocks with the help of the Frontier Fellows Program.
Student leads innovative campus composting initiative for sustainable waste management
March 15, 2024
UCSC student Gabriel Schiering, supported by Earth's Future Institute's Frontier Fellows program, leads the innovative Oakes Community Composting Project, demonstrating a model for decentralized composting systems on campus.
Innovating agriculture for a greener world
March 15, 2024
UCSC's Earth Futures Institute's Frontier Fellows Program, wrapping up its second year, supported six undergraduate students engaging in groundbreaking interdisciplinary research aimed at improving the planet's future. Eric Vetha uses his passion for robotics to hone in on soil moisture management practices.
Balancing carbon sequestration and community benefits
March 15, 2024
UCSC student Cole Seither addresses the delicate balance between agroforestry, carbon sequestration, and community benefits in combating climate change. His research is supported by the Earth Futures Institute’s Frontier Fellows program.
Careful planning yields a better Big Creek Reserve
July 31, 2020
Big Creek Reserve's new facilities were made possible by a funding opportunity through California's Proposition 84 and the Wildlife Conservation Board.
Redwood Research At The Edge of the Range
April 28, 2020
California's Big Sur has been the coast redwoods' southernmost stronghold for thousands of years. With a warming planet, canopy scientist Anthony Ambrose asks what the future holds for coast redwoods at the edge of the range. His study takes place in a grove that has long been special to humans, the Dance Floor Grove, located within the Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve. While the trees in this grove have outlived generations of people, their future is uncertain.
New website highlights UCSC's "living labs"
September 24, 2019
Diverse campus landscapes are ideal outdoor laboratories—and classrooms
May 25, 2018
Saving Oaks in Big Sur
April 6, 2015
Sudden oak death study aids reserve, teaches field research
