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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-RIVERSIDE INFORMATIONUniversity of California-Riverside is located in Riverside, California and is a public college. University of California-Riverside is a four year college and offers Bachelor's Degrees, Master's Degrees, Doctoral Degrees, and a number of different programs and courses. University of California-Riverside is in a relatively urban area (in or near a city), which may be something you prefer if you like a city lifestyle as a student. University of California-Riverside does not have a rolling admission policy, and you will want to make sure that you get your application in before November 30. University of California-Riverside is a medium-sized college with an average enrollment of around 16,622 students. University of California-Riverside accepts about 76% of its applicants on average, and 72% of the students receive some sort of financial aid for college at University of California-Riverside. If you are looking for more information on financial aid at University of California-Riverside, you can may want to contact Sheryl L. Hayes, who is the Director of Financial Aid at University of California-Riverside. You may also qualify for free grants for college in California to attend University of California-Riverside. You may also need to take one or more of the following tests to qualify for admission at University of California-Riverside:
If you are interested in joining the Army, University of California-Riverside does have an ROTC Army program that is available for attending students. If you are interested in joining the Air Force, University of California-Riverside does have an ROTC Air Force program that is available for attending students. University of California-Riverside offers the following co-op opportunities and programs to its students:
University of California-Riverside offers the following extracurricular activities to its students:
On a 4.0 scale, the average high school gpa for students that are entering University of California-Riverside is 3.42. You may want to brush up on your ACT preparation as well, because the average ACT score for students that are entering University of California-Riverside is 21. Don't forget to study for the SAT, because the average SAT score for students that are entering University of California-Riverside is 1057. Do a lot of students come from out of state to attend University of California-Riverside? Well, about 1% of the student body at University of California-Riverside comes from outside the state of California. Do a lot of the students at University of California-Riverside live on campus? Well, about 72% live on campus, while 28% live off campus and commute to school every day. QUICK FACTS ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-RIVERSIDE
Data provided by Data-lists.com Universities and Colleges Database. Data last updated on 2007-10-17. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-RIVERSIDE IN CALIFORNIA GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID INFORMATIONAcademic Competitiveness (AC) Grant Program Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program Grants and Scholarships available in California UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-RIVERSIDE NEWSScientists Get Best Measure of Star-forming Material in Galaxy Clusters in Early UniverseScience/Technology The international SpARCS collaboration based at UC Riverside has made the best measurement yet of the amount of fuel available to form stars in clusters of galaxies located in the early universe. UC Riverside-led Team Wins $14.9 Million to Battle Disease-carrying Mosquitoes Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside scientist is leading a team of researchers that will receive up to $14.9 million dollars from The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to study innovative genetic techniques to control disease-causing mosquitoes. UCR Assistant Professors Receive NSF CAREER Awards Science/Technology Eight researchers from the University of California, Riverside have been awarded Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The CAREER award is one of NSF’s most prestigious awards. Biosensors Light Up Cellular Signaling Processes Inside UCR The Ai lab develops novel molecular imaging tools to peer inside cells and understand their communications and signaling processes. UC Riverside Makes Top 30 in Time’s Money Magazine Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside has been ranked No. 29 in Time Inc.’s Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money 2017,” issue. The rankings compared a total of 711 schools that met Money's requirements. Nahas Named Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Inside UCR She practices at both the Riverside University Health System – Medical Center and Riverside Community Hospital. History/Social Sciences Instructional Materials Now Available for Review Inside UCR This invitation is open not just to educators but also to interested students, faculty, staff, and community members. UC Riverside Opens Transfer Applications to Welcome First Winter Transfer Class Since 2010 Politics/Society In an effort to enroll additional transfer students during the 2017-18 academic year, the University of California, Riverside will be accepting applications for the winter 2018 term from new transfer student applicants. With the goal of bringing the campus freshmen-to-transfer new student ratio closer to 2-1, UC Riverside decided to open the application filing period and admit students for the winter quarter for the first time since 2010. Drinking Alcohol While Pregnant Could Have Transgenerational Effects Health Soon-to-be mothers have heard the warning – don’t drink while pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued numerous statements about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, as it can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in newborns. California Projected to Get Wetter Through This Century Science/Technology New research, published today in the journal Nature Geoscience, predicts that California will actually get wetter. The scientists from the University of California, Riverside predict the state will get an average of 12 percent more precipitation through the end of this century, compared to the last 20 years of last century. UC Riverside Launches $10 Million Highlander Venture Capital Fund Business The $10 million Highlander Fund will provide seed capital to qualified opportunities within the university, for students and faculty members, and entrepreneurs from Riverside County. Graduate Student in the Neuroscience Ph.D. program was Awarded a ‘SMART’ Fellowship Inside UCR The fellowship comes from the United States Department of Defense. The Top: 2016-2017 Year in Review (videos included) Inside UCR UC Riverside's accomplishments during the 2016-2017 academic year are no small feat. UCR set new records, hosted fundraising campaign symposiums, and celebrated anniversaries. UCR Assistant Psychology Professor Awarded $225,000 Research Grant Inside UCR The Whitehall Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation focused on assisting basic research in vertebrate and invertebrate neurobiology in the U.S. New Gene Editing Technique Could Drive Out Mosquito-Borne Disease Science/Technology Scientists at UC Riverside and UC Berkeley have demonstrated a way to edit the genome of disease-carrying mosquitoes that brings us closer to suppressing them on a continental scale. The article was published this week in the journal Nature Scientific Reports. Molecular Biochemist Named to German National Academy of Sciences Inside UCR UC Riverside's Katayoon Dehesh has been elected to the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. Deadly Beetle Threatens Palm Trees Science/Technology A palm tree-killing insect that is already established in southern San Diego County in California could spread elsewhere, warns UC Riverside entomologist Mark Hoddle. Karen Refugees Cheer “Miss Burma” Arts/Culture Creative writing professor Charmaine Craig knew that her latest novel, "Miss Burma," would shed light on the history of Burma and its persecuted ethnic minorities. But she didn’t anticipate the pride it would elicit from Karen refugees, who have turned out to meet her at book-signings across the United States. Twilight Tours Planned at Botanic Gardens Science/Technology The Friends of the UCR Botanic Gardens are holding two “Twilight Tours” at the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens. The docent-led tours are scheduled for Friday, July 14 and Friday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. UC Riverside to Host Science Fiction Research Association Conference Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside will host the 2017 Science Fiction Research Association (SFRA) conference on Wednesday, June 28 to Saturday, July 1. This year’s conference theme is “Unknown Pasts / Unseen Futures.” RECAP: Graduations Capture Family, Friends, Success (video and photo slideshow) Inside UCR 2017 marked significant milestones: The first doctors graduated from the UCR School of Medicine, as did the inaugural Master’s in Public Policy cohort, and more. TAPS Looks at ‘Mobility Hub,’ Greater Parking Capacity Inside UCR “Our new financial model assumes that all of the revenue generated by the fiscal year 2017-18 parking rate increase will be reserved to construct new and replacement parking inventory, and not to fund the cost of operations.” - Ron Coley, vice chancellor of Business and Administrative Services. UCR Brings Home Two Awards for Campus Safety Inside UCR The President’s Award for Environmental Health and Safety and the Spotlight on Collaboration awards were both from the UC Office of the President. Staff Assembly: ‘Outstanding Staff Awards’ Reception and Announcement of New Executive Board Inside UCR On June 12, UCR Staff Assembly organized the annual event, meant to applaud the contributions employees make on a daily basis within their respective departments. Virtual Reality Lounge Returns to ShortFest Arts/Culture A virtual reality lounge at the 2017 Palm Springs International Shortfest will transport visitors to unexpected adventures in a free, two-day event presented by the UC Riverside on June 22 and 23. Incredible Bulk Trash Event set for June 24 Politics/Society The annual University of California, Riverside, Incredible Bulk Trash Event will take place on Saturday, June 24, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Lot 24. The drop-off allows city of Riverside residents, UCR students, faculty and staff to dispose of unwanted household products. UC Riverside Undergraduate Students Win Prestigious National Awards Arts/Culture Fourteen students at the University of California, Riverside, have been honored with prestigious national awards during the 2016-2017 academic year. Entomologist Named a Pew Scholar Inside UCR UC Riverside's Naoki Yamanaka, an assistant professor of entomology, has been named a Pew scholar in the biomedical sciences. Demand for Housing Fuels Major Jump in Inland Empire Building Activity Business The demand for single-family homes in the Inland Empire has fueled the strongest building activity in nearly a decade, according to a new analysis released today by the UC Riverside School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. UCR’s Food Pantry Feeds Students with Cross-Campus Support Inside UCR The R’Pantry serves about 300 students per week. Swipe Out Hunger, The Well, Dining Services, and the R’Garden are working together to support the pantry, which is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. History Ph.D. Candidates Win Prestigious Fellowships Inside UCR Six Ph.D. candidates in the Department of History have won prestigious fellowships and grants totaling more than $200,000 this year. $50,000 Grant Supports Matching Students with Community Learning Opportunities Inside UCR In Spring 2017, about 250 UCR students participated in some form of community-engaged learning. Through seven courses across campus with a service-learning component, the students worked in Riverside and other regional school systems, in after-school programs, in libraries, and with local non-profit organizations. Anthropology Professor Featured in Documentary Series Inside UCR Anthropology professor Sang-Hee Lee appears in a documentary series on human evolution produced in English and Korean by Korea Educational Broadcasting System, the Korean equivalent of PBS. ‘First-Gen Faculty’ Campaign Highlights Professors Who Are the First in Their Families to Attend College Inside UCR UCR is part of the UC-systemwide campaign meant to highlight faculty who in turn can mentor first-generation students. At UCR, 58 percent of students are first-generation, compared to 42 percent systemwide. Revamped UCR ‘Accelerator’ Names New Director Business Taj Ahmad Eldridge is the new director of the UCR ExCITE Accelerator. ExCITE was created two years ago as a partnership between local business leaders, the City of Riverside, Riverside County, and UCR. It helps startup companies beyond their “proof of concept” stage. Cycling for Social Equality Politics/Society It’s a 3,500-mile trip. It’ll take him about 55 days, as he’ll average about 60 miles per day— with rest days in between. But, the University of California, Riverside student doesn’t mind, because it’s all for a good reason. Christian Lugo will cycle from Los Angeles, California, to Washington D.C. - the nation’s capital - this summer to help promote social equality, diversity, and tolerance. UCR Medical School Completes Three-Step Accreditation Process Health On the eve of the graduation of the first class of medical students, the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine learned that it has been granted full accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the accrediting body for educational programs leading to the M.D. degree in the U.S. and Canada. UCR Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program Receives Initial Accreditation Health The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program in the UC Riverside School of Medicine has received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. $1.5 million Gift to Support Humanities and Social Sciences Research Politics/Society UCR alumni Teresa and Byron Pollitt have given $1.5 million to establish three term professorships that will support interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences. Organizational Excellence Showcase Brings Campus Involvement (video and photo slideshow) Inside UCR More than 350 people participated in the Organizational Excellence (OE) Showcase, a fair-style event that brought together the campus community on May 25. UC Riverside’s First Student Cohort of Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship to Graduate Arts/Culture In a few short weeks, the University of California, Riverside will graduate its first cohort of students awarded the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF). UC Riverside was awarded a $500,000 grant in 2014 by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support the MMUF program on campus. The purpose of MMUF is to help diversify college and university faculty by mentoring and preparing undergraduate students for graduate school and academic positions. Shaun Bowler Appointed as Graduate Division Dean Inside UCR For the past 28 years that Bowler has taught at UCR, he has seen the endless commitment staff and faculty have toward making sure students succeed. That’s been the driver behind his own work. UCR Foundation Selects New Chair-Elect Inside UCR In 2015 Atherton established the Susan Atherton Endowed Graduate Award Fund. The fund is used to provide support to students from the local Southern California region pursuing a graduate degree at the UCR Anderson Graduate School of Management. UCR Receives Two Upward Bound Grants to Support Area High School Students Inside UCR These U.S. Department of Education grants are for five years each, totaling $3,187,080. Celebrating 45 Years at UC Riverside Arts/Culture For 45 years, African Student Programs (ASP) and Chicano Student Programs (CSP) at the University of California, Riverside campus has been providing a home away from home for students. Squeezing Every Drop of Fresh Water from Waste Brine Science/Technology Engineers at the University of California, Riverside have developed a new way to recover almost 100 percent of the water from highly concentrated salt solutions. The system will alleviate water shortages in arid regions and reduce concerns surrounding high salinity brine disposal, such as hydraulic fracturing waste. Advocate of Reforming Toxicant Exposure Regulation to Lecture June 2 Politics/Society Philosopher Carl F. Cranor, a longtime advocate of reforming policies for regulating exposure to toxic substances, will deliver the 65th Faculty Research Lecture on June 2. UC Riverside and Korea Institute of Materials Science Announce New Research Center Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside and the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have announced a new international partnership to advance the research and development of high performance, environmentally friendly materials. The collaboration was formalized with a ceremony and workshop held Thursday, May 25 at UC Riverside. Commencement Stories — Shouq Sadah Science/Technology Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Shouq Sadah didn’t know what her future would hold. She certainly didn’t believe she would be graduating with a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of California, Riverside, and that she would have such a strong desire to stay and continue her life and career in the United States. Commencement Stories — Eileen Lek Science/Technology Accepting herself didn’t come easily for Eileen Lek. In high school, she struggled a lot with identity — she wasn’t comfortable with who she was and questioned how she would fit in with her peers. Commencement Stories — Jennifer Madrigal Science/Technology If you would have told Jennifer Madrigal when she younger that she would one day love math enough to pursue her dream of getting a degree, or two, in science she would have thought you were crazy. Stories of Triumph and Perseverance Among UC Riverside’s 2017 Graduating Class Arts/Culture More than 5,700 students are expected to graduate, and nearly 4,700 students are expected to participate, in the 63rd Commencement at University of California, Riverside. The university will welcome thousands of family members and friends for eight ceremonies spanning over five days. The events begin on Friday, June 9, the continue from Friday, June 16 through Monday, June 19. Endowment to UCR’s School of Business Champions Innovative Research and Teaching Excellence Business A generous endowment from two alumni and longtime University of California, Riverside supporters to the UCR School of Business will enhance the research, teaching, and learning mission of the university. The endowment will allow the School of Business to recruit and reward top-tier faculty and Inland Southern California students at the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management. Researchers Find Crucial Clue to Manipulating Reproduction in Plants Science/Technology A team of researchers, led by UC Riverside's Xuemei Chen, has for the first time identified a small RNA species and its target gene that together regulate female germline formation in plants. UC Alumni Regents Tour UCR Campus Inside UCR Several UC Alumni Regents and Regents-designate toured the Riverside campus and visited with students, faculty, staff, and leadership on Tuesday, May 16. Current Alumni Regents Cynthia So Schroeder and Harvey Brody were joined by Regents-designate J. Alberto Lemus; and Francesco Mancia on the visit. Celebration of Teaching Event Highlights Those Who Are Creating the ‘Next Generation of Scholars’ Inside UCR The first “Celebration of Teaching” event at UC Riverside, organized by the Office of Undergraduate Education, brought together outstanding members of the UCR community for special recognition for their work this academic year. Staff Assembly Holds ‘Save Scotty’ Fundraising Event Inside UCR Campus sleuths will have the opportunity to form search teams to find a “kidnapped” Scotty and free him from the clutches of the evil Captain Grapefruit, thanks to a fundraising event hosted by the UCR Staff Assembly. Research accelerates quest for quicker, longer-lasting electronics Science/Technology In the world of electronics, where the quest is always for smaller and faster units with infinite battery life, topological insulators (TI) have tantalizing potential. Where Have All the Women Gone? Politics/Society A panel of women city council members will discuss why there are so few female officeholders in Riverside County on May 31. Using Seaweed to Kill Invasive Ants Science/Technology Scientists at the University of California, Riverside have developed an inexpensive, biodegradable, seaweed-based ant bait that can help homeowners and farmers control invasive Argentine ant populations. UC Riverside and SoCalGas Announce Opening of New Research Center Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today marked the establishment of a new Center for Renewable Natural Gas. The Center is the first academic establishment in the United States dedicated to the study and applied research of renewable gas technologies. A Serve to the Success of Student Athletes Inside UCR The Laura M. Ratto Endowed Scholarship provides an award each year to an outstanding scholar who is a member of the UCR Women’s Volleyball Team. Fifth ‘Conversations with the Chancellor’ Focuses on Communications Inside UCR The meeting on May 10 was the fifth in a series of monthly gathering that began in January. These are open to all students, staff, and faculty members. Study Expands Understanding of How the Brain Encodes Fear Memory Health Research published by UC Riverside scientists on “fear memory” could lead to the development of therapies that better reduce the effects of PTSD. UC President Janet Napolitano Meets with Riverside Leaders, Alumni at UCR Inside UCR Napolitano applauded UC Riverside’s impact in the community, the country and the world. The interconnecting partnerships UCR has built are unique and serve as a reminder of the growing strength of the university, she said. UCR Health’s New Office Space in Downtown Riverside Has Grand Opening Health The UC Riverside School of Medicine and UCR Health had the grand opening on May 10 of UCR Health's new office space in downtown Riverside. California Clean Air Luminaries Gather to Celebrate Architect of Clean Air Act Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside and the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) will host a public forum on Friday, May 12th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to honor the late Leon Billings, visionary architect of the Clean Air Act. Professor Wins Plant Biology Award Science/Technology Julia Bailey-Serres, a distinguished professor of genetics at University of California, Riverside, has been awarded the American Society of Plant Biologists Stephen Hales Prize for 2017. She will receive the award at the ASPB Plant Biology conference in Hawaii in June. UCR Extension Summer Programs Offer a Transformative Experience Arts/Culture UCR Extension offers a variety of summer intensive programs to help you transform your life. New Location for UCR Farmers Market Inside UCR The Farmers Market has officially relocated to the lawn between the Arts building and Hinderaker Hall. The market will continue to operate every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. Don’t Forget Your Sneakers, ‘UC Walks’ is on May 17 Inside UCR This annual event is a UC systemwide effort to promote an active lifestyle among the entire campus community. People are encouraged to walk at least 15 minutes. School of Business Names Executive Fellows Business The University of California, Riverside School of Business has named Beverly Bailey and Candace Wiest as its Executive Fellows for the 2017-2018 academic year. Wine and Food Tasting Event Returns to Botanic Gardens Science/Technology The Friends of the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens will host the 19th Annual Primavera in the Gardens wine and food tasting fundraising event from 2 to 5 p.m. May 21 at the University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens. Renowned Paleontologist to Give Free Public Talk on Finding Your Inner Fish Inside UCR Paleontologist, evolutionary biologist and popular science writer Neil H. Shubin will deliver the John A. and Betty C. Moore Science as a Way of Knowing lecture at UC Riverside on Thursday, May 11. UCR Named one of the Best ‘Golden Age’ Universities by Times Higher Education Inside UCR Times noted that the universities featured in the ranking scored highly for teaching and research. Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside's Library Special Collections’ will present the Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine exhibition at the Rivera Library from Monday, May 15 to Saturday, June 23. UC Riverside Geneticist Named to Royal Society Inside UCR UCR scientist Susan Wessler has been named a foreign member of the Royal Society, whose past membership includes Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Albert Einstein. UCR Symposium to Focus on Water Scarcity During Changing Times Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside will host the symposium “Turbulent Futures: Water and Climate Change in Times of Crisis” on Thursday, May 11 and Friday, May 12 on the UCR campus. Study Finds Exposure to Racism Harms Children’s Health Health New research illustrates the unhealthy effects racism can have on children. UCR Authors Jane Smiley and Charmaine Craig to Speak in Los Angeles Inside UCR “Miss Burma” is based on the story of Craig’s mother and grandparents and is a tale of “love and war, colonialism and ethnicity, and the ties of blood.” “Daughters of the Dust” Kicks Off Free Film Series Arts/Culture The award-winning film “Daughters of the Dust” will kick off a free summer film series at UCR May 12-13. UCR Symposium to Focus on Renewable Natural Gas Science/Technology The Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering will hold a Renewable Natural Gas Symposium from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17 at the Bourns Technology Center. You’re Not Too Old to Learn That Health One day, our brains will not work the way they used to, we won’t be as “sharp” as we once were, we won’t be able to remember things as easily. This is what’s been engrained in us. We’re even led to believe that we can’t learn new skills, or take in certain information such as language, past a certain age. 14 UCR Students Awarded National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Inside UCR This year’s NSF GRFP recipients represent 11 students who earned (or will complete) their baccalaureate degree at UCR, and three students who are current graduate students here. Symposium to Celebrate “New Voices and Visions” Arts/Culture UCR will celebrate some of its best-known, best-selling authors and their unique visions of the world in a symposium on May 8. The symposium is the last of seven in a yearlong series of events that reflect key themes of the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. UCR Health to Host Open House for Campus Community at Citrus Tower on May 11 Inside UCR The open house is an opportunity to see the new space and learn more about UCR Health. The Upside of Worrying Health Worry — it does a body good. And, the mind as well. A new paper by Kate Sweeny, psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, argues there’s an upside to worrying. UCR Hosts Immigration, Poverty Conference May 5 Politics/Society he relationship between immigration and poverty is understudied and not well-understood, and will be examined in a one-day conference on May 5. Mind Bending Ideas Made Simple Inside UCR Community members and journalists are invited toUC Riverside’s Grad Slam finals, which will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, May 1 at the UCR Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts, 3834 Main St., Riverside. Please RSVP to attend this free event. Barley Genome Sequenced Science/Technology Looking for a better beer or single malt Scotch whiskey? A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside may have you covered. They are among a group of 77 scientists worldwide who have sequenced the complete genome of barley, a key ingredient in beer and single malt Scotch. The research, 10 years in the making, was just published in the journal Nature. Human Resources: Finding the Best Candidates for UCR Inside UCR The talent acquisition team is also available to assist other campus human resource managers with any hiring processes. Photo Recap: Highlander Day of Service 2017 Inside UCR Alumni, students, friends, and family devoted their Saturday morning to service projects that benefited communities in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange counties. Alumni in Oakland, Washington, D.C., and London also represented UCR in their own communities. UCR Project to Install Solar Microgrid for San Bernardino County’s Chemehuevi Indian Tribe Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, together with a team of industry partners, have begun work to install a power system that integrates solar panels, battery storage, advanced data analytics, and smart energy management controls on the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe reservation near Lake Havasu, CA. Grant to School of Medicine Among the First to Address the Mental Health Needs of Pacific Islanders Health A UC Riverside researcher has received a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to conduct one of the first studies of mental health and mental illness among Pacific Islanders. The American Heart Association Recognizes UCR’s Health Initiative Inside UCR On Wednesday, March 29, The American Heart Association (AHA) presented UCR with the AHA Fit-Friendly Employer Platinum recognition and the Worksite Innovation Award for the UCR Healthy Campus Initiative. Three Scholars Win Fulbright Grants Arts/Culture Three CHASS scholars have been awarded Fulbright U.S. Scholar fellowships that will support research on the role of women in 19th century French architecture, the relationships between conservation, law and resource rights in South Africa, and whether increasing socioeconomic development is causing a decline in religiosity in India. Latino Summit Scheduled May 6 Politics/Society California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon will deliver the keynote address at a May 6 summit during which participants will suggest strategies for responding to Trump administration policies that are of concern to Latinos and others. Sweet and Sour Stories of Citrus Arts/Culture UCR researchers are uncovering hidden histories to help California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside tell a more inclusive story of the region’s citrus industry and employ creative means to draw attention to it. Using Venomous Proteins to Make Insect Milkshakes Science/Technology In a just-published paper in the journal PLOS Pathogens, Dillman and several collaborators found that nematodes secrete a deadly cocktail of proteins to kill many insects that damage crops. The finding overturns a long-held belief that it is exclusively bacteria, working in conjunction with nematodes, that kill the insects. Robert Haddon: A Legacy of Collaboration Inside UCR “[Haddon] had that wonderful entrepreneurial spirit that fit perfectly with this campus. He was a builder in the best sense of the word.” —former UCR Chancellor Raymond L. Orbach Researchers Create Red-eyed Mutant Wasps Science/Technology Researchers at UC Riverside’s Akbari lab have brought a new strain of red-eyed mutant wasps into the world. Professor Named Fellow of American Academy of Microbiology Science/Technology Katherine Borkovich, a professor and chair of the UC Riverside Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, has been elected a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. UCR’s Painting Crew Enhances Campus Facilities Inside UCR From July 1, 2016 to date, the painting crew has completed 161 projects. They expect to reach at least 179 by the end of this quarter. New Battery Coating Could Improve Smart Phones and Electric Vehicles Science/Technology High performing lithium-ion batteries are a key component of laptops, smart phones, and electric vehicles. Currently, the anodes, or negative charged side of lithium ion batteries, are generally made with graphite or other carbon-based materials. UC Riverside Approved for a $250,000 Engagement Award to Study HIV and Aging Health A UC Riverside research team has been approved for a $250,000, two-year award through the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Awards program, an initiative of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, to bring together stakeholders in the Coachella Valley, Calif., around the topic of HIV and aging. Symposium to Celebrate Sustainability Research at UC Riverside Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside will host a symposium on Wednesday, Apr. 19 that will examine the concept of renewable nature, and how UCR’s environmental, energy, and sustainable development research solutions are creating a healthier planet. UCR Professor Teams with Joshua Tree Non-profit to Create Artist Residency Program for Veterans Arts/Culture Charles Evered, professor of playwriting at the University of California, Riverside, is seeking to create a special artist’s residency program with a non-profit group in Joshua Tree. Stu Krieger to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Riverside International Film Festival Arts/Culture Stu Krieger, professor of screen and television writing in the Department of Theatre, Film and Digital Production at the University of California, Riverside will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Riverside International Film Festival (RIFF) on Friday, April 21. Summer Coding Camp Will Empower Local Students to Learn Computer Science Science/Technology A new program created by the University of California, Riverside and Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) aims to introduce coding and computer science to local high school students and promote diversity, and notably female participation, in these fields. California Treasurer to Speak at UCR April 19 Politics/Society State Treasurer John Chiang is one of four policy experts who will address issues of significance to California in lectures presented by the School of Public Policy and its research centers in April. See You At ‘Thursday Nights Live’ Inside UCR After work hours, staff, faculty members and graduate students are encouraged to attend Thursday Nights Live, an evening with live music created specifically to socialize and meet colleagues from other departments. Fourth ‘Conversations with the Chancellor’ Focuses on Human Resources Inside UCR The one hour meeting is part of a series of roundtable discussions Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox initiated in order to give students, staff and faculty members an open forum to discuss issues important to them. A New View on Aging Arts/Culture What aspects of aging may be self-imposed? What aspects of child development can we, as adults, adapt for aging? What are the ethical concerns when conducting research with infants and older adults? Those questions and more will be the topic of discussion on Thursday, April 20, as psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, Rachel Wu talks about her latest theory paper. Do Other Earths Lurk in Our Galaxy? Science/Technology The UC Riverside Science Lecture Series continues Thursday, April 13, with a talk that will discuss whether other Earths populate the Milky Way. UC Riverside MFA Thesis Exhibition 2017 at ARTSblock Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside’s Sweeney Art Gallery and Culver Center of the Arts at the UCR ARTSblock will present the annual Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Thesis Exhibition from April 15 - May 7. The 2017 exhibition will feature works by Dicky Bahto, Hollie Brown, Ashley May, Ahram Park, and Anna Wittenberg - five graduating MFA students in the Department of Art at UCR. UCR Author Wins Guggenheim Fellowship Arts/Culture Novelist Emily Rapp Black, an assistant professor of creative writing at UCR, has been awarded a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. Grant to Support Research Aimed at Benefitting Patients With IBD Health UC Riverside's Declan McCole has received a two-year grant from Pfizer Inc. to explore a therapeutic target to correct intestinal barrier defects associated with IBD. Nduati Named to NMQF 40-Under-40 List Health The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) has named Michael N. Nduati, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H. of the UCR School of Medicine as one of the 2017 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health. Third Gender Defies Image of Macho Mexico Politics/Society Hybrid-gender Zapotec men in Mexico – known as los muxes – are the subject of a new book by Alfredo Mirandé, “Behind the Mask: Gender Hybridity in a Zapotec Community.” Innovative Sensor Can Screen Toxic Drugs, Help Develop Biomaterials, and Much More Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have found an innovative new use for a simple piece of glass tubing: weighing things. Their glass tube sensor will help speed up chemical toxicity tests, shed light on plant growth, and develop new biomaterials, among many other applications. School of Medicine Inaugural Class: 100 Percent Match Inside UCR “I offer my sincere congratulations to the Class of 2017 because they chose to step up as trailblazers for our medical school. They believed in what we promised, and we delivered.”-Deborah Deas, M.D., M.P.H, the Mark and Pam Rubin Dean and Chief Executive Officer for Clinical Affairs at the medical school Brian Leggett: Inspiring Future UCR Physicians Inside UCR Elizabeth and Brian Farris wanted to do something deeply meaningful to turn their grief into actions. They decided a gift of scholarship to help educate the next generation of doctors in their community would be the best way to greatly impact others and honor Brian’s memory. UC Riverside Presents Powerful Migrations Conference April 27-28 Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside, and the Culver Center of the Arts will host “Powerful Migrations: Identity, Security, Fluidity,” on Thursday, April 27 and Friday, April 28. This is an interdisciplinary conference that will focus on the complex challenges, the cultural fabric, and the social potential of displacement and migrations in various areas and time periods. ‘It’s On Us’ Promotes Healthy Relationships Inside UCR April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and the goal is to cultivate a culture that understands what consent is, said Assistant Director and CARE Advocate, Karla Aguilar. "It's On Us" calls for the support of the entire campus community. UCR Police Officers Participated in ‘Baker to Vegas’ Relay Inside UCR Four officers joined the University of California team, comprised of officers from other UC police departments. The group was one of a total of 283 law enforcement teams that ran a 20 stage relay from Baker, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada. UC Riverside Entomology Department No. 2 in the World Science/Technology The Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside has been ranked No. 2 worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings, which were released today (April 3). UCR Orchestra and Chamber Singers Present: “Fairy Tales: A Celebration of Hans Christian Andersen” Arts/Culture The UCR Orchestra and Chamber Singers at the University of California, Riverside, will host a concert celebrating the Scandinavian master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen on Sunday, April 23. The event, “Fairy Tales: A Celebration of Hans Christian Andersen,” is free and open to the public. UCR Symposium to Honor Contributions of Distinguished Professor Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside’s College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering are hosting a memorial symposium in honor of Robert C. Haddon, who died in April 2016. Asian Dust Providing Key Nutrients for California’s Giant Sequoias Science/Technology Dust from as far away as the Gobi Desert in Asia is providing more nutrients than previously thought for plants, including giant sequoias, in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, a team of scientists, including several from the University of California, Riverside, have found. School of Medicine to Host Open House on April 8 Health The UC Riverside School of Medicine will host its annual community open house on April 8, 2017. Researchers Crack Structure of Key Protein in Zika Virus Health RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Zika virus (ZIKV), which causes Zika virus disease, is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. An infected pregnant woman can pass ZIKV to her fetus during pregnancy … Continue reading → Panel to Consider Causes and Consequences of the Los Angeles Civil Unrest Politics/Society Activists, community organizers, and advocates will discuss the causes and on-going repercussions of the Los Angeles Civil Unrest in a panel discussion at UCR on April 25. UCR Conference Offers Complete Look at Portable Emissions Testing Systems Science/Technology UC Riverside’s annual Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) Conference and Workshop will be held Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31 at the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), which is part of UCR’s Bourns College of Engineering. Tracing Aromatic Molecules in the Early Universe Science/Technology A molecule found in car engine exhaust fumes that is thought to have contributed to the origin of life on Earth has made astronomers heavily underestimate the amount of stars that were forming in the early Universe, a University of California, Riverside-led study has found. AD Tamica Smith Jones Selected for NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee Inside UCR Jones is one of 33 female athletic directors in Division 1 -- and one of only three African American women in Division 1 -- in the United States. Services Provided to Student Veterans Include Financial and Programmatic Support Inside UCR An important change took place recently, in that two key Veteran services at UC Riverside are now handled by different departments Political Scientist Honored for Community Service Inside UCR Ramakrishnan was one of three people ALA recognized for having a positive impact on the Asian American community. Philosophy Department Ranks No. 1 in the World for Cited Research Inside UCR UCR's Department Philosophy ranked at the top of 200 university philosophy departments for research citations per paper. Thirty-seven countries are represented in this year’s philosophy subject rankings. UCR Remembers Longtime Arts Benefactor Jack Sweeney Inside UCR Longtime arts benefactor Jack Allen Sweeney, for whom UCR’s Sweeney Art Gallery is named, passed away peacefully at his home in Beverly Hills on Feb. 3. He was 87. Sweeney was the founder, chairman, and CEO of First Regional Bank in Century City. He served as a trustee of the UCR Foundation from 1989 through 2007. Inaugural Class of Graduating Medical Students Celebrates Match Day Health All 40 students graduating from the UC Riverside School of Medicine were matched for a residency program. Spotlight on Hope Film Camp Screening Arts/Culture Films created by pediatric cancer patients and their siblings in the University of California, Riverside Spotlight on Hope Film Camp will be screened on Thursday, April 6 at UCR’s Culver Center for the Arts. What Does that Sentence Say? Arts/Culture Imagine coming across a sentence in English that reads like this: “Mary apple eats her delicious.” For most native-English speakers, the sentence would likely strike you as odd because it doesn’t seem to be structured in an order that immediately gets the message across. Study Highlights Challenges Veterans Face When Transitioning From the Battlefield to the Classroom Health A research team investigating the mental health burden and treatment-seeking behaviors of student veterans attending rural community colleges in the southern United States has found that this population has difficulty integrating into the campus community and needs support to help it succeed. Free Lecture to Focus on Life on Mars Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside Science Lecture series continues March 23 with a talk from a NASA scientist about strategies and prospects for finding life on Mars. Annual Spring Plant Sale Set for April 1 and 2 Science/Technology The 44th annual University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens Spring Plant Sale, which will take place the weekend of April 1 and 2, will for the first time have outside vendors selling plants. Join the Annual César Chávez 5K Run/Walk Arts/Culture “It’s a day for embracing César Chávez, teaching our youth about this hero, all while fundraising the critically needed funds for our students.”-Arlene Cano Matute, Chicano Student Programs New White House Executive Order on Travel Inside UCR "For now, we call on the entire UCR community to stand together — because we value diversity and inclusive excellence." —Kelechi Kalu, UCR vice provost of International Affairs Inland Empire Rental Market Trends Outpacing Coastal Areas Business The Inland Empire’s robust residential rental market is outpacing neighboring coastal areas with less vacancy and greater or equal growth in rent prices, according to a new analysis released today by the UC Riverside School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. Gluck Fellows Program of the Arts 20th Anniversary Gala Arts/Culture The Gluck Fellows Program of the Arts at the University of California, Riverside is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a gala on Thursday, April 6. A partnership between UCR students and the Riverside community, the program’s goal is to teach and perform the arts for free to areas in need. UCR Joins UC Day in Sacramento Inside UCR The event is an opportunity for alumni and supporters from each of the 10 campuses in the UC system to meet with legislators to promote strong state support. Student Success is the Focus of the Third ‘Conversations with the Chancellor’ Inside UCR The campus Conversations with the Chancellor series is bringing together faculty, students, and staff for a unique series of workshop discussions of key opportunities and challenges for UCR moving forward. Happy Spouse, Happy House Health Achieving marital quality could seem daunting, even impossible to any couple, let alone a couple in which one of the partners is dealing with a serious illness. But a new study by Megan Robbins, psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, may hold the answer. Los Angeles Riots Experts Available Politics/Society UCR scholars are available to discuss various issues related to the Los Angeles Riots, including personal recollections. Night and Dreams: A Schubert & Beckett Recital Arts/Culture Bella Merlin, professor in the Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital production at the University of California, Riverside will be performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) Series on Tuesday, March 21. Reengineering the Budget Process to Help Hospitals Save Money Business A team of researchers, including one from the University of California, Riverside, has identified a new, more efficient way for hospitals to design their operating budgets that could help offset the rising costs of U.S. healthcare. Legal Failure to Review Toxic Chemicals Harms Us Politics/Society Generations of toxic chemicals in everyday use – from ingredients in cosmetics and paint to nonstick cookware and upholstery – have sickened or killed thousands of Americans. Why? Critical Refugee Studies Collective Receives $1.6 Million Grant Politics/Society The Critical Refugee Studies Collective, and Lan Duong, professor in the media and cultural studies program at the University of California, Riverside, have been awarded a $1.6 million dollar grant by the University of California, Office of the President. The grant will allow the group to collaborate across five UC campuses to develop curricula, symposia and a website, devoted to Critical Refugee Studies. March 17 Event Invites Public to Sample UCR Scientists’ Work Inside UCR As part of its $300 million Living the Promise campaign, the University of California, Riverside will host a "Genomics to Harvest" event featuring plant and food-production related to the research of five university scientists. Using Telemedicine to Treat Multiple Sclerosis Health A health sciences clinical professor at UC Riverside has received a grant from Genentech to develop and pilot-test a new home-based telemedicine program geared toward treating patients with multiple sclerosis. Learn About Research, Test Your Cognition, and Try Brain Games Health Imagine if you could see better, think more clearly, improve your memory, and even become more intelligent through simple training done on your own computer, smartphone, or tablet. That’s the goal of the research taking place at the University of California, Riverside Brain Game Center, which will host an open house on Wednesday, March 22. California Wildflower-bloom Experts Available for Interviews Science/Technology UC Riverside has several experts who can comment on the current bloom of wildflowers in California. Students Awarded EPA Grant to Build Homes from Rice Husks Science/Technology A group of students from the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to build housing in the Philippines using a termite-resistant composite material created from waste rice husks. Experts Available to Give Interviews on California’s Wildflower Bloom Science/Technology UC Riverside has several experts who can comment on the current bloom of wildflowers in California. A Citrus Challenge of Flavors Inside UCR In a pilot taste and creation challenge, Givaudan brought in eight of the best bartenders in the United States, including a UCR student. One of the Mission Inn's conference rooms became an unofficial laboratory of creation that involved citrus, herbs, spices, teas, coffee, and spirits. Research and Public Engagement in the Age of ‘Alternative Facts’ Inside UCR The event, “Research and Public Engagement in the Age of ‘Alternative Facts,’” also will address what researchers should be mindful of as they expand their public engagement. Tamala Choma Is New Senior Counsel for the Campus and the School of Medicine Inside UCR She brings 14 years of experience as a health care lawyer and speech language pathologist. Former New York Times Editor: An Independent Press is More Necessary than Ever Politics/Society At a time when “alternative facts” thrive and the president declares U.S. media “the enemy of the American people,” an independent press is more necessary than ever, former New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller said at UCR on March 6. Keep the Lights On Politics/Society David H. Wright, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, will discuss “Public Utilities: New Administration, Same Future?” on March 15. Cosmic Environments and Their Influence in Star Formation Science/Technology In a just-published paper, astronomers used a sample of 40,000 galaxies in the COSMOS field, a large and contiguous patch of sky with deep enough data to look at galaxies very far away, and with accurate distance measurements to individual galaxies. California Labor Market at ‘Full Employment’ Business The California Employment Development Department (EDD)’s annual benchmark revision of the state’s employment figures only slightly changed previous estimates but include some notable industry adjustments, according to an analysis released jointly by Beacon Economics and the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. California Labor Market at ‘Full Employment’ Business The California Employment Development Department (EDD)’s annual benchmark revision of the state’s employment figures only slightly changed previous estimates but include some notable industry adjustments, according to an analysis released jointly by Beacon Economics and the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. New Center to Focus on the Impact of Transportation Emissions on Human Health Science/Technology The Center for Environmental Research and Technology at UC Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering is part of a new Department of Transportation (DOT) University Transportation Center (UTC) that will combine experts from two disciplines traditionally not known for research collaboration—transportation and public health. State Assembly Democratic, Republican Leaders Offer Lessons in Bipartisan Leadership Politics/Society California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) and Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) will appear at UC Riverside on March 16 for a discussion on bipartisan leadership in the state Legislature. U.S. Needs a ‘Translational Science of Democracy’ Politics/Society Political scientists articulate a need for a “translational science of democracy” – research that includes recommendations on how to improve our democratic systems. Public Talk to Discuss Why Some People Stutter and How the Disorder Can Be Treated Health UC Riverside's Gerald Maguire, MD, a leading authority on stuttering, will give a free public talk on campus at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, titled, “Stuttering: Neurophysiology and Medical Treatment.” The Art of Paying it Forward Inside UCR Littleworth knows first-hand how impactful and life-changing a scholarship can be. Growing up in Los Angeles, Littleworth was raised in a middle-class family that could never have afforded to send their only son to a prestigious university far from hom Film, Panel to Address Incarceration of Black Men Politics/Society A panel of legal experts will discuss “The Illegitimacy and Exploitation of the Incarceration of Black Men” at the University of California, Riverside on March 7. Richard Cardullo Named Interim Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Inside UCR Cardullo took over the role formerly occupied by Cynthia K. Larive, an accomplished professor of chemistry, who now serves as interim provost and executive vice chancellor. University of California, Riverside a National Leader in African American Graduation Rates Inside UCR The University of California, Riverside was named No. 9 in the nation for its excellence in black-white graduation parity. It is the only California college or university included among top-tier universities in the rankings released by The Education Trust. Women’s Leadership Conference Set for March 11 Inside UCR Keynotes will be held by Josefina E. Canchola ’88, the associate director of partnerships for the Puente Project at UC Berkeley and UCR Alumni Association board member, and Rupsi Burman, an IT project manager at the Port of Long Beach and founder of Hope in Life Foundation, a local nonprofit established in 2013. Banking Executive Candace Wiest to Speak in Riverside March 9 Business Wiest will share insights from her career path in a male-dominated profession, her role as a community leader, and the latest industry concerns. Banking Executive Candace West to Speak in Riverside March 9 Business Wiest will share insights from her career path in a male-dominated profession, her role as a community leader, and the latest industry concerns. Mojave Trails National Monument Celebrated Arts/Culture RIVERSIDE, California –Mojave Trails National Monument, established in 2016 in the Mojave Desert, will be celebrated in a public event on Saturday, March 4, at Sherman Indian High School, 9010 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. … Continue reading → Study Explores HPV Vaccine Acceptability in Sexual Minorities Health Focusing on Peruvian men-who-have-sex-with-men and transgender women, a team of researchers, led by a UC Riverside assistant professor, has found that a preventive HPV vaccine is widely, though not universally, accepted among those populations. Holy Communion as Radical Social Ethic Politics/Society Harvard University religion scholar Jonathan Walton will examine the Christian rite of Holy Communion as a radical social ethic in a lecture on March 7. School of Medicine Dean Receives 2017 Insight Into Diversity Magazine Giving Back Award Health The dean of the School of Medicine at UC Riverside has received the 2017 Giving Back Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Archaeologists Share Victorian Secrets Arts/Culture Four lectures on Victorian-era archaeology and archaeologists will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 25 at noon at UCR ARTSblock. UCR Welcomes John Casey, New Executive Director of Construction and Project Management Inside UCR "The academic space is all about the promise of what UCR will be," Casey said. "I’m looking forward to working with the community and I’m big on communication." Living the Promise: Emerging Technologies Symposium Inside UCR The event highlighted how UCR is developing new materials and technologies for energy, the environment, agriculture, computing, and educating the next generation of innovators. Coming out Muslim: Radical Acts of Love Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside will host Wazina Zondon, a Muslim, Afghan raised in New York City who is a sexuality educator on Tuesday, March 7. New Format for Organizational Excellence’s Campuswide Event Inside UCR The Showcase will be an opportunity to highlight work currently happening on campus to improve the use of UCR resources and to promote OE. Michael Lesy: Looking Backward Arts/Culture The California Museum of Photography (CMP) at the University of California, Riverside ARTSblock presents “Michael Lesy: Looking Backward,” a new exhibition of stereographic photographs and technology that presents a portrait of the world at the beginning of the 20th century. Researchers Aim to Disrupt Egg Production in Dengue- and Zika-spreading Mosquito Health RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The mosquito Aedes aegypti, which can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika fever, and yellow fever virus, requires a blood meal to develop eggs. One way to control the spread of these diseases is to tamper with the … Continue reading → Facilities Update: Improvements Come to University Lecture Hall Inside UCR "It’s essential for our students, faculty, and staff to have a suitable learning and working environment, and rehabilitating the University Lecture Hall was a project our team focused on during the winter break to improve the campus and make a difference," said Susan Marshburn, executive director of Facilities Services. Model Helps Explain Why Some Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Have Seizures Health Using a mouse model, a team of scientists at UC Riverside has found for the first time that chronic demyelination is closely linked to, and is likely the cause of, seizures that some patients who have multiple sclerosis experience. UC Riverside Gets $5.1 Million to Fight Citrus Killer Science/Technology A team of scientists, led by a group at the University of California, Riverside, has received a five-year, $5.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fight a disease that is devastating the citrus industry. Urban Pest Management Conference Planned for March 29 Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside will host the 26th annual Urban Pest Management Conference on March 29 at UCR Extension. Chemist Awarded Sloan Research Fellowship Science/Technology Ming Lee Tang, an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of California, Riverside, has been awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship for her research with nanoparticles that could have a strong impact on the solar power industry and biomedical fields. What is the Value of a Tree? Science/Technology What is the value of a tree? That is the topic of free public lectures that will be held in Riverside, Idyllwild and Palm Desert the week of Feb. 19. One Fish, Two Fish, Sequence Fish Inside UCR Community college student from seven Inland Empire campuses will use molecular biology as they extract DNA sequence from a sample of store-bought fish. Historian Wins Prize for Research on Swiss History Arts/Culture Randolph C. Head, professor of history at the University of California, Riverside, has won the 2017 Max Geilinger Foundation Prize for a body of research on Swiss history. Method Developed by Biomedical Scientists Could Help in Treatment of Several Diseases Health Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) is a processing pathway in cells that, like a broom, cleans up erroneous RNA. UC Riverside biomedical scientists report that they have come up with a method in the lab that detects NMD efficiency inside the cell. Experts to Discuss State Budget Priorities Politics/Society State spending priorities and potential impacts on California’s budget of federal funding changes will be discussed on Feb. 21. UC Riverside Student Awarded Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Politics/Society Phong Au-Hong, a junior in the entomology department at the University of California, Riverside, has been awarded one of 20 spots in the Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute (PPIA JSI) at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. Ventura Fault Could Cause Stronger Shaking, New Research Finds Science/Technology A new study by a team of researchers, including one from the University of California, Riverside, found that the fault under Ventura, Calif., would likely cause stronger shaking during an earthquake and more damage than previously suspected. UCR Names Interim Provost Inside UCR UC Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox has announced the appointment of Cynthia K. Larive as interim provost, effective February 21, 2017. Vanessa Hua: Telling Untold Stories at UCR’s Writers Week Inside UCR On Feb. 15, Hua, a UC Riverside alumna, award-wining journalist and writer, will be one of many talented voices to speak at UCR's 40th Annual Writers Week. No, That’s Not a Brown Recluse Spider Bite Science/Technology Many skin conditions are misdiagnosed by doctors as brown recluse spider bites. This can lead to tragedy because about 40 medical conditions, including several deadly bacterial infections, can be confused with brown recluse bites. Elizabeth Boyd and Brooke Chang Take on New Roles Inside UCR "Ultimately, my fundamental goal is to provide comprehensive support and guidance to faculty, staff, and students – whatever the question or concern,” said Elizabeth Boyd, associate vice chancellor and chief compliance officer. Mutant Maize Offers Key to Understanding Plant Growth Science/Technology New findings by a University of California, Riverside-led team of researchers, lend support to the second idea, that the orientation of cell division is critical for overall plant growth. Memoir Illuminates Korean American Experience Politics/Society Carol K. Park will sign copies of her new book,“Memoir of a Cashier: Korean Americans, Racism and Riots,” on Feb. 21. Leading Scholar of Latino Health to Address Wellness Management in Public Talk at UC Riverside Health UCLA's David E. Hayes-Bautista will give a free public talk at the University of California, Riverside on Friday, Feb. 17. The title of his talk is “Metrics for Latino Wellness Management in an Increasingly Racially Ambiguous Population." Symposium to Focus on Emerging Technologies at UC Riverside Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside will host a symposium on Thursday, Feb. 16, that will highlight emerging technologies and innovations at UCR and how they enrich the ways we experience and interact with the world. The Unexpected Cost of Acquisitions by Elite Companies Business Jerayr “John” Haleblian, a professor of management at the University of California, Riverside’s School of Business, is available to speak to media about mergers and acquisitions as strategic business decisions and their impact on firms’ performance. Donor Appreciation Week: ‘I Love UCR’ Inside UCR "Over 2,000 postcards will be mailed to donors," said Maydeli Magaña, program manager of Student Relations for the UCR Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations. And, the Winner Is Arts/Culture The dress, the red carpet, the films, music, actors, and actresses – they all come together for the biggest night in Hollywood, The Oscars. As Hollywood prepares for the 89th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 26, experts at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss various topics surrounding the big night. UC Riverside scholars can address topics from last year’s diversity debate to the nominees this year, from best picture, to best actor, who’s likely to win, and much more. Researchers Show How Lou Gehrig’s Disease Progression Could Be Delayed Health A team of biomedical scientists has identified a molecule that targets a gene known to play a critical role in the rapid progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, the neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons – nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that link the nervous system to the voluntary muscles of the body. UC Urges Trump to Rescind Travel Ban Inside UCR The University of California is calling on President Donald Trump to rescind the executive order that restricts certain foreign nationals and refugees from seven specific countries from entering the United States. Bike Share Program: Getting Around Campus on Two Wheels Inside UCR GCAP Director Bryan Marty Martinez encourages staff and faculty members to pick up a bike. “Why not? Everyone is doing it. You can improve your health, and getting used to riding a bike [again will be] like a childhood memory." From “La La Land” to UC Riverside Arts/Culture He went from acting in the Oscar-nominated film “La La Land,” to mentoring students, and directing a play for the University of California, Riverside Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production. Actor-director Miles Anderson is directing “Tartuffe,” which is set to premiere on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Arts Building Studio Theatre, Arts 113 at UCR. Panels to Address Travel Ban Impacts Inside UCR Impacts of President Trump’s travel ban on refugees and immigrants from seven Middle Eastern countries will be addressed in a series of panel discussions on Feb. 13. L’Amore: Top Valentine’s Day Movies for All Inside UCR To reminisce on love, to cry – or to laugh. Enjoy these movies in honor of Valentine's Day. Book Smart and Street Smart: What Can We Learn About Human Memory from Pokémon? Science/Technology How does existing long-term memory affect working memory? That will be the topic of discussion Wednesday, Feb. 22, for the fourth lecture in the 2016-17 Seminar Series hosted by the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) within the Department of Research and Economic Development. The ORI series focuses on ethics and hot topics regarding research with human participants. Regents Name Philosopher a University Professor Arts/Culture John Martin Fischer, a distinguished professor of philosophy, has been named a University Professor by the University of California Board of Regents. Former New York Times Editor to Deliver Hays Press-Enterprise Lecture March 6 Politics/Society Former New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller will present the 48th Hays Press-Enterprise Lecture on March 6. UC Riverside Conference to Focus on Solar Energy Science/Technology The latest breakthroughs in solar energy and how they can be leveraged in the Inland Empire will be discussed at UC Riverside’s third annual solar conference, “Solar Energy Directions for Inland Southern California: Where is it Going?,” which is set for 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Bourns Technology Center, 1200 Columbia Ave., Riverside, 92507. Advocate of Toxicants Policy Reform Reappointed to State Scientific Guidance Panel Politics/Society Philosopher Carl F. Cranor has been reappointed to the Scientific Guidance Panel of the California Environmental Contaminant Biomonitoring Program. Report: California’s Asian Americans and Latinos Shut Out of Political Process Politics/Society A new report finds that, when it comes to who has a say in California’s politics, whites have the most power and influence while Latinos and Asian Americans, despite making up the majority of the state’s population, have the least. Valentine’s Day – It’s About (Money) Love Arts/Culture Though the exact origin of Valentine’s Day is unknown, one thing is certain, the holiday centered around love has become a major consumer holiday. That is one topic, among many others, experts at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss concerning Valentine’s Day. Chancellor Wilcox Led the Monthly ‘Walk and Talk’ Session Inside UCR This monthly "Walk and Talk with Leadership" event gives the campus community an opportunity to take a break from their desks, get some steps in, and interact with leadership. UCR Recognized With ‘Hero’ and ‘Beautification’ Awards Inside UCR The 'Hero' and 'Beautification' awards speak of the university's impact to Riverside and the region as a whole. UC Riverside Professors Sign Letter Asking for Sustained Action on Climate Change Science/Technology More than 2,300 faculty from California universities, including more than 115 from the University of California, Riverside, have signed an open letter to the Trump administration calling for sustained action on climate change. Darin Anderson Selected to Serve as Alumni Regent Inside UCR Anderson will serve as Regent-designate from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, followed by a one-year appointment as a voting member on the Board. #UCRStandsTogether Unites Staff, Faculty, and Students Inside UCR On Monday, Jan. 30, UC Riverside announced the creation of the hashtag #UCRStandsTogether to remind community members of our values and belief in diversity, inclusivity, and community. Mark Rampolla, Founder of ZICO Coconut Water, to Speak in Riverside Feb. 9 Business Mark Rampolla, founder and former CEO of ZICO Coconut Water and author of “High-Hanging Fruit: Build Something Great by Going Where No One Else Will,” will speak at the Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave, on Thursday, Feb. 9, beginning with a networking reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the talk at 6:30 p.m. Student Ambassadors Help Keep UCR Smoke/Tobacco-Free Inside UCR UCR’s Clearing the Air Ambassador Program is staffed by a student volunteer team responsible for canvassing the campus, offering cessation resources to staff, faculty, and students seen taking a cigarette break. Campus Conversations with Chancellor Wilcox Begin Jan. 30 Inside UCR The series will provide new opportunities for UCR community members to engage with leadership. How Insects Decide to Grow Up Science/Technology It has been a long-standing mystery as to what internal mechanisms control how insects decide to go through metamorphosis and why it is irreversible. Now, a team of scientists, led by an assistant professor at the University of California, Riverside has solved the mystery. Global Trade Experts Available to Discuss TPP Politics/Society International trade scholars at UCR are available to discuss the implications of new trade policies for the U.S. economy and security. UC Riverside Receives Grant from Council on Library and Information Resources Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside, has been awarded a $376,191 grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). The grant, “Digitizing Special Collections and Archives,” by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, will support the project “The Sherman Indian Museum Digital Collection: Increasing Access to American Indian Off-Reservation Boarding School Archives.” Insects and Umami Receptors Science/Technology Insects, like mammals including humans, sort chemicals by taste into a few categories and use this information to decide whether to ingest or reject food. University of California, Riverside researchers have identified a receptor playing a key role in insect identification of amino acid, or umami, taste. Wasps, Ants, and Ani DiFranco Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside graduate student has discovered several news species of wasps, including one that she named after musician Ani DiFranco. UCR School of Business to Provide Scholarships for Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Members Business The School of Business at the University of California, Riverside has established a partnership with the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GRHCC) that will support chamber members wishing to pursue master’s degrees from the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management. UCR Presents Screening of “Experimenter,” followed by Discussion of Ethics Politics/Society The ethics of research when it involves human subjects will be the topic of discussion Monday, Jan. 23, for the third talk in the 2016-2017 Seminar Series hosted by the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) within the Department of Research and Economic Development. The series, in its second year, focuses on ethical dilemmas and research topics that involve human subjects. Building Dedication for UCR Center for Advanced Neuroimaging Takes Place on Jan. 30 Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside will host a building dedication for the new UCR Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (UCR CAN), which is located south of the UCR Psychology Building, on Monday, Jan. 30. Inland Empire Gains 41,000 Jobs in 2016 Business The Inland Empire added 8,300 jobs in December on a seasonally adjusted basis, bringing the total jobs gained in the region last year to 41,200, according to a report released today by the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. Writers Week: Fabulous at 40 Arts/Culture Writers Week celebrates its 40th anniversary Feb. 14-16. Push for Online Textbooks Saves Students Big Bucks Science/Technology Concerned about the impact on student success, a UCR task force composed of faculty, librarians, and information technologists launched the Affordable Course Materials Initiative in fall 2015. Storm Expert Available for Interviews Science/Technology Several storms are expected to hit California in the coming week. Richard Minnich, an earth sciences professor at the University of California, Riverside, is available for interviews about the storms. Knowledge at Risk: Managing the Contradictions of the Contemporary University Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside Department of Sociology will host a free public lecture by Craig Calhoun, the president of The Berggruen Foundation, and the former director of The London School of Economics and Political Science, on Thursday, Jan. 26. Pioneer in Fighting Sexism in the Workplace to Speak Jan. 24 Politics/Society Myra Strober, a renowned labor economist and Professor Emerita at Stanford University’s School of Education, will speak at a public lecture on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the University of California, Riverside. Smoothly Sailing into Elementary School for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Politics/Society Young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are less likely to develop positive relationships with their teachers than typically developing kids do, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside and the University of Massachusetts, Boston. The researchers hope that by understanding—and ultimately improving—these relationships, educators can support children with ASD in their early school years and help them make long-term gains in their academic, behavioral, and social adjustment. General Consul of Romania Visited UCR Inside UCR Eugen Chivu highlighted his efforts to increase trade and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Romania. Researchers Quantify in High Speed a Viper’s Strike in Nature for the First Time Science/Technology The antagonistic predator-prey relationship is of interest to evolutionary biologists because it often leads to extreme adaptations in both the predator and prey. One such relationship is seen in the rattlesnake-kangaroo rat system. UC Riverside biologist Timothy Higham has captured in high speed (500 frames per second) a rattlesnake trying to capture a kangaroo rat. Fighting Viruses to Improve Agriculture Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside researcher is leading a team that will receive $300,000 over two years to study the life cycles of viruses that are harmful to humans and agricultural plants. Living the Promise: The Ted and Jo Dutton Presidential Chair in Education Policy and Politics Inside UCR Today, as the inaugural Ted and Jo Dutton endowed presidential chair for education policy and politics in the Graduate School of Education, Professor Joseph Kahne’s work is motivated by a deep desire to reform and strengthen schools across the nation. He sits on the steering committee of the National Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, and is currently the chair of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Youth and Participatory Politics. New Technology Will Cut Plug-in Hybrid Fuel Consumption by One Third Science/Technology Engineers at the University of California, Riverside have taken inspiration from biological evolution and the energy savings garnered by birds flying in formation to improve the efficiency of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by more than 30 percent. Titled “Development and Evaluation of an Evolutionary Algorithm-Based Online Energy Management System for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles,” a paper describing the research was recently accepted for publication in the journal IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems. Third Annual Villa-Lobos International Chamber Music Festival, Jan. 11 to Feb. 2 Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside Department of Music, in partnership with the UCR Center for Iberian and Latin American Music, the São Paulo State University Campinas, and many others, presents the third annual Villa-Lobos International Chamber Music Festival Jan. 11 through Feb. 2. The series celebrates the chamber music of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos and other Latin American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Study Explains How Western Diet Leads to Overeating and Obesity Health New research by UC Riverside scientists shows that chronic consumption of a western diet leads to overeating and obesity due to elevations in “peripheral endocannabinoid signaling.” The Top: UCR Pop Culture Moments in 2015 and 2016 Inside UCR From Conan O'Brien, to "American Ninja Warrior," to Reza Aslan on CNN and the ABC show, "The Muppets," UCR left its mark during 2015-2016. Mark Takano to Come to UC Riverside to Discuss What’s in Store for Congress Inside UCR U.S. Congressman Mark Takano (D?Riverside) will come to UC Riverside Tuesday, Jan. 17 to discuss the current post?election climate in Washington, along with policy implications for 2017 and its effects on California, the campus, and the community. Reservations are needed by Jan. 12. Symposium to Focus on Health and Wellness Health UC Riverside will host a symposium on Tuesday, Jan. 17, to explore ways of improving health in communities around the world, and to discuss how the university is advancing the study of human health, reducing healthcare disparities, and promoting prevention and wellness. Secret New Weapon of Insect-Transmitted Viruses Exposed Science/Technology Findings by a team of scientists, including two from the University of California, Riverside, could provide critical knowledge to attack deadly viruses transmitted by arthropods such as mosquitoes and aphids. Alternative Earths Focus of Lecture on Jan. 12 Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside Science Lecture series continues Jan.12 with a talk about how UC Riverside scientists are using their latest discoveries about the evolution of the early Earth to guide NASA’s search for life elsewhere in the universe New study projects $11 billion local economic impact from LA 2024 Business The LA 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games could increase economic output by up to $11.2 billion in Los Angeles and $18.3 billion nationwide according to a new economic impact assessment, highlighting significant legacy benefits of LA 2024’s low-risk Games concept. The study was conducted by Beacon Economics LLC and the University of California, Riverside School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development, and was commissioned by LA 2024 as required by the International Olympic Committee’s candidature process. Symposium Turns Spotlight on Brain Research Health The 10th “Glial-neuronal Interactions in Health and Disease” symposium will take place on Friday, Jan. 13, 2016, at UC Riverside. It is expected to attract about 230 top brain-researchers. UCR SOM Students to Host Conference on Big Data in Medicine in the Inland Empire Health The past, present and future uses of "big data" and how it can improve health care in Inland Southern California and other underserved communities is the theme of the second annual R-Health Conference scheduled for Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the UC Riverside School of Medicine Education Building. Lecturer and Panel to Consider How to Make Sense of Trump’s Election Politics/Society Philosopher David Livingstone Smith will discuss “The Politics of Salvation: Ideology, Propaganda, and Race in Trump’s America" on Jan. 19. UCR’s Center for Entrepreneurs Wins $499,000 Grant Business The Riverside Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept Center, or Riverside EPIC, is among 35 entrepreneurial organizations in 19 states that will receive a total of $15 million to create and expand their programs. EPIC will receive $499,000 in federal funds in January 2017. Historian Appointed to the American Academy in Rome Board of Trustees Arts/Culture History professor Michele Renee Salzman has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the prestigious American Academy in Rome. Coffee Bliss as Close as the Glen Mor Starbucks Inside UCR If you are looking for a way to spend that Starbucks gift card lurking in your wallet, look no further than the Glen Mor Starbucks at UC Riverside. Allen Justin “A.j.” David, a 21-year-old biology major at UCR, has taken off the green apron. Now he wears the black apron of a Coffee Master. Like the black belt, it indicates extensive training, and proof of expertise in the competitive ring. A Wolverine Inspired Material Science/Technology Scientists, including several from the University of California, Riverside, have developed a transparent, self-healing, highly stretchable conductive material that can be electrically activated to power artificial muscles and could be used to improve batteries, electronic devices, and robots. Professor Frank Way, An Advocate for UCR’s Early Graduate Programs, Has Died Inside UCR UC Riverside Professor Emeritus of Political Science Harold Frank Way, Jr., an expert on criminal justice and one of the people who shaped UCR’s early history, died at his home in Pasadena on Dec. 4. He was 87. UCR’s Center for Entrepreneurs Wins $499K Grant Awards & Honors The Riverside Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept Center, or Riverside EPIC, is among 35 entrepreneurial organizations in 19 states that will receive a total of $15 million to create and expand their programs. EPIC will receive $499,000 in federal funds in January 2017. Inland Empire Economy Grows Faster Than Expected Business The Inland Empire’s Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP) grew more than previously estimated, according to a report released today by the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. Astrophotography as a Gateway to Science Science/Technology Non-science students enrolled in astrophotography classes created by scientists at the University of California, Riverside reported a better understanding of how to use a telescope and camera and how to process images, according to a recently published paper about the class. Research Offers New Insight for Developing More Effective Drugs to Combat Inflammatory Bowel Disease Health New research by a team of UC Riverside biomedical scientists offers a valuable tip that could help make drugs for treating IBD more effective. Excelencia in Education Co-founder to Speak Jan. 12 Politics/Society Deborah Santiago, co-founder of a nonprofit that advocates policies supporting Latino academic success, will kick off a lecture series on Jan. 12 that continues a two-year exploration of issues and benefits of diversity in higher education. An Evening with Lawrence Ross Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside invites the campus and community to join African Student Programs (ASP), and many other UCR organizations, in a three-part celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. Extreme Phosphorus Scarcity and its Grip on Ancient Life Science/Technology Now, a study published in this week’s issue of Nature reveals the first direct evidence for extreme and protracted scarcity of phosphorus in the ancient ocean. Early Numbers Show Spike in Freshman Applications Inside UCR Freshman applications for fall 2017 at University of California, Riverside have increased by 4.5 percent, exceeding an increase in applications across the UC system. Got to Remember Them All, Pokémon Science/Technology Weiwei Zhang, assistant professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, found that people could learn and remember more of a subject when they were already familiar with it. And the more familiar they were with the subject, the better they remembered new information related to it. In the case of new research by Zhang, we’re talking Pokémon characters. Staff Assembly Holiday Hoedown — in Photos Inside UCR Handkerchiefs, boots, and cowboy hats set the stage for the 2016 Staff Assembly Holiday Hoedown, which treated about 400 employees to an afternoon of games, food, dancing, and prizes. Turning Therapeutic Antibodies Inside-Out to Fight Cancer Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have camels and llamas to thank for their development of a new cancer treatment that is highly selective in blocking the action of faulty matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Inland Empire Adds 9,900 Jobs in November Business The Inland Empire added 9,900 jobs in November on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to a report released today by the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. This increase builds on the 1,200 nonfarm positions added in October, reflecting continued solid growth for the region. UCR Provost to Step Down at End of Academic Year Inside UCR University of California Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Paul J. D'Anieri will step down from his position at the end of the academic year. He will take up a joint appointment in the Department of Political Science and the School of Public Policy. A Trophy Takes a Trip Around the Campus Inside UCR The glass trophy awarded to UC Riverside by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) made its way several colleges and departments where teams celebrated the national recognition. Lord Walter Clark Has Been Knighted Arts/Culture Walter A. Clark, professor of music history at UC Riverside, has been awarded one of the highest honors a civilian can be granted by Spain – a knighthood. Clark is the first professor on the UCR campus to be granted a knighthood by Spain. UCR Dance Professor’s Latest Book to be Recognized Arts/Culture Anthea Kraut, professor of dance at the University of California, Riverside, will be honored with the 2015-16 Emory Elliott Book Award on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, for her book, “Choreographing Copyright: Race, Gender, and Intellectual Property Rights in American Dance.” Chemist Named National Academy of Inventors Fellow Science/Technology Michael Pirrung, a distinguished professor of chemistry at the University of California, Riverside, has been named one of the new 175 fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Expert Available to Speak about how Educators Can Teach Young People to Distinguish Between Real and Fake News Politics/Society Joseph Kahne, a professor of educational policy and politics in UC Riverside’s Graduate School of Education, is available to speak to media about how young people distinguish between real and fake news, and what educators can do to improve media literacy among their students. Staff Assembly Making Waves on Campus Inside UCR The end of the quarter turned out to be one of the busiest times for UCR’s Staff Assembly team. They surprised an employee with the "Get Recognized" award; hosted a 29-member delegation from the Council of University of California Staff Assemblies; and put the finishing touches on their latest creation: Sawubona Award of Appreciation, which recognizes the teamwork of a particular office or department. UCR Extension Center Participates in Binational Cultural Exchange Program Inside UCR Proyecta 100,000 is an effort by President Enrique Peña Nieto to send 100,000 Mexican students to the United States, and receive 50,000 U.S. students in Mexico by 2018. This is aligned with President Barack Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative, which supports student mobility between the U.S. and countries in the Western Hemisphere. The Top: UCR Moments Around the World Inside UCR Welcome to The Top! Each issue, we present a list of UCR staff and faculty favorites — from walking spots to gardens to events. This week, we are highlighting the top moments of UCR students as posted during the #ucraroundtheworld campaign. Whether it … Continue reading → Creative Writing Professor Katie Ford Judges National Book Award in Poetry Inside UCR The invitation to judge in the prestigious National Book Award competition reflects Ford’s growing prominence in American poetry, said Andrew Winer, chair of the Department of Creative Writing. YOK Center Inspires Recognition of Riverside Site as the First Korea Town in the U.S. Arts/Culture Over the past 18 months Chang uncovered previously unexamined documents at Riverside’s Calvary Presbyterian Church, Korean headstones in city cemeteries, and newspaper articles in English and Korean, all of which make it clear that Pachappa Camp was the first established community of Korean Americans in the United States. Study Provides New Focus for Developing Drugs to Fight Cancer Health Cancer researchers and drug companies may have been too quick to ignore a promising line of inquiry that targets a specific cell protein, according to a research team led by a biomedical scientist at UC Riverside. MRB1: The Future Under Construction Inside UCR This 125,000 square foot edifice is expected to be completed by fall of 2018, and will support up to 56 faculty investigators and their teams doing research on areas such as life sciences, chemical sciences, medicine, and engineering. How Your Parenting Tactics Influence Your Teen’s Problem Behaviors Politics/Society In a new study, Misaki Natsuaki, psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, and Laura Dimler, a graduate student in psychology at UCR, found that when teens viewed their parents’ parenting tactics more negatively than parents did, they showed elevated levels of aggressive behaviors. A Family Legacy: Expanding Pomegranate Production Science/Technology More than 30 years later, Chater is a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Riverside, with a focus on pomegranate research and a 2016 University of California Global Food Initiative student fellow. He is building on the work of his grandfather, S. John Chater, who was a maintenance worker at hospital but developed a cult following among rare fruit growers in California for developing new varieties of pomegranates. Best Selling Author John Elder Robison to Speak at UC Riverside Politics/Society John Elder Robison, a New York Times bestselling author, an adult living with Asperger syndrome, and an autism advocate, will share insights from his latest book, “Switched On: A Memoir of Brain Change and Emotional Awakening,” at a public event on Sunday, Jan. 8 at the University of California, Riverside. The free talk is open to the public. What Makes a Neuron a Neuron? Health A UC Riverside-led team of researchers has found that two sibling RNA-binding proteins (PTBP1 and PTBP2) serve both redundant and unique functions in the developing brain when neural stem cells are changed into neurons, providing insight into how neurons are formed. Help With the Fill-A-Cruiser Toy Drive Inside UCR UC Riverside Athletics partnered with the Riverside Police Department to collect toys that will be distributed to area kids for Christmas. New Mechanism to Control Human Viral Infections Discovered Science/Technology A team of researchers, co-led by a University of California, Riverside professor, has found a long-sought-after mechanism in human cells that creates immunity to influenza A virus, which causes annual seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemic UC Riverside Announces New ARTSblock Director: Sheila Bergman Arts/Culture Sheila Bergman, who has more than 25 years of experience in non-profit management and fundraising, has been named as the Executive Director of UCR's ARTSblock. She will start on Feb. 6. Robert Herschler, UCR’s Longtime Registrar, Dies at 86 Arts/Culture Robert B. Herschler, a jaunty renaissance man who sweetened his long tenure as UC Riverside’s registrar and ombudsman with avid lunch-time discussions about Dickens and a lifetime love for piano and jazz, died at home on Nov. 22 at the age of 86. Giving Tuesday Results in Gift of Education Inside UCR It’s not just about shopping for the holidays. Sure, there’s black Friday and cyber Monday, marking days devoted to shopping. But then came Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, the annual day to celebrate generosity and give back to worthwhile causes. There were 177 gifts received Nov. 29, and the average gift size was $168. Some of the campaign's success was due to an emphasis on social media posts, which resulted in 5,840 "likes." Physics, Photosynthesis and Solar Cells Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside assistant professor has combined photosynthesis and physics to make a key discovery that could help make solar cells more efficient. The findings were just published in the journal Nano Letters. Bridging the Vocabulary Gap Politics/Society Elementary school students in Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) and across the U.S. are participating in Project Moving Forward, a vocabulary development program created by Linda Navarrette, who directs the initiative from the University of California, Riverside’s Graduate School of Education. Homecoming 2016: A Reminder of our Highlander Pride Inside UCR This year's Highlander pride kicked off Homecoming on Nov. 18, with a dinner to celebrate the 30th Annual Alumni Awards of Distinction, where Shola Lynch, Ofelia Valdez-Yeager, and David Gutierrez were honored. Endowed Chairs: Stepping Stones to Higher Levels of Research Arts/Culture UC Riverside currently has 55 “chairs” endowed by donors for specific purposes, and 18 of those have been created in the past three years. “An endowed chair is one of the most important and honored spots in higher education, because it fosters academic excellence and recognizes superior faculty,” said UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox. “Our goal by the end of our current fundraising campaign in 2020 is to get to 75 endowed chairs. I am confident we will make it.” PBS NewsHour Highlights UC Riverside Poet Arts/Culture PBS NewsHour is featuring Allison Hedge Coke, distinguished professor of creative writing at the University of California, Riverside, and her poem “America, I Sing You Back” on its website. Writers Week Celebrates 40th Anniversary Arts/Culture Writers Week, the longest-running, free literary event in California, celebrates its 40th anniversary at UCR Feb. 14-16, 2017. David Lloyd Analyzes Influence of Art and Artists on Samuel Beckett Arts/Culture Irish playwright Samuel Beckett’s fascination with paintings and painters, and their influence on his dramatic work are the subject of a new book by David C. Lloyd. Large Number of Dwarf Galaxies Discovered in the Early Universe Science/Technology A team of researchers, led by University of California, Riverside astronomers, found for the first time a large population of distant dwarf galaxies that could reveal important details about a productive period of star formation in the universe billions of years ago. Two UC Riverside Scientists Elected AAAS Fellows Science/Technology Two University of California, Riverside scientists, Howard Judelson and Jirka Šim?nek, have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Halting Mosquitoes on Continental Scale Science/Technology A team of researchers, including two from the University of California, Riverside, have made a key discovery that could potentially help eliminate disease-spreading mosquitoes on a continent-wide scale. Seven Honored for Making a Difference, One Innovative Step at a Time Inside UCR When teacher, activist and UC Riverside alumna Carrie Garcia said she wanted to change the world, an elder within her Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians just laughed. “But I told him, ‘I cannot the change world we live in, but the world I live in, the community where I live. And if I can do it, then you can do it too,’” Garcia said Nov. 10, at UCR’s Living the Promise Symposium on Social Innovation and Empowerment. Improving Veterans’ Overall Health and Academic Success Health A study led by a UC Riverside health services researcher finds that peer-led services are ideal for connecting student veterans to resources and healthcare services. Free Science Lecture Series Kicks Off Dec. 8 at UC Riverside Science/Technology The 2016-17 University of California, Riverside Science Lecture Series kicks off Dec. 8 with the first of five lectures focused on the search for life beyond Earth. Giving Tuesday is a Good Time to Think About the Gift of Education Inside UCR It’s not just about shopping for the holidays. Sure, there’s black Friday and cyber Monday, marking days devoted to shopping. But then comes Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, the annual day to celebrate generosity and give back to worthwhile causes. Welcome to the Fall 2016 issue of UCR Magazine Inside UCR Writer Sean Nealon travels with a team of UCR scientists as they track Bombus polaris, an elusive bumblebee that could teach us about climate change in the Arctic, one of the least understood environments on Earth. Read — and watch — the journey that tracks a significant group of native pollinators in Alaska. There’s Still Time to Take the ‘Clearing the Air’ Survey Health In order to record the impact of the smoke/tobacco-free policy on campus, Vice Chancellor of Business and Administrative Services Ron T. Coley is encouraging staff, faculty, and students to complete the 2016 "Clearing the Air" survey. It is anonymous, and completing it allows the participant to enter a drawing for a $50 gift card to the UCR Campus Store. UC Riverside Wins Prestigious Award for Student Success in Degree Completion Inside UCR UC Riverside is one of a handful of comprehensive universities that have achieved near parity in graduation rates across racial, socio-economic, and gender boundaries. That success has now been recognized by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities [APLU], which represents 236 public and land-grant institutions in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Staff Assembly Honors UCR Employees Inside UCR For fall 2016, more than 120 workers were recognized with Service Awards for their milestone achievements, including seven people who have been at UCR for 25 years, and 11 who have been on campus between 30 and 40 years. Inland Empire Economic Growth Accelerates, Boosted By Industry Gains Business The Inland Empire’s economic growth jumped in the latest quarter, boosted by gains that ranged from lukewarm to red hot in all but two local industries. The region’s real Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP) grew by 2.2 percent in the third quarter, more than double the second quarter growth rate, according a report released today by the University of California, Riverside’s School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. Do Extremely Reddened Quasars Extinguish Star Formation? Science/Technology New research, led by Frederick Hamann, a professor at the Department of Physics & Astronomy at University of California, Riverside, describes the discovery of a unique new population of extremely red quasars. UC Riverside Chancellor Sends Message of Inclusiveness and Hope to Campus Politics/Society On Monday, Nov. 14, Kim A. Wilcox, the University of California, Riverside Chancellor, sent the following message to UCR students, staff, and faculty. Just Call Him Lord Clark Arts/Culture Walter A. Clark, professor of music history at the University of California, Riverside, has been awarded one of the highest honors a civilian can be granted by Spain - a knighthood. A formal ceremony will be held on campus on Friday, Dec. 2, in the Performance Lab located at ARTS 166, from 2-3 p.m. UCR Hits Record Enrollment Business UCR has a record number of students for both fall enrollment, and the number of new students. The growth on campus is palpable, with 22,921 total students, 19,799 of whom are undergraduates. There are 6,592 new students. Groundbreaking for the MRB1 Project is Saturday, Nov. 19 Inside UCR UC Riverside will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Multidisciplinary Research Building 1 at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, on the terrace area behind the Materials Science and Engineering building. Religious and Ethnic Tensions Are Critical to Analyzing Middle East Politics Politics/Society Conventional analyses of Middle Eastern geopolitics overlook the complex relationships and cultures of ethnic and religious groups in the region, sometimes with disastrous results, according to a new book co-authored by Ph.D. candidate Ian Oxnevad. “Trauma, Loss and Transcendence” Arts/Culture “Trauma, Loss, and Transcendence,” an event that is dedicated to the victims and survivors of the tragic San Bernardino mass shooting, will be held at the Culver Center of the Arts at the University of California, Riverside on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1-2 at 7 p.m. UCR Researchers Discover New Method to Dissipate Heat in Electronic Devices Science/Technology Controlling the flow of heat through semiconductor materials is an important challenge in developing smaller and faster computer chips, high-performance solar panels, and better lasers and biomedical devices. For the first time, an international team of scientists led by a researcher at the University of California, Riverside has modified the energy spectrum of acoustic phonons— elemental excitations, also referred to as quasi-particles, that spread heat through crystalline materials like a wave—by confining them to nanometer-scale semiconductor structures. The results have important implications in the thermal management of electronic devices. Professor to Help Lead University of California Observatories Science/Technology Gillian Wilson, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Riverside, was recently named interim deputy director of UC Observatories. UCR Has New Leader for Governmental and Community Relations Inside UCR Elizabeth Romero, a UC Riverside alumna, is the new assistant vice chancellor for the Office of Governmental and Community Relations. She started Oct. 10, replacing Sue McKee, who retired last June after 24 years of service to the campus. UC Riverside Awarded $3.2 Million to Develop Innovative Smart Buses Science/Technology Matthew Barth, a professor of engineering in UC Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering and director of the university’s Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), and his team have been awarded $2.8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to improve the efficiency of plug-in hybrid electric buses. The award is supported with additional co-funding of $460,000 from project partners, bringing the total to more than $3.2 million. UCR Celebrates Social Innovators Politics/Society UCR will celebrate faculty and alumni whose research and commitment to the community have produced novel solutions to pressing social issues at a symposium on Nov. 10. UCR Welcomes New Faculty Members for 2016–17 Inside UCR This fall, UC Riverside welcomed 132 new professors, including two new deans. The campus is hiring new faculty at a fast rate, especially targeting areas of critical importance to the campus. People People On Oct. 31, David Christensen played a set of spooky music from atop the bell tower alongside guest carillonneur Gary Barnett. It was part of the UCR Bell Tower's 50th anniversary concert series. Christensen,UCR’s carillonneur for the past 29 years, received two music degrees from the University of Redlands and now plays and teaches the carillon full time at UCR. Click below to watch. CHASS Welcomes 36 New Faculty Members Inside UCR CHASS welcomes the team that started teaching this fall. The School of Medicine Welcomes 30 New Faculty Members Inside UCR The team is continuing to advance care, education, and services for medical students, and for the community. School of Business Administration Welcomes New Faculty Member Inside UCR The School of Business Administration (SOBA) has added one new faculty member. Subramanian “Bala” Balachander is a professor of Marketing and appointed the Albert O. Steffey chair in marketing. Previously, he was a professor of management at Purdue University’s Krannert … Continue reading → UCR Welcomes New Faculty Members for 2016-17 Inside UCR This fall, UC Riverside welcomed 132 new professors, associate professors and two deans. The campus is hiring new faculty at a fast rate, especially targeting areas of critical importance to the campus. The new hires include 36 new faculty members in … Continue reading → Highlanders Get Ready: Homecoming 2016 is Nov. 18 and 19 Inside UCR UC Riverside is planning a party Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19, to call all Highlanders home. This year's Homecoming celebration is packed with free events, food tastings, Scot Fest, campus tours, and of course, a basketball game. The School of Public Policy Welcomes Four New Faculty Members Inside UCR Their expertise ranges from immigration, to politics, to health. Bourns College of Engineering Welcomes 16 New Faculty Members Inside UCR Sixteen new members join the BCOE team, including Xiaoping Hu as chair. Melissa M. Wilcox Named Holstein Chair Arts/Culture Melissa M. Wilcox has been named the Holstein Family and Community Endowed Chair in Religious Studies. Spinach Plants Engineered with Nanotechnology Can Detect Explosive Science/Technology A team of scientists, including a UC Riverside assistant professor, embedded spinach leaves with carbon nanotubes to transform the plants into sensors that can detect explosives and wirelessly relay that information to a handheld device similar to a smartphone. ??Students Showcase Programming Skills at UCR’s Citrus Hack Science/Technology It took 400 students just two sleepless nights to create 55 new apps and products at Citrus Hack 2016, the second annual hackathon created and organized by students at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering. Vice Provost Cynthia Larive is Working to Create Greater Opportunities in Undergraduate Education Inside UCR At UCR Larive is hard at work, forging opportunities and programs to help students reach to the top. In May she was named vice provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE) and her position became effective in July. Larive takes over the role from Steven Brint, distinguished professor of Sociology and Public Policy, who served as VPUE for five years. He's back on campus teaching full-time. The “Sikh Captain America” to Speak at UC Riverside Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside’s Asian Pacific Student Programs will host “Superheroes, Turbans, and New Cultural Narratives,” a lecture with cartoonist, writer, and artist Vishavjit Singh on Thursday, Nov. 3 in HUB 302. UC Riverside Chancellor to Speak at North High School Politics/Society University of California, Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox will visit Riverside’s North High School on Monday, Nov. 7 as part of the annual system-wide Achieve UC program. Conference Nov. 7 to Focus on Disasters, Resilience Politics/Society Scholars, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders will gather for an all-day conference focused on human and environmental resilience in the wake of disasters on Nov. 7. Indigenous Choreographers at Riverside Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside’s Department of Dance presents “Indigenous Choreographers at Riverside (ICR),” on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The annual event brings indigenous dance artists and indigenous studies scholars to the UCR campus to connect, discuss, and share their work. Cartoonist Robb Armstrong to Speak at UC Riverside Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside’s African Student Programs will host “An Evening with Robb Armstrong,” on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. in HUB 302. Armstrong is the cartoonist behind the popular comic strip “Jumpstart.” Ethical Dilemmas in Alzheimer’s Research Discussed Health Philosopher will discuss “Involving Alzheimer’s Patients in Clinical Research” in a free public lecture on Nov. 2. Open Enrollment Will Be Available From Oct. 27 to Nov. 22 Inside UCR UC is changing its disability insurance offerings to give all benefits-eligible employees (full, mid-level or core) new options for protecting their finances. Make the choice during Open Enrollment, Oct. 27 through Nov. 22. Day of the Dead Altar to Commemorate Murdered Sex Workers Arts/Culture Students enrolled in a Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies course will observe the Day of the Dead with an altar and live-streamed broadcast beginning Oct. 27. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanner Delivered to UCR Inside UCR The MRI scanner will allow UCR faculty to partake in cutting-edge research and answer diverse questions related to areas such as bioengineering, psychology and neuroscience, education and medicine, statistics and physics. Boris Maciejovsky: Decisions That Affect All Aspects of Life Business Boris Maciejovsky, an associate professor and former TEDxUCR speaker, will lead a workshop on decision-making and how it affects shopping, as well as everyday life decisions, such as exercising more, eating better, and dating. UCR Launches Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Business The Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center, or Riverside EPIC, will be a launch pad for entrepreneurs and startup companies, providing resources for training, mentors, and connections to investors and partners. The official kickoff is 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Riverside County Administration Center. Is Palmageddon Coming to California? Science/Technology A palm tree-killing insect that is already established in San Diego County and likely to spread will be the subject of a research symposium Oct. 26 just outside San Diego. From Ancient Fossils to Future Cars Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering have developed an inexpensive, energy-efficient way to create silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries from the fossilized remains of single-celled algae called diatoms. How to Sleep Better Health Trying to aim for eight hours of sleep, but end up with only six? We all know we need to sleep more, but somehow can’t find the time, or don’t know how. Lack of sleep has been linked to obesity and chronic disease. It causes depression, anxiety, and stress, and impairs judgement. Life@UCR: Roundup of Campus Events Inside UCR UC Riverside is full of life. In this section, Life@UCR, we remind you of events coming up – and give insight to some you might have missed. Thursday Nights Live: Friends, Colleagues, and Music Inside UCR UCR staff and faculty are encouraged to attend Thursday Nights Live, a weekly event featuring refreshments and live music. The first event is set for Oct. 20. Meet the New Director of the UCR Botanic Gardens Inside UCR Professor Emeritus Jodie Holt, the same botanist who advised James Cameron on the other-worldly plants featured in the science fiction movie “Avatar,” now has a 40-acre playground to use as a tool for science outreach: The UCR Botanic Gardens. A Word of Advice to the Nation from the Under Secretary of Education: Clone UC Riverside Inside UCR Ted Mitchell, the U.S. Under Secretary for Education in the Obama White House, traveled to UC Riverside for a Friday afternoon talk on Oct. 14. And what he said was a challenge to the rest of the nation. "I wish we could clone what is happening at UC Riverside and bring it to every college and university in the country," he said. "You are showing the kinds of partnerships, the kinds of commitments, that need to be made if we are going to reach President Obama's goal, to have the kind of higher education system that supports a diverse democracy." Grant Aims to Increase Trust Between Native American Communities, Researchers, and Healthcare Providers Health The UC Riverside School of Medicine has received a grant of $250,000 to lay the groundwork for providers and Native American patients in the Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif., area to address patient well-being and chronic health concerns. Hardware Weakness Enables Operating System Attacks Science/Technology A team of researchers from the University of California, Riverside and the State University of New York at Binghamton has identified a weakness in the design of a central processing unit (CPU) component that makes operating systems more vulnerable to malicious attacks. The vulnerability could give hackers complete access to computers and stored information, posing serious risks for individuals, companies, and governments. UC Riverside Library to Host Geographic Information Systems Day Exhibition Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside Library will host a poster exhibition in celebration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day and Geography Awareness Week beginning on Thursday, Nov. 3. The exhibition will remain on display in the atrium of Orbach Science Library until Tuesday, Nov. 22. Inaugural Conference on Teaching, Learning, and Research Set for Oct. 22 Health The UC Riverside School of Medicine will hold its inaugural “Conference on Teaching, Learning and Research” on Saturday, Oct. 22, at UCR Palm Desert Center. OB/GYN Residency Program Receives Accreditation Health The OB/GYN Residency Program in the UC Riverside School of Medicine has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. UC Riverside Launches Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign Arts/Culture University of California, Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox on Saturday, Oct. 15, announced the public phase of a $300 million comprehensive fundraising campaign. The University has already secured $155 million in gifts toward the effort, which will conclude in 2020. Campus Campaign Kick-off Slideshow Arts/Culture Free Public Lecture Will Focus on the Zika Virus Health UC Riverside's Ilhem Messaoudi will give a free public talk titled, “Zika: Myth and Reality,” on Oct. 20 on campus. October Trip Will Firm Up Taiwan Relationship Business On Sunday, Oct 16, a UC Riverside group begins a six-day trip to Taiwan. The trip comes at the invitation of the Taiwanese Ministry of Education, and is one of UCR’s first university-wide international trips. Earthquake Drill Set for 10:20 a.m. on 10/20 Science/Technology Faculty, staff and students at the University of California, Riverside will join about 10 million people expected to participate in the annual Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill on Oct. 20 at 10:20 a.m. A Life in Motion: A Tribute to the Legacy of Tomás Rivera Arts/Culture UCR’s College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences partnered with Cinema Culturas 3rd Annual Film Festival to hold the Tomás Rivera 28th Annual Tribute, from October 27-30. The festival theme is “A Life in Motion: A Tribute to the Legacy of Tomás Rivera.” UC Riverside Library to Host International Open Access Week 2016 Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside Library will host International Open Access Week 2016, an event that is part of a global effort called Open Access Week. Open Access Week is an opportunity for the academic and research community to learn about the potential benefits of sharing what they’ve learned with colleagues, and to help inspire wider participation in helping to make “open access” a new norm in scholarship and research. UCR Hosted the California Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing Research and Extension Summit Inside UCR On Oct. 4 and 5, UC Riverside hosted the second California Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing Research and Extension Summit. The summit focused on a disease that is decimating the citrus industry. Low-income Communities of Color Grow Healthier Through Community Organizing Health UC Riverside's Andrew Subica and colleagues report on the results of an innovative program to address the nation’s childhood obesity problem by targeting its root cause, children’s unhealthy neighborhood conditions, in 21 low-income communities of color. UC Riverside ARTSblock Receives Nearly $200,000 Gift of Art Arts/Culture The Jack and Marilyn Sweeney Art Gallery and the California Museum of Photography (CMP) at the University of California, Riverside’s ARTSblock, will receive 25 works of art from the Los Angeles-based philanthropist, racecar enthusiast, and retired dentist Ernest T. Nagamatsu, and his wife Elaine. The pieces date from 1907 to 2014, with a majority of the works dating back to the 1960s and ‘70s, and in total are valued at nearly $200,000. Understanding Individual Differences Science/Technology Aaron Seitz, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside and the director of the UCR Brain Game Center for mental fitness and wellbeing, and Susanne Jaeggi, an associate professor at the school of education at UC Irvine, have been awarded a $1.9 million grant to study memory training. Big Data for Little Creatures Science/Technology Led by Eamonn Keogh, a professor of computer science and engineering in UCR’s Bourns College of Engineering, a multi-disciplinary team of researchers has received $3 million from the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) program to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers who will learn how to exploit the power of big data to understand insects. U.S. Under Secretary of Education to Speak Oct. 14 Politics/Society U.S. Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell will discuss improving access to higher education, increasing affordability, enhancing quality, and accelerating college completion in a symposium on Friday, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m. Campaign 2016: Jobs, immigration, and candidates’ character top voter issues Politics/Society UCR scholars are available to help make sense of the issues roiling the 2016 presidential campaign, voter behavior, and the significance of the candidates’ positions. Using Oxygen as a Tracer of Galactic Evolution Science/Technology A new study led by University of California, Riverside astronomers casts light on how young, hot stars ionize oxygen in the early universe and the effects on the evolution of galaxies through time. As Drought Persists, Collaboration Seeks To Advance Technology That Helps Generate New Water Supply Science/Technology A researcher at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering has been awarded $300,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help advance water reuse technologies for drinking water supplies. Don’t Miss Out On These Campus Events Inside UCR Join Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox at a Town Hall on Monday, Oct. 10. Also support UCR's "Living The Promise: The Campaign for UC Riverside" that will feature an evening conversation with U.S. Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell on Oct. 14. The Top: 10 Facts to Celebrate the UCR Bell Tower’s 50th Anniversary Arts/Culture This week, we are honoring a special birthday on campus--the bell tower! The iconic campus landmark has been towering over the university for 50 years and Oct. 2 marked the golden anniversary of its dedication to UCR. To celebrate, here are a list of facts, events, and more. Study Finds Patients Diagnosed Late With HIV Infection Are More Likely to Transmit HIV to Others Health New research by UC Riverside's Brandon Brown has found that patients diagnosed late in the course of HIV infection are more likely to transmit HIV to others. Kevin Esterling Steps in as Interim Dean of the Graduate Division Inside UCR The more than 3,000 graduate students, the staff, and the programs that support UC Riverside's Graduate Division, are now under the wing of Interim Dean Kevin Esterling Loner Spiders Prevail as Pioneers Science/Technology A spider looking to immigrate to a different environment is three to four times more likely to survive if it goes by itself, as opposed to as part of a group. UC Riverside Presents the “Festival of Social Dance” Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside is hosting the “Festival of Social Dance,” an event that will feature 10 dance workshops, a lecture, and a roundtable discussion, followed by a reception and a party. The two-day event will take place on Friday, Oct. 21 to Saturday, Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Workshops and lectures will be held between the ARTS building, and the dance studio, ATHD 102, on the UC Riverside campus. ‘Growl’ and SIS are Retiring Inside UCR The online system that tracks student grades, class registration and transcripts for UC Riverside students is getting an upgrade. The Student Information System (SIS) and “GROWL” will be retired at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 and the new Banner Student Information System will go online one week later, on Friday, Oct. 21. October Seminars to Address Hot Policy Issues Politics/Society Racial disparities in political participation, capital punishment, and air quality in Southern California are among the topics featured in a series of seminars presented by the School of Public Policy and its research centers in October. Leading New Economic Outlook Sees Glass Half Full Business Despite a decidedly disappointing start to 2016, a new economic forecast for the U.S., California, and the Inland Empire takes a relatively optimistic tone, with both the state and region outperforming the nation over the next year or more. Fair Trade Foods and Beverages Star in Food Week Events Health Fruit-topped drinks, eco-friendly coffee, citrus-flavored ice cream, free-range chicken, and other locally-sourced options will be the toast of the campus during the annual Food Week celebration, which lasts from Oct. 24 through 29. Engineering a Protein to Combat Dengue Fever, Zika Science/Technology A team of scientists, including several from the University of California, Riverside, has uncovered how small insecticidal protein crystals that are naturally produced by bacteria might be tailored to combat mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika. A Week of Events Launches Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign Arts/Culture The launch of “Living the Promise: The Campaign for UC Riverside” is a historic moment for the campus. UCR has gained widespread recognition for the research, teaching, and public service of its faculty, students, alumni, staff, and friends. New Exhibition to Celebrate Riverside’s Citrus Heritage Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside Library will open a new exhibition on Monday, Oct. 24, titled, “Orange Roots: The Remarkable Story of Two Trees, a Pioneer Town, and the University of California, Riverside.” The exhibition will be at the Tomás Rivera Library, and will be on display through June 2017. A welcome reception will be held on Nov. 10. How Gecko Feet Got Sticky Science/Technology A UC Riverside-led team of biologists has found a gecko that they say offers a “snapshot” into the evolution of adhesion in geckos. The Month in Photos: September 2016 Inside UCR The academic year has launched with new students, new faculty, and a visit with some UCR traditions. Who Says? SEPT. 28 Inside UCR "Names have incredible significance to families, with so much thought, meaning and culture woven into them." Rita Kohli, assistant professor of education, on the lasting impact of teachers who mispronounce minority student names -QUARTZ Albert Vasquez is New Executive Director of Enterprise Risk Management Inside UCR Albert Vasquez, former Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus and Public Safety and Chief of Police at UC Merced, recently became UC Riverside’s first ever Executive Director of Enterprise Risk Management. A seasoned campus administrator and former law enforcement official, Vasquez will oversee the handling of any all facets of campus safety, from chemical spills to earthquake preparedness to air quality History of Spanish-language TV Explored in Smithsonian Internship Arts/Culture Public history graduate student Steven Moreno-Terrill spent much of the summer helping Smithsonian curators document the history of Spanish-language TV in the United States Elected Officials, Educators Gather at UCR to Discuss Improving College Readiness and Completion in the Inland Empire Inside UCR UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox and Thomas Smith, dean of UCR’s Graduate School of Education (GSOE), joined elected officials, educators, and community leaders at a Sept. 22 public hearing on improving college readiness and degree attainment in the Inland Empire. Methane Muted: How Did Early Earth Stay Warm? Science/Technology For at least a billion years of the distant past, planet Earth should have been frozen over but wasn’t. Scientists thought they knew why, but a new modeling study from the Alternative Earths team of the NASA Astrobiology Institute has fired the lead actor in that long-accepted scenario. Vaccinating Babies Without Vaccinating Babies Health A UC Riverside research team has shown that mother’s milk contributes to the development of the baby’s own immune system by a process the team calls “maternal educational immunity.” Specific maternal immune cells in the milk cross the wall of the baby’s intestine to enter an immune organ called the thymus. Once there, they “educate” developing cells to attack the same infectious organisms to which the mother has been exposed. Summit to Focus on Devastating Citrus Disease Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside will host a summit Oct. 4 and 5 that is focused on a disease that is decimating the citrus industry. Graduate School of Education Welcomes Nine New Faculty Inside UCR Meet the nine new faculty members joining the Graduate School of Education. Are You a Jerk? Arts/Culture Are you a jerk? How do you know? Jerk self-knowledge is hard to come by, says philosopher Eric Schwitzgebel. Study Will Test Ecopipam’s Effectiveness in Treating Stuttering Health A research team at UC Riverside will conduct a clinical trial to study how effective ecopipam is as treatment against stuttering. New Student Convocation Welcomes Largest Class of Undergraduates in UCR’s History Inside UCR UCR will start classes on Thursday, Sept. 22 with over 6,000 new Highlanders. That’s up from the 5,305 new undergraduates who arrived in the Fall of 2015. Southern California Eukaryotic Pathogen Symposium Gathers Researchers on Nov. 2 to Focus on Parasites and Fungi Health Faculty researchers, postdoctoral scientists and graduate students from throughout Southern California will gather at UC Riverside on Nov. 2 to attend the 6th Annual Southern California Eukaryotic Pathogen Symposium. Community Invited to Hearing on Improving College Readiness and Completion in the Inland Empire Politics/Society The California Assembly Committee on Higher Education will hold a public hearing from 9-11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 22, on improving college readiness and degree attainment in the Inland Empire. The hearing will be held at the University of California, Riverside’s Alumni and Visitors Center, 3701 Canyon Crest Drive. Free parking is available to attendees in UCR Lot 24. 7th Annual Inland Empire Economic Forecast Conference Coming September 29 Business One of the most anticipated economic forecasts in Southern California is being held Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Riverside Convention Center. The 7th annual Inland Empire Economic Forecast Conference will deliver fresh outlooks for the U.S., California, and Inland Empire economies including new data on where home prices, employment, personal income, consumer and business spending, commercial real estate markets, and many other indicators are heading in the near and mid-term future. Fighting Plant Pathogens with RNA Science/Technology A team of researchers, led by Hailing Jin, a University of California, Riverside professor of plant pathology and microbiology, have developed a new strategy that could provide an easy-to-use and environmentally friendly fungicide to fight B. cinerea and other fungal pathogens that harm crops. UCR partners with Johns Hopkins to Host STEM Workshop for Academically Gifted Teens Science/Technology More than 60 middle and high school students from across Southern California came to the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering on Saturday (Sept. 10) to learn how nanotechnology and biology are increasingly being brought together to address important problems in a variety of fields. The event was hosted by UCR and the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, or CTY. KUCR Celebrates 50 Years on the Air Inside UCR UCR's iconic radio station, KUCR 88.3 FM, is turning 50 this year. In honor of the milestone, we have gathered comments from a few notable KUCR alumni who share memorable experiences of working at this campus station. UCR’s Graduate School of Education Receives Federal Grant to Prepare Students in Psychometrics Politics/Society The Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Riverside has been awarded $885,834 from the U.S. Department of Education’s Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program. The grant, together with matching funds from UC Riverside, will support eight doctoral fellowships in educational psychology. Making Catalysts Smarter Science/Technology The industrial catalysts of the future won’t just speed up reactions, they’ll control how chemical processes work and determine how much of a particular product is made. A team of researchers led by Phillip Christopher, assistant professor of chemical and environmental engineering at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, demonstrated this—as well as how these catalysts look in action—in a paper published Monday, Sept. 19, in the journal Nature Chemistry. School of Medicine Introduces New Psychiatry Resource in Palm Desert Health To address the shortage of psychiatric service for veterans and others in the Coachella Valley, the UC Riverside School of Medicine today announced that four psychiatry residents are treating patients at the Palm Desert VA Clinic under supervision of attending faculty physicians. International ‘Window to the Brain’ Research Team Gathers at UC Riverside Science/Technology Researchers from University of California, Riverside, the University of California, San Diego, and three leading research institutions in Mexico gathered at UCR this week to advance their “Window to the Brain” transparent skull implant. Fall Plant Sale Set for Oct. 22 and 23 Science/Technology The 34th annual Friends of U.C. Riverside Botanic Gardens Fall Plant Sale will take place Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Los Angeles Tops List for Most Tree Diversity Science/Technology Los Angeles has the most tree diversity according to tree survey data from 20 cities that was analyzed by a team of researchers led by a University of California, Riverside landscape ecologist. Susan Marshburn Named UCR’s Executive Director of Facilities Services Inside UCR Susan Marshburn will be leading a team of nearly 400 people as the new executive director of Facilities Services, a new department resulting from the integration of Housing Services and Physical Plant. Professor Emeritus of Biology Rodolfo Ruibal, One of UCR’s Founding faculty, Died Aug. 30 Inside UCR Professor Emeritus Rodolfo “Rudy” Ruibal, a founding member of UC Riverside’s Biology department whose passions included lizards, frogs and making beautiful jewelry, died Aug. 30 at the age of 88, just six months after the death of his wife of 68 years, Irene Shamu Ruibal. Explaining Why the Universe Can Be Transparent Science/Technology Two papers published by a UC Riverside assistant professor of physics and astronomy and several collaborators explain why the universe has enough energy to become transparent. State Controller to Discuss Need to Reform California’s Fiscal Management Policies Politics/Society California’s chief financial officer, Betty T. Yee, will discuss the need for state fiscal management reforms that keep pace with demographic and technological changes on Sept. 28. Grant to School of Medicine Will Help Advance Research on Concussions Health The UCR School of Medicine has received a grant from The Hoag Foundation to conduct research aimed at benefiting athletes who suffer concussions. UC Riverside Leads in City Year Applicants for Fifth Year in a Row Politics/Society For the fifth year in a row, recent graduates from the University of California, Riverside, have topped the leaderboard in applying to the City Year program, which serves students in high-need areas. ‘The Students We Share/Los estudiantes que compartimos’ Inside UCR UC-Mexico Bi-National Symposium “The Students We Share” to Explore Challenges Facing Students Who Attend School in Both U.S. and Mexico Excellence Equals Pamela Clute Inside UCR A dozen speakers from all walks of life tried to add up why Pamela S. Clute made such a big impression. Was it her white hair and black clothes? Was it her constant smile, and her passion for her subject? Was it the hands on teaching style, with nautilus shells and paper folding and soccer balls to illustrate why mathematics and science is everywhere? Yes, all of that. But most of all, they said, it was the way she made you feel. UC Riverside’s Environmental Ranking is on the Rise Politics/Society UC Riverside is celebrating the latest Sierra “Cool Schools” Ranking, which puts the campus 27th among 202 universities. The Perfect Car, According to Science Business University of California, Riverside professor Subramanian “Bala” Balachander and his collaborators explored the aesthetics of the ideal car in a study that is forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing. Balachander is the Albert O. Steffey Chair and Professor of Marketing at UCR’s School of Business. Celebrating Undergraduate Student Success Politics/Society Future leaders in academia, public policy, international business and many other fields compete each year for prestigious post-graduation fellowships. At the University of California, Riverside, the number of students seeking – and winning – these honors, is on the rise. Since 2012, UC Riverside undergraduates have received 62 highly competitive scholarships – a figure unprecedented at the campus. UC Riverside Campus Store Reopens After Three Months of Construction Inside UCR After an extensive three-month renovation, the UCR Campus Store has reopened with new features, new facilities and a new, single-level floorplan. Flowers Critical Link to Bacteria Transmission in Wild Bees Science/Technology A team of researchers, including several from the University of California, Riverside, have found that flowers are a hot spot of transmission of bacteria that end up in the microbiome of wild bees. UC Riverside Presents “Adventurous Music for Curious Ears” Arts/Culture The music department at the University of California, Riverside, and the Culver Center of the Arts at UCR ARTSblock will offer the Outpost Concert Series beginning on Oct. 19, 2016 and running through May 2, 2017. Consisting of five concerts, the series is dedicated to bringing new and innovative music to the Riverside community. Nominate a Change Maker Politics/Society The UCR Committee on Social Innovation is establishing a Change Maker award to recognize the contributions of alumni, students, staff and faculty to social innovation. Nominations are due by Sept. 19. UCR Extension Opens Office in India Inside UCR UCR Extension announced yesterday the opening of the UCR Professional Studies office in Chandigarh, India. India is the second largest country source of international students in the United States. The new office will play a major role in expanding the international activities of Extension’s highly successful International Education Programs division. Turning Reading into Understanding Politics/Society Backed by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, Michael Solis, an assistant professor of special education at the University of California, Riverside, is creating the first reading intervention program specifically designed for children with ASD, a disorder that affects one in 68 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fifty-Nine RISE Scholars Learn About ‘Mind-blowing’ Science Inside UCR RISE scholars at UCR received full scholarships and spent about 10 weeks conducting research in various labs. The RISE experience is designed to stop STEM career attrition. Helping Farmers Improve Air Quality Science/Technology UC Riverside scientist receives grant to study ways of reducing fertilizer use in high-temperature agriculture regions. Joseph Norbeck Remembered for Work to Establish UCR’s CE-CERT Science/Technology Joseph Norbeck, Emeritus Professor of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, founding director of the Bourns College of Engineering Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), and former director of the UCR Environmental Research Institute, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016. Creation of Coinage Monetary System May Signal ISIS under Stress Politics/Society The introduction by ISIS of gold dinars and silver dirhams may indicate instead the group’s preparation for the destruction of the “caliphate” and its subsequent need to easily launder its wealth. UCR Parents: Answers to Questions on College Life, Stress – and Yes, Laundry Inside UCR A panel discussion during a summer orientation session gave new parents an opportunity to hear from three mothers of current UCR students. Graduate Student Awarded Howard Hughes Fellowship Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside graduate student in the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program has received one of 20 International Student Research Fellowships Program awarded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Impacts of 9/11 Continue 15 Years Later Politics/Society UCR scholars are available to discuss a variety of issues relating to the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Barry Wallerstein Named a Senior Policy Fellow at UC Riverside School of Public Policy Politics/Society Longtime air-quality regulator Barry Wallerstein joins the School of Public Policy as a Senior Policy Fellow. Disabilities, Hidden or Not, Bring Benefits to a Workplace Health The University of California, Riverside will launch National Disability Employment Awareness Month with an evening performance about the life journey of Eric Barr, a UCR professor emeritus who survived a major stroke. This one-man show called “A Piece of My Mind” is one of three campus events planned by UCR in partnership with the City of Riverside and the California Department of Rehabilitation to highlight the benefits of recruiting employees with disabilities and celebrating their contributions in the workplace. Latin America Scholar Optimistic about Historic Colombian Peace Deal Politics/Society Latin America scholar David Pion-Berlin offers an analysis of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC guerilla group announced Aug. 24. Blending Wastewater May Help State Cope with Drought Politics/Society An economic model developed by UCR researchers demonstrates how blending wastewater could produce irrigation water with nutrients that are beneficial to specific crops and increase the affordability of recycled wastewater. Tod Goldberg Wins Silver Pen Award Arts/Culture Tod Goldberg, administrative director of UC Riverside’s Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing & Writing for the Performing Arts at the Palm Desert Center, has won the 2016 Silver Pen Award presented by the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame. Beam Me Up, Scotty! Arts/Culture When Gene Roddenberry launched the starship Enterprise into living rooms across the nation on Sept. 8, 1966, it wasn’t long before Capt. James T. Kirk, Spock, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov developed a loyal following. Although the original “Star Trek” series lasted only three seasons on NBC, the Enterprise gave birth to several films, spinoff TV series, and legions of fans known as Trekkies or Trekkers. Memorial Service for Educator Pam Clute Announced for 4 p.m. Sept. 6 at UCR Inside UCR In recognition of Dr. Pamela S. Clute’s long service to UCR, California, and far beyond, there will be a public memorial service at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 at the UC Riverside Student Recreation Center South Building. The event, “Pam Clute: A Celebration of Life,” will include tributes by community leaders from the Inland Region. Cosmic Neighbors Inhibit Star Formation, Even in the Early-universe Science/Technology UC Riverside astronomers and colleagues have discovered four of the most distant clusters of galaxies ever found. Students Launch their Careers in Management Business Fifty college students from around the country recently completed the University of California Summer Institute for Emerging Managers and Leaders (SIEML), which was held Aug. 7-20 at the University of California, Riverside’s School of Business. SIEML is a two-week all-expenses-paid career building experience for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Dylan Rodríguez Will Take Helm at UCR Academic Senate Inside UCR Professors José Wudka and Dylan Rodríguez reflect on their roles within Academic Senate. Parents, Listen up: Children Keep Still During Prayer Arts/Culture Preschool-aged children, and their parents, are more likely to view the physical actions of prayer (i.e., closing eyes, folding hands) to help with reflection and communicating with God. This is according to a new study by Rebekah Richert, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside. The paper, titled “Folding Your Hands Helps God Hear You: Prayer and Anthropomorphism in Parents and Children,” was published in Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion. The study was funded by the Social Science Research Council New Directions in the Study of Prayer Initiative and The John Templeton Foundation Gods in Minds Initiative. In Memoriam: Pamela Clute Science/Technology As information becomes available about a memorial service, UCR Today will share it with the community. Nuclear Puzzle May Be Clue to Fifth Force Science/Technology In a new paper, University of California, Riverside theoretical physicist Flip Tanedo and his collaborators have made new progress towards unravelling a mystery in the beryllium nucleus that may be evidence for a fifth force of nature. UC Riverside Sociology Professor Named President of the Pacific Sociological Association, Planning 88th Annual Conference Politics/Society Karen Pyke, sociology professor at the University of California, Riverside, has been named the president of the Pacific Sociological Association (PSA), and the program chair for PSA’s annual conference. The theme for the 2017 meeting is “Institutional Betrayal: Inequity, Discrimination, Bullying, and Retaliation in Academia.” The conference will be held April 6 - 9, 2017, at The Hilton Portland and Executive Tower in Portland, Oregon. Scholar Named to The California Endowment Board Health Karthick Ramakrishnan, associate dean of the School of Public Policy, has been named to The California Endowment Board of Directors. Dean Deborah Deas Appointed to Stem Cell Agency Board Health Deborah Deas, the Mark and Pam Rubin Dean and Chief Executive Office for Clinical Affairs at the UC Riverside School of Medicine, has been appointed to the governing board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the state’s stem cell agency. Olympic Runner: UCR Alumna Brenda Martinez Advances To Semifinals; Her Top Moments at UCR Inside UCR Brenda Martinez had an impressive career at UCR, setting numerous records and earning the All-American title three times. In the spirit of her Olympic debut, we are featuring some of her top moments at UCR. Congressman Raul Ruiz to Speak at “Future Physician Leaders” Reception Health Next week, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., will address more than 170 students, physicians and health care leaders at the Future Physician Leaders End of Program Reception at UCR Palm Desert Center. The reception, open to media, is by invitation only. Twenty-six New Species of Minute Litter Bugs Described in New Book Science/Technology A new book, "Pegs, Pouches, and Spines: Systematics and Comparative Morphology of the New World Litter Bug Genus Chinannus Wygodzinsky, 1948," revises one genus, Chinannus, which was previously believed to consist of just two species found in Costa Rica and Trinidad. However, the authors of the book describe 26 new species, and expand the known range to most countries between Nicaragua and Bolivia. Molecular Flexibility Shown to Help Pharmaceutical Drugs Bind to Their Targets Science/Technology Scientists have discovered an alternative way to create a stronger binding between pharmaceutical drugs and the part of the body they are targeting - a development that can be used to fight a variety of diseases, including breast cancer. Ph.D. Student Interns at Smithsonian Institution Arts/Culture Ph.D. student Mayela Caro received the prestigious and highly competitive Smithsonian Minority Awards Program-Visiting Student Internship. Olympic Runner: UCR Alumna Brenda Martinez Takes Third Place in Semifinals; Her Top Moments at UCR Inside UCR Brenda Martinez had an impressive career at UCR, setting numerous records and earning the All-American title three times. In the spirit of her Olympic debut, we are featuring some of her top moments at UCR. First English-language History of Colombian Literature Published Arts/Culture Raymond L. Williams, distinguished professor of Spanish, has edited the first English-language history of the Colombian novel. The Top: 5 Reasons Why UCR is a ‘Pokémon Go’ Paradise Inside UCR UCR is swarming with Pokémon all throughout campus. That's why this week, we are highlighting why UCR is a great place to "catch 'em all." White House Initiative, UC Riverside Partner to Improve Asian American, Pacific Islander Data Politics/Society The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and AAPIData.com, a UCR research project, have launched a nationwide challenge that addresses gaps in data about AAPI communities. Slideshow: Summer 2016 Inside UCR While a majority of UCR students are gone for summer, UCR's campus is still full of school spirit throughHighlander Orientation and the School of Medicine's Class of 2020 White Coat Ceremony. Study Highlights Serious Security Threat to Many Internet Users Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have identified a weakness in the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) of all Linux operating systems since late 2012 that enables attackers to hijack users’ internet communications completely remotely. $100,000 Gift to Grow Sikh and Punjabi Research Arts/Culture Dr. Harkeerat S. and Deepta Dhillon, longtime supporters of the University of California, Riverside, have endowed a research award to support doctoral students engaged in Sikh and Punjabi Studies in the arts and humanities. Looking Different Than Your Parents Can Be an Evolutionary Advantage Science/Technology Looking different to your parents can provide species with a way to escape evolutionary dead ends, according to new research from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the University of California, Riverside. UCR Researcher Awarded $1.2 Million California Energy Commission Grant to Help Create the Smart Grid Science/Technology A researcher at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to help the state meet its goal of adding 20 gigawatts of renewable power generation by 2020. $300K Endowment in UCR School of Business to Benefit Graduate Students Business RIVERSIDE, Calif. (www.ucr.edu) — A Trustee of the UC Riverside Foundation and his wife have committed funds to create the single largest endowed scholarship fund in the UCR School of Business. The Riverside couple’s contributions total $150,000, which will be matched through the Anderson Matching Fund Initiative, creating a total endowed value of $300,000. Christine Victorino is UCR’s New Associate Chancellor Inside UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox announced that Christine Victorino is the new Associate Chancellor, replacing Cindy Giorgio who retired in July after 35 years of service to the campus. Federal Program Helps San Bernardino High School Students Reach for College Inside UCR The U.S. Department of Education has recently awarded a five-year, $1.4 million grant to the University of California, Riverside to help put low-income high school students from San Bernardino on the path to college. Next Generation Anode to Improve Lithium-ion Batteries Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have created a new silicon-tin nanocomposite anode that could lead to lithium-ion batteries that can be charged and discharged more times before they reach the end of their useful lives. The longer-lasting batteries could be used in everything from handheld electronic devices to electric vehicles. Bicycle Justice Elusive for Low-income Commuters Politics/Society Policies aimed at promoting cycling largely ignores one segment of the bike-riding population: Those for whom bicycles are an economic necessity, not an option to driving a car. UC Riverside Student Receives William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship to Study Abroad in Dubai Arts/Culture Martina Chase-Rios, a fourth-year double major in anthropology and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies at the University of California, Riverside, has been awarded the William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship. The scholarship will allow Chase-Rios to study abroad at the American University in Dubai, and will cover the cost of tuition and housing. UC Leadership Program to be held at UCR’s School of Business Administration Business This month, the University of California, Riverside’s School of Business Administration will host the University of California Summer Institute for Emerging Managers and Leaders (SIEML), a program that brings students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions together for an all-expenses-paid career-building experience. The two-week event will be Aug. 7 to 21. Rio Olympics from A to Z Arts/Culture With the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics scheduled Aug. 5, scholars from the University of California, Riverside are available to talk about a variety of topics related to Rio 2016, such as the history of the Olympic Games, the psychology of waiting, and health concerns of athletes. UCR’s Brenda Martinez is Part of the USA Team for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Inside UCR UC Riverside’s very own three-time All-American Brenda Saucedo Martinez is on her way to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. UC Riverside Recognized for Graduation Rate Success by Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside was named a national finalist for the 2016 Project Degree Completion Award, which recognizes institutions that employ innovative approaches to improve retention and degree completion. New Book Gives Comprehensive Overview of Astrocyte Biology Health UC Riverside's Devin K. Binder and Jacqueline S. Hubbard have coauthored a book that provides a comprehensive overview of astrocyte biology. Low Oxygen Levels May Have Delayed Emergence of Animals Science/Technology Reinhard and coauthors — including Tim Lyons, UC Riverside distinguished professor of biogeochemistry and leader of the Alternative Earths Team, and his graduate student Stephanie Olson — suggest in a paper published today (July 25) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that oxygen in the surface ocean was either absent or highly variable for most of Earth history, and this combination likely disfavored the emergence of animals. Capital Planning Receives Honorable Mention For Future Greenhouse Design Inside UCR UC Riverside received an honorable mention award from the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) for their design of future greenhouses and research facilities. Two UCR Teams Knocking it Out of the Park Academically Inside UCR The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has recognized the academic achievement of the UC Riverside women’s tennis and golf teams for making it into the top 10 percent in the nation when it comes to performance in the classroom. Not the court, or the course, but the classroom. Tech Awards Named for UCR Staff Member Announced Inside UCR The University of California System recognized 10 innovative technology projects on Tuesday, July 12 during the annual UC Computing Services Conference. The annual awards program honoring achievements in Information Technology efficiency and innovation are named in honor of former UC Riverside Chief Information Officer Larry L. Sautter, who died of cancer in 1999. “Class” to be Adapted to Film Arts/Culture Charles Evered, professor of playwriting and founding artistic director of the Department of Theatre, Film and Digital Production at the University of California, Riverside, will write and direct the film adaptation of his play “Class” for Wonderstar Productions. Building Lab Instruments One Block at a Time Science/Technology A team of researchers and students at the University of California, Riverside has created a Lego-like system of blocks that enables users to custom make chemical and biological research instruments quickly, easily and affordably. The system of 3D-printed blocks can be used in university labs, schools, hospitals, and anywhere there is a need to create scientific tools. Researchers to Study Health Impacts of Drought Politics/Society School of Public Policy researchers have been awarded $284,680 grant by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Evidence for Action Program to determine whether drought and adverse weather conditions cause health problems. Scents from Bed Bugs’ Shed Skin Affect the Pests’ Behavior Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have discovered the shed skins of bed begs retain the “obnoxious sweetness” smell often associated with the pests, a finding that could potentially be used to combat infestations of the insects. Scholar Translates Korean Immigrant Oral Histories Arts/Culture Edward T. Chang has translated a collection of oral histories of Korean immigrants gathered by journalist K.W. Lee into Korean for publication in the Republic of Korea. Science Fiction and Technoculture Studies Book Prize Winner for 2015 Announced Arts/Culture Colin Milburn, professor and Gary Snyder Chair in Science and Humanities at the University of California, Davis, has been awarded the third annual UC Riverside Science Fiction and Technoculture Studies Book Prize. Better Understanding Post-Earthquake Fault Movement Science/Technology Preparation and good timing enabled Gareth Funning and a team of researchers to collect a unique data set following the 2014 South Napa earthquake that showed different parts of the fault, sometimes only a few kilometers apart, moved at different speeds and at different times. Immigration, jobs, health care top platform issues Politics/Society UC Riverside scholars are available to discuss a variety of issues that are likely to arise at political conventions and their significance in this year’s presidential campaign. Sharon Walker Named Interim Dean for Bourns College of Engineering Inside UCR UC Riverside Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Paul D’Anieri named Sharon Walker, professor and John Babbage chair in Environmental Engineering and associate dean for Student Academic Affairs, to serve as interim dean of Bourns College of Engineering effective July 18, 2016. Kent LaCombe Heads UCR’s Water Resources Collections and Archives Inside UCR UC Riverside is now the hub for what may possibly be the largest collection of California’s water-related history. To curate the thousands of technical reports, maps and photographs, UCR hired Kent LaCombe as the water resources librarian for the Water Resources Collections and Archives. Graduate Student Awarded UC Smoke and Tobacco Free Fellowship Health UC Riverside graduate student Neema Adhami is one of only four students to receive the new UC Smoke and Tobacco Free Fellowship Award. Tiger Moms are the Same Everywhere Politics/Society It doesn’t matter if you’re an American “tiger mom,” or a Chinese one, evidence shows that parents’ attempts to control children through psychological means (e.g., shaming children) are associated with academic and emotional distress in children. This is according to a new study by Cecilia Cheung, assistant professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. Cheung’s study, “Controlling and Autonomy-Supportive Parenting in the United States and China: Beyond Children’s Reports,” was published in the journal Child Development. An Upward Trajectory for UCR Athletics Inside UCR Tamica Smith Jones joined UCR as the director of Intercollegiate Athletics in July 2015. She came from the University of Texas in San Antonio where she was the senior associate athletic director for internal affairs and senior woman administrator. UCR Alumni Association Working to Reach Graduates in the U.S. and Abroad Inside UCR UC Riverside's Alumni Association (UCRAA) operates with a robust calendar. The months are pre-filled with meetings, socials, networking events and receptions – in the U.S. and abroad. The Top: Eight Ways to Keep Cool During the Summer Inside UCR It's not a secret that it can get pretty hot in Riverside during the summer. That's why this week, we are featuring tips and on-campus resources to help you survive those triple digit temperatures. Clouds are Moving Higher, Subtropical Dry Zones Expanding Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside assistant professor and a team of researchers have found that the cloudy storm tracks on Earth are moving toward the poles and subtropical dry zones are expanding. Cloud tops are also moving higher in the atmosphere. The Search for the Arctic Bumblebee Inside UCR The New York Times sent reporter Jim Gorman and photographer Katie Orlinsky to report on a team from UC Riverside tracking Bombus polaris, the arctic bumblebee. Weathered Oil in Gulf of Mexico May Threaten Development of Fish Embryos and Larvae Science/Technology A UC Riverside-led research team has found that ultraviolet light is changing the structure of the Deepwater Horizon oil components into something more toxic. Scientists Move Closer to Developing Therapeutic Window to the Brain Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside are bringing their idea for a ‘Window to the Brain’ transparent skull implant closer to reality through the findings of two studies that are forthcoming in the journals Lasers in Surgery and Medicine and Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine. Study Explains Why Galaxies Stop Creating Stars Science/Technology A UC Riverside-led team of astronomers examined around 70,000 galaxies to address an important unsolved mystery in astrophysics: What processes lead galaxies to cease star formation? UCR Medical School Student Awarded Scholarship from Beaver Medical Clinic Foundation Inside UCR Haroun Mohammad, a first year medical student in the UC Riverside School of Medicine has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Beaver Medical Clinic Foundation. UCR Extension Offers Free Lecture Series on Forensic Investigations Inside UCR Every summer, UCR Extension’s science, law and humanities department invites local experts and specialists to present topics that focus on current trends, scientific discovery, technology and public safety. It Starts With the Negative, and Ends With the Positive Politics/Society Among college students, the tendency to frame a life story in a redemptive manner (narrative begins negatively, but ends positively, such as when someone construes failing a chemistry class as leading to a promising career in a different area) increases from freshman to senior year. That is according to a new study by William Dunlop, assistant professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. The study, “The Autobiographical Author Through Time: Examining the Degree of Stability and Change in Redemptive and Contaminated Personal Narratives,” appears in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science. Integrated Trio of 2D Nanomaterials Unlocks Graphene Electronics Applications Science/Technology Graphene has emerged as one of the most promising two-dimensional crystals, but the future of electronics may include two other nanomaterials, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside and the University of Georgia. Grant to School of Medicine Aims to Expand Inland Southern California’s Primary Care Workforce Health The School of Medicine at UC Riverside has received a $2.3 million grant to expand inland Southern California’s primary care workforce. College Students Demonstrate Integrity in Learning and Ignore Cheating Opportunities Science/Technology Most college students make a legitimate attempt to answer questions in homework assignments, even when a short-cut to the answer is available to them through the click of a button, according to a new study by researchers from the University of California at Riverside and zyBooks . New Report Points to Racial Disparities in Nearly All Forms of Political Participation in California Politics/Society Latinos and Asian Americans are the least likely to have a say in California’s politics, during election cycles and year-round. That is one of the key findings of a new report by the School of Public Policy and Advancement Project. Anthropologist Awarded NSF Grant to Excavate Maya Households Arts/Culture An international team of researchers led by UCR anthropologist Travis Stanton will begin excavating household sites along a causeway on the Yucatán Peninsula next summer to determine how life changed for tens of thousands of people who lived along what was the longest road in the ancient Maya world. Professor To Develop Online Courses on African Literature Arts/Culture UC Riverside Professor Anthonia Kalu has received two awards from the UC Office of the President to develop and design two online courses, called "Introduction to African Literature” and “Women in African Literature.” UCR Early Childhood Services Must Confront a Deficit Inside UCR UC Riverside’s Early Childhood Services (formerly called the Child Development Center) has announced that the center must balance a budget that has been running at deficit for several years. UCR Extension Instructor Wins Award of Distinction for Graphic Design Arts/Culture Randall Cornish, an instructor for UCR Extension’s Digital Arts & Design Summer Academy, has received an Award of Distinction from the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts in New York City for his BeeDorm logo, which he designed for college dormitory buildings. “The idea was to create a fun and playful identity that would enhance social life on campus,” Cornish said. UCR Extension Summer STEM Program Comes to UCR Palm Desert Inside UCR For the first time since its inception, the UCR Extension Expanding Horizons summer program is broadening its reach to the desert community, and hosting its one-week STEM Discovery Academy at UCR Palm Desert June 27 through July 1. Asian-Owned Firms Growing Faster, Generating Higher Revenues in U.S., California, and Inland Southern California Business A new analysis of recently available U.S. Census data finds that businesses owned by Asians are growing faster in number and generating higher average revenues than ‘total’ businesses in the United States, California, and Inland Southern California. Within the Inland region, average per firm revenue at Asian-owned businesses exceeded average revenue at total firms in the area by more than $20,000 (6.6%) during the study period. UC Riverside Mentoring Program Receives Three-year Grant Politics/Society The University Eastside Community Collaborative (UECC), a mentoring and tutoring program at the University of California, Riverside, has received a federal grant from AmeriCorps to will help fund the program. The grant will provide UECC with nearly $275,000 per year for three years. Employees Say Farewell to UC Riverside Inside UCR Meet a few of the retirees who have spent decades working at UC Riverside. The Top: 32 Mortarboards from Commencement 2016 Inside UCR This week, we are featuring mortarboards that have left a lasting impression at UCR's 62nd annual commencement ceremonies. UCR Magazine Highlights the School of Public Policy Inside UCR In many ways, California is like a nation; its innovative policies are studied and adapted elsewhere in the country and the world. At the new UCR School of Public Policy, addressing Inland California’s biggest challenges — poverty, the drought, mass incarceration — holds great promise. Read about how UCR established the school. It is the culmination of a decadelong effort to establish UCR not only as a training ground for policymakers, but also to solve the most pressing challenges facing California and the world. Rediscovering a Wasp After 101 years Science/Technology A species of wasp that is a natural enemy of a wood-boring beetle that kills black locust trees has been rediscovered, more than 100 years after the last wasp of this species was found. UCR International Affairs Creates a Team Inside UCR Once scattered across the campus, the offices that work with international students, staff and faculty are moving together to the third floor of the Surge building. By the end of the month, they will be in new office space, and known collectively as the International Affairs Office. They will report to Vice Provost for International Affairs Kelechi Kalu. UC-Mexico Initiative Gains Momentum on Both Sides of the Border Arts/Culture The UC-Mexico Initiative launched in 2014 with the intention of stimulating development of new programs and partnerships involving academia, government, corporations and foundations across Mexico and the United States. Free Events Planned for Asteroid Day Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside’s Department of Physics and Astronomy will be hosting a series of free events June 30 to commemorate Asteroid Day. UCR Early Childhood Services Shifts to New Staffing Model; Raises Rates Inside UCR UC Riverside’s Early Childhood Services (formerly called the Child Development Center) has announced a new allocation of teaching personnel to help balance a budget that has been running at deficit for several years. Congratulations, Class of 2016! Inside UCR Commencement is an exciting time at UCR! Check out some highlights from commencement 2016 through our slideshow below! UCR’s Fortino Morales III Wins the Global Food Initiative 30 Under 30 Award For His Work with R’Garden Inside UCR Three generations later, Fortino Morales III is leading as R’Garden manager, and for his work he is being recognized in the inaugural UC Global Food Initiative 30 Under 30 Awards. UC Riverside Researcher Awarded Department of Energy Early Career Grant Science/Technology Bryan M. Wong, an assistant professor of chemical and environmental engineering and materials science and engineering at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, has been awarded a 2016 Early Career Research Program grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Social Life of Health Information Science/Technology Most Americans go online for information and support about health-related issues. But what exactly are they looking for? Researchers at the University of California, Riverside shed light on this in a new study that examines how different people in different places use the internet to discuss their health. Researchers Find Possible Missing Link Between Sleep and Improved Memory Health A team of sleep researchers at the University of California, Riverside, led by psychology professor Mednick, has found that the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for control of bodily functions not consciously directed (such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestive processes) plays a role in promoting memory consolidation – the process of converting information from short-term to long-term memory – during sleep. UC Riverside Students Training at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Science/Technology Ten University of California, Riverside students will have internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) this summer thanks to a $4.5 million grant the university received last year from NASA. Researchers Unpack How Toxoplasma Infection Is Linked to Neurodegenerative Disease Health UC Riverside biomedical scientists report that Toxoplasma infection leads to a disruption of neurotransmitters in the brain. Metrolink’s 91/Perris Valley Line Now Open Inside UCR Metrolink has opened the 91/Perris Valley Line service, which extends service 24 miles from the Riverside–Downtown Station to South Perris. The extension will provide access to Metrolink service for residents in Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, San Jacinto, Hemet, Lake Elsinore and Wildomar. Tip-top Shape Landscape Inside UCR Getting the campus to look it's best is the key focus of the Physical Plant team, especially because commencement is around the corner. The 30-member crew focuses on more than 250 acres of living landscape. Mystery Bell Tower Tweeter Revealed Arts/Culture Andrew Shin, who is graduating this month with a degree in political science, is @UCR_Belltower. Slideshow: End of the Year Events in 2016 Inside UCR The campus is busy at the end of the year, with celebrations for graduates, a launch of a citrus research facility, a candlelight vigil for UCLA, and more! Check out some of the end of the year happenings with our slideshow below. The Top: Highlights of Spring 2016 Inside UCR This week, we're reflecting on the top moments this Spring at UCR. Research & Scholarship Inside UCR UC Riverside Historian, Megan Asaka, has been awarded a Dumbarton Oaks Mellon Fellowship in Urban Landscape Studies by Harvard University to study the historical presence of migrant workers in the physical landscape of early Seattle. Awards & Honors Awards & Honors What does Ernst & Young, Fulbright Fellowships and James Joyce have in common? Citrus Industry, UC Riverside Team Up to Fight Citrus Killer Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside and the California Citrus Research Foundation launched an effort Monday, June 6 that will result in construction of a new facility to be used by researchers to fight a disease devastating the citrus industry. A Look Back at a Year of Organizational Excellence Business During the May 11th Organizational Excellence (OE) campus-wide event cohosted by Vice Chancellors Maria Anguiano and Ron Coley, the purpose and drive of OE came into focus: OE seeks to create a culture that inspires all members of our campus community to improve the use of available resources so that we operate at maximum productivity. Building Leaders From Within Inside UCR Vice Chancellor Ron T. Coley and Provost Paul D’Anieri have a shared vision: build UC Riverside’s future leaders. How? By fostering and developing UCR’s own staff and faculty. For a second year in a row, UCR has sent personnel to participate in the CORO Fellowship program, a one-year leadership training session aimed at strengthening the skills of UCR’s own employees. Filmmaker, Scholars to Discuss Ethnic Futurisms Arts/Culture A yearlong exploration of ethnic futurisms at UCR concludes with a conference on June 9 that will feature scholars of science fiction and fantasy literature and a SF filmmaker. Helping Students ‘Talk the Talk’ for Academic Success Politics/Society Rollanda O’Connor, a professor at the University of California, Riverside’s Graduate School of Education, was recently awarded a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) to continue her research on reading, writing and language development in middle school children with learning disabilities. Reza Aslan to Receive James Joyce Award Arts/Culture Reza Aslan, professor of creative writing and best-selling author, will receive the James Joyce Award from Europe's largest university society. UCR’s 62nd Commencement Evokes Memories of Perseverance, Triumph for Graduates Arts/Culture It takes perseverance and courage to make it to one of the seven graduation ceremonies to be held between Friday, June 10 and Monday, June 13 at UC Riverside’s 62nd annual commencement. Each student has a story. Here are just a few. UCR Anthropologist and Art Historian Awarded Fulbright Fellowships Arts/Culture A UCR anthropologist known internationally for her work on diversity and cultural competence in higher education and an art historian whose research on visual culture spans the Americas have been awarded Fulbright fellowships for 2016-17. UCR Family Student Housing Complex to Be Closed in Summer 2017 Inside UCR After serving generations of UC Riverside students with families, the 55-acre Canyon Crest Family Student Housing will be closed to make way for more modern facilities. UCR announced the change to residents a year before the closing, to give people a chance to make a smooth transition. Those families who need new space will be offered apartments at Oban campus apartments, located at Canyon Crest Ave. and Linden Street, right across from the UCR Police Department. Preservation of Spanish Missions in California and Mexico Examined Arts/Culture The UC-Mexico Initiative is convening University of California scholars, Native Americans, and preservation experts and government officials from California and Mexico to examine the shared heritage of the missions and how to preserve their historical and cultural significance. Revenues, Employment at Black-Owned Businesses Growing Faster than at Total Businesses in U.S., State and Region Business A new analysis of recently available U.S. Census data finds that ownership, revenues, and hiring are growing significantly faster among businesses owned by Blacks than they are among ‘total’ businesses in the United States, California, and the Inland Southern California region. NSF Funds Extensive Survey of Asian Americans Politics/Society The National Science Foundation has awarded a multi-campus team of researchers a $507,132 grant to undertake the most extensive study of Asian Americans to date. Mantis Shrimp Inspires Next Generation of Ultra-Strong Materials Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside and Purdue University are one step closer to developing super strong composite materials, thanks to the mantis shrimp, a small, multicolored marine crustacean that crushes the shells of its prey using a fist-like appendage called a dactyl club. Policing Mental Health Arts/Culture Two films and a play that tackle tough issues around mental health, policing, and the criminal justice system will be presented by the UC Riverside Public History Program and the Humanities Action Lab June 3-4 at UCR ARTSblock. Kal Penn Speaks at UC Riverside May 31 About Civic Engagement Arts/Culture Kal Penn, one of the stars of the "Harold and Kumar" franchise, took a break from his Hollywood career to work as the Associate Director at the White House Office of Public Engagement. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 he will be speaking in the University Theatre of UC Riverside about civic engagement in America. The Month In Photos: May 2016 Inside UCR UCR staff, faculty and students geared up to end the school year in high spirits for the month of May. UC Riverside Invites Public to Southwest Regional Economic Forecast Business Christopher Thornberg, director of the School of Business Administration Center for Economic Forecasting and Development at the University of California, Riverside will be a keynote speaker at the 2016 Southwest Regional Economic Forecast, set for Wednesday, June 8 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Exclusionary Rhetoric Prompts Seismic Shift in Political Support Among Asian Americans Politics/Society Politicians who persist in using divisive rhetoric, particularly anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment, risk alienating an increasingly influential voting population – Asian American voters. Look Online for UCR’s Future Design Health New campus gateways, greenhouses and research facilities, student housing, and a health clinic for UCR students and the public, are part of a campus vision contained in a Physical Master Plan Study now available online. Unruly Bodies: Dismantling Larry Clark’s Tulsa Arts/Culture A group of art history and public history students at the University of California, Riverside will unveil a new exhibition at the California Museum of Photography (CMP) at UCR ARTSblock called “Unruly Bodies: Dismantling Larry Clark’s Tulsa.” The exhibition will open with a reception at CMP on Thursday, June 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. It is free and open to the public. The Huntington and UC Riverside Name First Two Faculty Fellows for Program to Boost Humanities Arts/Culture The Huntington and UC Riverside have named the two inaugural fellows for their highly competitive collaborative Program for the Advancement of the Humanities—a partnership that serves as a national model for supporting the future of the humanities. New Exhibition Celebrates Life and Work of Past UC Riverside Chancellor Tomás Rivera Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside Library has unveiled its newest exhibition, “Tomás Rivera: UCR and Higher Education Retrospective/Una Retrospectiva Sobre UCR y Educación Superior.” The exhibition is located in Special Collections & University Archives on the fourth floor of Rivera Library. The Top: Nine Activities To Do Before the School Year Ends Inside UCR This week, we're featuring UCR events to check out before the 2015-16 school year comes to a close. Although the academic calendar is winding down to the end, that does not mean that the activities on campus are too! There is plenty to see and do before Commencement hits. 60 Seconds to Impact Voter Turnout Arts/Culture The Palm Springs International ShortFest and UC Riverside are collaborating on a unique film competition aimed to improving voter turnout. The submission deadline is June 10. UC Riverside Adds Data Science Specialization to Online MS in Engineering Science/Technology To meet the growing demand for data scientists, the University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) Bourns College of Engineering has added a new Data Science specialization to its Online Master of Science in Engineering, a fully online degree program that is aimed at professionals in multi-disciplinary data-driven fields (engineers, scientists, medical and social media professionals) looking to enhance their careers. UC Riverside Library Receives $100,000 Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside Library received a National Leadership Grant for Libraries from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The $100,000 grant will fund a collaborative project called Diversifying the Digital Historical Record: Integrating Community Archives in National Strategies for Access to Digital Cultural Heritage. The project seeks to expand the diversity of the nation’s digital history. UCR Library joins Inland Empire Memories, the Shorefront Legacy Center, the South Asian American Digital Archive, Mukurtu, and the Amistad Research Center in partnership on the project. MPP Students to Meet with Elected Leaders, Policy Staff in Sacramento Politics/Society Master of Public Policy students in the UC Riverside School of Public Policy will meet with top elected officials and key state policy staff in a daylong trip to Sacramento on Thursday, May 26. Student Athletes Caught between Business of College Sports and Educational Mission of Universities Politics/Society Colleges with high-profile athletics programs say they reinforce to players the importance of balancing their lives as students and athletes, but the reality may be a system that focuses on sports at the expense of academics, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside. Inland Southern California Economy Shows Strong Growth Business The Inland Southern California economy grew at an impressive pace in the fourth quarter of 2015, bucking trends at the state and national level by a significant margin, according a report released today by the University of California, Riverside’s School of Business Administration Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. Historian Awarded Fellowship to Study Evolution of Seattle’s Urban Landscape Politics/Society Historian Megan Asaka has been awarded a Dumbarton Oaks Mellon Fellowship in Urban Landscape Studies by Harvard University to study the historical presence of migrant workers in the physical landscape of early Seattle. UC Walks, walking together for a healthier campus Health RIVERSIDE, Calif. (www.ucr.edu) — The 7th Annual UC Walks event drew about 400 staff, faculty and students for an afternoon of exercise and comradely on Wednesday, May 18. UCR’s outdoor track was transformed for the two-hour event that had some participants … Continue reading → Open House Highlights Features to Keep the Campus Safe Health A ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 17 marked the grand opening of the new home for Enterprise Risk Management, the group responsible for protecting the campus operation every day from fire, lab chemicals and other risks. The $21 million building is also the new home for the campus Emergency Operations Center (EOC,) a very important place for managing crises, such as fires, earthquakes and floods. UC Riverside’s Sue Gozansky Inducted Into Riverside Sport Hall Of Fame Inside UCR Riverside—The Riverside Sport Hall of Fame inducted former UC Riverside Head Volleyball Coach Sue Gozansky on Monday, May 16, as part of the Induction Class of 2016. The reception, dinner and awards ceremony took place at the Riverside Convention Center. Coach … Continue reading → Study Advances Understanding of Colon Cancer and Colitis Health The transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4-alpha) plays a key role in colon cancer and colitis. HNF4-alpha comes in two major isoforms, P1 and P2, but just how these are distributed in the gut and how each isoform plays a role in colitis and colon cancer are not understood. Now UC Riverside researchers have determined the distribution of the P1 and P2 isoforms in the colon. They report that maintaining a balance of P1 and P2 is crucial for reducing risk of contracting colon cancer and colitis. Colliding Galaxies Inspire Music Arts/Culture A musical composition that represents the merging of the Milky Way, the Andromeda, and Triangulum Galaxies, which is predicted to occur in four billion years, will be performed Friday, May 20 at the University of California, Riverside. UC Riverside Presents ‘Toward a Critical Refugee Studies: A Symposium’ Politics/Society What would you do when your, as Kenyan-born Somali poet Warsan Shire phrases it, “home is the mouth of a shark?” Artists, activists, and academics will gather to tackle that topic at the University of California, Riverside with a symposium on global displacement. The conference is called, “Toward a Critical Refugee Studies,” and will be held on Wednesday, May 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It will be held in Interdisciplinary 1113 and 1128. The event is free and open to the public. New Book Identifies 50 Studies Every Pediatrician Should Know Health UC Riverside’s Ashaunta Anderson is a coauthor on a new book that identifies 50 studies every pediatrician should know. UCR’s International Education Program Celebrates 40 Years of Providing a Home Away from Home Arts/Culture They come from Japan, Korea, China, India, Spain, and the Middle East. Many of them stay in private homes, talking around the dinner table, commuting to school, heading out for entertainment at a theme park or a sports arena, shopping at local shops and malls. It has made Riverside a more international community. When Selling Good Karma Goes Bad Business A new study by researchers from the University of California, Riverside and the University of Louisville has examined how consumers’ beliefs about karma influence their responses to charitable appeals in advertising. The findings show that people who believe in karma, despite seeing the positive benefits of doing good deeds, do not always respond favorably. Current Violence in India Rooted in British Colonialism Politics/Society A new book by UCR political scientist Ajay Verghese finds that contemporary violence in India is shaped by British colonialism. UCR Awarded $1.1 Million to Help Underserved Students Inside UCR The University of California, Riverside will continue to help underserved students succeed in college with the assistance of a $1.1 million Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This is the second time UCR has been awarded this competitive grant, which will disbursed over the next five years. Help Make UCR’s 62nd Commencement Memorable Inside UCR UCR staff, faculty, students, alumni and friends are encouraged to help out in UCR's 62nd Commencement by volunteering their time and energy during one or all of the seven ceremonies. UCR Researchers Awarded $1.3 million from USDA for Green Energy Research Science/Technology Charles Wyman, Distinguished Professor in Chemical and Environmental Engineering and holder of the Ford Motor Company Chair in Environmental Engineering of the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), and Charles Cai, Research Engineer at CE-CERT and Adjunct Assistant Professor, both at the University of California Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, have received a $1,297,725 award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) . UCR Extension Paralegal Workshop Explores Limited Licenses; Other Timely Topics Business The Washington State Supreme Court has found a way to make legal representation affordable and accessible to a growing number of low- and moderate-income residents and other states including California are taking notice. UCR Center for Environmental Research and Technology to Hold Open House Science/Technology The Bourns College of Engineering Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) will host an open house this Wednesday (May 11) from 3- 5 p.m. UC Riverside Graduate Student to Teach English in Malta Politics/Society Monique Mansour, a graduate student at the University of California, Riverside in the MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts program, has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship to teach English as a second language in Malta. She will serve as a cultural ambassador from September 2016 to June 2017. Wine and Food Tasting Event Returns to Gardens Science/Technology The Friends of the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens will host the 18th Annual Primavera in the Gardens wine and food tasting fundraising event on Sunday, May 15th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens. Expert Available to Speak About the Science Behind Captain America: Civil War Science/Technology Suveen Mathaudhu, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering is available for interviews with reporters about the science and engineering behind Captain America’s shield and other Marvel superheroes and their technologies. UCR to Host Global Food Security Week with Slate of Events Health The UCR community is invited to learn about the importance of food security, the effects of food scarcity on the environment, and the connections of food to our communities during the first Global Food Security week, which runs from May 9 through May 15, 2016. Environmental Justice Advocate to Speak May 11 Health NAACP environmental justice activist Jacqueline Patterson will discuss the impacts of polluting industries and climate change on communities of color and low-income communities on May 11. Palm Desert Low Residency MFA Professor Honored by Library of Congress Arts/Culture Stephen Graham Jones, an award-winning novelist and a core faculty member of the Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts, will be featured in a program highlighting the work of Native American authors at the Library of Congress on May 10. Exploiting Male Killing Bacteria to Control Insects Science/Technology A team of scientists have discovered a key mechanism that drives a bacteria that kills male insects, a development that could potentially be exploited to control insect pest species in the future. New Edition of Book Showcases the Best in Southern California Medical Education Health UC Riverside School of Medicine faculty are major contributors to the sixth edition of the textbook Kochar's Clinical Medicine for Students. UCR Graduate Student to Attend Competitive Program on Food Security Science/Technology Holly Mayton, a graduate student in chemical and environmental engineering at the University of California, Riverside has been selected for the U.S. Borlaug Summer Institute, a competitive program that accepts 40 graduate students from across the United States each year to attend a 2-week program on global food security. UCR Student Group and Department of Environmental Health and Safety Launch the Save-a-Life Initiative Health Name one location of an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the University of California, Riverside campus. Stumped? It's okay, the majority of the UCR community are too. This shocking discovery that many staff, faculty and students do not know basic life support skills is what motivated fourth-year biology student Krunal Patel to start the Save-a-Life initiative. Small RNAs Topic of Faculty Research Lecture Science/Technology Xuemei Chen, a distinguished professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, will give the 64th annual Faculty Research Lecture June 3 at the University of California, Riverside. The Top: Seven of UCR’s Best ‘Star Wars’ Moments Inside UCR May the Fourth be with you, in all the ways that UCR has expressed love for the epic saga UCR Student Group and Department of Environmental Health and Safety Launches the Save-a-Life Initiative Health Name one location of an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the University of California, Riverside campus. Stumped? It's okay, the majority of the UCR community are too. This shocking discovery that many staff, faculty and students do not know basic life support skills is what motivated fourth-year biology student Krunal Patel to start the Save-a-Life initiative. 35th Annual Medicine Ways Conference Explores Identity and Media Representation Arts/Culture It’s become tradition on the University of California, Riverside campus, especially after 35 years. Native American Student Programs and the Native American Student Association at UCR, with the help of the Rupert Costo Endowed Chair, will host the annual Medicine Ways Conference, bringing in guests from across the country to speak at the event. Children Trust ‘Clever’ Characters on Television Politics/Society Children are more likely to learn from educational television programming if two things occur: 1) If the children believe the character on the program is knowledgeable, and 2) they are reminded to think about what they have seen on television for ideas of how to solve a problem. This is according to a new study by a group of researchers, including Rebekah Richert, psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside. The study is called, “U.S. Preschoolers’ Trust of and Learning from Media Characters,” and it was published in the Journal of Children and Media. The Ethical Behavior of Ethicists Arts/Culture Do professional ethicists live up to ethical norms any more than people who do not make a living out of teaching ethics? Find out at UC Riverside on May 10. Paying it Forward to Help Aspiring First Generation Professors Find their Path Arts/Culture Gloria Luong, the 2006 Outstanding Student in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, took a nervous plunge into graduate work, became a college professor, and now, 10 years later, is extending her hand to help Carla Arredondo, another first-generation UCR alumna, pursue a Ph.D. of her own. UCR Grad Student Talks Straight To Win Big Inside UCR A UC Riverside doctoral student who is working to create smaller, more powerful microprocessors using graphene instead of silicon is UC’s newest Grad Slam champion. Grad student Peter Byrley took home the "Slammy" on April 22, the culmination of a systemwide contest that recognizes and rewards the gift for gab – specifically, the ability to summarize complex research for a lay audience in a way that is concise, engaging and illuminating. UC Riverside to Hold Carbon Slam Science/Technology A May event at the University of California, Riverside will highlight how the campus and the City of Riverside are taking action to cut carbon—and what you can do to support these efforts. Chair of UC Riverside’s Theater Department to Present at International Conference in Italy Arts/Culture Erith Jaffe-Berg, chair and associate professor of the Department of Theatre, Film and Digital Production at the University of California, Riverside, will speak at The Birth and Evolution of the Venetian Ghetto international conference in Venice, Italy, on Friday, May 6. Selfish Behavior Lowers Levels of Happiness Politics/Society Cheating to get ahead is likely to reduce your level of happiness. That’s according to a new study by University of California, Riverside sociology professor Jan E. Stets. The study, titled “Happiness and Identities,” was published in the journal Social Science Research. Disconnect Between State and Local Government Examined in Policy Seminar Politics/Society Rob Field, assistant county executive officer for the Riverside County Economic Development Agency, will discuss the complexities of the relationship between state and local government on April 28. Bacteria Beneficial to Plants Have Spread Across California Science/Technology UC Riverside scientists have discovered that a strain of beneficial nitrogen-fixing bacteria has spread across California. UC Riverside Conference Focuses on Issues and Benefits of Diversity Arts/Culture A two-year research project exploring issues and benefits of diversity at the University of California, Riverside and in Southern California will conclude with a conference May 6-7 in downtown Riverside that is open to the public. UC Riverside Graduate Part of Pulitzer Prize-Winning Team at Los Angeles Times Arts/Culture Dexter Thomas — who graduated in 2006 from UC Riverside — was one of the reporters from the Los Angeles Times who helped produce a Pulitzer prize winning package about the San Bernardino attacks in December, 2015. UC Riverside Presents ‘Wilderness of Mirrors’ Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production presents “Wilderness of Mirrors,” a play by UC Riverside professor and playwright, Charles Evered. There will be seven performances – the dates include Thursday, May 5, to Saturday, May 7, and Thursday, May 12, to Saturday, May 14. The performances will be held at the UCR Studio Theatre located in Arts 113. Policy Seminars to Address the Salton Sea, Access to Medicine, and Homegrown Terrorists Health Managing the Salton Sea, improving access to essential medicines, and the threat of homegrown violent extremism are among the topics the School of Public Policy will address in a series of lectures in May. UC Riverside Professor Robert Haddon Advocated for the Smallest of Particles Inside UCR Robert Cort Haddon, UCR distinguished professor of Chemistry and of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the Center for Nanoscale Science & Engineering, passed away April 21, 2016. Neurologist to Co-lead Epilepsy Workshop Health UC Riverside's Claudia Muñoz will be a key participant in a workshop on epilepsy that will take place on Friday, April 29, in downtown Riverside. Jacques S. “Jack” Yeager Sr., Longtime Friend of UC Riverside, Constructed a Large Legacy Business Jacques S. “Jack” Yeager Sr., a quiet business leader whose construction company — and influence — helped build UC Riverside along with many of the major roads and housing developments of the Inland Empire, died today at the age of 95. The Month in Photos: April 2016 Inside UCR April is typically a busy month for UCR, but this year, it was made livelier with the Odyssey of the Mind State Finals, the 15th Annual César E. Chávez Run/Walk, the GradSlam contest, Earth Week and more! Study Points to How Low-income, Resource-poor Communities Can Reduce Substance Abuse Arts/Culture Social networks and the resources embedded within them are critical to reduce substance use among minorities in resource-poor communities, a UC Riverside-led study has found. UCR Department of Physics and Astronomy Hold Public Events to Teach about Dark Matter, Mercury Transit Inside UCR UC Riverside’s Physics and Astronomy Department is holding two public events -- a “Cosmic Wednesday” discussion about dark matter, and a viewing of the rarely-seen Mercury transit -- to educate the community about science in an accessible way. More Natural History Training Needed, Survey Shows Science/Technology A survey of early-career scientists and environmental-science professionals found that only 11 percent felt their academic training alone provided the needed exposure to natural history, which can be defined as the observation of organisms in their natural environment. UCR Advocates Tell Lawmakers the Campus is Living the California Dream Inside UCR UC Riverside alumni, students and administrators took Sacramento by storm on April 13 and 14 at UCR Day in Sacramento, an annual advocacy event that gives lawmakers the evidence they need to make good public policy. Planning for the Future: Sustainability at UC Riverside Health Students, staff and faculty at the University of California, Riverside, are invited to learn about the Earth, its environment, and what we can do to protect it during the annual Earth Day celebration. Earth Day is on Friday, April 22 and the UC Riverside Office of Suitability will host events throughout the day to celebrate. UC Riverside Orchestra Presents “Toy Stories” Arts/Culture The UCR Orchestra at the University of California, Riverside presents “Toy Stories,” a family concert for all ages at the University Theatre on Sunday, April 24 at 3 p.m. The event, presented by the UCR Department of Music, is free and open to the public. Complimentary parking permits will be available for Lot 6. Deborah Deas, MD, MPH, Appointed Dean of the UC Riverside School of Medicine Health Deborah Deas has been named Mark and Pam Rubin Dean and Chief Executive Officer for Clinical Affairs of the UC Riverside School of Medicine. Self-healing Polymer Could Lead to Artificial Muscle Science/Technology Today in Nature Chemistry, the researchers, including Chao Wang, an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of California, Riverside who is a former post-doctoral student in Bao's lab, explain how they made this super-stretchy substance. They also showed that they could make this new elastomer twitch by exposing it to an electric field, causing it to expand and contract, making it potentially useful as an artificial muscle. UC Riverside ARTSblock Receives Major Gift from Collector Arts/Culture The California Museum of Photography (CMP) and Jack and Marilyn Sweeney Art Gallery at the University of California, Riverside’s ARTSblock will receive more than 70 works of art created between 1975 and 2005 from the collection of computer programmer and philanthropist Peter Norton. A majority of the works date from the early 1990s. All Ants on Deck Science/Technology A team of scientists has found that a species of ant that clusters together to form rafts to survive floods exhibits memory and repeatedly occupies the same position during raft formation, according to a just published paper. Reza Aslan Headlines TEDxUCR Event April 23 Arts/Culture Best-selling author Reza Aslan will headline a group of six speakers and performers at UC Riverside’s annual TEDx event on April 23. How the Brain Consolidates Memory During Deep Sleep Health How long-term memory is formed is not well understood and remains a central question of inquiry in neuroscience. Now researchers at UC Riverside report they may have an answer to this question. Poetry Perfection: Juan Felipe Herrera Appointed to Second Term as U.S. Poet Laureate Arts/Culture U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, UCR professor of poetry emeritus, has been appointed to a second term as the nation’s top poet. UC President Napolitano and UC Riverside Chancellor Wilcox Inspire Students to Reach Educational Goals Inside UCR University of California President Janet Napolitano and UC Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox made two appearances in the Inland Empire Thursday (April 14), discussing the value of a college education and highlighting the affordability and accessibility of UC for California students and their families. Conference of Mesoamerican Archaeologists Honors Wendy Ashmore Inside UCR The world’s top Mesoamerican archaeologists will honor Wendy Ashmore, distinguished professor of anthropology, for lifetime achievement at a conference in her honor. Getty Foundation Awards UCR ARTSblock $225,000 Arts/Culture The Getty Foundation awarded the University of California, Riverside ARTSblock a $225,000 grant for “Mundos Alternos: Art and Science Fiction in the Americas,” an exhibition that brings together contemporary artists over the last three decades from across the Americas who have tapped into science fiction’s capacity to imagine new realities and alternate worlds. Persisting in Science Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside has received a five-year, $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to provide scholarships, academic support, research experience and internships for a small group of sophomores majoring in science. Growth in Hispanic-Owned Businesses Outpacing Total Business Creation in U.S., California, and Inland Southern California Business A new analysis of recently available Census data finds that businesses owned by Hispanics are being created at a significantly faster pace than ‘total’ businesses in the United States, California and the Inland Southern California region – bucking a trend of diminished business formation during the recession and post-recession years. Spreading Seeds by Human Migration Science/Technology Using DNA collected from corn grown by immigrant farmers in Los Angeles and Riverside, researchers at the University of California, Riverside have found the genetic diversity of corn in some home and community gardens in Southern California far exceeds levels found in commercially available seeds. Public Policy Degree for Medical Students Offered Health The UC Riverside School of Public Policy will expand its graduate degree programs this fall with a Master of Public Policy designed for medical students interested in health care policy and reform. Putting it All Out There Arts/Culture Let’s switch it up, and put it all out there for everyone to see. That’s exactly what the California Museum of Photography (CMP) at the University of California, Riverside’s ARTSblock is doing. The CMP’s “Rotation 2015” exhibition is a bit unconventional in that it will feature everything the museum acquired during 2015, and all in the order it was received. UC President and UC Riverside Chancellor to visit Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Chaffey College Politics/Society University of California President Janet Napolitano and UC Riverside Chancellor Kim Wilcox will visit Corona-Norco Unified School District’s Eleanor Roosevelt High School and San Bernardino’s Chaffey College on Thursday, April 14. UCR Engineering Professors Awarded Funding from NSF CAREER Program Science/Technology Four professors at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering have embarked on a five-year mission to create knowledge and develop new technologies, thanks to support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering. New Study Links Suicide with Rates of Gun Ownership and How Weapons Are Stored Politics/Society If guns were less available, fewer people would succeed in killing themselves, even if many would seek alternative ways of trying, concludes Augustine Kposowa, sociology professor at the University of California, Riverside. Tropical Forests and Climate Change Focus of Book Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside associate professor has co-edited a just-published book on how tropical forests are responding to climate change. How Incentives Are Used in Research Health How much payment is too much in ethical research? This question is the focus and title of a talk at UC Riverside on April 13. The Engineer Has it in a GradSlam Event at UC Riverside Arts/Culture In a high-pressure three minutes, UC Riverside graduate students explained their research Monday, April 4, focusing on the impact, and the relevance to daily life. This contest is called GradSlam and it is held at every University of California campus to determine who will compete for the top spot in the University of California. National Science Foundation Awards Graduate Research Fellowships Inside UCR Six UCR graduate students have won 2016 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships for having demonstrated their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research. UCR Employees Take on “Mission Possible” for Wellness Health UCR’s staff/faculty wellness program recruited 112 teams (448 employees) to live more healthfully from Jan. 21 to March 17. Three UCR Scholars Win Guggenheim Fellowships Arts/Culture A novelist, a poet and an evolutionary biologist from the University of California, Riverside have been awarded prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships. The Top: UCR April 1 Jokes Inside UCR This week, we recap the best April Fools' hoaxes, pranks and jokes through the years at UCR. Plants and Climate Change Focus of Talk Science/Technology The director of the California Phenology Project will give a free talk April 13 at the University of California, Riverside. National Science Foundation Selects Professor to Inspire Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers Science/Technology Suveen Mathaudhu, an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering programs at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering has been selected by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to present at the USA Science and Engineering Festival, which will take place April 16-17 in Washington D.C. How to Beat Stage Fright Arts/Culture There’s no business like show business – unless, of course, you suffer from stage fright. Yet, even in that case, there’s help for you. Bella Merlin, professor in the theatre, film and digital production department at the University of California, Riverside, has published a new book, “Facing the Fear: An Actor’s Guide to Overcoming Stage Fright.” Mariam Lam Named to Lead UCR’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Inside UCR Mariam Beevi Lam, a Vietnamese language and literature scholar and champion of Asian American arts and education, has been named associate vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion at UCR. Researchers Document How Broadbills Make Loud Wing Song Science/Technology Broadbills produce a startlingly loud sound that they make with their wings to mark off territory. Researchers have hypothesized that it is the outermost wing feathers that make the sound. Now a research team led by a UC Riverside biologist has found that it is not the outermost feather wings but the ones just inside of these feathers that make the klaxon-like sound. Korean Media Gush Over Discovery of Interview with 20th Century Hero Arts/Culture The discovery by a UCR scholar of a century-old, San Francisco Chronicle interview with Korean patriot Ahn Chang Ho helps explain what a leader in the Korean independence movement hoped to learn from the United States. Edison International to Double Support for UCR Students Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside has received a $100,000 grant from Edison International to support 20 undergraduates studying in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs. The scholarships, which will be awarded in fall, double Edison’s support for UCR students. UCR Experts Available to Speak About Autism Spectrum Disorder Science/Technology Each year, National Autism Awareness Month is held in April to promote awareness and support individuals living with autism. These scholars at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss educational interventions for children with autism and the importance of early diagnosis and treatments for best outcomes. New Tumbleweed Species Rapidly Expanding Range Science/Technology Two invasive species of tumbleweed have hybridized to create a new species of tumbleweed that University of California, Riverside researchers found has dramatically expanded its geographic range in California in just a decade. Graphic Novelist John Jennings to Speak April 4 Arts/Culture Graphic novelist and artist John Jennings, co-founder of Harlem’s Black Comic Book Festival, will speak at UCR on April 4. Researchers to Study Contaminants from Treated Wastewater on Food Produce Science/Technology The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week awarded $749,631 to the University of California, Riverside to study the human and ecological health impacts of water reuse and conservation practices. University researchers will use the funds to measure levels of contaminants in vegetables irrigated with treated wastewater. Study Finds Wide-Reaching Impact of Nitrogen Deposition on Plants Science/Technology Scientists, including a University of California, Riverside professor, studied more than 15,000 sites in the United States and found that increased nitrogen deposits from human activities are causing a decrease in the diversity of plant species. To Keep or Not to Keep a Hookworm Health Researchers in the School of Medicine at UC Riverside have identified an immune protein, RELMalpha, in mice that is quickly triggered in the body following infection and serves to protect the body’s tissues. Scientists Unlock Genetic Secret that Could Help Fight Malaria Science/Technology A group of scientists, including one from the University of California, Riverside, have discovered a long-hypothesized male determining gene in the mosquito species that carries malaria, laying the groundwork for the development of strategies that could help control the disease. April 8 Conference to Examine Poverty Measurement Challenges Politics/Society The Blum Initiative for Global and Regional Poverty will present a conference on April 8 that will examine the current state of measuring poverty in the U.S. and explore new measurement standards that could be more useful to government analysts, policymakers and nonprofits. Free Science Lecture Series Set for Riverside, Palm Desert Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside’s College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is hosting a free science lecture series that is open to the public in April and May in Riverside and Palm Desert. UC Riverside Presents 15th Annual César E. Chávez Run/Walk Arts/Culture Chicano Student Programs at the University of California, Riverside, presents the 15th annual César E. Chávez Run/Walk on Saturday, April 2. The race is open to the public. Online registration is open, and you can register the morning of the event, between 7:30 and8:15 a.m., outside of Olmstead Hall. The 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. There will also be a children’s 1K walk/run at 9:30 a.m. Arabic Scholar’s First Book Wins Top Award Arts/Culture Jeffrey Sacks, associate professor and director of Arabic Studies, has been award the Harry Levin Prize for best first book in comparative literature by the American Comparative Literature Association. Influential UC Riverside Alumna Dies Inside UCR Sylvia N. Martin, a champion of education and an effective advocate for the African-American community, died this week after a stroke. She was 82. Memorial arrangements are still pending. UC Riverside Plant Sale Set for April 2 and 3 Science/Technology The 43rd annual Friends of U.C. Riverside Botanic Gardens Spring Plant Sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. UC Riverside and Riverside City College Leaders Urge National Higher Education Leaders to Invest in Universities’ Success Politics/Society University of California, Riverside Provost Paul D’Anieri and Riverside City College (RCC) President Wolde-Ab Isaac today urged national higher education leaders to look to institutions such as UC Riverside and RCC for ways to bring success to students whose families are economically disadvantaged. California Air Resources Board Chooses Riverside for $366 Million Facility Science/Technology The California Air Resources Board voted 8-3 today to relocate its motor vehicle and engine emissions testing and research facility from El Monte to an 18-acre site at the University of California, Riverside, which represents a $366 million investment into the community and 400 high-paying jobs. Tracing Star Formation Rates in Distant Galaxies Science/Technology In paper published online March 22, a group of researchers, led by Irene Shivaei, a University of California, Riverside graduate student, observed 17 bright distant galaxies with the MOSFIRE high-resolution near-infrared spectrometer at the W. M. Keck Observatory telescopes. Then, they combined the spectra with infrared images of the Spitzer Space Telescope, the Herschel Space Observatory, and optical images of the Hubble Space Telescope, to create a complete multi-wavelength picture of their galaxies: from rest-frame ultraviolet to rest-frame far-infrared. Study of Policy Interventions to Modify Electricity Subsidies Aims to Reduce Groundwater Overuse Politics/Society Electricity subsidies have contributed to the overuse of more than a quarter of Mexico’s major aquifers. UC Riverside researchers will explore the impacts of policies that modify these subsidies on the behavior of major groundwater users. Show and Prove: Tensions, Contradictions, and Possibilities of Hip Hop Studies Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside is hosting the Show and Prove Hip Hop Studies conference, scheduled for Friday, April 8 to Sunday, April 10. The conference is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Complimentary parking permits are available at the kiosk near the University Avenue entrance to campus. The themes for this year’s conference are “spirit” and “performance;” and are focused on cultivating the necessary and critical dialogues for the development of hip hop studies. UCR Researcher to Receive Almost $1 Million to Study Biomass Burning Science/Technology Fire activity in the Western United States and Canada has increased over the past 20 years, a trend that is expected to continue. To better understand the impact of biomass burning on the current and future climate system, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to award two grants totaling nearly $1 million to Kelley Barsanti, an assistant professor of chemical and environmental engineering at the University of California, Riverside. UC Riverside Presents Tomás Rivera Tribute Event Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside’s Milagros Peña, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS), and Tiffany Ana López, the Tomas Rivera Endowed Chair, invite the community to attend a special event that honors the life and work of Tomás Rivera. This special event includes a staged reading of the play “Los Moreno,” an interactive music experience by “artivists” Martha Gonzalez and Quetzal Flores and a special introduction to the evening by Rickerby Hinds. The event is on Thursday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts located at 3824 Main Street in Riverside. A Hub of Food and Agriculture Talk Inside UCR On March 21, much of the Highlander Union Building at UC Riverside was turned into a hub to talk about local food systems. Unique Partnership Yields Sustainable Inspiration Business A group of four dozen environmental design students from California Polytechnic University (Cal Poly), Pomona used UC Riverside’s Chancellor’s Residence as a laboratory project to identify a range of landscaping approaches and techniques that will be integrated by the campus as new capital projects are designed. More Carbon Released Today Than Anytime in Past 66 Million Years Science/Technology New research published today in Nature Geoscience by Andy Ridgwell, a professor of earth sciences at the University of California, Riverside, and two co-authors looks at changes of Earth’s temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) since the end of the age of the dinosaurs. Their findings suggest humans are releasing carbon about 10 times faster than during any event in the past 66 million years. UC Riverside Art History Professor to Give Lectures in China Arts/Culture Jason Weems, associate professor in the art history department at the University of California, Riverside will be speaking at the Complementary Modernisms in China and the United States: Art as Life/Art as Idea conference at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, China on Thursday, March 24 to Saturday, March 26. His lecture is titled, “Picturing the Good Earth: Modernism’s Rural Roots in China and the United States.” Following the conference, Weems will be traveling to Beijing where he has been invited to give three lectures at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts, on Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31. Napolitano Outlines Proposed Changes to UC Retirement Program Inside UCR Dear Colleagues: I am writing to outline the proposal for the new retirement program I am bringing to The Regents later this month that includes new retirement benefits for future UC employees. As a reminder, the new retirement benefits will apply only to UC employees hired on or after July 1, 2016. Current employees and retirees are unaffected by these changes as accrued pension benefits are protected by law and cannot be reduced or revoked. Behavioral Economist Examines Local Policy Challenges with Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Politics/Society Liam Carr, a Fulbright Scholar researching policy challenges affecting local economies in Ireland, will explore issues faced by Irish communities that participate in the Wild Atlantic Way tourist attraction on March 28 Growth in Women-Owned Businesses Outpacing Total Business Growth in Region, State and U.S. Business A new analysis of recently available Census data finds that businesses owned by women now make up more than one-third of all businesses in the United States, in California, and in the Inland Southern California region – a greater share than the last time this data was published. Free Astronomy Workshops Offered Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside Physics and Astronomy Department is accepting requests from elementary, middle and high schools for free astronomy workshops in the coming months. Help Fund Riverside Insect Fair Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside and the Riverside Metropolitan Museum are planning the 2nd annual Riverside Insect Fair on April 30 and they are asking the public for help defraying the cost of the event. Scientists Receive Grant to Sequence Cowpea Genome Science/Technology A team of University of California, Riverside scientists has received a nearly $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to sequence the genome of the cowpea and further their research developing superior cowpea breeding lines. Employee Recognition Programs Can Reduce Firm-Level Productivity Business More than 80 percent of companies use award programs like “Employee of the Month” and “Top Sales Club” to motivate employees and increase performance. While the conventional wisdom is that such awards are cheap and can provide a subtle way to motivate employees, these programs might be reducing firms’ overall productivity, according to a new study led by a researcher at the University of California, Riverside. Where Medicine and the Humanities Meet Inside UCR UC Riverside’s School of Medicine requires that its students taking writing classes and attend lectures in the medical humanities. Behaviorial Economist Examines Local Policy Challenges with Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Politics/Society Liam Carr, a Fulbright Scholar researching policy challenges affecting local economies in Ireland, will explore issues faced by Irish communities that participate in the Wild Atlantic Way tourist attraction on March 28 Ontario International Airport Is Focus of Seminar Inside UCR Kelly J. Fredericks, newly appointed CEO of Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), will discuss the future of the Inland region’s largest airport on March 30. Top High School Students Can Dip Into a Summer Subject at UCR Inside UCR High-achieving school students have the opportunity to test out a major or pursue a new interest by taking a college class at UC Riverside this summer. Apply early. The program has room for just 150 high school students each year. Students must have a 3.5 GPA or above. UCR Conference to Focus on In-Use Emissions Testing Systems Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside’s Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) Conference and Workshop is the only worldwide conference dedicated to reviewing the evolving state of research, applications, and new regulations for these systems. This year’s conference will be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 17 and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 18 at the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), which is part of UCR’s Bourns College of Engineering. When It Comes to Physician Shortages, Don’t Forget Psychiatrists Health Dr. Gerald Maguire, chair and professor of psychiatry and neuroscience in the UCR School of Medicine, testified March 9 on access to mental health services, severe shortages of mental health providers and strategies the medical school is undertaking to address workforce needs. Wildland Fire Emissions Worse in Polluted Areas Science/Technology When plant matter burns, it releases a complex mixture of gases and aerosols into the atmosphere. In forests subject to air pollution, these emissions may be more toxic than in areas of good air quality, according to a new study by the University of California, Riverside and the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Research Station. How Many Ways Can You Make Citrus Flavors? Literally Thousands Inside UCR An orange is an orange is an orange…, right? Well not when it comes to developing orange and other citrus flavors, making UC Riverside’s collection of more than 1,000 citrus varieties a godsend for Givaudan, the world’s largest maker of flavors and fragrances for consumer products. Learning From the Ground Up Inside UCR Fortino Morales III helped start UC Riverside’s R’Garden while a student. It began as a quarter-acre pilot program in 2009 and has blossomed into a 3-acre garden, which Morales oversees as community garden coordinator, with help from three student workers. Plant Pathologist Awarded Nearly $2 million Science/Technology Hailing Jin, a University of California, Riverside professor of plant pathology and microbiology, recently received two grants totaling $1.95 million to study molecular regulatory mechanisms of plant immunity and pathogen virulence, which will help with disease control and to ensure the quality and quantity of agricultural food production. Dark Matter Satellites Trigger Massive Birth of Stars Science/Technology Laura Sales, an assistant professor at the University of California, Riverside’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, collaborated with Tjitske Starkenburg and Amina Helmi, both of the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute in The Netherlands, to present a novel analysis of computer simulations, based on theoretical models, that study the interaction of a dwarf galaxy with a dark satellite. They found that during a dark satellite’s closest approach to a dwarf galaxy, through gravity it compresses the gas in the dwarf, triggering significant episodes of starbursts. #UCRiverside Experts Discuss Twitter’s Impact Arts/Culture #UCRiverside experts examine Twitter’s impact on social movements, sales, relationships, teaching. Global network’s 10th anniversary 3-21. Annual UCR Dance Marathon Raises More Than $50,000 Inside UCR On Feb. 20, UCR Dance Marathon raised a record-breaking $52,327.50 for the Guardian Scholars Program. The event had more than 300 dancers in attendance and the Pritzker Foster Care Initiative chipped in a $20,000 matching gift. A Case of Mistaken Identity Solved Arts/Culture She felt like a detective. Digging through notes and photos, asking for curatorial files, and doing research on child martyrs. She did all of this because as she gazed at the marble bust of a little boy at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles something just didn’t fit for Jeanette Kohl, chair of the art history department at the University of California, Riverside Scholarship to Support International Study Arts/Culture CHASS Dean Milagros Peña and her husband, Frederick Hamann, a professor of physics and astronomy at UCR, have pledged $25,000 to launch the CHASS “At Home in the World” Student Award Fund. Learning from One Another Politics/Society As a leader in bridging the graduation rate gap and making higher education accessible to students of diverse backgrounds, the University of California, Riverside shared its practices and programs with the other members of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA). In a two-day conference held at UC Riverside, the 11 universities that make up the UIA shared ideas and provided thoughtful support around implementing strategies at closing the graduation rate gap, and building diversity. UCR Staffer Appointed to the California Veterans Board Inside UCR On Feb. 11, Carla Thornton — who is the UCR associate director of development — was appointed to the California Veterans Board, which advocates for veterans affairs by Gov. Jerry Brown Sen. Lara Talks About Strength in Diversity Inside UCR When state Sen. Ricardo Lara was growing up in East Los Angeles, his immigrant parents didn’t fuss when he said he wanted to drop out of school. Instead, his parents got him and his four siblings up at 4:30 one morning, and drove them to a large lettuce field in Fresno, Lara told a large group at UC Riverside Friday, during the School of Public Policy’s discussion on diversity and leadership in public service. A Proposed Superconductivity Theory Receives Exclusive Experimental Confirmation Science/Technology Superconductivity is one of the most exciting problems in physics, which has resulted in investments worldwide of enormous brain power and resources since its discovery a little over a century ago. Scientists have proposed theories for new classes of superconducting materials discovered several decades later, followed by teams of experimentalists working to provide evidence for these theories. One theory proposed by a UC Riverside physicist has now been experimentally proven to be a consistent theory. Inland Southern California’s Unemployment Rate Continues Downward Trend Business The unemployment rate in Inland Southern California declined to 5.8% in the most recent numbers and by 1.5 percentage points over the past year, according to data released today by the California Employment Development Department. Urban Pest Conference Set Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside will host the 25th annual Urban Pest Management Conference on March 23 at UCR Extension. An Iconic B-Boy Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside’s dance department welcomes Ken Swift as a visiting assistant professor for the 2016 spring quarter. Swift is an internationally acclaimed American practitioner of the original hip hop street dance form of breaking, popularly known as b-boying or breakdancing. He has also been named one of the most iconic dancers of the 20th century by CNN. Submissions Sought for Astrophotography Exhibit Arts/Culture The University of California Riverside Department of Physics and Astronomy is planning a free public astrophotography exhibit and is looking for photographers to submit pictures. Best-selling Author Marianne Williamson to Speak at UCR’s Palm Desert Center Inside UCR Best-selling author and internationally acclaimed speaker Marianne Williamson will be the featured lecturer at the Conscious Living and Aging Symposium from 1 to 6 p.m. March 19, 2016, at the University of California, Riverside, Palm Desert Center, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive, Palm Desert. Thirdhand Smoke Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Health A team of UC Riverside scientists has found that thirdhand smoke exposure causes insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Buddhism Scholar Wins Grant to Study in Mongolia Arts/Culture Matthew King, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of California, Riverside, has been awarded a $37,500 grant from the Social Science Research Council to study Eurasian “interpretative communities” in Mongolia. Author to Discuss Immigration Judges and U.S. Asylum Policy Inside UCR Political scientist Banks Miller will explore the variations in judicial immigration decisions that grant asylum and what those variations mean in the broader U.S. asylum system on March 10. Spinning Better Electronic Devices Science/Technology A team of researchers, led by a group at the University of California, Riverside, have demonstrated for the first time the transmission of electrical signals through insulators in a sandwich-like structure, a development that could help create more energy efficient electronic devices. Cerebral Palsy is No Barrier to an MBA Business Twenty-five-year-old MBA student Serena Luo may be far from her home in Chengdu, China, but she isn’t letting anything stand in the way of her success, despite the unique challenges she faces from a brain disorder she developed at the age of four. Local Food Policy Conference Planned at UC Riverside Science/Technology On March 21, the University of California, Riverside is hosting the 3rd annual GrowRIVERSIDE conference, which is devoted to local food systems, generating economic and community development and advancing public policy related to sustainable food and agriculture. New Method to Stop Argentine Ants Science/Technology University of California, Riverside researchers may have found a better, more environmentally friendly way to stop the procession of Argentine ants, which have been spreading across the United States for the past few decades, despite pest control efforts. Maria Anguiano Appointed to Board of Directors of The James Irvine Foundation Inside UCR The James Irvine Foundation has appointed Maria Anguiano, UC Riverside vice chancellor for planning and budget, to its board of directors. Seminar to Address Implications of Early Detection of Psychosis Health Dr. Lawrence Yang, a psychiatric epidemiologist at Columbia University, will discuss global mental health issues, particularly the ways in which culture shapes how stigma related to these issues is experienced in different cultural contexts, on March 4. Water Experts Participate in 9th Biennial Rosenberg Forum Inside UCR Louis Santiago, associate professor of physiological ecology, and Ariel Dinar, professor of environmental economics and policy, participated recently in the 9th biennial meeting of the Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy in Panama City, Panama. The forum took place Feb. … Continue reading → White House ‘Champion of Change’ to Speak March 4 Politics/Society State Sen. Ricardo Lara, a leading champion of immigrant rights in the California Legislature, will discuss diversity and leadership in public service at UC Riverside on March 4. UCR Scholars Weigh in on Super Tuesday Politics/Society UC Riverside scholars are available to discuss a variety of issues related to the primary elections, from the impact of voter ID laws on African American voters in particular, to the delegate math at stake in Super Tuesday. Coalition of Universities Nets $250,000 NEH Grant Arts/Culture The National Endowment for the Humanities has announced a $250,000 grant to The New School’s Humanities Action Lab, a coalition of 20 universities that includes UC Riverside, collaborating to produce student- and community-curated public projects on pressing social issues. Why UCR Staffer Jeff Girod is Working to Prevent Malaria in Africa Health My father spent many weeks in the hospital, but he didn’t die. In fact, over the next 25 years Ernie would live his life in and out of hospitals, and intensive care units. He became unable to walk. He was unable to maintain consistent employment. He became a ghost at the end of our hallway. UCR Scholar Lists Essential Films to Watch for Black History Month Inside UCR In honor of February being Black History Month, Derek Burrill, associate professor of media and cultural studies, shares his cinematic expertise by giving us his recommendations of movies that truly highlight African African American culture, history, hardships and triumphs. The Month in Photos: February 2016 Inside UCR UCR kicked off the month of February with the 39th annual Writers Week. It’s the longest-running, free literary event in California. We also launched a new research center for the California Agricultural and Food Enterprise (CAFE), had a visit from … Continue reading → UC Riverside Cooks Up New Agricultural Research Center Health Great chefs understand the subtle flavors of food chemistry. A new research center at UC Riverside will serve the same purpose, creating fruitful faculty interactions, and new kinds of events and outreach, all related to food and agriculture. On the Line Arts/Culture Artists who for three years have explored what laundry tells us about beauty, culture and relationships will celebrate new legislation that makes clotheslines legal in California with exhibitions and performances at branches of the Riverside Public Library. Times Festival of Books Honors Juan Felipe Herrera Arts/Culture U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera will receive the 2015 Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement during the 21st Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. “Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis” Author to Speak March 11 Inside UCR Harvard University political scientist Robert Putnam, whose research on the impact of the growing inequality gap on children has been called groundbreaking, will speak at UCR on March 11. Internationally Acclaimed Stageplay to Become a Film Arts/Culture Dance. Music. Beatboxing. Spoken Word. It all came together in 2004 in the internationally acclaimed stageplay “Dreamscape.” Now, the author of the play, Rickerby Hinds, professor in the theatre, film, and digital production department at the University of California, Riverside, is turning the award-winning play into a movie. But, in order to make it all happen, Hinds needs to raise $100,000. Archaeology of California’s Cultural Landscape Discussed Feb. 27 Arts/Culture “A Sense of Place: Archaeology of California’s Cultural Landscape prior to Annexation” will be the topic of discussion at a colloquium on Saturday, Feb. 27, at UCR ARTSblock. “The Arts of Migration: The Moving Matters Traveling Workshop” Conference Coming to UC Riverside Arts/Culture While an immigrant may feel torn between two countries, the “serial migrant” is shaped by the experience of settling in several different countries. That will be the topic of discussion as the artists and researchers of the Moving Matters Traveling Workshop (MMTW) share their art and reflections on migration at a conference at the University of California, Riverside on March 10-11. Terrorism Headlines Are Bad News for Democratic Women Candidates Politics/Society When terrorism is in the news, voters evaluate Democratic women candidates more negatively, according to researchers from the University of California, Riverside, Tulane University and Vanderbilt University. Western Riverside Council of Governments Executive Director to Speak Feb. 29 Inside UCR Rick Bishop, executive director of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG), will discuss his role in providing a regional focus to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the county on Feb. 29. How Scientific Ethics, Efficiency and Accuracy Can Be Improved Health Free, public talk at UC Riverside on March 3 will address "Collapses of Research Integrity and Opportunities to Strengthen Science." Dog Owner Thanks UCR Extension Student Who Rescued His Stolen Pup Inside UCR An 80-year-old Air Force veteran, Donald Mittica, thanked a UCR Extension student for saving his dog. Engineered Gene Drives and the Future Science/Technology Engineered gene drives, which have the potential to spread desirable genes throughout wild populations or to suppress harmful species, have received a lot of recent attention because of their potential to control organisms, such as mosquitos that carry diseases such as Zika virus, malaria and dengue fever. Joseph N. Sanberg Provides Scholarships, Mentoring for Seven UCR Public Policy Graduate Students Inside UCR Entrepreneur, investor and Orange County native Joseph N. Sanberg has funded seven, two-year graduate student scholarships in the School of Public Policy. A Delicate Relationship: The United States and Burma/Myanmar Since 1945 Politics/Society Historian Kenton Clymer will talk about his latest book, “A Delicate Relationship: The United States and Burma/Myanmar Since 1945” on Feb 18. Anthropologist’s Book a Best Seller in South Korea Arts/Culture Anyone who has ever wondered how humans became meat eaters, why so many adults are lactose-intolerant, or the physiological impacts of walking upright will find intriguing answers in a new book by UCR paleoanthropologist Sang-Hee Lee. Four UC Riverside Students Awarded Prestigious Fellowships Inside UCR Four undergraduate students at the University of California, Riverside have won fellowships from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), administered by the Exceptional Research Opportunities Program (EXROP). The fellowship provides opportunities for the students to participate in cutting-edge research over the summer, and is geared toward students who come from racial, ethnic and other underrepresented groups in the sciences, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. zyBooks Secures $4 Million to Take College Textbooks into the Interactive Age Science/Technology zyBooks, a company that provides web-native STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning materials that was co-founded by UCR Professor Frank Vahid, has received a $4 million investment round led by Bialla Venture Partners. UC Riverside Presents “Sea Seed” Arts/Culture Erith Jaffe-Berg, chair of the theatre, film and digital production department, will present an original play called “Sea Seed” on Feb. 16 at the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts. The play was developed by members of the theater group the Son of Semele Ensemble and Jaffe-Berg, and inspired by Moving Matters Traveling Workshop (MMTW), an arts collective that has developed exhibitions, performances and participatory artworks. New App Connects Students and Tutors Science/Technology Are you struggling at school, or hoping to master a new skill? Perhaps you’d like to earn some extra money as a tutor? An app created by two computer science students at the University of California, Riverside might be just what you need. Sultan Khan and Haasith Sanka’s ‘Scholarly’ app won first place at the world’s largest education Hackathon in October. It is now available as a free download on Google Play and the Apple App Store. New Book Hones in on Animal Performance Science/Technology How animals function in their natural habitat and how evolution has shaped this function are the focus of a new book written by biologists at UC Riverside and the UMass Amherst. CHASS Joins BAS Shared Services’ Mission to Eliminate Administrative Waste Inside UCR Once upon a time at UCR, every department had its own way of handling time sheets and processing new employees. That’s still an option today, but with the push for organizational excellence amidst continued growth and limited resources, more and … Continue reading → The Top: UCR Professors Answer Nine of Your Burning Valentine’s Day Questions Inside UCR With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, this week, we are featuring all things related to the most romantic holiday of the year. GPS Tracking Down to the Centimeter Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have developed a new more computationally efficient way to process data from the Global Positioning System (GPS), to enhance location accuracy from the meter-level down to a few centimeters. UCR to Host Solar Conference Inside UCR ‘Opportunities for Solar: Ways Forward for Inland Southern California’ is set for 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Bourns Technology Center, 1200 Columbia Avenue, Riverside, 92507. Retired CIM Warden to Discuss Impacts of Prison Realignment Inside UCR Richard Alvarado, retired chief deputy warden for the California Institution for Men in Chino, will discuss the ramifications of the California Public Safety Act on Feb. 10. What Do John Wilkes Booth and Charles Dickens Have in Common? Arts/Culture John Wilkes Booth was killed before he could stand trial for the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, but with a little dramatic license from UCR alumnus Richard Reed, the infamous actor-turned-assassin will finally see his day in court during the 2016 Riverside Dickens Festival Feb. 27-28. The Top: Nine Valentine’s Day Questions Answered by UCR Professors Inside UCR With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, this week, we are featuring all things related to the most romantic holiday of the year. Uncoding a Citrus Tree Killer Science/Technology A team of researchers led by a University of California, Riverside scientist has been awarded a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in an attempt to save the United States citrus industry from a disease that has already devastated the industry worldwide. Double Dose of Bad Earthquake News Science/Technology A team of researchers, including one from the University of California, Riverside, has discovered that earthquake ruptures can jump much further than previously thought, a finding that could have severe implications on the Los Angeles area and other regions in the world. UC Riverside Student Selected as a Gates Cambridge Scholar Science/Technology Connor Richards, a fourth-year physics major at the University of California, Riverside, has been awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world. Getting More Miles From Plug-in Hybrids Science/Technology Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to their gas-only counterparts. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering have taken the technology one step further, demonstrating how to improve the efficiency of current PHEVs by almost 12 percent. Bernd Magnus Memorial Conference Feb. 12-13 Politics/Society The UC Riverside Department of Philosophy presents the Bernd Magnus Memorial Conference Feb. 12-13, an event that will explore issues in ethics and public policy, as well as topics related to German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Jillian Michaels to Speak at UC Riverside About Food and Fitness on Wednesday, Feb. 10 Health Celebrity fitness guru Jillian Michaels will speak from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10 at UC Riverside’s Student Recreation Center at an event open to UCR students, staff and faculty. It is sponsored by the UC Global Food Initiative. Riverside Police Association Honors Recovering Officer with New Scholarship Inside UCR It took some serious focus for Andrew Tachias to stay alive the night he and his partner, Riverside Police Officer Michael Crain, were ambushed in 2013, but Tachias credits the mental toughness and discipline he learned as a runner at UCR with helping him to survive the shooting, and push through his painful recovery to return to work last October. That was one of the motivating factors behind the Riverside Police Officers' Association decision to name its new athletic scholarship after Tachias, who ran track and country country on scholarship when he attended UCR in 2006-2009, and dreamed of entering law enforcement. Diversity Work Is Never Done, Panel Says Inside UCR UCR’s reputation as a national leader in advancing diversity and inclusivity in higher education is a point of pride for the campus, but improvements are needed in faculty recruitment and hiring, and in cultural competencies, said students, faculty and staff who attended a forum on Feb. 3. Why do we waste so much food, and why does it matter? Inside UCR Journalist and food waste expert Jonathan Bloom is coming to UCR on Feb. 16 and UCR's Palm Desert Center on Feb. 17 to discuss why we waste food, why it matters and what we can do about it. David L. Ulin a PEN Award Finalist Arts/Culture David L. Ulin has been named a finalist for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay for his book “Sidewalking: Coming to Terms with Los Angeles.” Two UCR graduate students tackle international development projects Inside UCR UC-USAID graduate student fellows will spend two to six months helping partner organizations solve scientific, technological, organizational and business challenges in a program developed by the US Agency for International Development, and expanded through support from the UC Global Food Initiative. Breakthrough in Generating Embryonic Cells That Are Critical for Human Health Health Critical for human development and health, neural crest cells arise early in the development of vertebrates. They migrate extensively inside the embryo, and differentiate to give rise to a wide array of diverse derivatives. Accessing these cells, however, is difficult. Work done by a research team led by a UC Riverside biomedical scientist now provides a fast, simple and cost-effective method to generate neural crest cells, facilitating research in basic sciences and clinical applications alike. UC Riverside Psychology Professor Recruiting for New Study Politics/Society Megan Robbins, assistant professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, is looking to recruit 150 same- and opposite-sex couples for a new study that will look at how couples interact in their daily lives. UC Riverside Presents Encuentros/Encounters Conference Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside, in collaboration with the Center for Iberian and Latin American Music, presents Encuentros/Encounters 2016, a daylong conference and performance on Thursday, Feb. 25. This year’s event is titled “Flamenco and the Articulation of Identity,” and it will bring together 12 scholars of flamenco dance and music from all over the U.S. and Spain. New Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship Program Launches in California Health UC Riverside’s School of Medicine is sponsoring a new cardiovascular fellowship program that will be based at Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino, Calif. The three-year fellowship, will provide accepted applicants a clinical learning environment and rigorous, comprehensive training in cardiovascular medicine. Alternative Futurisms Series Continues Arts/Culture A yearlong exploration of ethnic futurisms continues at the University of California, Riverside in 2016 with appearances by luminaries in the world of science fiction and fantasy literature. Widow of Murdered Bangladeshi/US Writer to Speak at UC Riverside Politics/Society The wife of a recently killed Bangladeshi-American blogger and activist, who herself was attacked when her husband was murdered, will speak Monday, Feb. 29 at the University of California, Riverside. Sustaining the Salton Sea Politics/Society Three key decision-makers will discuss local, state and federal water policies needed to preserve the Salton Sea on Thursday, Feb. 4. Five UCR Professors Among Most Influential Scientists in Their Fields Inside UCR Five UCR professors are among the 165 UC faculty named as the most influential scientists in their fields in 2015, a number unmatched by any other university in the world, according to an analysis by Thomson Reuters. City of Riverside Names Award for Carlos Cortés Arts/Culture A new award created by the city of Riverside to recognize community members who are committed to inclusivity and diversity has been named for Carlos Cortés, UC Riverside professor emeritus of history. Housing Needed to Sustain Economic Growth in Inland Southern California Business The Center for Economic Forecasting and Development at the University of California, Riverside’s School of Business Administration, released its first Inland Southern California Regional Intelligence Report on Thursday (Jan. 28). The report provides data and intelligence on employment, local spending, and residential and commercial real estate in the inland region. Nine UCR Students to Participate in The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Arts/Culture Robin Russin, professor of screenwriting at the University of California, Riverside, will chaperone nine UCR students to The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF): Region VIII in Hawaii. The festival will be Feb. 11-14. How L.A. Lost Its Economic Mojo Inside UCR Michael Storper, UCLA professor of urban planning, will discuss how and why Los Angeles lost its economic mojo and San Francisco did not on Feb. 24. Case Study of Adolescent Suicide Health Sociologist Seth Abrutyn will discuss how families, peers, and other social groups influence attitudes about suicide on Feb. 11. A Natural Way of Making Your Brain More Efficient Science/Technology It’s unclear whether brain-training games actually help our brain, especially in the long term. While there may not be a “magic pill” to make our brains more efficient, gaining new knowledge and using existing knowledge in new ways can improve our attention span, according to new research by Rachel Wu, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside. ‘Exciting’ Times for Expanding New Auxiliary Services Unit Inside UCR Andy Plumley, the former assistant vice chancellor of Housing, Dining and Residential Services, is celebrating 35 years of service at UCR with a new title — assistant vice chancellor of Auxiliary Services — and a heaping plate of new challenges. UC Wants YOU to Complete Cyber Security Training By Jan. 31! Inside UCR The course is available online via the UC Learning Center and must be completed by all members of the UCR community who use computers by Jan. 31 (or within 6 weeks for any subsequent new hires.) Living in the Shadows in Italy Arts/Culture UCR's Department of Comparative Literature and Foreign Languages presents documentary filmmaker Fred Kujo Kuwornu and his film “18 Ius Soli” on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in CHASS Interdisciplinary 1111. Zika Virus Experts Available for Interviews Health A relatively new mosquito-born virus, Zika virus, has recently caused concern because of its connection to neurological birth disorder and due to its rapid spread throughout the world. The University of California, Riverside has several experts who comment on the virus: UCR Employees Want More Clarity About Jobs, Pay and Campus Change Inside UCR Leaders of UCR Human Resources and UCR Staff Assembly worked together to organize a webinar on Thursday, Jan. 21 to report the results of a survey about employee engagement. Scholar a Finalist for Prestigious Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award Arts/Culture Fred Moten, a professor of English at the University of California, Riverside, is one of five finalists for the prestigious Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. UC Riverside’s Middle Eastern Student Center Presents “A Night of Talent for Refugees” Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside’s Middle Eastern Student Center (MESC) is hosting a fundraiser for Syrian refugees on Thursday, Feb. 4. The event is open to the public, and begins at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at the University Theatre. Presale tickets cost $10, and $15 at the door. Free parking will be available in Lot 6. UCR Research Advances Oil Production in Yeast Science/Technology A team led by a researcher at the University of California, Riverside has adapted the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system for use in a yeast strain that can produce useful lipids and polymers. The development will lead to new precursors for biofuels, specialty polymers, adhesives and fragrances. Taking the Global View at UC Riverside Inside UCR Making UC Riverside more global takes a lot of big gestures, like the October visit of a sitting head of state, President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. It was an event that has little precedent at UCR. But little things matter just as much. Formal gift exchanges around shiny wooden conference tables, translators, tour guides, unfamiliar food, air travel and a lot of jet lag. Revised Undergraduate Experience Survey Highlights Multifaceted Nature of Student Success Politics/Society The University of California system and a consortium of research universities in the U.S., Europe and Asia have changed the way they evaluate the educational experiences of their undergraduate students. UCR Art History Professor Honored by The Medieval Academy of America Inside UCR Conrad Rudolph, professor of medieval art history at UCR was named a Fellow of The Medieval Academy of America. It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a medievalist in the United States. Founded in 1925, The Medieval Academy of America is the largest organization in the U.S. promoting excellence in the field of medieval studies. ‘Infidels or Brothers?’ European Muslims in the Pre-Modern Era Inside UCR Brian A. Catlos, an award-winning historian of medieval Spain and the Islamic and Christian Mediterranean, will discuss “Infidels or Brothers? Integration and Marginalization of European Muslims in the Pre-Modern Era” on Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. in CHASS Interdisciplinary 1113. Experts Available to Discuss Water Contamination in Flint, Michigan Health Experts at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss the ongoing water contamination crisis in Flint, Mi. Media may use the quotes below or contact the researchers directly for interview opportunities. UC Riverside’s Chicano Student Programs Presents the 22nd Annual Noche Cultural Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside’s Chicano Student Programs presents the 22nd annual Noche Cultural on Saturday, Feb. 6. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show set to begin at 6:30 p.m. The evening of variety entertainment will be held at the University Theatre. General admission costs $12, and $10 for UCR students. Parking will be $5 in Lot 6. Still Time to Sign up for UCR’s Winter FarmShare Inside UCR UCR's Winter FarmShare program has tasty antidote to the winter blahs: a bright cornucopia of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that you pick up every Thursday through March 17. Walk and Talk Schedule Set for 2016 Inside UCR For the second year in a row, members of the campus leadership team will be taking a walk around campus and asking others to join in. Two UCR Sociology Professors Honored by Choice Magazine Inside UCR “Handbook on Evolution and Society: Toward an Evolutionary Social Science,” edited by Jonathon Turner and Alexandra Maryanski, two UCR sociology professors, has been named one of the Outstanding Academic Titles of 2015 by Choice Magazine. Each year Choice recognizes approximately ten percent of some 7,000 works reviewed by editors. The honor reflects the best in scholarly titles reviewed by Choice, and brings with it the recognition of the academic library community. NEH Funds Research on Collaboration of Indigenous, Western Medicine Ways Health The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded Clifford E. Trafzer a $50,400 grant to finish research and complete a book about the collaboration of indigenous and Western medicine among 29 tribes in Southern California. Documenting the Now: Archiving Social Media for Generations to Come Politics/Society A two-year, $517,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation will fund a project called “Documenting the Now: Supporting Scholarly Use and Preservation of Social Media Content.” The University of California, Riverside, Washington University in St. Louis, and the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities (MITH) at the University of Maryland are collaborators on the project. Future of Small Farms Examined Politics/Society Economist Steven M. Helfand is part of an international team that is examining how productivity growth in agriculture has differed for small and large farms on five continents. Watching Electrons Cool in 30 Quadrillionths of a Second Science/Technology Two University of California, Riverside assistant professors of physics are among a team of researchers that have developed a new way of seeing electrons cool off in an extremely short time period. UCR’s Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts Hosts Inlandia Conversations at the Culver Series Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside’s Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts continues the Inlandia Conversations at the Culver series on Jan. 29. The series brings artists and authors together every other month for an intimate reading and discussion. Citrus Day Set for Growers and Industry Professionals Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside will host the 5th annual citrus field day for citrus growers and citrus industry professionals on Jan. 27 at the university’s agricultural operations fields. UC Riverside Alumna is Ambassador in Africa Inside UCR UC Riverside alumna Julie Furuta-Toy was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate as U.S Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, after concluding an unprecedented two-year term as Ambassador to Norway. UC Riverside Presents Black History Month Lecture Series Inside UCR The University of California, Riverside invites the community to attend the Black History Month Lecture Series, presented by Carolyn Murray, professor of psychology at UCR. The series includes four speaking engagements, and is held in honor of Frances Cress Welsing. It begins on Tuesday, Jan. 19 and continues through March 1. Is California Getting Religion? Arts/Culture UC Riverside will host a discussion about religion in California on Friday, Jan. 22, at the Alumni and Visitors Center. UCR to Host Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute March on Jan. 15 Inside UCR The University of California, Riverside community, and residents from the area, is invited to join the march to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Friday, Jan. 15. The march and memorial is hosted by UCR’s Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Pi Epsilon chapter. It begins at 12 p.m., and runs through 3 p.m. Citrus Curator Given Endowed Chair Inside UCR Tracy Kahn, curator of the University of California, Riverside’s Citrus Variety Collection, has been appointed the Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection Endowed Chair. Tobacco-Free, Miss Sue-I-Chew,Means No Nicotine at R-side U! Inside UCR Jan. 2 marked the two-year anniversary of UC Riverside becoming a tobacco-free campus, a policy that applies to all of UCR’s properties, both on and off the main campus. Search Begins for New BCOE Dean Inside UCR UCR Provost Paul D’Anieri has announced a search for a new dean for the Bourns College of Engineering, to succeed Dean Reza Abbaschian after he steps down in June to become director of the Winston Chung Global Energy Center. UC Riverside Celebrates Jewish Thought and History Inside UCR The endowment of a chair in Jewish Studies demonstrates UCR's commitment to Jewish thought and culture, UCR scholars and leaders told nearly 100 supporters attending a Jan. 11 celebration of the Maimonides Chair of Jewish Studies. UC Riverside Sees Record Number of Applicants for Fall 2016 Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside received more than 50,000 student applications for admission into the university for the Fall 2016 term. That is just over a 10 percent increase compared to the previous application cycle. Backyard Chickens Harbor Many Parasites Science/Technology Backyard chickens may not live as good of a life as most people think. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have found backyard chickens are more likely than chickens on commercial chicken farms to be infested by ectoparasites, which are parasites such as fleas, lice and mites that live on the exterior of an organism. Their work was published online today in the Journal of Medical Entomology. UC Riverside Professor Available as Expert on Hawaiian Monarchy Coming to an End Politics/Society 2016 marks 125 years since the death of King David Kalakaua, and the assumption of the throne by his sister, Liliuokalani, the first and only Queen of Hawaii. On Jan. 20, 1891, King Kalakaua died in the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, and a few days later, on Jan. 29, his sister became reigning queen. Queen Liliukalani was the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which the United States annexed in 1898. Hawaii became a U.S. state in 1959. Dr. Martin Luther King, Black History Month Experts Arts/Culture UC Riverside scholars are available to discuss the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and issues facing African Americans today. Study Shows Traffic Pollution at UCR Well Within State Standards Inside UCR This past spring, Xuewei Qi and fellow graduate student Jill Luo collected traffic and weather data on and around the campus, using it to predict pollutant emissions and how they are dispersed. The work was supported by a $1,500 Sustainability Student Fellowship from UC President Janet Napolitano’s office. Seminar to Address Effects of Social Policies on the Health of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People Health The School of Public Policy's One Health Center will present a discussion Jan. 11 about how the health of LGBT people can be affected by structural stigma, such as social policies. Free Rose Pruning Demonstration Set Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens will host its annual free rose pruning demonstration from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10 in the rose gardens. UCR ARTSblock Awarded Grant by National Endowment for the Arts Arts/Culture The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) awarded the University of California, Riverside ARTSblock $15,000 for the commissioned, site-specific installation “Red Carpet in C,” which will be installed in the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts’ two story atrium. California’s Boards and Commissions Need an Infusion from the Inland Empire Inside UCR If it is your New Year’s goal to be “in the room where it happens,” then Mona Pasquil has an offer for you. “We need representation on our citizen boards from around the state,” said Pasquil, Governor Brown’s Appointments Secretary, at a community forum on campus Dec. 10. “There are not a lot of people from the Inland Empire.” President Barack Obama Announces his Intent to Nominate a UCR Music Professor to National Council on the Humanities Inside UCR President Barack Obama announced on Thursday his intent to nominate Deborah Wong, a professor in the Department of Music at the University of California, Riverside, to the National Council on the Humanities. UC Riverside Presents Second Annual Villa-Lobos International Chamber Music Festival Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside Department of Music, in collaboration with the UCR ARTSblock, and the São Paulo State University Campinas, presents the second annual Villa-Lobos International Chamber Music Festival in January and February. The series celebrates the chamber music of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos and other Latin American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, with special emphasis on Alberto Ginastera for his 100th birthday year. President Barack Obama Announced his Intent to Nominate a UC Riverside Music Professor to the National Council on the Humanities Inside UCR President Barack Obama announced on Thursday his intent to nominate Deborah Wong, a professor in the Department of Music at the University of California, Riverside, to the National Council on the Humanities. Global and State Water Experts to Discuss Pricing to Achieve Conservation in Sacramento Workshop Politics/Society Experts from 10 countries will meet to discuss their experiences with the use of market-based incentives to address water scarcity at a workshop Feb. 2-3 at the University of California Center, Sacramento. UCR Psychology Professor Recognized by the American Psychological Association Inside UCR Kate Sweeny, associate professor of psychology, is the 2016 recipient of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Distinguished Scientific Award for an Early Career Contribution to Psychology. The award is divided up into 10 areas of psychology, and Sweeny was recognized … Continue reading → Two UCR Psychology Professors Recognized by the Association for Psychological Science Inside UCR John Franchak and Rachel Wu, both professors of psychology, have been honored as 2015 Rising Stars by the Association for Psychological Science (APS). The Rising Star designation recognizes outstanding psychological scientists in the earliest stages of their research career post-Ph.D. … Continue reading → Political, Legal Historian to Examine Notion of U.S. as Nation of Immigrants Politics/Society The narrative of the United States as a nation of immigrants will be examined by legal and political historian Mae Ngai in a public lecture at UC Riverside on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. Inland Southern California Adds Most Jobs in a Single California Region in November Business Continuing a strong year, Inland Southern California added another 4,600 jobs in November on a seasonally adjusted basis.* This increase builds on the 7,400 nonfarm positions added in October. The most recent jump puts Inland Southern California at the top of the list for the most jobs added in a single region in California in November. Brain Research is Focus of Daylong Symposium Health The 9th annual “Glial-neuronal Interactions in Health and Disease” symposium will take place Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, on campus. U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, Novelists Walter Mosley, John Rechy Headline Writers Week Arts/Culture Headlining the 39th annual Writers Week are U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera and novelists Walter Mosely and John Rechy. Learn to Grow Citrus Trees Science/Technology Tom Shea, a laboratory assistant who works with UC Riverside’s Citrus Variety Collection, which includes more than 1,000 varieties and is one of the most diverse in the world, is teaching a two-day class Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 on citrus trees in the garden. UCR to Celebrate Maimonides Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies Arts/Culture UCR will celebrate the establishment of the Maimonides Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies and the appointment of Michael S. Alexander, UCR associate professor of religious studies, as the inaugural chair with a lecture and reception on Jan. 11, 2016. International Photographer’s First Solo U.S. Exhibition Will be on Display at UCR/California Museum of Photography Arts/Culture “How to Survive Abstraction,” a new photo exhibition will be on display at the UCR/California Museum of Photography from Dec. 19 to April 16, as part of the museum’s “CMP Projects” series. The exhibition presents work by Marie Bovo, a Spanish-born photographer who is based in Marseille, France. This will be Bovo’s first solo exhibition outside of Europe. A reception will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Bovo will be present at the reception. Expert Available to Discuss Fed’s Expected Interest Rate Increase Business The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates for the first time in nine years this week, signaling the end of the Central Bank’s emergency response to the financial crisis and its confidence in U.S. economic growth. Dec. 29 Marks the 125th Anniversary of the Massacre at Wounded Knee Politics/Society As the 125th anniversary of the Massacre of Wounded Knee approaches, scholars of Native American history at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss the incident and its impact on Native Americans, their culture, and their relationship with the U.S. government. Grab A Masque and Get Ready to Party Inside UCR The Staff Assembly's annual holiday party on Dec. 16 gives staff a chance to celebrate the holidays together and provide gas or grocery gift cards to employees who are facing hardships during the holidays. The Universe in Your Hand Science/Technology 3D-printing technology has been used to create everything from iPad stands to guitars to lawnmowers and cars. Now a physicist at UC Riverside is using the technology to understand the universe. Two Faculty in Low Residency M.F.A. Program Longlisted for PEN Literary Awards Arts/Culture Jill Alexander Essbaum and David L. Ulin, who teach in the Low Residency M.F.A. in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts in Palm Desert, have been longlisted for PEN Literary Awards. Ballerina Misty Copeland Speaks on Importance of Diversity, Determination Arts/Culture Renowned classical ballerina Misty Copeland addressed the University of California, Riverside on the importance of perseverance and diversity in a free public lecture titled “An Evening with Misty Copeland” in the University Theatre on Dec. 10. Dissecting the Census: How Demographics Can Help Forecast the Future Politics/Society Over the years, demographics have become a critical component used by government entities to predict what services will be needed in the future. David Swanson, associate professor of sociology at the University of California, Riverside, looks into the history of how demographics became important with his new book titled “The Washington State Census Board and Its Demographic Legacy.” Eyewitness Identification Reforms Not Always Supported by Data Politics/Society California is often a trendsetter on public policy. But when it comes to reforming the way law enforcement agencies and courts handle eyewitness identification evidence, the state may have benefited from a more cautious approach. Studying Soil to Understand Drought Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside assistant professor and a team of researchers are using an often overlooked tool to fight the drought: soil. $4.4 Million Federal Grant Awarded to Support Graduate Students Arts/Culture UC Riverside has been awarded more than $4.4 million by the U.S. Department of Education to support graduate student fellowships. One Professor’s Top Holiday Movies Inside UCR Want to spark some lively discussions this December? Forget politics; ask friends and family to name their favorite holiday movies instead. Derek Burrill, UCR's associate professor of media and cultural studies, has gotten the ball rolling with his top 10 list of favorites. City Hall Report Card Politics/Society Los Angeles Times editorial writers Mariel Garza and Robert Greene will discuss “Grading City Hall: Holding Local Officials Accountable” on Jan. 20, 2016. ‘Second Wave’ Exhibition on Display at UC Riverside’s Sweeney Art Gallery Arts/Culture “Second Wave: Aesthetics of the ‘80s in Today’s Contemporary Art,” an exhibition and a set of related events, is now open at UCR ARTSblock in downtown Riverside. The exhibit continues through March 19. San Bernardino Tragedy Prompts a Candlelight Vigil at UCR Inside UCR The tragic shooting in San Bernardino Wednesday that killed 14 people and injured 17 has prompted UC Riverside to organize a candlelight vigil for 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 near the center of campus. The vigil is open to the entire community and honors all those killed or injured in the attack. Speakers will include the chancellor, student leadership and the president of UCR’s Alumni Association. Discover the Secret to Serve on State Boards and Commissions Politics/Society Mona Pasquil, appointments secretary for Gov. Jerry Brown, will demystify the process for seeking positions on one of California’s 300-plus boards and commissions during a community forum on Dec. 10. When Apps Talk Behind Your Back Science/Technology Almost 9 percent of popular apps downloaded from Google Play interact with websites that could compromise users’ security and privacy, according to a study released in December by researchers at the University of California, Riverside. The team is now developing a tool that allows users to evaluate the riskiness of individual apps before downloading them. Zumba: It’s “Booty-poppin,” Different from a Workout Politics/Society Women who trade the tedium of treadmills, for the fun and zing of a Zumba dance-fitness class report having fewer reservations, insecurities, and concerns about social judgment than in traditional group fitness classes. That’s according to research conducted by Tanya Nieri, assistant professor of sociology at the University of California, Riverside. Anthropologist to Discuss Food and Everyday Life in Post-Soviet Cuba Politics/Society Medical anthropologist Hanna Garth will discuss “The Politics of Adequacy: Food and Everyday Life in Post-Soviet Cuba” on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Ballerina Misty Copeland to Speak at UC Riverside Arts/Culture The first African American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Misty Copeland, will visit UC Riverside to present a free public lecture on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the University Theatre. Admission will be based on a first come, first served basis. Line-up begins at 5 p.m., doors will open at 6 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7 p.m. Free parking will be available in Lot 6. Experts Discuss Opportunities and Challenges in Developing Inland California’s Innovation Economy Business Securing the economic future of inland Southern California will involve building a diverse innovation ecosystem that starts with attracting more women and minorities into science and engineering disciplines, according to experts who attended a high-level discussion at the University of California, Riverside on Monday. The Holidays from A to Z Arts/Culture Faculty experts at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss their latest research and topics ranging from holiday film favorites, the chemistry of your favorite holiday concoctions, and the origins of Christmas to managing expectations, teaching STEM using principles of Kwanzaa, and atheist humor. ‘Don’t Look at the Evil’ — UCR Community Remembers All Victims of Terrorism Inside UCR More than 60 students, faculty and staff gathered under the flagpole at UC Riverside Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil in honor of terrorism victims around the world. Charles Evered Play Premieres in Joshua Tree Arts/Culture “An Actor’s Carol,” a new play by UC Riverside professor of playwriting Charles Evered, will be performed at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree this December. Evered will direct the production; the play will run from Dec. 4-12. Tickets are available for purchase online. UCR’s Middle Eastern Student Center and Hillel Organize Vigil to Support Victims of Terrorism Inside UCR The Middle East Student Center — MESC — and Hillel are co-sponsoring a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 near the UC Riverside flagpole for the entire campus community to send support to the victims of recent terrorism abroad. Look for Signs of Gender Inclusive Restrooms Inside UCR UC Riverside has long been at the forefront of creating a campus that is accepting to people of all gender identities. Making restrooms more safe and accessible is no exception. A UC-wide directive from President Janet Napolitano requires campuses to offer a list of gender-inclusive restrooms and changing rooms, with good signage, by Spring, 2016. UCR Students Participate in National Million Student March Nov. 12 Inside UCR More than 75 UC Riverside students took time away from the pre-Homecoming activities Thursday, Nov. 12, to join with the national Million Student March at noon on campus. The Hidden History of Gay Purges at Colleges Inside UCR Uncovering a little known aspect of history, a University of California, Riverside associate professor has published a paper about purges of gay students and faculty at at least three universities in the 1940s. UC Regents to Consider Enrolling 10,000 More Undergraduates from California Inside UCR UC President Janet Napolitano will ask regents on Nov. 19 to approve an operating budget that boosts enrollment by 10,000 California freshmen over the next three years. Students to Face Off in Fast-Paced Robotics Contest Science/Technology More than 300 middle and high school students from across Riverside and San Bernardino counties will compete to build the best terrestrial drones at the MESA Robotics Invitational competition, set for Saturday, Nov. 21 at the University of California, Riverside. Entomology Professor Receives National Teaching Award Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside professor of entomology received an award for innovative teaching methods and service to students from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. YOK Center for Korean American Studies Celebrates 5th Anniversary Arts/Culture More than 250 friends and supporters of UC Riverside’s Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies gathered Nov. 12 at the Oxford Palace Hotel in Koreatown in Los Angeles to celebrate the center’s five-year anniversary. Seminar to Address Local HIV/AIDS Policy Politics/Society David Brinkman, chief executive officer of Desert AIDS Project, will discuss the pivotal role local policy will play in stopping the transmission of HIV/AIDS in the Inland Empire and worldwide on Thursday, Nov. 19, Genetic Engineering is a Tool Inside UCR Two scientists from UCR and two from UC Davis came together Nov. 3 and 4 to discuss the details of genetically modified food. They were sure of a couple of things: genetic engineering (GE) is a tool with diverse applications, not a good or bad product itself, and the process for regulating GE foods (GMOs) in the United States can be improved. UC Riverside to Host Second Annual Inland Empire Black Health Expo Health Members of the community are invited to attend the Inland Empire Black Health Expo on the campus of the University of California, Riverside on Saturday, Nov. 21. The expo runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it is located on the third floor of the HUB. There is no cost to attend the expo, but those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP online at go.ucr.edu/bhe. Free parking is available in Lot 1. Federal Funding for Research Soars to $97 Million Arts/Culture UC Riverside is celebrating $97 million received in federal grants during the fiscal year Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015 – a record for the campus. Expert Available to Discuss Race Relations on U.S. College Campuses Politics/Society Eddie Comeaux, associate professor of higher education at the University of California, Riverside, is available to speak with the media about racial equality issues on U.S. campuses, current best practices, and the college student experience, with special attention on athletes and underrepresented students. LGBT Center at UC Riverside to Host Disability Justice Workshop and Reading by Queer Sri Lankan Writer and Poet Politics/Society Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, a Lambda Award- winning queer and disabled Sri Lankan writer and poet, will speak at the University of California, Riverside on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. The workshop and reading will be held at The Barn, and the event is free and open to the public. ASL interpretation will be provided all evening. Coping with Life’s Changes and Challenges Through Mindfulness Arts/Culture The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in conjunction with UCR Extension will present “A Day of Mindfulness The Tenderness of Life: Aging and Change” retreat on Nov. 21. Municipal Bankruptcy Lessons Learned Politics/Society The city managers of Vallejo and Stockton will discuss lessons learned as their cities emerged from bankruptcy on Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. A Warmer World Will Be a Hazier One Science/Technology A UC Riverside-led study shows that under climate change associated with greenhouse-gas-induced warming most aerosol species will register a robust increase, with implications for future air quality. Tracking Life’s Evolution Inside UCR How life’s evolution can be tracked using ancient lipid biomarkers preserved in petroleum and rocks is the topic of a free public lecture at UC Riverside. UC Riverside Composition Professor Gives Guest Lectures Abroad Inside UCR Paulo C. Chagas, professor of composition at UC Riverside, will be a guest lecturer at the Moscow Conservatory in Moscow, Russia Nov. 9–19. He will present two lectures and will premiere a new commissioned composition titled “Mirror of Madness.” Byproducts of Sustainable Urbanism Discussed Politics/Society Lindsey Dillon, a postdoctoral fellow at UC Davis whose research focuses on environmental justice, will present the second lecture in the Sustainability Studies Speaker Series on Nov. 19. Experts Available to Talk About Walt Disney’s ‘Fantasia’ Arts/Culture Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Friday, Nov. 13. Film, music, and psychology experts at the University of California, Riverside are available to speak about the importance of the film, how it played a role in the emergence of animation and classical music, and the role films play in a child’s education and imagination. The statements below provide an example of what our experts can touch on; however, they can speak on other aspects of the film. Civil Rights in the Age of Social Media Politics/Society The School of Public Policy and the Los Angeles Times will present a conversation about civil rights in the age of social media on Friday, Nov. 13. Curiouser and Curiouser Arts/Culture A white rabbit, magic mushrooms, and a little girl named Aiice. It's the 150th anniversary of the publication of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and British literature scholar Susan Zieger is available to discuss a variety of issues related to the popular children's tale. UC Riverside Undergraduate Named Finalist for Marshall Scholarship Inside UCR Fourth-year physics undergraduate Connor Richards recently became the first UCR student in more than a decade to be named a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship, one of the most prestigious academic honors in the nation. Seminar to Address Effectiveness of Obamacare Politics/Society Economist Robert Kaestner will discuss impacts of Obamacare in a lecture at UC Riverside on Nov. 9. UC Riverside Leadership to Speak at Ramona High School on Nov. 9 Politics/Society University of California, Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs James Sandoval will visit Riverside’s Ramona High School on Monday, Nov. 9 as part of the annual system-wide Achieve UC program. An Evening With the Lacks Family Politics/Society Veronica Spencer and David Lacks Jr. will visit UC Riverside for a free public lecture on Thursday, Nov. 19 at HUB 302. Free parking will be provided in Lot 1, doors open at 5 p.m. and the talk will begin at 6 p.m. Managed Bees Spread and Intensify Diseases in Wild Bees Science/Technology A UC Riverside entomologist has come to the conclusion that managed bees are spreading diseases to wild bees. Researchers Identify New Route for Release of Steroid Hormones Science/Technology Little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the release of steroid hormones from endocrine tissues. The commonly accepted understanding, noted in textbooks, is that simple diffusion is at work. But new research by a team led by a UC Riverside entomologist challenges this textbook view. UCR Professors Help Shed Some Light on All Things Iconic Inside UCR UCR scholars and musicians are participating in “Icons in Transformation,” a series of lectures, concerts and an exhibition of the work of acclaimed Russian/Swedish abstract expressionist Ludmila Pawlowska presented by All Saints Episcopal Church and the Riverside Art Museum through January. Study Shows Some 3D Printed Objects are Toxic Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have found parts produced by some commercial 3D printers are toxic to certain fish embryos. Their results have raised questions about how to dispose of parts and waste materials from 3D printers. Searching for the Best Way, Instead of ‘How It’s Always Been Done’ Inside UCR The 2015 California Public Higher Education Collaborative Business Conference drew about 200 participants Oct. 27-30, for workshops, speakers, tours and presentations about lean management. Parasites and Fungi Take Center Stage Nov. 18 at Southern California Eukaryotic Pathogen Symposium Health Faculty researchers, postdoctoral scientists and graduate students from throughout Southern California will gather at the 5th Annual Southern California Eukaryotic Pathogen (SCEP) Symposium, scheduled for 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Genomics Auditorium at the University of California, Riverside. Seminar to Address Israel’s Transformation from Water Scarcity to Water Abundance Politics/Society UCR water economist Ariel Dinar will discuss how Israel transformed from a water-scarce to water-abundant nation on Nov. 4. Oil-Based Pesticides Most Effective at Killing Contents of Brown Widow Spider Egg Sacs Science/Technology Researchers at UC Riverside may have found that oil-based pesticides are more effective than water-based pesticides at killing the contents of brown widow spider egg sacs. UCR Enrollment is Now 21,539 Inside UCR UCR enrollment is holding steady, with a new total enrollment of 21,539. Students Create Green Storm Drain Filter Science/Technology A team of students from the University of California, Riverside Bourns College of Engineering was recently awarded a $15,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for a reusable storm drain filter that is less costly and more environmentally friendly than currently available models. Doctoral Students Create Salton Sea Blog Science/Technology A group of University of California, Riverside graduate students has created a blog written in English and Spanish devoted to the Salton Sea to raise awareness to the scientific and policy questions affecting the body of water. Regular Free Health Clinic to Launch in San Bernardino on Nov. 7 Health What began as single-day, once-a-year free clinic for San Bernardino County residents with no or limited health coverage will become a regular occurrence in a new partnership between UCR medical students, the Lestonnac Free Clinic organization, and the UCR chapter of Global Medical Brigades. Mathematician Named Fellow of American Mathematical Society Inside UCR UC Riverside's Vyjayanthi Chari has been named a fellow of the American Mathematical Society for 2016. UCR’s 2015 Homecoming a Family Affair for Three Generations of Highlanders Inside UCR Bob Marshall, Wendy Marshall and Calvin Dickenson — three generations of UCR Highlanders — are visting the campus on Nov. 14 for a full day — and night — of 2015 Homecoming activities, which are open to everyone Laila Lalami Novel Honored Again Arts/Culture Laila Lalami has won the 2015 Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Legacy Award for Fiction for her novel “The Moor’s Account.” So You Think You Can Steal My Dance? Arts/Culture Anthea Kraut, an associate professor in the Department of Dance at the University of California, Riverside, has written a new book, “Choreographing Copyright: Race, Gender and Intellectual Property Rights in American Dance,” that will be released on Nov. 2. Study Spells Out Why Some Insects Kill Their Mothers Science/Technology UC Riverside's Kevin Loope explains why among social insects some queens and not others get killed by workers. UC Riverside Cited in Gates Foundation Report For Success with Pell Grant Students Inside UCR A new report from the Institute for Higher Education Policy includes UC Riverside among universities doing the most to accept and graduate low-income college students. UC Riverside Analyzes the Benefits of Urban Trees Science/Technology What have your trees done for you lately? According to UC Riverside Professor of Botany and Plant Science Darrel Jenerette, trees cool our homes, neighborhoods, and improve our health. Now he is exploring the hypothesis that the cooling provided by your trees may also help save water, an important virtue during California’s unprecedented drought. Nanoquakes Probe New 2-Dimensional Material Science/Technology Scientists, including several at UC Riverside, have found a new and exciting way to elucidate the properties of novel two-dimensional semiconductors. Climate Heroes Named at UC Riverside Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside has announced the name of the professor who has been named a climate action champion and the students who have been named climate neutrality fellows. Three Students Receive Global Food Initiative Fellowships Inside UCR Three students at UC Riverside have received UC Global Food Initiative Fellowships to work on food-related research projects. Keep Your Raingear and Technology Handy … Inside UCR Extremely wet weather is predicted for this winter by the National Weather Service. UC Riverside emergency response planners are finding sandbags and cleaning out drains to prepare for the storms known as “El Nino.” UCR’s Popular ‘Orange Infused’ Ice Cream is a Homegrown Treat Inside UCR UCR's Moo Moo Ice Cream truck was pretty popular Oct. 20, when it was passing out free samples of UCR's homegrown orange-infused ice cream during lunch, in preparation for the national Food Day push “Toward a Greener Diet” on Oct. 24. A New Metrolink Line Presents a Safety Conundrum at UCR Inside UCR A new Metrolink line that runs through Riverside will be a boon to commuters, but potentially a danger to students, staff and faculty who hike to the giant concrete "C" on the Box Springs mountain to paint it gold or just to enjoy the view. The Month in Photos: October 2015 Inside UCR With the 2015-16 academic year taking form, October was a lively month for the UCR campus. UCR featured two different exhibitions, bringing awareness to sexual violence and the impact on suicide, celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month, hosted the monthly "Walk and Talk with Leadership" series with Dean of the School of Public Policy Anil Deolalikar and the annual Chancellor's Dinner, held a “Conversations with Master Teachers” class and even welcomed the visits of two prominent political figures: Mayor of Riverside, Rusty Bailey, and the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. UCR Officials to take part in Carbon Neutrality Conference Inside UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox and Professor Juliann Allison have prominent roles in the UC Carbon and Climate Neutrality Conference being held Oct. 26 and 27 at UC San Diego. A Conference to Help Slim Down the Bureaucracy Inside UCR California’s public higher education system is taking a page from business and trying to slim down the educational bureaucracy. The Top: Nine Scariest Southern Californian Bugs Inside UCR This week, in honor of all things creepy and crawly for Halloween, we talked to Doug Yanega, UCR Entomology Research Museum's senior museum scientist, to list the scariest bugs one can find in Southern California. Entrepreneur, Former Bicycle Team Owner to Speak on Campus Business The University of California, Riverside School of Business Administration will continue its Dean’s Speaker Series at 10:30 a.m. Oct 21 with a talk by an alumnus who is an entrepreneur and general manager. 2016 Open Enrollment Coming Soon Inside UCR Open Enrollment for 2016 health benefits will open at 8 a.m. on Oct. 29, 2015 and ends on Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. Food Fight! Science/Technology A free panel discussion featuring leading scientists from UC Riverside and UC Davis will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the UCR Extension Center, 1200 University Ave. Parking is free. Research on Undocumented Students in Higher Education is Conference Focus Inside UCR Scholars, students, and community members will explore current research about undocumented students in higher education in a two-day conference at UCR on Oct. 22-23. Study Urges Optimization of Solar Energy Development Science/Technology Big solar is far from transmission and demand loads, too close to protected areas, and is a driver of land-use and land-cover change, concludes a new study led by UC Riverside researchers. UCR Medallion Goes to Henry Coil at Chancellor’s Dinner Inside UCR More than 250 people turned out for UC Riverside’s Chancellor’s Dinner Saturday, Oct. 17, to build scholarship opportunities for students and recognize distinguished alumni and supporters of the campus and community. Laila Lalami’s Novel Nominated for Second International Honor Arts/Culture "The Moor's Account" by Laila Lalami has been shortlisted for Italy's The Bridge Book Award. The Best Way to Wait for Bad News Health Uncertainty. It causes more anxiety and stress than facing difficult news said Kate Sweeny, associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. But is it possible to cope with distress during what could be a life-altering period of uncertainty? Researchers Propose Novel Solution to HIV Prevention Health UC Riverside-led study, conducted in Peru, points to rectal microbicides delivered as enemas or douches as a possible tool to prevent HIV. How Auditory Disorders May Be Linked to Brain Development Science/Technology Why does the brain act like playdough? It can be shaped easily until a certain age, after time it becomes harder to mold functionally, though achievable through experiences. What is it about that time period, that window during development that allows the brain to act that way? Those are questions three University of California, Riverside researchers are trying to answer. Lawnmower Emission Reduction Device Wins National Award Science/Technology A team of University of California, Riverside Bourns College of Engineering students won a national sustainable development award last week for creating a device that drastically reduces harmful emissions from lawnmowers. The Huntington, UCR Forge Bold Partnership Arts/Culture The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens and UC Riverside have launched a new program aimed at increasing the number of faculty members in the humanities at public research universities and furthering independent research by promising scholars. Cleaning Water One Stroke at a Time Science/Technology A material created by University of California, Riverside engineers is the key component of a swimsuit that won an international design competition for its ability to clean water as a person swims. Think Twice about Android Root Science/Technology In first-of-its-kind study, UC Riverside engineers quantify amount of Android root exploits available in commercial software and show that they can be easily abused. Mark Your Calendar for 10:15 on 10/15 Inside UCR UC Riverside faculty, staff and students will join 10 million people expected to participate in the annual Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. UCR Presents 39th Annual Celebration of Writers Feb. 2-4, 2016 Arts/Culture U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera and Walter Mosley, author of the popular Easy Rawlins and Fearless Jones mysteries, will headline the 39th Annual Writers Week Feb. 2-4, 2016. UCR Track Stars Vying for $1 Million Prize in CBS Show ‘The Amazing Race’ Arts/Culture Best friend duo and former UC Riverside track stars Danielle Littleton and Jazmine Lewis trekked across the globe in the 27th season of the popular CBS reality television show “The Amazing Race,” where they showed off their wit and spirit in a bid to win a million dollar prize. International Archaeology Day Expo Planned Oct. 17 Arts/Culture Connect with your inner Indiana Jones at the International Archaeology Day Expo on Saturday, Oct. 17. UC Riverside Business School Leads in Providing Opportunities for Minority Students Business The University of California, Riverside School of Business Administration is among the top 10 business schools with the greatest opportunities for minority students and among the top 295 business schools in the nation, according to the 2016 edition of the Princeton Review’s book, “The Best 295 Business Schools.” Center for Catalysis Established on Campus Inside UCR The Center for Catalysis at UC Riverside has received formal approval from the Office of Research and Economic Development on campus. UCR Welcomes More Than 100 New International Faculty and Scholars Inside UCR More than 100 international faculty and scholars are teaching and conducting research at UCR this year, according to Kimberly Gentile, director of the International Scholar Center. What Were You Doing at 7 Last Night? Politics/Society What were you doing at 7 p.m. last night? Nothing out of the ordinary? Maybe dinner with a friend, or catching up on some TV. According to new study by a team of researchers led by David Funder, professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside, that seems to be the case for most people around the world. History of Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Subject of New Book Arts/Culture Historian Clifford E. Trafzer recounts in “A Chemehuevi Song” how the the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians has used sacred songs and other cultural practices to safeguard their tribal identity. UCR Welcomes 100+ New International Faculty and Scholars Inside UCR More than 100 international faculty and scholars are teaching and conducting research at UCR this year, according to Kimberly Gentile, manager of the International Scholar Center. Panel to Discuss Californians’ Views of Climate Change Politics/Society Researchers and a community activist will discuss recent survey findings about how Californians view the environment in a panel discussion on Thursday, Oct. 29, at UCR. UCR Welcomes 80 New Faculty This Fall Inside UCR With the addition of at least 80 new faculty this fall, UC Riverside is well on its way to reaching Chancellor Kim Wilcox's goal of adding 300 ladder-rank faculty by 2020. The new hires include 30 new faculty in CNAS, 18 in CHASS, at least 12 since July 1 in the SOM, seven each in SoBA and BCOE, and three each in GSOE and SPP. The Month in Photos: September 2015 Inside UCR With students returning back from summer break, new freshmen moving in and classes back in session, the campus is again overflowing with activity as UCR readies itself for the 2015-16 academic year! Hard Work Behind the Scenes Means Easy Access to WiFi for the Residence Halls Inside UCR Students can feel at home with their mobile devices in the UC Riverside residence halls because they now have speedy wireless coverage. Study Finds High HPV Prevalence in Subset of Peruvian Men Health UC Riverside's Brandon Brown led a team that has done the first study in Peru to report HPV infection in multiple anatomical sites in men who have sex with men, and suggesting benefit of the HPV vaccine in this population. UC Riverside Library Awarded Grant to Participate in the Latino Americans: 500 Years of History Initiative Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside Library received a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA) to participate in the Latino Americans: 500 Years of History initiative. ‘Use it, or lose it’ Not a Loss After All Science/Technology “You lose what you don’t use.” It’s a phrase that has been tossed around for years, implying that humans forget information they’ve learned over the course of their lives if they don’t put it to use, or that adults cannot learn things as well as infants and children. But, according to research by Rachel Wu, assistant professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, that is not exactly true. Two UC Riverside Students Finalists for International Academic Award Inside UCR Brandon Tran (’16) and Spencer Salazar (’15) from the University of California, Riverside have been named Highly Commended entrants in the Undergraduate Awards 2015. UCR Freshmen Launch Year at Convocation Inside UCR UC Riverside's new freshmen — the class of 2019 — heard some advice from campus leaders at the convocation ceremony that launched the school year. It was held Monday, Sept. 21, inside the Student Recreation Center. Yes Men Coming to UC Riverside Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside will host a free screening of the documentary “The Yes Men Are Revolting” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 in ARTS 335. China Worries, Financial Market Drama Not Hindering Economic Outlook Business A new economic forecast for the U.S., California, and Inland Southern California says the nation’s economy not only doesn’t look fragile, it looks increasingly able to weather whatever storm is unleashed by the ongoing slowdown in China. Researchers Show How Brain’s Wiring Leads to Cognitive Control Science/Technology How does the brain determine which direction to let its thoughts fly? Looking for the mechanisms behind cognitive control of thought, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, University of California, Riverside and Santa Barbara and Army Research Laboratory have used brain scans to shed new light on this question. Liftoff for Alternative Futurisms Arts/Culture UC Riverside will expand the universe of science fiction literature with a yearlong exploration of ethnic futurisms that kicks off in October with a two-day conference, panel discussions, film screenings and a public reading. Defining One-Person, One-Vote in Terms of Redistricting Inside UCR David Swanson, professor of sociology at the University of California, Riverside, is the co-author and signer of an amicus brief to be heard by the Supreme Court in its upcoming session that begins on Oct. 5. UC Riverside Theater Professor Overseeing Two Publications of his Work Inside UCR Charles Evered, professor of playwriting in the Department of Theatre, Film and Digital Production at the University of California, Riverside, will have two publications released in 2016 and 2017. 3D Printing Could Help Save Avocado and Landscape Trees Science/Technology UC Riverside scientists are using 3D printing technology to study a beetle that is causing severe damage to avocado and landscape trees in Southern California. Bike Thieves Beware: UCPD Has Got Your Number Business GPS tracking technology has come in handy for UCR police, as they discourage bike thieves from targeting the campus. Young Researchers Awarded Nearly $3 Million in Grants Science/Technology During our waking hours, we tend to stuff our heads with all kinds of information—a better way to cook salmon, perhaps, the name of a new coworker or some eye-popping revelation about the current administration. How do we store all that information? Sleep researchers like Sara Mednick, assistant professor of psychology at UC Riverside, have discovered we consolidate many memories while we’re sleeping, and the quality and duration of our sleep can affect the way we remember. Making Batteries with Portabella Mushrooms Science/Technology Can portabella mushrooms stop cell phone batteries from degrading over time? Researchers at the University of California, Riverside Bourns College of Engineering think so. Scientists Sequence Genomes of Microscopic Worms Beneficial to Agriculture Science/Technology A research team led by a UC Riverside scientist has sequenced the genomes of five nematodes widely used in agriculture as an organic pesticide. School of Public Policy Will Equip Future Leaders to Solve 21st Century Challenges Politics/Society California State Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León exhorted the inaugural class of students in the UCR School of Public Policy’s Master of Public Policy program on Sept. 25 to be creative and compassionate in seeking solutions to challenges facing Inland Southern California, the state and the world. Young Faculty Awarded Nearly $3 Million in Grants Science/Technology During our waking hours, we tend to stuff our heads with all kinds of information—a better way to cook salmon, perhaps, the name of a new coworker or some eye-popping revelation about the current administration. How do we store all that information? Sleep researchers like Sara Mednick, assistant professor of psychology at UC Riverside, have discovered we consolidate many memories while we’re sleeping, and the quality and duration of our sleep can affect the way we remember. Starbucks at UC Riverside Celebrates its Grand Opening Inside UCR On Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 the Starbucks located at Glen Mor Market on the University of California, Riverside campus celebrated its grand opening. Regents Approve the Next Step of New Building on Campus Inside UCR The UC Board of Regents approved $6.9 million for the planning stages of “Multidisciplinary Research Building 1” or “MRB1” for short, which will contain about 90,000 square feet of useable space to provide labs and other facilities for the teams surrounding 40 to 50 new faculty members. Department of Education awards $8.9 million to UIA schools Inside UCR The U.S. Department of Education announced that UC Riverside, as a member of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA), will participate in an $8.9 million research project to evaluate the effectiveness of college advising to increase retention, progress and graduation for low-income and first-generation students. Free Public Lecture on Earth’s Climate History Inside UCR Renowned geologist Paul Hoffman will give a free public lecture on Sept. 24 at UC Riverside on “Earth’s Astonishing Climate History." UCR to Promote Research During Upcoming Long Night of Arts & Innovation Event Inside UCR More than 40 faculty, staff and students from the University of California, Riverside will present and explain their research at the City of Riverside’s “Long Night of Arts & Innovation,” an seven-hour event showcasing the cutting edge of the region’s accomplishments in the fields of arts and sciences on Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 5 p.m. to midnight. UCR Staff Assembly Announces 2015-16 Board Inside UCR The UC Riverside Staff Assembly announced the members of the 2015-16 board at the Spring General Meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. Neal Schiller and Cindy Larive Named Interim Deans Inside UCR Neal Schiller and Cindy Larive has both accepted the position of Interim Dean, effective Sept. 1. Dr. Schiller will be overseeing the School of Medicine and Larive will serve under the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences while UCR searches for new leaders to fill the vacant positions. Ken Baerenklau Named Associate Provost Inside UCR Ken Baerenklau, associate professor of environmental economics and policy, has been named Associate Provost at the University of California, Riverside. Botanist to Study Responses of Trees and Shrubs to Extreme Drought in California Science/Technology UC Riverside botanist Louis Santiago has received a grant of $180,000 from the National Science Foundation to study how trees and shrubs respond to extreme drought. Inside UCR 9-23 Research & Scholarship Inside UCR The results have implications not just for plants and animals, but for modifying emerging diseases and how bacteria respond to an antibiotic ... The Top: Five Moments Marking the School Year Inside UCR Beginning tomorrow, classes are back in session! So this week, we are featuring the top events that are starting off the 2015-16 academic year! The Month in Photos: August 2015 Inside UCR The month of August celebrated new beginnings with the UCR School of Medicine's White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2019, the Guardian Scholars Program's open house for their new office location in Bannockburn Village and with UCR Engineering Graduate Student Pedro Piqueras' launch of his global clean air campaign at the United Nations. Sign-up for UC Riverside’s Fall FarmShare Did You Know? You can now sign-up for UC Riverside's Fall Farmshare! What is a FarmShare? It's a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program – part of a national trend that brings fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs straight from local farms to universities, businesses and municipalities. Choices are mostly organic and includes artisanal varieties as well as supermarket favorites. UCR is partnering with Old Grove Farm Share to provide the opportunity to eat healthy and buy locally. Secret Unlocked to Rice Seed Survival When Underwater Science/Technology A team of scientists from UC Riverside and the International Rice Research Institute recently published a study unlocking the secret to just how rice seeds might be able to survive when grown under water. Plant Sale Returns Oct. 24 and 25 Science/Technology The 33rd annual Friends of U.C. Riverside Botanic Gardens Fall Plant Sale will take place Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seminar to Address Rising Crime in Riverside County Inside UCR Riverside County District Attorney Michael A. Hestrin will launch the 2015-16 Randall Lewis Seminar Series at the University of California, Riverside on Oct. 1 with a discussion of “Rising Crime in Riverside County: What Is Happening?” State Legislative Analyst to Speak at UCR Oct. 6 Inside UCR California Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor will discuss “Doing Public Policy: Musings from the Nonpartisan Trenches” on Oct. 6 as part of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy Seminar Series. School of Public Policy Celebrates Launch of Master of Public Policy Program Politics/Society UCR will celebrate the launch of the School of Public Policy and its inaugural class of 29 students in the Master of Public Policy program on Sept. 25. Plant Species’ Responses to Climate Change Altered by Novel Competitors Science/Technology A study by UC Riverside ecologist Jeffrey Diez and colleagues finds that as the climate warms, many plants face an uphill struggle for survival. President of Ghana to speak at UC Riverside Arts/Culture The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, will visit UC Riverside to make a public address Friday, Oct. 2 at the University Theatre. The event begins at 6 p.m. President Mahama will speak on the topic “The African Diaspora: Possibilities and Privileges of Empowerment in this Technological Age.” Scholars Available to Discuss Pope Francis Visit Arts/Culture University of California, Riverside scholars are available to discuss the life of Junípero Serra and the impact of the mission system on California Indians, issues of gender and women in the Roman Catholic Church, and the history of liberation theology. UC Riverside Music Professor Named 2015 Scholar-in-Residence for Prestigious Music Festival Arts/Culture Leonora Saavedra, associate professor of musicology in the Department of Music at the University of California, Riverside, was named the scholar-in-residence for the 2015 Bard Music Festival in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. The festival is considered one of the most influential institutions in classical music. In its 26th year and for the first time, the festival turned to Latin American Music, highlighting Mexican composer Carlos Chávez. White House Recognizes UC Riverside as a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside has been recognized by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics as a Bright Spot in Hispanic education. The announcement was made Sept. 15, 2015 at the launch of Hispanic Heritage Month and in honor of the Initiative’s 25th anniversary in Washington, D.C. Research Shows Evolution in Real Time Science/Technology In ongoing research to record the interaction of environment and evolution, a team led by UC Riverside biologist David Reznick has found new information illustrating the evolution of a population of guppies. Career Tracks, UCR’s New Job Classification Structure, to be Implemented in September Inside UCR Career Tracks will organize jobs into families, functions, categories and levels, which will then correspond to specific job codes and salary grades. 2015 Turfgrass and Landscape Field Day Set for Sept. 17 Inside UCR The 2015 Turfgrass and Landscape Field Day will take place Thursday, Sept. 17, at UC Riverside. U.S. News and World Report Ranks UC Riverside 121st Overall Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside has been ranked as 121st overall among national universities in U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 Best Colleges Guide which was released on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015. Citrus Variety Collection to be Maintained in Perpetuity Science/Technology An endowed chair position will be established at the University of California, Riverside to support and maintain in perpetuity the university’s Citrus Variety Collection thanks to a $1 million endowment from Givaudan, a Swiss-based company that is the global leader in the creation of fragrances and flavors. Massive Galaxy Cluster Found to Be Bursting With New Stars Science/Technology UC Riverside astronomers are members of an international team that has discovered a distant massive galaxy cluster with a core bursting with new stars. New Audiovisual Music by UC Riverside Composition Professor to be Performed in São Paulo Inside UCR Paulo C. Chagas, composition professor at the University of California, Riverside will present new works of chamber music and multimedia at Center Cultural in São Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. UC Riverside Presents the Outpost Concert Series Arts/Culture The Department of Music at the University of California, Riverside and Culver Center of the Arts present The Outpost Concert Series beginning September 29, 2015 and running through March, 8, 2016. The series consists of five events this year, and is dedicated to introducing new and innovative music to the Riverside community. Race in the United States – Mississippi and Hawaii at Two Ends of the Spectrum Politics/Society There's a lot to learn about race in the United States through statistical figures alone, especially when comparisons are made between Hawaii and Mississippi, according to David Swanson, professor of sociology at the University of California, Riverside. Candelight Vigil Planned for UC Riverside Student Inside UCR A candlelight vigil will be held at the UC Riverside Bell Tower at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 to honor Jonathan Chavez, a third year business administration major who was killed in a major car accident in Victorville earlier this week, along with his best friend, Matt Potts. Both Victorville men were 22. Three other people were injured in the crash. Partnership Will Expand STEM Education Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside and Riverside Unified School District are forming a strategic partnership to expand STEM education and expose more Riverside students to college-level courses at any early age. Undergraduates Present Summer Research Results at Symposium Inside UCR For ten weeks, UC Riverside undergraduates worked on a variety of research projects while participating in the 2015 Summer RISE Program. Advance Supply Signals Critical to Firms’ Profitability Business Advance supply signals, such as financial health and production viability, contain rich information on supplier conditions. When and how these signals should be used is critical for improving firms' forecast and profitability. A recent paper, "Dynamic Supply Risk Management with Signal-Based Forecast, Multi-Sourcing, and Discretionary Selling," provides mathematical tools and management principles on this issue. Scientist Elected Fellow of Entomological Society of America Inside UCR UC Riverside's Sarjeet Gill has been elected a fellow of the Entomological Society of America. Music Professor Wins Commission from Brigham Young University Inside UCR Ian Dicke, assistant professor in the Department of Music at the University of California, Riverside, was awarded the Barlow Endowment for General Composer Commission from Brigham Young University. Music Teacher at UC Riverside’s Child Development Center Recognized by State Legislature Inside UCR The state Legislature has recognized the University of California, Riverside's Jane Kimmel Parsons Hoeptner (Kim Hoeptner) for her service as a music teacher and performer. The Redlands native has worked at UC Riverside's Child Development Center (CDC) for nearly 20 years. Sequencing of Barley Genome Achieves New Milestone Science/Technology A team led by UC Riverside scientists has reached a new milestone in its work, begun in 2000, on sequencing the barley genome. UCR No. 2 in Washington Monthly Rankings Politics/Society For the third consecutive year, Washington Monthly magazine has ranked the University of California, Riverside second among national universities in its 11th annual College Ranking Survey. Not Gay: Sex between Straight White Men Arts/Culture Straight white men have engaged in gay sex for centuries, and not just in circumstances that can be explained away as momentary aberrations, Jane Ward writes in her new book, "Not Gay: Sex between Straight White Men." Computer Models Show Significant Tsunami Strength for Ventura and Oxnard Science/Technology Could Ventura and Oxnard in California be vulnerable to the effects of a local earthquake-generated tsunami? Yes, according to numerical 3D models used by UC Riverside seismologists of an earthquake and resultant tsunami on faults located offshore Ventura, Calif. How Clean is Your Spinach? Science/Technology Ever wonder what that the words triple-washed or pre-washed on a bag of baby spinach mean? Not much according to engineers at the University of California, Riverside. They discovered that small peaks and valleys in baby spinach leaves could be a key reason why there have been numerous bacterial outbreaks involving leafy green vegetables. Arborists Work to Save Iconic Oak Tree on UC Riverside Campus Politics/Society It’s one of the oldest trees on the University of California, Riverside campus. More than 60 years old, the holly oak (scientific name: Quercus ilex)that sits near Watkins Hall, is sick. The Study Abroad Diaries, Part 8: Highlights of Europe Arts/Culture Our student assistant Bethanie Le is part of a study abroad program in London this summer, and she's blogging from across the Atlantic! Each week, she'll post about her observations about the United Kingdom, talk about her course, "At the Crossroads of Gender and Communication," and send us photos of Scotty Highlander acting all touristy. The Month in Photos: July 2015 Inside UCR Although classes are out of session during the month of July, UCR was still a lively campus with its events, most notably, with it hosting the Special Olympics USA Team for the three day Pre-Games Training Camp. Geriatric Care in Underserved Riverside County to Benefit From Major Funding Health A new partnership between the UC Riverside School of Medicine, UCLA, Riverside County Regional Medical Center and the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services has just received a $2.5 million grant to enhance geriatric education, training and workforce development in Riverside County. How Do Ants Identify Different Members of Their Society? Science/Technology UC Riverside scientists have found that ants communicate using a number of hydrocarbon chemicals present on their cuticles. Summer Sizzles for Interns in Sacramento Program Politics/Society Undergraduate students participating in the inaugural Loveridge Summer Fellowships in Sacramento, a 10-week internship program that concludes this month, said the experience opened their eyes to the complexities of government and the impact policy decisions have on individual lives. Student to Launch Global Clean Air Campaign at United Nations Politics/Society A University of California, Riverside engineering graduate student has been selected as one of five students out of hundreds who applied to launch a global campaign this month during a student conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Guardian Scholars Program Welcomes New Office, New Director, and New Students Politics/Society There’s a lot to be thankful for – a new space, a new director, and a new family. Operated under the office of Foster Youth Support Services, the University of California, Riverside’s Guardian Scholars Program will celebrate all the ”new” with an open house on Monday, Aug. 17, at 4 p.m. The event will be held in the program’s new office in Bannockburn Village at 3637 Canyon Crest Drive, Unit K-101. Princeton Review Includes UC Riverside Among Top 380 Colleges in Annual Guide Inside UCR The University of California, Riverside is included in the 2016 edition of the Princeton Review’s annual college guide, “The Best 380 Colleges.” The profiles were published online on Monday, August 3, 2015 and the book is available for purchase on Tuesday. The Study Abroad Diaries, Part 7: England in Food Inside UCR Our student assistant Bethanie Le is part of a study abroad program in London this summer, and she's blogging from across the Atlantic! Each week, she'll post about her observations about the United Kingdom, talk about her course, "At the Crossroads of Gender and Communication," and send us photos of Scotty Highlander acting all touristy. Expert Available to Speak About 10 Year Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina Arts/Culture Ian Breckenridge-Jackson, a Ph.D. student in sociology at the University of California, Riverside, first went to New Orleans in May of 2006 and witnessed the devastation Hurricane Katrina left behind as a volunteer gutting flood-damaged homes. The experience altered the course of his life he explained, and in 2011 it led to his co-founding of the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum. Flowers Can Endanger Bees Science/Technology Despite their beauty, flowers can pose a grave danger to bees by providing a platform of parasites to visiting bees, a team of researchers, that includes a UC Riverside entomologist, has determined. UC Riverside Welcomes New CARE Advocate Politics/Society Naddia Palacios has been recently appointed as UCR’s new Campus Advocacy, Resource and Education (CARE) Advocate. UC Riverside to Help Establish an Urban Water Sustainability Research Network Inside UCR UC Riverside is one of 14 academic institutions and key partners across the United States that have received $12 million from the National Science Foundation to establish the Urban Water Innovation Network. The Study Abroad Diaries, Part 6: London in Every Color Inside UCR Our student assistant Bethanie Le is part of a study abroad program in London this summer, and she's blogging from across the Atlantic! Each week, she'll post about her observations about the United Kingdom, talk about her course, "At the Crossroads of Gender and Communication," and send us photos of Scotty Highlander acting all touristy. Novel Nominated for Top International Award Arts/Culture “The Moor’s Account,” a novel by creative writing professor Laila Lalami, has been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, the world's most prestigious award for literary fiction written in English and published in the U.K. Reshaping the Solar Spectrum to Turn Light to Electricity Science/Technology Chemists at UC Riverside have found an ingenious way to make solar energy conversion more efficient. The Study Abroad Diaries, Part 5: Stranded in Scotland Inside UCR Our student assistant Bethanie Le is part of a study abroad program in London this summer, and she's blogging from across the Atlantic! Each week, she'll post about her observations about the United Kingdom, talk about her course, "At the Crossroads of Gender and Communication," and send us photos of Scotty Highlander acting all touristy. The Study Abroad Diaries, Part 4: Dos and Don’ts in the United Kingdom Inside UCR Our student assistant Bethanie Le is part of a study abroad program in London this summer, and she’s blogging from across the Atlantic! Each week, she’ll post about her observations about the United Kingdom, talk about her course, “At the Crossroads of Gender and Communication,” and send us photos of Scotty Highlander acting all touristy. UCR School of Medicine Center Wins Prestigious Grant for Community Engagement Project on Latino Health Health The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded a $250,000 grant to the UCR medical school’s Center for Healthy Communities for a community engagement project aimed ultimately at improving the health of Latino residents of the city of Riverside through partnered research. Titled “Latino Health Riverside,” the project will be conducted in partnership with community stakeholders in the Riverside neighborhoods of Arlanza, Casa Blanca and the Eastside. The expertise of residents in these communities will be tapped to learn more about health-related problems of greatest concern and ideas for solutions. Special Olympics USA Takes Over UC Riverside Arts/Culture It’s been a long time coming. For the second time since the event's inception in 1968, the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games will be held in Los Angeles. But, before the games kickoff on Saturday, July 25 – the entire Special Olympics USA team is staying at the University of California, Riverside campus. UC President Announces $15/hour Minimum Wage Inside UCR University of California President Janet Napolitano announced on July 22 that the minimum wage for its workers — both direct and service contract employees — will be raised to $15 an hour over the next three years. In addition, she directed that all contractors doing business with UC comply with government and university workplace laws and policies. Soybean Oil Causes More Obesity Than Coconut Oil and Fructose Science/Technology A diet high in soybean oil causes more obesity and diabetes than a diet high in fructose, a sugar commonly found in soda and processed foods, according to a just published paper by scientists at the University of California, Riverside. UC Riverside Summer Study Abroad Programs Continue to Build Strong Partnerships Arts/Culture Ready for the experience of a lifetime? To discover and immerse yourself in another culture, language, country and its food? Well, every quarter, and every summer, dozens of UC Riverside students do just that by choosing to study abroad. UCR Extension Instructor Pioneered Crime Scene Photography Science/Technology Steven Staggs is teaching Crime Scene Photography during UCR Extension’s Crime Scene Investigation Summer Academy, which runs through Friday, Aug. 7. He also teaches the Crime Scene Management course and the Crime Scene Investigation Practicum where teams of students use the skills they have learned during the five-week academy to process a crime scene, write a report and make a presentation. UCR Extension Hosts Webinar Focusing on Fraud Health UCR Extension is hosting “A Vulnerable Population: Combating Fraud Among Seniors,” a four-hour webinar covering Internet fraud, mail fraud and identity theft on Saturday, Sept. 12. The webinar is associated with UCR Extension’s Professional Certificate in Fiduciary Management program but the public is welcome. Warehouse Jobs Pay Poorly, Lack Health Insurance Politics/Society Warehouses provide jobs for thousands of workers in the Inland Empire. But a majority of blue-collar warehouse jobs typically pay less than a living wage, are often temporary, and do not provide health-care benefits, according to UCR researchers. Laila Lalami Novel Reaps Another Honor Arts/Culture Pulitzer Prize finalist and UC Riverside creative writing professor Laila Lalami has won an American Book Award for her latest novel, “The Moor’s Account.” UC Riverside Professor Gives Commencement Speech in Germany Inside UCR Jeanette Kohl, chair of the Department of Art History, gave the commencement speech at UCR’s partner university in Germany, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg. UC Riverside Psychology Professor Named One of the Coolest Women in Science Science/Technology She’s making the world a happier place. Well, she’s trying her hardest to. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside has devoted her research career to studying human happiness. And it’s earned her a spot in Business Insider’s list of “The 15 Most Amazing Women in Science Today.” Janet Lucas Named NACWAA Administrator Of The Year Politics/Society UC Riverside Executive Associate AD/SWA Janet Lucas, who was the Highlanders' interim athletics director for much of the 2014-15 academic year, was named the 2015 Administrator of the Year for NCAA Division I by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA). Ten Fascinating Facts About Ants Science/Technology With the release of Marvel’s newest film, Ant-Man, UC Riverside professors Suveen Mathaudhu, Dong-Hwan Choe, and UCR graduate student Kevin Welzel came up with ten interesting facts some may not know about ants. Two UC Staff Elected to Retirement System Advisory Board Inside UCR Michael A. Fehr of UCLA and Naomi Nakamura of UCSF Medical Center have been elected staff representatives to the University of California Retirement System Advisory Board. More than 7,500 staff members cast ballots in the election, with Fehr and Nakamura receiving the most votes in a field of six candidates. Drought Resistant Flowers for the Home Garden Science/Technology Plumerias are perhaps best known as the fragrant flowers Hawaiian leis are fashioned from. While the Caribbean natives flourish in the lush island landscape, plumarias also thrive in the dry desert conditions of Southern California. UC Riverside Leader Part of Science and National Interest Panel Science/Technology Michael Pazzani, the University of California, Riverside’s vice chancellor for research and economic development, is one of 10 university officials who will take part in a panel discussion on science and the national interest in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, July 15. UC Riverside to hold Patents and Trademarks Seminar Inside UCR RIVERSIDE, Calif. (www.ucr.edu) – The University of California, Riverside will be hosting Patents and Trademarks 101, a seminar that provides essential information needed to protect intellectual property, in the Orbach Science Library. This is a free public seminar for inventors, … Continue reading → Partnership Between UC Faculty and Mexican Educators Makes Algebra Accessible on Both Sides of the Border Politics/Society We have all been flummoxed by some kind of math problem, staring blankly at the instructions, muttering “It’s all Greek to me.” Science Fiction and Technoculture Studies Program Announces Book Prize Winner Arts/Culture The Science Fiction and Technoculture Studies program at the University of California, Riverside announces that the annual SFTS book award has been won by Aris Mousoutzanis, lecturer in film and screen studies at the University of Brighton. Anthropologist Honored for Exemplary Service Politics/Society Anthropologist Yolanda T. Moses, who spearheaded a national public education project on race and human variation that toured U.S. museums for seven years, is the 2015 recipient of the Franz Boas Award for Exemplary Service to Anthropology. Special Olympics USA Pre-Games Camp Coming to UC Riverside Arts/Culture Special Olympics USA will hold Pre-Games camp activities at the University of California, Riverside. Special Olympics USA will represent the United States at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, California, July 25–August 2, 2015. Expect High Energy Levels from UC Riverside’s New Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Business Tamica Smith Jones, UC Riverside’s brand new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, said Tuesday that she is hungry to get started on building UC Riverside’s athletic program. Public Policy Scholar Honored by National Philanthropic Organization Politics/Society Public policy and political science professor Karthick Ramakrishnan has been named one of 25 Leaders in Action by Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy. Mission to Early Earth Inside UCR Six graduate students from UC Riverside’s Department of Earth Sciences were among more than 700 researchers reporting on NASA’s ongoing exploration of life in the universe at the biennial Astrobiology Science Conference held at the Chicago Hilton in June. Bound by the theme “Habitability, Habitable Worlds, and Life,” the weeklong, international gathering, known as AbSciCon 2015 for short, featured topics ranging from microbiology and spectroscopy to biogeochemistry and atmospheric modeling, which are the expertise of the UCR students who attended. The Study Abroad Diaries, Part 2 Inside UCR Our student assistant Bethanie Le is part of a study abroad program in London this summer, and she’s blogging from across the Atlantic! Each week, she’ll post about her observations about the United Kingdom, talk about her course, “At the Crossroads of Gender and Communication,” and send us photos of Scotty Highlander acting all touristy. UC Riverside Ant Expert at Ant-Man Premiere Science/Technology A UC Riverside graduate student was standing among Hollywood stars Monday, June 29 at the red carpet premiere of Marvel's Ant-Man at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Kevin Welzel, invited by Walt Disney Studios, stood alongside a giant formicarium – or ant house – to answer questions red carpet attendees had about ants. Laughs Bring in Donation to UC Riverside Inside UCR What do you get when a stand-up comic turns an evening of laughs into a great cause? Support for the University of California Riverside’s Guardian Scholars program. Comedian Tim Minchin did just that when he donated all the proceeds from one of his recent shows to the program at the UC Riverside. The Study Abroad Diaries, Part 1 Inside UCR Our student assistant Bethanie Le is part of a study abroad program in London this summer, and she's blogging from across the Atlantic! Each week, she'll post about her observations about the United Kingdom, talk about her course, "At the Crossroads of Gender and Communication," and send us photos of Scotty Highlander acting all touristy. Willows Korean Aviation School Fueled Independence Movement Politics/Society A new book co-authored by Edward T. Chang examines the little-known history of the Willlows Korean Aviation School/Corps that trained more than 30 combat pilots in the fight to free Korea from Japanese rule. Twilight Tours of Botanic Gardens Offered Science/Technology The Friends of the UCR Botanic Gardens will hold twilight tours at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10 and Friday, August 7 at the Botanic Gardens. UCR Extension Offers Free Lectures on Crime Fighting Politics/Society UCR Extension will present lectures on crime fighting every Wednesday in July from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. These are free and open to the public. Slideshow of Visit to Campus by California Agriculture Secretary Inside UCR Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, visited campus on June 26, 2015. UCR Medical School Achieves Second Step in Accreditation Process Health UC Riverside's School of Medicine has been granted provisional accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. Why Are Seabirds Abandoning Their Ancestral Nesting Grounds in Gulf of California? Science/Technology UC Riverside's Exequiel Ezcurra and a colleague in Mexico show that ocean warming and overfishing are producing an ecological collapse of the Gulf of California’s productive Midriff region. High School Teachers Get a Physics Refresher in Weeklong Workshop Inside UCR A Summer Physics Academy took place this week at UC Riverside. UC Riverside Engineering Students Build Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Science/Technology They call themselves the UCR Unmanned Aerial Systems, a group of about 20 students from the Bourns College of Engineering at UC Riverside, who participated earlier this month in the 13th annual Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Student Unmanned Aerial System (SUAS) Competition in Maryland. UC Riverside Mentoring Program Funded for Another Year Arts/Culture The University Eastside Community Collaborative (UECC), the premier mentoring and tutoring program on the University of California, Riverside campus, has received a federal grant of $272,000 by AmeriCorps. The Supreme Court and Same-sex Marriage Politics/Society Scholars at UC Riverside are available to discuss possible political ramifications of a Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, the national cultural shift toward acceptance of same-sex marriage, and partisanship of the court. Exercising Early in Life Yields Rewards in Adult Years Science/Technology What impact can exercise done early in life have on the propensity for exercising during the adult years? A team of researchers at UC Riverside did experiments on mice in the lab to find out. $7 million Grant Awarded to Study Childhood Influences on Cognitive, Physical Health by Midlife Health Psychologist Chandra A. Reynolds has been awarded a $7 million, five-year grant by the National Institute on Aging to study how early childhood influences versus recent influences affect cognitive and physical health by middle age. Undergraduate Discovers New Firefly Species Science/Technology In May 2015, UC Riverside undergraduate Joshua Oliva discovered a new species of firefly near Topanga, Calif. The Month of June 2015 in Photos Inside UCR Creative Writing Professor Emeritus Juan Felipe Herrera was named U.S. poet laureate right before he delivered a commencement speech at CHASS; retirement photos throughout campus; a lunch for the Organizational Excellence ambassadors and the Staff Assembly luau marked UCR's end of the school year celebrations. UC Riverside Mentoring Program Funded for Another Three Years Arts/Culture The University Eastside Community Collaborative (UECC), the premier mentoring and tutoring program on the University of California, Riverside campus, has received a three-year federal grant of $816,000 by AmeriCorps. Water-conservation Attitudes, Incentives Studied Politics/Society Two environmental economists at the University of California, Riverside have been awarded a $184,000 grant by the Moulton Niguel Water District to evaluate what motivates homeowners to reduce water use, and which conservation programs are most cost-effective. Prediction for Southern California’s 2015 Fire Season Science/Technology California is in its fourth year of drought. In a short video, UC Riverside's Richard Minnich makes predictions for the 2015 fire season in Southern California. Tamica Smith Jones Named Director of Athletics at UC Riverside Business UC Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox today announced the appointment of Tamica Smith Jones of the University of Texas at San Antonio as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at UC Riverside, effective July 1, 2015. What Makes Each of Us Unique? Inside UCR Nobel laureate Craig Mello will give a talk at UC Riverside June 24 in which he will review the place of mankind in the universe, the history of our evolutionary origins, and the biological mechanisms that propagate the information that makes each of us unique. Asking Those Who Do the Work to Reimagine the Work Inside UCR About 350 people brainstormed ideas for how the campus can operate more effectively at a workshop on Tuesday, May 26 at the HUB as the culmination of the four part “Organizational Excellence” seminar series. In Search of an Elusive Subatomic Particle Inside UCR A UC Riverside team of scientists has been looking for evidence of a Majorana neutrino. Safe Repellents That Protect Fruit From Spotted Wing Drosophila Found Science/Technology UC Riverside scientists have identified a safe repellent that protects fruits from the spotted wing Drosophila, a pest that causes hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of agricultural damage worldwide each year. Leading Geneticist Named to Endowed Chair Inside UCR Susan R. Wessler, a distinguished professor of genetics at UC Riverside and a passionate advocate for spreading the excitement of doing genomics research to undergraduate students, has been named the Neil A. and Rochelle A. Campbell Presidential Chair for Innovation in Science Education in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UCR. U.S. Poet Laureate Exhorts Grads: Be Your ‘New You’ Arts/Culture United States Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera urged graduating seniors at the University of California, Riverside on Sunday evening to celebrate their “new you” and to inspire change in their communities. California Leads the Way on Immigration Reform, State Citizenship Politics/Society The White House is no longer the most dynamic actor when it comes to policy innovation on immigration, and California is leading the way in creating what amounts to a de-facto system of state citizenship, according to researchers at the University of California, Riverside. Astronomers Find Best Observational Evidence of First-generation Stars in the Universe Science/Technology Astronomers, including UC Riverside scientists, have discovered by far the brightest galaxy yet found in the early universe and found strong evidence that examples of the first generation of stars lurk within it. B.S. in Sustainability Studies Launches in Fall 2015 Politics/Society A bachelor of science degree in sustainability studies that emphasizes social and environmental justice issues will launch at UC Riverside in fall 2015. Mantis Shrimp Inspires New Body Armor and Football Helmet Design Science/Technology The mantis shrimp is able to repeatedly pummel the shells of prey using a hammer-like appendage that can withstand rapid-fire blows by neutralizing certain frequencies of "shear waves,” according to a new research paper by University of California, Riverside and Purdue University engineers. UCR Participates in US News National Leadership Conference Politics/Society UC Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox and two other UCR higher education experts will participate and present at the upcoming national US News STEM Solutions conference in San Diego. Three Undergraduates Honored With Coro Fellowships Inside UCR Three UC Riverside undergraduates have won prestigious Coro Fellowships which are oriented to public service. The Month in Photos: May 2015 Inside UCR With the academic school year drawing to an end, UCR went into full swing with its activities in the month of May. UCR celebrated Bourns College of Engineering's 25th anniversary, honored rationalist author Avijit Royhad through a vigil, had a display of 7,000 mini American flags for Memorial Day, held its sixth annual "UC Walks" event and its 24th annual "Chalk the Walk," hosted a public hearing led by Assemblyman Jose Medina and much more! Jewish Studies Scholar Named to Endowed Chair Arts/Culture Michael S. Alexander, a scholar of Judaism, modern Jewish history and American religion, has been named to the Maimonides Chair in Jewish Studies at the University of California, Riverside. Conference Highlighted Immortality Project Findings Politics/Society Thirty-four teams of researchers from universities around the world reported their findings from studies related to immortality at the Capstone Conference for The Immortality Project. Incredible Bulk Trash Event set for June 20 Politics/Society It started as a suggestion from a neighbor, and now it's a yearly event on the UC Riverside campus — the Incredible Bulk Trash Event. Riverside residents and UC Riverside students, faculty, and staff members are invited to the ninth annual event on Saturday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Lot 24. The drop-off allows local residents and the campus community to dispose of unwanted household products. Outstanding Staffers Recognized by UCR Staff Assembly Inside UCR Nine award winners and 21 nominees were recognized at the Outstanding Staff Awards this year, held at Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox’s residence on June 2. They were lauded for going above and beyond the responsibilities of their positions, as well as for their commitment to helping the campus and community at large on a volunteer basis. Through their innovative creativity in the workplace and their inspiring acts of kindness, they exemplify the best in serving both the campus and the community at large. Campus Community Sees a Positive Difference with Smoke Free Policy Health A survey of nearly 2,000 students, staff, and faculty at UC Riverside has revealed a significant portion of the campus community has noticed a decrease in second-hand smoke exposure after UCR became a smoke and tobacco free university in 2014. When Art and Science Meet: Read the Spring 2015 Issue of UCR Magazine Inside UCR Here at UCR, when scientists and artists collaborate, they re-establish the foundation of discovery and innovation. Whether it’s solving historical mysteries through facial-recognition techniques, or collaborating on music based on astronomical equations, Highlanders are inventing solutions for the future and stretching perceptions of what is possible. International Conference on “Frontiers in Forecasting” Meets in Riverside June 21-24 Business More than 300 of the world’s top forecasting professionals and researchers will visit Riverside for the 35th International Symposium on Forecasting June 21-24. Hal Varian, chief economist at Google Inc., will deliver the keynote address on June 22. Conference to Help Cities Develop Solutions to Strengthen Local Food and Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Inside UCR Several UCR researchers to attend the 2nd annual GrowRIVERSIDE Conference to share their expertise on food-related issues. Stories of Perseverance Among UC Riverside’s Graduating Class Arts/Culture Nearly 5,500 students are expected to participate in the 61st Commencement at University of California, Riverside. The university will welcome thousands of family members and friends over the course of seven ceremonies spanning across four days, from Friday, June 12 to Monday, June 15. UC Riverside Grad Student Nominated as Student Regent for University of California Inside UCR A University of California Board of Regents special committee has nominated Marcela Ramirez, a UC Riverside graduate student in higher education administration and policy, as the 2016–17 student regent. Hustling to Build a Race Car for the Future Science/Technology The team of University of California, Riverside Bourns College of Engineering students doesn’t expect to win a competition this month for which they have designed and built a Formula-style race car. Sitting in a Bathtub of Traffic Politics/Society What do rush-hour traffic and a bathtub have in common? Economist Richard Arnott applies the Vickrey Bathtub hypothesis to show that imposing fees during peak travel times can reduce traffic jams on downtown streets. David L. Ulin Awarded Guggenheim Fellowship Arts/Culture David L. Ulin, who teaches creative writing at the University of California, Riverside, has been awarded a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. Bright Lights, Big University Business Big Springs Drive has more of a glow after dark to brighten the way for UC Riverside students walking back and forth to the residence halls. The change comes from new LED lamps, which are brighter and more energy efficient. Insect Mating Behavior Has Lessons for Drones Science/Technology Can understanding insect behavior be useful for robotics research? Yes, according to a UC Riverside entomologist whose research shows that insect behavior has implications for airborne robots (drones) that ply the sky searching for signature odors. Psychologist to Lecture on “Pathways to Longevity” Science/Technology Howard Friedman, distinguished professor of psychology , will present the 63rd annual Faculty Research Lecture at UCR on Thursday, June 4, at 3:30 p.m. His topic is "Pathways to Longevity." Gift Made to UC Riverside’s Anthropology Department Inside UCR He’s the UC Riverside librarian, who has a personal tie and love for anthropology, and that’s why Steven Mandeville-Gamble has made a $30,000 to the department. Public Hearing Outlines UC Riverside’s Success in Diversity Politics/Society UC Riverside’s undergraduate diversity needs to be shared in the graduate population and in the faculty, according to those who testified at a public hearing Friday on campus in front of the California Assembly Committee on Higher Education. Public Talk to Discuss Sugar Aversion in Cockroaches Inside UCR Coby Schal, an international expert in urban entomology, will give the 2015 Alfred M. Boyce Lecture at UC Riverside on June 1 on the topic of cockroaches, specifically their aversion to sugar. Business School Names Executive Fellows Business The University of California, Riverside School of Business Administration has named Robert Stapleton and Tobin Sloane its Executive Fellows for the 2015-16 school year. Here Comes the Furious Sun Inside UCR UC Riverside astronomer Gabriela Canalizo will give a talk ("The Furious Sun") on campus, June 4. The talk is free and open to the public. Turning Dry Milk and Rice Husks into Homes Science/Technology A team of students from the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering recently won two awards at an international design competition for a material composed of rice husks that they created as a less costly, more environmentally friendly and termite resistant alternative to particleboard. Public Hearing on Student Diversity Set at UC Riverside on Friday, May 29 Politics/Society The California Assembly Committee on Higher Education will hold a public hearing from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Friday, May 29 on UC Riverside’s diversity, and initiatives to serve low-income, first-generation undergraduate students. So a Doctor Walks into the Examining Room … Arts/Culture Cartoonists, scholars and health-care practitioners from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Korea, Germany and the United Kingdom will gather at UC Riverside July 16-18 for the 6th International Comics and Medicine Conference. Ride With Larry Screening to be Held at UCR Palm Desert Center Inside UCR A documentary about a man living with Parkinson’s Disease attempting a 300-mile bike ride across South Dakota will be shown at the UCR Palm Desert Center on Saturday, June 13, 2015. The screening of “Ride with Larry” will be followed by a Q&A session with the film’s co-director Ricardo Villarreal. NRDC Official to Discuss Environmental Advocacy Politics/Society Joel Reynolds, western director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, will discuss “The New Environmental Advocacy: How NRDC Is Winning in the 21st Century” at UC Riverside on May 27. Research Journal about Latin America Expands Digital Presence Politics/Society Latin American Perspectives, a bimonthly journal now in its 43rd year, is reaching out with a new website and expansion of social media. Italian Photographer’s Exhibition at CMP/ARTSblock Explores Middle East Conflict, Displacement Arts/Culture The cycle of history behind the continuing violence, conflict, and displacement in the Middle East is the subject of Italian photographer Massimiliano Gatti’s first American exhibition, which opens at CMP/ARTSblock on May 30 and continues through Sept. 5. Study Proposes Common Mechanism for Shallow and Deep Earthquakes Science/Technology A new study by a research team led by UC Riverside geologists reports that a universal sliding mechanism operates for earthquakes of all depths – from the deep ones all the way up to the crustal ones. The research could lead to improved computer models for earthquake shaking danger. Maternal Obesity Compromises Babies’ Immune System at Time of Birth Health Maternal obesity is linked to several adverse health outcomes for the infant that can persist into adulthood, such as type-2 diabetes, heart disease and mortality. But when exactly does the immune system of babies born to obese mothers get compromised? Very early in the baby’s life, according to a new study by a research team led by UC Riverside's Ilhem Messaoudi. The Immortality Project Awards New Essay Prizes Arts/Culture The Immortality Project has awarded essay prizes to two philosophers whose writings were published in The New York Times. UC Riverside Extension Offers Summer STEM Programs for Grades 3-8 Science/Technology Keep your high-achieving and motivated children engaged this summer by exposing them to creative and challenging material they might not get in their regular classrooms. UCR Extension is offering two summer programs that will provide enrichment and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Water Experts to Discuss Impact of State Drought Restrictions on Inland Area May 27 Politics/Society A panel of regional water experts will discuss California’s historic drought and the impact of state-imposed conservation regulations on Inland residents, businesses and communities May 27 at UC Riverside. MCS Media Fest Features Student Films, ‘East Los High’ Actors Arts/Culture Cast members from HULU’s Emmy-nominated drama “East Los High” and independent film and television creators and directors will discuss their work in an all-day festival showcasing student films and video games on May 21. Wine Chemist to Talk About Wine Grapes Inside UCR Wine chemist Andrew Waterhouse at UC Davis will give the Arturo Gomez-Pompa Lecture on May 20 at UC Riverside: "Vinifera: A Responsive Source of Secondary Natural Products." UC Reaches Long-term Agreement for More Funding, Tuition Predictability Inside UCR University of California President Janet Napolitano announced on May 14 that she and Gov. Jerry Brown have reached a historic agreement that provides UC with significant new revenue while capping resident tuition at its current level for the next two years. How Do Galaxies Form? Inside UCR UC Riverside's Laura Sales will give a free public talk titled “Tiny to Massive: Galaxy Formation in the Universe” on campus May 14. UC Riverside Student to Play Ancient Chinese Instrument at Culver Center Arts/Culture She started playing at the age of seven. And while most children were out running around and having fun, she was forced to sit at home and practice. Looking back now, Chuan Qin, who goes by Linda, doesn't mind, because she said she’s one of a few dozen around the world who knows how to play the erhu professionally. And she’s done it on an international level. Now, she’ll be playing a solo show at the Culver Center in Riverside on Saturday, May 9, from 7-9 p.m. Anthropologist and UC Riverside Professor Wins NEA Fellowship Arts/Culture Through its grant-making to thousands of nonprofits each year, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) promotes opportunities for people in communities across America to experience the arts and exercise their creativity. Just as UC Riverside’s Susan Ossman did with her project, “On the Line.” Which helped her secure a $10,000 award for the University of California, Riverside. Annual Primavera in the Gardens Fundraiser Set for Sunday, May 17 Science/Technology The Friends of the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens will host the 17th Annual Primavera in the Gardens wine and food tasting fundraising event on Sunday, May 17th from 2 to 5 p.m. at the UCR Botanic Gardens. UC Riverside Recognized for Health & Wellness by the American Heart Association Health Taking care of ourselves has almost become a fad in itself. From dieting, to practicing yoga, even going on walks during lunch. Folks very often brag, and rightfully so, about their health conscious activities and eating habits. And, many companies are not blind to the trend, the University of California, Riverside included. UC President, Riverside Chancellor Meet with Inland Community College Leaders Inside UCR University of California President Janet Napolitano and UC Riverside Chancellor Kim Wilcox met with community college leaders from San Bernardino and Riverside counties on Tuesday, May 5, to discuss ways to make the transfer process simpler and easier for students. UCR Professor to Curate ‘Soldadera’ Exhibition Arts/Culture A multi-media exhibition examining the role of soldaderas (women soldiers) in The Mexican Revolution – curated by Jennifer Doyle, professor of English – will open Saturday, May 16 at the Vincent Price Art Museum in East Los Angeles. Key Differences Found in Liquidity-Based Trading Fees Business A fee system that has become a major, and sometimes controversial, source of revenue for stock exchanges in the United States has an impact on trading volume, according to an analysis outlined in a just completed paper by several business school professors. The liquidity-based trading fees have surged in in popularity in the past 10 years. Scholars to Review Immortality Research in Final Conference Arts/Culture Scholars from around the world who have explored scientific, theological and philosophical questions relating to immortality will meet at UC Riverside May 27-30 to present research funded by The Immortality Project. Medicine Ways Conference Explores Language Arts/Culture The importance of keeping language alive will be examined in the 34th Annual Medicine Ways Conference at the University of California, Riverside, on Saturday, May 9. The event begins at 9 a.m. in HUB 302 and concludes at 8 p.m. It's free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. RSVP to Joshua Gonzales, director of Native American Student Programs, at joshuag@ucr.edu. Parking is free in Lot 1. Fourth Organizational Excellence Speaker Takes the Stage on May 11 Inside UCR Mara Fellouris, executive director of the UC San Francisco Program Management Office, will present the fourth session of UCR’s Organizational Excellence Speaker Series at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at the Highlander Union Building Room 302. Fellouris, whose experience in UCSF involves implementing administrative systems, improving the process of operations, and strategic and organizational change, among others, will talk about leading her campus’ Program Management Office. Graduate Students Meet Lawmakers in Sacramento Health On April 28, two UC Riverside graduate students – Jessica Diaz and Vicente Nunez – joined 20 other UC graduate students and UC President Janet Napolitano at the state capitol to highlight the value graduate research brings to the state. Seeds of Change Inside UCR UC Riverside's Cheryl Garner and Neal Malik will give a free public talk, “Seeds of Change: UCR’s Healthy and Sustainable Food Initiative,” on campus May 7. Research on Big Data and Visualization Receives Major Funding Science/Technology UC Riverside has received nearly $4.5 million from NASA to develop research, education, training and collaborative opportunities in big data and visualization. Sikh Studies Conference to Draw Global Scholars Arts/Culture Scholars and global leaders of the Sikh community from all over the world will be congregating at UC Riverside for a three-day conference on Sikh studies beginning on May 8. Feeding the Needy, One Swipe at a Time Health It started out as an idea, and now they’re seeing the impact of the fruits of their labor. Students at UC Riverside worked with Dining Services to launch a campus chapter of Swipes for the Homeless, and after two years of working toward that goal, they finally kicked things off during the 2014 winter quarter. And on April 30, the chapter donated about $5,000 worth of food and products to charity. How did they make that happen? Here’s a little background… Hoax Social Media Post at UC Riverside Causes Concern Politics/Society One person has been detained after a hoax social media post at UC Riverside raised concern of a threat of “a shooting spree.” UCR Extension is the Next Move for College Graduates Business UCR Extension is promoting a unique opportunity for recent graduates to earn a master’s degree in as little as one year for as little as $30,000 through its Master’s Pathways program in partnership with internationally recognized universities in Europe and Australia. Green is the New Black Health These are not your father’s residence halls. Just in time for Earth Day, the latest housing addition at UC Riverside has recycled materials, all the latest water management, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly features like American-made cabinetry. A New Council Formed to Analyze California’s Tax Reform Proposals Business Imran Angelov Farooq, director of UC Riverside’s Center for Economic Development & Innovation, has been appointed to a new Council of Economic Advisors for California’s Chief Financial Officer, Controller Betty T. Yee. The nine-member council will include experts from a variety of backgrounds including academia, economics, business, and government. The group’s core objective is to review and comment on the potential impacts of tax reform proposals. UCR Delegation Visits Korea and Japan Inside UCR A delegation of UC Riverside staff and faculty, led by Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox, visited East Asia from April 20 to April 25. The university’s scholarship, education and engagement is increasingly global. American Indian Mascots Harmful to Native Youth Politics/Society A 2014 report on the impact of American Indian mascots and team names on Native American youths will be discussed at UCR on May 1. The Month in Photos: April 2015 Inside UCR UCR was rousing with activities for the month of April, starting with the “It’s On Us” campaign on sexual assault awareness. April also included: the Tuskegee Airman exhibit at the Rivera Library, the 47th annual Hays Press-Enterprise Lecture, the "Islamophobia" talk with Reza Aslan, the inaugural UCR FarmShare event, Donor's Appreciation Week, a dining etiquette class and even a miniature horse! Check out our slideshow for the highlights of April! The Top: Ways that UCR is Environmentally Friendly—Part 2 Inside UCR In honor of Earth Day today, we are presenting the ways that UCR is creating and maintaining a clean, green campus environment. UC Riverside Library Awarded Grant to Survey Inland Empire Historical Archives Arts/Culture When University Librarian Steve Mandeville-Gamble launched Inland Empire Memories in 2013, his goal was to collect the rich cultural legacies of the diverse communities of Southern California’s Inland Empire (IE) region. He never imagined it would garner the attention and support of so many, including the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, one of the leading supporters of social science research in Southern California. Professor Judy Yung to Discuss the History of the “Ellis Island of the West” Arts/Culture Judy Yung, professor emerita in American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, will present poetries and stories from “Angel Island, Immigrant Gateway to America” at UC Riverside on Tuesday, April 21. Yung will also talk about her work in oral history, including why it is important to her and how she became an oral historian on Wednesday, April 22. Historian Robert Hine, Mentor, Scholar and a UCR Founding Professor, Dies at Age 93 Arts/Culture American West historian Robert Hine, one of UC Riverside’s founding professors who became known outside academic circles for his moving autobiography about regaining his vision after 15 years of blindness, has died. Talks, Telescopes Showcase 25 years of The Hubble Space Telescope Inside UCR The Hubble Space Telescope -- one of mankind’s most successful scientific creations -- will turn 25 years on Friday, April 24. To celebrate, the Physics and Astronomy Department at UC Riverside will be holding special activities the week from April 20 to April 24. All activities are free and open to the public. A Celebration for a Mission Well Accomplished Health They were given one mission, and one mission only – adopt healthy behaviors and lifestyles. And more than 400 UC Riverside employees accepted the challenge. Sponsored by the UCR Wellness Program, “Mission: Possible 2,” was a 10-week wellness challenge geared toward changing unhealthy lifestyle habits. UCR Students Still the Largest Group of City Year Core Members Working to Increase Graduation Rates in Poor Urban Schools Politics/Society University of California, Riverside biology graduate Michelle Ramon is starting medical school at UCLA in June. UCR mathematics graduate Alex Owens loves crunching numbers and wants to get his doctorate in public policy administration. So why, after four years of intense coursework, would they spend their first year out of college working for a pittance, 10 hours a day, five days a week, in some of Los Angeles’ worst performing schools? English Professor Named a Fulbright Scholar Arts/Culture Adriana Craciun, a professor of English at the University of California, Riverside, has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for 2015-16 to support her Arctic Enlightenments project. Joshua Tree Research Project Seeks Volunteers Inside UCR Researchers in the Center for Conservation Biology at UC Riverside are seeking volunteers for a project that aims to study the impact of climate change on plants and animal life in Joshua Tree National Park. The Fear of Islam in America Arts/Culture Islamophobia. You may have heard the word before. But, what does it mean exactly? Reza Aslan, creative writing professor at the University of California, Riverside defined it as “a bigotry against Muslims,” to a room full of people at the university on Monday. New Book Suggests Political Models to Empower Latinos, Mexicanos Politics/Society A new book by UC Riverside political scientist Armando Navarro examines the current state of Latino and Mexicano politics in the United States, and outlines models for change that would alter U.S. boundaries and empower a population he contends is politically and economically powerless. Changing How Students Learn Science/Technology So, in 2012, Vahid and his former UC Irvine Ph.D. classmate Smita Bakshi, also formerly a UC Davis professor and currently a professional in Silicon Valley’s high-tech industry, founded zyBooks.com. Their goal: Reinvent college learning material, by starting from scratch, for the web. Medical School Open House Targets Region’s Future Doctors Health The UC Riverside School of Medicine is hosting an open house on Saturday, May 16, 2015 for community members interested in exploring what it’s like to be a UCR medical student. Medical school leadership, faculty and students will lead sessions and demonstrations focused on what it takes to get into medical school, the admissions process and key aspects of the medical student experience. Vaccine Researcher to Speak April 27 Health Vaccine researcher Larry Grill, dean of research at the Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, will discuss “The Next Generation of Vaccines and Biologic Pharmaceuticals” at the University of California, Riverside on April 27. TruEvolution to Host AIDS Advocacy Night at UCR Health Let’s face it – most people think of AIDS as a problem only developing countries, specifically Sub-Saharan African countries, face. But, there are approximately 35 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, living with HIV - and in Riverside County there are nearly 5,000 people living with the virus. In order to better educate our community on the infectious and sometimes deadly virus, TruEvolution is inviting everyone to this year’s AIDS Advocacy Night. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 23 from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the UCR Highlander Union Building Outdoor Area. President Napolitano Addresses Myths About UC Politics/Society Talking to business and civic leaders at the historic Mission Inn, UC President Janet Napolitano today addressed myths about UC system financing as spoke fondly of the Riverside community and campus. “There are myths about basic research – about how much basic research costs, or about its purported irrelevance to the university,” she said. Napolitano then cited several examples of the direct way UC research — including the work of UCR faculty — has improved the lives of Californians. Undergraduates Win Prestigious National Awards Inside UCR Two UC Riverside undergraduates have each won a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate awards given in the sciences. Reza Aslan to Speak on Islamophobia Arts/Culture Dr. Reza Aslan, Professor of Creative Writing at UCR, will discuss “Islamophobia: The Real Enemy” on Monday, April 13 as part of the Middle Eastern Student Center’s weeklong celebration of culture, tradition, and unity. From Farm to Home Health Vibrant colors of green, red, and orange fill baskets upon baskets at the inaugural UCR FarmShare, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and an opportunity for folks to take home produce grown locally. UCR Symposium for Undergraduates Pushes Hands-On Research Inside UCR Get your thinking caps on and your creative juices flowing as the ninth annual Symposium for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity is scheduled for the end of the month. It’s not your run-of-the-mill symposium, sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Education, the symposium is an opportunity for students in all disciplines, including arts, humanities, sciences and engineering, to present their faculty-mentored projects to an audience of peers, faculty, and administrators. UC Recognizes National Sexual Assault Awareness Month with Activities Systemwide Inside UCR University of California campuses will hold panel discussions, rallies and other events throughout April to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The activities, part of UC’s ongoing efforts to address sexual violence on campuses, are aimed at educating students, faculty and staff about sexual violence and to highlight campus resources for prevention education and support. Town Hall Touches on UCR Budget, Faculty Expansion Update and Organizational Excellence Speaker Series Inside UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox held a Town Hall on Monday, March 30 that included a discussion on the new budgeting system for the campus, an update on the faculty hiring process and the Organizational Excellence series at UCR. Stolen Computer at UCR Triggers Potential Breach of Personal Information of 8,000 Inside UCR A computer stolen during a recent break-in at UC Riverside contained social security number information for almost 8,000 graduate student applicants, admitted graduate students, and other related individuals, the University disclosed. Graduate Students to Compete for Fellowship Inside UCR Sometimes, all it takes is three minutes to change the course of your life. That’ll be the case for the 10 to 12 contestants going head-to-head at the 2015 GradSlam. The event is an opportunity for graduate students at the University of California, Riverside to showcase and articulate the importance of their research in three minutes to a panel of judges and an audience. Whoever can do so in the most concise manner, will be the winner of a $5,000 fellowship. A Top Chef at UCR Inside UCR It's no secret, residential hall dining has gotten a bit more upscale at the University of California, Riverside. UCR Dining Services prides itself on high-quality, authentic, healthy cuisine options. And now it can add award-winning chef to the list of things to be proud of when it comes to dining on campus. Changing the World One Cup of Coffee at a Time Health RIVERSIDE, Calif. – When you buy a cup of UC Riverside’s Highlander Blend Coffee, you’re making a difference in a developing country. Known for its struggle with deep poverty, child hunger, and social issues – Guatemala is also one of … Continue reading → Open House on April 18 to Showcase Best of Physics and Astronomy Inside UCR The UC Riverside Department of Physics and Astronomy will have an open house on April 18. Physicists Celebrate Second Act of Large Hadron Collider Inside UCR UC Riverside physicists are celebrating the restart of the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator. Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit Opens at UC Riverside’s Rivera Library Arts/Culture The Tomás Rivera Library has unveiled its newest exhibition, “Aim High / Rise Above: The Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen,” honoring the lives and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. Water Policy Experts Available to Discuss Drought Response Politics/Society UCR water policy experts are available to discuss the drought and Gov. Brown's declaration of mandatory water restrictions. Lecture Series to Address the Science of Food and Health Health A lecture series on the science of food and health begins on April 9 at UC Riverside. Discovering Missing Body Parts of Ancient Fossils Science/Technology Certain specimens of the fossils Dickinsonia are incomplete because ancient currents lifted them from the sea floor, UC Riverside paleontologists have found. Walk Riverside Results to be Presented April 9 Politics/Society Results of a UC Riverside study to promote walkable neighborhoods in Riverside will be presented on April 9 at 5:30 p.m. at CE-CERT. The Ohio State University’s Kalu Named Vice Provost for International Affairs at UC Riverside Politics/Society Kelechi A. Kalu, Ph.D., an expert in university globalization, international affairs and West African politics, has been named Vice Provost for International Affairs at the University of California, Riverside, it was announced today by Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Paul J. D’Anieri. UCR Hosts Panel with Japanese Delegates Inside UCR On March 12, UC Riverside hosted a panel discussion with a former Japanese Ambassador and four Japanese delegates to engage the UCR campus in dialogue about Japan-U.S. relations. Brown, Napolitano Report on Budget Discussions Business In an update to the UC Board of Regents on the Select Advisory Committee on the Cost Structure of the University, Napolitano and Brown on March 18 described the meetings as both positive and productive. The Month in Photos: March 2015 Inside UCR The last month of winter quarter was bursting with events at UCR, such as the annual Heat Music Festival, puppies on campus through Therapy Fluffies, a goodbye to UCR Professor Juan Felipe Herrera, a visit from a former Japanese Ambassador and four Japanese delegates, the second Walk & Talk with Leadership series with Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor Paul D’Anieri and more! U.K. Health Policy Researcher to Speak April 9 Health Mike Saks, a health policy researcher in the U.K., will discuss the changing medical profession in Britain and the United States on April 9. The Search for ET Inside UCR UC Riverside's Mario De Leo Winkler will give a free public talk on campus April 2: “Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Life.” Battles Over Higher Education Create Sticker Shock for Families Politics/Society Decreases in state appropriations makes college less affordable for low- and middle-income students, as public universities seek to make up for lost revenue by admitting out-of-state, higher-income and higher-achieving students. Not only does this help the university’s bottom line in the context of reduced state support, it also helps universities in the competition for prestige and higher rankings. Inland Education Collaborative Awarded $5 million Politics/Society The Federation for a Competitive Economy (FACE), a regional collaborative vision that began at UC Riverside, has earned a $5 million Governor’s Award for Innovation in Higher Education. It was selected as one of the top plans of the 57 submitted from around the state to improve college graduation rates in California, a committee of the California Department of Finance announced today. UC Riverside Ecologist Receives 2015 Prigogine Gold Medal Inside UCR UC Riverside's Bai-Lian (Larry) Li is the recipient of the 2015 Prigogine Gold Medal. UCR Professor to Speak at Zócalo Art Event Arts/Culture Local art administrators and scholars, including Catherine Gudis, associate professor of history, will discuss Riverside’s art scene as part of a Zócalo-hosted event at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at the Riverside Art Museum. Urban Pest Management Conference Set for March 25 Inside UCR UC Riverside is hosting the 24th Annual UC Riverside Urban Pest Management Conference on March 25 to address topics a variety of topics related to managing urban pests. The Top: Inspirational Women According to UCR Professors Inside UCR Each issue, we present a list of UCR staff and faculty favorites — from walking spots to gardens to events.In honor of March being Women's History Month, we asked UCR professors to name the women that inspire them most and why! Here is the list of the professors' responses. Direct Engagement with Constituents a Plus for Political Leaders Politics/Society Politicians who discuss hot-button issues in online town halls can persuade their constituents about the merits of their positions on policy matters, engender greater trust and approval, and inspire more citizens to vote for them, according to a team of researchers from the University of California, Riverside, The Ohio State University, and Northeastern University. Spring Plant Sale Set for March 28 and 29 Arts/Culture The 42nd annual University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens spring plant sale will he held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29. UCR Track Star Brenda Martinez to Help Search for New Athletics Director Inside UCR The search for UC Riverside’s next Athletics Director has begun. Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox is chairing an advisory committee to set out the parameters for the search, with representation from the administration, from the UCR Athletics Association, and even a star athlete, Brenda Martinez, who graduated from UCR and continues to compete in national and international track competitions. Prize Awarded to Best Explanations for Origin of Ancient Ring-like Structures Seen on Seabed Science/Technology UC Riverside scientists, who solicited the public's help four weeks ago in solving an ancient riddle in paleontology, have announced the winners of the contest. Odyssey of the Mind Tournament Challenges Students to Let Off STEAM Arts/Culture California’s nine regional tournaments for Odyssey of the Mind started in February—the Inland Empire’s regional contest was March 7 in Palm Springs—but the state tournament, with some 200 teams and more than 1,000 competitors and their families—will converge at UC Riverside on Saturday, March 28. Film Camp Offers Hope for Pediatric Cancer Patients Arts/Culture UCR senior and cancer survivor Cassie Nguyen will introduce her Spotlight On Hope Film Camp to the community at a screening April 2 at 3:30 p.m. Charles Evered Play Premieres in Los Angeles Arts/Culture “Class,” a play by UCR professor of playwriting Charles Evered, will premiere at The Falcon Theatre in Los Angeles on March 18, produced by renowned director Garry Marshall. Masterclass Introduces Local High School Students to Particle Physics Inside UCR On March 10 and 11, approximately 35 local high school students visited the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UC Riverside to participate in the International Particle Physics Masterclass. Students, Alumni, Parents Call on State Lawmakers to Support UC Inside UCR The transformative power of a college education was on full display at the state's capitol Tuesday (March 10), as more than 170 students, parents, alumni and other University of California supporters met with lawmakers to talk about how investment in UC benefits California and its students. Delegates — representing each of UC's 10 campuses — spent UC Day meeting with members of the legislature to share personal stories of how a UC education had bettered their lives. César E. Chávez 5K Run/Walk Set for April 4 Arts/Culture UC Riverside's 14th Annual César E. Chávez 5K Run/Walk was created to celebrate the legacy of César E. Chávez and raise critically needed funds for student scholarships at UCR. This year's event is set for 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4 starting at the UCR belltower. Graduate Students Coach Local High School Students for Regional Science Olympiad Inside UCR UC Riverside graduate students are assisting students at the Riverside STEM Academy in preparing for the regional Science Olympiad which takes place March 7. How Healthy Is Genetically Modified Soybean Oil? Health UC Riverside scientists have found that genetically modified soybean oil is just as unhealthy as regular soybean oil in that it also induces obesity, diabetes and fatty liver. But is has one advantage. California Indians, Scholars Discuss Impending Canonization of Junípero Serra Politics/Society California Indians and scholars of Native American history will discuss issues related to the decision by Pope Francis to elevate to sainthood Junípero Serra, the controversial founder of California’s mission system, at a symposium March 13 at UCR. Think Twice About Investing in Own Company Business Employees whose retirement plan is invested in stock of the company where they work do not pull out money as the firms approach financial distress, a recent paper co-authored by a University of California, Riverside assistant professor found. Theater Professor a 2015 Latina of Influence Arts/Culture Theater professor Tiffany Ana López has been named a 2015 Latina of Influence by "Hispanic Lifestyle," an independently produced television program that reaches more than 16 million households on PBS and independent TV stations in California, Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas. Economist Aman Ullah Honored with Conference Business Economists from institutions around the world will gather March 13-15 at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa to honor Aman Ullah, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Economics at the University of California, Riverside. Next Astronomy Talk to Focus on Milky Way, Structure of Cosmic Web Inside UCR Miguel Aragón-Calvo will give a talk on campus titled “Life at the Edge of a Cosmic Cliff.” Glass Coating Improves Battery Performance Science/Technology Researchers in the Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California, Riverside have investigated a strategy to prevent this “polysulfide shuttling” phenomenon by creating nano-sized sulfur particles, and coating them in silica (SiO2), otherwise known as glass. Washington Post Editor Will Speak at UC Riverside about Journalism’s Transition from Print to Web Arts/Culture Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing American journalism in a 7 p.m. lecture on Tuesday, April 7 in the University Theatre at UC Riverside. Grant to Support Leadership Training of Women in War-torn Nations Politics/Society The Ford Foundation awards Yolanda T. Moses $346,500 to develop a leadership training program for women in higher education in war-torn countries. Free Public Talk on Health Benefits of Vitamin D Health UC Riverside's Anthony Norman, an international expert on vitamin D, will give a free public lecture on campus on Wednesday, March 4, in which he will explain the relationship between vitamin D and health. Colon + Septic Tank = Unique, at Times Stinky, Study Science/Technology What do a human colon, septic tank, copper nanoparticles and zebrafish have in common? They were the key components used by researchers at the University of California, Riverside and UCLA to study the impact copper nanoparticles, which are found in everything from paint to cosmetics, have on organisms inadvertently exposed to them. How Were Fossil Tracks Made by Early Triassic Swimming Reptiles So Well Preserved? Science/Technology UC Riverside paleontologists have now determined that a unique combination of factors in Early Triassic delta systems resulted in the production and unusually widespread preservation of swim tracks made by various tetrapods. Farewell, Mr. Spock Arts/Culture For scholars at UC Riverside, as for science fiction fans around the world, the death today of Leonard Nimoy – Mr. Spock of “Star Trek” fame – is a deep loss. UCRP Contributions not Increasing in 2015 Inside UCR University leadership recently confirmed that no additional increase in employee contributions is needed at this time. UC, as the employer, now contributes 14 percent of pay and faculty and staff contribute 7 to 9 percent, depending on their pension tier and/or collective bargaining agreement. Forum to Address Status of Latinos March 7 Politics/Society Latino scholars, community leaders and activists will meet at UC Riverside on March 7 to discuss the status of Latinos in the United States. Two Visioning Workshops Held on the Future of UCR’s Physical Campus Inside UCR Faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered Tuesday at the HUB for a master planning workshop to brainstorm what is working – and what is not working – about the current physical campus. Organizational Excellence Series Kicks Off with a Lean Talk Inside UCR On Feb. 23, Maria Anguiano, vice chancellor of planning and budget, and Ron T. Coley, vice chancellor of business and administrative services, kicked off the Organizational Excellence series with a talk by Mark McKenzie titled “Lean Process at the University of Washington.” The series, which seeks ways to improve UCR’s campus operations and procedures, consists of four interactive presentations exploring different methodologies which include presentations by a guest speaker (about 60 minutes), Q&As (about 30 minutes), and workshops (about 75 minutes). Novel Pretreatment Could Cut Biofuel Costs by 30 Percent or More Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have invented a novel pretreatment technology that could cut the cost of biofuels by about 30 percent or more by dramatically reducing the amount of enzymes needed to break down the raw materials that form biofuels. Water Economics and Policy Professor Named 2015 AAEA Fellow Politics/Society Ariel Dinar, professor of environmental economics and policy at the UCR School of Public Policy, has been named a 2015 Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, the organization’s most prestigious honor. Mathematician Highlighted For Most Highly-cited Articles Inside UCR UC Riverside's Vyjayanthi Chari, a professor of mathematics, has been highlighted twice in a list of most highly-cited articles published in the International Mathematics Research Notices. Lecture to Address Religious Freedom and U.S. Foreign Policy Politics/Society Elizabeth Shakman Hurd, a scholar of the politics of religious diversity, international relations, and religion, will deliver the annual Holstein Lecture at UC Riverside on Feb. 24. The Winter 2015 UCR Magazine is Here Inside UCR By the year 2025, the world’s population is expected to reach eight billion. Yet already, 1 billion people suffer from chronic hunger or serious nutritional deficiencies. To address these global food issues, the University of California Global Food Initiative was established. This issue’s cover story talks focuses on UC Riverside’s roots in food and agricultural research, and why the campus is a key engine of this initiative. Our scientists created chemicals that slow the aging of citrus, found ways to make drought-resistant rice, and discovered weapons to protect California against the Asian citrus psyllid, a pest that could devastate the state’s citrus industry. Dickens Festival Returns, Alumnus to Receive Accolades for New Play Arts/Culture The annual Riverside Dickens Festival will take place on Feb. 21 and 22 on the Main Street Pedestrian Mall near City Hall in downtown Riverside. Colloquium to Examine Archaeology of the Asian Diaspora in California Arts/Culture The Archaeological Institute of America, Local Society-Riverside and Inland Southern California will present a colloquium on the “Archaeology of the Asian Diaspora in California” on Feb. 28 beginning at noon at UCR ARTSblock. Researchers Build Atomically-Thin Gas and Chemical Sensors Science/Technology The relatively recent discovery of graphene, a two-dimensional layered material with unusual and attractive electronic, optical and thermal properties, led scientists to search for other atomically thin materials with unique properties. ‘Dreamers of the Golden Dream’ to Help Mark Black History Month at UC Riverside Arts/Culture UC Riverside will mark Black History Month with an exhibition of photos and stories of the Riverside’s rich history — especially stories from the racially mixed Eastside of Riverside near the campus. The event and reception — from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 in HUB 302 South, is free and open to the public. Parking will be complimentary. Free Public Viewing of Solar Activity Inside UCR The public has an opportunity to see solar explosions and sunspots through telescopes on Feb. 24 at UC Riverside. “Hanging Out” Exhibition Opens Feb. 26 Arts/Culture “Hanging Out,” an exhibition and set of performances developed by anthropology professor Susan Ossman and graduate students in her “Art to Ethnography” seminar, opens in the Afterimage gallery in University Village on Feb. 26. Morning Fire Closes UC Riverside’s Human Resources Building Health The Riverside Fire Department extinguished an early morning fire in the UC Riverside Human Resources building today. No one was injured. Potential damage is being assessed. Biogeochemist Receives High Honor Science/Technology UC Riverside's Timothy Lyons has been named a 2015 Geochemical Fellow by the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry. Scientists Seek Public’s Help in Solving Ancient Riddle in Paleontology Science/Technology The origin of curious ring-like structures that formed half a billion years ago on a seabed in Wisconsin is an ancient unsolved riddle. UC Riverside scientists invite the public to help solve the riddle. Improvement of Biology Instruction Forges Ahead With HHMI Financial Support Science/Technology UC Riverside has teamed up with UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz to develop an interconnected “Faculty Learning Community” to allow faculty to share proven, successful methods that improve undergraduate biology instruction. New Paper-like Material Could Boost Electric Vehicle Batteries Science/Technology Researchers at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering have developed a novel paper-like material for lithium-ion batteries. It has the potential to boost by several times the specific energy, or amount of energy that can be delivered per unit weight of the battery. The Envelope, Please! Arts/Culture As Hollywood prepares for the 87th Annual Academy Awards – a celebration of film that draws a global audience – on Sunday, Feb. 22, scholars at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss movie-making, film fans, and why some films that were popular with fans and critics failed to win nominations this year. A Trip to China Brings Rewards: A New Scholarship Fund and a Partnership for a Key Research Center at the School of Business Administration Business Dean Yunzeng Wang and Steve Chen, director of international relations at UC Riverside School of Business Administration (SoBA), as well as Jeff Kaatz, UCR assistant vice chancellor of development, traveled to China in January to develop strategic international partnerships for SoBA. UC Riverside Hosts International Migration Conference Arts/Culture UC Riverside will host a high level policy conversation about immigration from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 at the Alumni and Visitor's Center. This is the sixth annual conference, but the first time it has been hosted in Riverside. A New Species of Hummingbird? Science/Technology A research team, including a UC Riverside biologist, says it is time to recognize a subspecies of Bahama Woodstar, a hummingbird found in the Bahamas, as a distinct species of hummingbird. Future of Inland Cities Conference Scheduled Feb. 26 Politics/Society Civic leaders and city officials will discuss common challenges and new strategies to help cities secure a sustainable future in a conference on Feb. 26 that is jointly sponsored by the UCR Center for Sustainable Suburban Development and Western Riverside Council of Governments. UCR Plays Softball with Josai University Inside UCR On Feb. 6, the women's softball team from Josai University in Japan played the University of California, Riverside's women's softball team in a friendly, international exhibition game. Josai University has been an Extension partner university with UCR for almost 30 years. Health Provider Anthem Experiences Cyber Attack Inside UCR On Feb. 6, Anthem notified UC of a phishing scam related to the cyber attack. The phishing scam, which uses Anthem’s logo, includes an offer to sign up for a year of credit card protection. If you receive this or a similar email, do not respond to or click on any links. Anthem is not calling or emailing members. CIO Jagdeep Bachher Works to Invest Wisely at UC Inside UCR Jagdeep Singh Bachher joined the University of California as chief investment fficer of the Regents on April 1, 2014. He is responsible for managing the UC pension, endowment, short-term and total-return investment pools. Before joining UC, Bachher was deputy chief investment officer and chief operating officer for Alberta Investment Management Corp. (AIMCo), one of Canada’s largest investment fund managers. He has been a champion for change in the investment business and gained an international reputation as an innovator. Blum Poverty Initiative Launches in Fall 2015 Politics/Society The UC Riverside School of Public Policy will launch the Blum Initiative on Global and Regional Poverty in fall 2015, thanks to a generous gift from Richard Blum, former president of the UC Board of Regents, and matching contributions from the UC Office of the President and UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox. Let There Be Light Inside UCR In free talk at UC Riverside on Feb. 12, observational astronomer Bahram Mobasher will take the public on an intellectual journey to the depth of space and beginning of time. Rivera Conference to Address Latino Health Arts/Culture Artists, scholars, activists, and health professionals will address Latino health at the 27th annual Tomás Rivera Conference at the University of California, Riverside on Friday, Feb. 20. UC Riverside to Host Annual Noche Cultural Arts/Culture La Santa Cecilia, winners of the 2014 Grammy for “Best Latin Rock Album," will be featured at the 21st Annual Noche Cultural at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at the University Theatre. This is an evening of variety entertainment geared to the entire family, presented by Chicano Student Programs, UCR Cultural Events and the Associated Students Programming Board. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Getting to the Heart of Oil Spill Impacts on Gulf Fish Inside UCR UC Riverside’s Daniel Schlenk is a co-principal investigator on first study to directly measure cardiac output of oil-exposed fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Budding K-12 Scientists Present Their Research on Campus This Week Science/Technology Tomorrow at UC Riverside, K-12 students will present at the Science and Engineering Fair their projects on topics ranging from understanding the relationship between exercise and memory, to the temperature of color, to whether potting soil is worth the cost. Graduate Student Receives Switzer Environmental Fellowship Inside UCR UC Riverside's Heather Hulton VanTassel, a current Ph.D. candidate, has been selected a 2014 Switzer Environmental Fellow. Korean Consul General to Speak at UCR Feb. 5 Politics/Society A lecture by Korean Consul General Hyun-myung Kim on Thursday, Feb. 5, leads a series of events presented in February by the Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies. Three Undergraduates Receive Fellowships to Work in Top Labs This Summer Inside UCR Three UC Riverside undergraduates have won prestigious fellowships from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, enabling them to do cutting-edge research this summer for ten weeks in top laboratories in the country. Sustainability Fellowships Available to UC Riverside Students Inside UCR The UC Riverside Sustainability office is soliciting applications for UCR Sustainability Fellowships. Sociologist to Discuss “Jalos USA” Feb. 17 Politics/Society Alfredo Mirandé, professor of sociology and ethnic studies, will discuss his book “Jalos USA: Transnational Community and Identity” (University of Notre Dame Press, 2014) on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. Doubling Down on American Idol Arts/Culture Viewers of "American Idol" on Fox Thursday, Jan. 29, saw not one, but two members of the UC Riverside community. And both made it through to the next round. Food Justice at the Forefront Inside UCR With a central theme of food justice, such subjects were explored during the three-day, inaugural California Higher Education Food Summit held Jan. 16-18 at UC Santa Barbara. Founded by a multicampus team of University of California staff and students, the first-of-its-kind conference is part of the ongoing UC Global Food Initiative. Application Period for Next Staff Advisor to the Regents is Open Inside UCR The University of California Office of the President on Jan. 20 announced the opening of the application period for the next staff advisor-designate to the Regents. The position’s term runs July 2015 through June 2017. The Top: Our Favorite Photos with Scotty! Inside UCR This week, we feature UCR's beloved mascot, Scotty Highlander, and his top photos on social media. UCR Winter in Photos Inside UCR Although UCR's winter season does not include snow, it does have wasps, cookies, Vietnamese politicians, a Martin Luther King Jr. Walk and much more! Check out some of December's and January's best moments! UCR Orchestra Presents ‘Heroes and Anti-Heroes’ Concerts Feb. 7–8 Arts/Culture The UC Riverside Orchestra will present a concert, “Heroes and Anti-Heroes” on Saturday, Feb. 7, and Sunday, Feb. 8, that will feature a performance of Aaron Copland’s stirring “Lincoln Portrait” with narration by UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox. UCR Hosts Vietnamese Politicians, Discusses Partnership Inside UCR Visitors to Riverside from Can Tho, Vietnam are hoping for a sign that the political distance of the past is over. They will spend several day touring the city of Riverside, including the citrus groves and the medical school of UC Riverside, starting on Tuesday, Jan. 20. How Malaria-Spreading Mosquitoes Can Tell You’re Home Health A UC Riverside team of entomologists has found that malaria-spreading mosquitoes respond very weakly to human skin odor alone. Former Secretary of Labor, Political Commentator Robert Reich to Speak Feb. 10 Politics/Society Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, who is widely regarded as a leading expert on inequality, work and the economy, will speak at UCR on Feb. 10 as part of the School of Public Policy Seminar Series. Novel Focuses on Witches in the Basque Country Arts/Culture Begoña Echeverria grew up in the Basque immigrant community of Chino, Calif. She earned her Ph.D. by studying efforts to revitalize the Basque language in Donostia (San Sebastian) in the Autonomous Basque Community of Spain. She became a professor at the University of California, Riverside’s Graduate School of Education with research focused on Basque identity, language and culture. She is even part of a musical group that sings and writes Basque songs. So, it was only natural that when she decided to write a novel it would touch on all those elements. That novel, The Hammer of Witches, was recently published by the Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. UCR Psychologist to Lead UC Consortium on Social Science and Law Politics/Society The director of UC Riverside’s Presley Center for Crime and Justice Studies will lead a University of California systemwide effort to advance social science and law research in a project designed to foster collaboration and multidisciplinary research across the UC’s 10 campuses Graduate Students Participate in Workshop on Electronic Cigarettes and Public Health Health Two Ph.D. graduate students at UC Riverside were recently invited by the Food and Drug Administration to participate in a public workshop focusing on e-cigarettes and public health. Highlander History: The LGBT Resource Center at UCR Inside UCR The UCR LGBT Resource Center opened 1993; it was the first professionally staffed office on a UC campus devoted to LGBT issues. Originally created in the spring of 1992, the center was previously housed in the Aberdeen-Inverness Residence Hall. A student group, the Union of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals (ULGB), advocated for the establishment of the resource center on campus. Awards and Honors Awards & Honors Thomas Smith, dean of the Graduate School of Education, has been recognized as one of the top 200 university-based scholars who shape public discussions of education, according to a list by American Enterprise Institute director of Education Policy Frederick M. Hess. Research and Scholarship Research & Scholarship Katia Silvera, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, has received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to work on a collaborative research project that will address fundamental questions about how plants use CAM and how genes involved in performing CAM are regulated in response to varying environmental conditions. The project will focus on the independent evolution of CAM in the orchid and agave plant families, both of which have species known for their ability to thrive in water-limited environments. The Top: Seven Exciting UCR Events in January Inside UCR Each issue, we present a list of UCR staff and faculty favorites — from walking spots to gardens to events. This week, we feature upcoming UCR events that starts off the year of 2015 right! Who Says? Inside UCR "We've found on the order of 25 or 26 different elements, including metals, in the e-cigarette aerosols...Some of the metal particles are less than 100 nanometres in diameter, and those are a concern because they can penetrate deep into the lungs." Prue Talbot, professor of cell biology, on the her research on the harmful effects of e-cigarettes, which was cited in an article about the e-cigarette boom in China -NEW YORK TIMES Science Graduate Students Set up Mentorship Program Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside chapter of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) will kick off a mentorship program with La Familia Continuation High School in Thermal with an event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at UC Riverside. Study Sheds Light on Chemicals That Insects Use to Communicate and Survive Science/Technology Most insects are covered with a thin layer of hydrocarbon molecules as a waterproofing barrier. Embedded in this layer are compounds that the insects use as chemical signals. UC Riverside scientists have devised a straightforward method for purifying these compounds that could result in new “green” methods of controlling pest species. Why Some Geckos Lose Their Ability to Stick to Surfaces Science/Technology A UC Riverside-led study has found that evolution can downgrade or entirely remove adaptations a species has previously acquired, giving the species new survival advantages. Study Links Common Human Protein to Adverse Parasitic Worm Infections Health Scientists at UC Riverside and colleagues have made a discovery that could lead to more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for worm infections and their symptoms. Night Sky to Offer Treats to Astronomy Fans Inside UCR Astronomy enthusiasts are in for two treats in the coming weeks. UC Riverside will host free public viewings of both events. Community College Expert Available to Talk about Obama Proposal Politics/Society John S. Levin, the director of the California Community College Initiative at the University of California, Riverside, who has studied community colleges for more than 25 years, is available for interviews about the President's proposal Basque Scholar to Read from New Novel Arts/Culture Noted Basque scholar Begoña Echeverria will read from her novel, “The Hammer of Witches: A Historical Novel,” at UC Riverside at noon on Thursday, Jan. 22, in Orbach Library Investigative Journalist to Lecture Jan. 21 Politics/Society Investigative journalist Seth Rosenfeld will discuss his book “Subversives: The FBI’s War on Student Radicals, and Reagan’s Rise to Power” at UC Riverside on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Study Rules Out Spiders as Common Cause of Bacterial Infections in Humans Science/Technology The medical community should not scapegoat spiders for bacterial infections, advises UC Riverside spider expert Richard Vetter. UCR Hosts Chamber Music Festival Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside Department of Music, in collaboration with the UCR Culver Center of the Arts and the São Paulo State University Campinas, presents the Villa-Lobos International Chamber Music Festival in January and February. Free Rose Pruning Demonstration Planned Arts/Culture The University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens will host its annual free rose pruning demonstration from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11 in the rose garden. Comics + Engineering = National Award Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside assistant professor who is an expert on the science of superheroes has won an award from a national engineering organization that was previously won by military leaders, a congressman, a Secretary of Defense and astronauts, including Neil Armstrong. White House Ratings To Change the Conversation About Higher Education Politics/Society UC Riverside Chancellor Kim Wilcox said he is glad to see the White House focus on metrics for higher education that will emphasize access and opportunity for all college-goers. The White House is expected to issue a long-awaited report about federal guidelines on how to measure excellence in higher education. Readings, Writers and Recitations Arts/Culture Award-winning novelists, poets and journalists will discuss their craft Feb. 2-6, 2015, during the 38th annual Writers Week at UC Riverside. Writers Week is the longest-running, free event devoted to writing and writers in Southern California. Graying, But Still Golden Business Getting old doesn’t spell doom when it comes to making important financial decisions, a team of researchers led by a University of California, Riverside assistant professor report in a just published paper. Tooth Loss in Birds Occurred About 116 Million Years Ago Science/Technology Based on the fossil record, were teeth lost in the common ancestor of all living birds or convergently in two or more independent lineages of birds? UC Riverside biologists propose an answer. Did You Know? Did You Know? The Guardian Scholars Program is collecting nonperishable items to help stock the Guardian Scholars food pantry. The pantry is stocked with plenty of toothbrushes and toothpaste, but other toiletry items would be appreciated. They also have a student who is lactose intolerant, and another with a gluten allergy, so those specialty items are also needed. Gift cards to restaurants on campus or within walking distance are also welcome. Items can be dropped off at the Alumni & Visitors Center administrative suite and the Events Management & Protocol office at 1144 Hinderaker by Friday, Dec. 12. Great Expectations, Not-so-great Resolutions Arts/Culture Faculty experts at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss their latest research and topics ranging from the chemistry of your favorite holiday concoctions, managing expectations and the worst New Year’s resolutions to the history of the Inland Empire and atheist humor. Full Scholarships Offered for M.P.P. Program Politics/Society The School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside will offer scholarships covering full tuition to well-qualified applicants seeking admission to the Master of Public Policy degree program. Grant Aims to Increase Faculty Diversity Politics/Society The University of California, Riverside has been awarded a $500,000 grant by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support a research and mentoring program for undergraduates aimed at increasing diversity among faculty in American universities. Can We Feed a World of 9 Billion People? Health In free public lecture at UC Riverside on April 5, leading agricultural economist Prabhu Pingali will discuss how world hunger can be addressed. Homeless and Transitional Youth Advocate Carissa Phelps to Speak at UCR University News Author and attorney Carissa Phelps, an advocate for homeless and transitional age youth, will speak at the University of California, Riverside on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Highlander Union Building (HUB) 302. Schools and Colleges Stack Up Well in Rankings Business Schools and colleges at the University of California, Riverside fared well in the 2013 U.S News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools report. UC Riverside Alumnus Nominated as FAA Chief Politics/Society President Barack Obama nominated UC Riverside alumnus Michael Huerta to serve as the chief of the Federal Aviation Administration for a five-year term. Data Mining Deep Space Science/Technology UC Riverside’s Bahram Mobasher has received a NASA grant to compile data from the Hubble Space Telescope. 11th Annual César E. Chávez 5K Run/Walk Set for April 7 University News Runners, joggers and walkers are invited to participate in the 11th Annual César E. Chávez 5K Run/Walk at the University of California, Riverside on Saturday, April 7, 2012. The event raises funds for student scholarships at UCR as well as Riverside area youth programs. Determining the Nature of Enzymes Science/Technology UC Riverside’s Leonard Mueller receives National Institutes of Health research grant to define structure and function of enzymes at the molecular level. Maintaining Food Production With Scarce Water Science/Technology UC Riverside marks World Water Day on April 12 with public talks and film. Introducing Birth Control in Mosquitoes Health National Institutes of Health grant to UC Riverside’s Alexander Raikhel can greatly help control population of disease-spreading mosquitoes. Kevin McGuire Named UC Riverside Special Assistant to the Chancellor for the Coachella Valley Business Kevin B. McGuire, a long-time banking executive and Coachella Valley resident, has been appointed to the new position of Special Assistant to the Chancellor of UC Riverside for the Coachella Valley. UCR Graduate Students Advocate for Research in Sacramento Politics/Society A pair of University of California, Riverside graduate students were among 20 delegates who traveled to Sacramento on March 14 to lobby state legislators on the significance of the research conducted by graduate students during the third annual Graduate Research Advocacy Day. Conference on Portable Emission Testing Instruments Planned Science/Technology The University of California, Riverside is hosting a conference and workshop March 29 and 30 that will focus on the latest developments in using portable instruments to measure the environmental impact of vehicles and also provide participants the chance to test drive vehicles with the devices. Healing the Divide — the UCR School of Medicine Health The University of California, Riverside School of Medicine will address the critical shortage of doctors in Inland Southern California by partnering with existing health care facilities and recruiting the students who will become the next generation of physicians. Juan Felipe Herrera Named California Poet Laureate University News Poetry professor Juan Felipe Herrera — known for chronicling the bittersweet lives, travails and contributions of Mexican Americans — was named California’s Poet Laureate by Gov. Jerry Brown today. UC Riverside Named to President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll With Distinction University News The University of California, Riverside has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the U.S. Department of Education. The award recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. Stopping Marketers from Treating Customers Like Monkeys Business Ever wonder about the marketing value of Facebook “likes,” being the “mayor” of a store on Foursquare or Google news badges? Donna Hoffman and Tom Novak, marketing professors and co-directors of the Sloan Center for Internet Retailing at the University of California, Riverside, have and now they have received a $10,000 seed grant to explore a field they are calling the gamification of marketing. Historian to Lecture on Sherman Institute Nursing Program Politics/Society Historian Jean A. Keller will discuss “Healing Touch: The Nursing Program at Sherman Institute” at UC Riverside on Tuesday, March 20, at noon in the Costo Library, located on the fourth floor of the Tomás Rivera Library. The lecture is free and open to the public. Is Earth Overpopulated? Science/Technology In a free public lecture , biologist Richard Cardullo will discuss how an increasing human population is impacting the planet. Using Twitter to Predict Financial Markets Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside professor and several other researchers have developed a model that uses data from Twitter to help predict the traded volume and value of a stock the following day. More than 500 Varieties of Plants for Sale University News More than 10,000 plants, including many hard-to-find varieties, will be on sale March 31 and April 1 at the Friends of the U.C. Riverside Botanic Gardens spring plant sale. UC Riverside Chancellor Timothy P. White Tours CERN Science/Technology University of California, Riverside Chancellor Timothy P. White visited the European Particle Physics Laboratory (CERN) on Friday, March 16, meeting with UCR researchers and touring the revolutionary facility near Geneva, Switzerland. Amazon.com Awards $25,000 Grant to LARB Arts/Culture Amazon.com has given a $25,000 grant to the Los Angeles Review of Books (LARB) in support of its mission to revive and reinvent the literary and cultural arts review for a new generation. Alumnus, Lecturer Carazo Has Role in New Will Ferrell Film “Casa de Mi Padre” Arts/Culture Louis Carazo, a 2003 UCR graduate and theater department lecturer appears in the movie Casa de Mi Padre, a lampoon of 1970-style Spanish-language telanovelas that opens nationwide on March 16. Psychologists’ Book on Longevity Wins National Award Health “The Longevity Project,” by Howard Friedman, distinguished professor of psychology, and Leslie Martin, a UCR alumna, has been named a winner in the 16th Annual Books for a Better Life Awards competition. An Opportunity to Learn How the Brain Works Health Neuroscience graduate students at UC Riverside will present their current research at “Brain Awareness Day” — a free event on March 15 that is aimed at educating the public about how the brain functions. Alumna Receives High Honor in Genetics Science/Technology Stephanie Turner Chen, a University of California, Riverside alumna, has received the prestigious Larry Sandler Memorial Award given by the Genetics Society of America to the most outstanding Ph.D. dissertation of the year in Drosophila genetics. How to Get More Jurors to the Courthouse Politics/Society Political scientist Kevin Esterling will discuss recent research on motivating citizens to fulfill jury duty responsibilities at the Citizens University Committee breakfast on March 28. Chancellor Timothy P. White Visits London University News University of California, Riverside Chancellor Timothy P. White is visiting London and is a keynote speaker for the British Council’s “Going Global” conference on Internationalizing Higher Education. He is speaking on how the campus is expanding its international student contingent. American Exceptionalism: Destiny or Delusion? Politics/Society Osher faculty members Beth Hill-Skinner and Robert Garafalo will examine American Exceptionalism philosophically and pragmatically from its roots in Colonial history to the Iraq War and the current presidential campaign. A Dream Summer of Research Awaits for Pair of UCR Undergrads Science/Technology A pair of University of California, Riverside undergraduates, junior neuroscience major Victoria Senechal of Santa Ana and sophomore biochemistry major Sang Nguyen of Alhambra, will each be spending a large portion of their summer vacations doing research in labs on the other side of the country. And they couldn’t be more thrilled about the opportunity. How Quantum Mechanics Cracked the Nuclear Code Science/Technology Free public lecture at UC Riverside on March 15 will discuss how ingenious experiments and elementary quantum mechanics of atoms and molecules led to extraordinary discoveries. Oldest Organism With Skeleton Discovered in Australia Science/Technology The organism is between 560 million and 550 million years old, which places it in the Ediacaran period, before the explosion of life and diversification of organisms took place on Earth. Harry Moore Memorial Piping and Drumming Competition Set for March 24, 2012 Arts/Culture The sounds of the Scottish Highlands will fill the air as the University of California, Riverside Pipe Band hosts the third annual Harry Moore Memorial Solo Piping & Drumming Competition on Saturday March 24, 2012 at Canyon Crest Country Club in Riverside. Kevin De León Named Presser Scholar Arts/Culture Kevin De León, an aspiring film composer and senior at UCR, has won a prestigious Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award for the 2011-2012 academic year. Popular Science Competition Attracts Hundreds of Visitors to Campus Science/Technology More than 750 students from 35 local middle schools and high schools competed in the Inland Empire Regional Science Olympiad. UC Riverside Graduates Among Top Earners University News The University of California, Riverside is among the top 30 state universities for salary potential for graduates, according to a recent survey. Astronaut Anna L. Fisher to Speak at UC Riverside on April 3 University News Astronaut Anna L. Fisher will share the story of how she went from an emergency room physician to a three-decade career with NASA, including a week in orbit on the space shuttle Discovery, as part of the Women’s Resource Center Speaker’s Series on April 3 at 4 p.m. in HUB 302S. Next Stop, Mount Everest Arts/Culture Young Hoon Oh will attempt to summit Mount Everest in May as part of the fieldwork for his anthropology dissertation at UC Riverside. Part of his research will focus on the transformation of Sherpa society after nearly a century of mountaineering on the world's tallest peak. Budding Physicists to Engage in Particle Physics Research Science/Technology Nearly 60 students from local high schools will take part in the International Masterclass next week at UCRiverside. Making Surveillance Cameras More Efficient Science/Technology A University of California, Riverside professor has recently co-authored a book about his surveillance camera research that has applications in everything from homeland security, environmental monitoring and home monitoring. Research Re-examines Role of Maya Women Arts/Culture Ph.D. candidate Shankari Patel has been honored for groundbreaking research on the role of Maya women before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the early 16th century. Leading Evolutionary Scientist to Discuss How Genome of Bacteria Has Evolved Science/Technology Nancy A. Moran, an internationally renowned expert on evolution, will give the 2012 Alfred M. Boyce Lecture on Monday, March 5. The lecture, titled “Genome evolution in endosymbiotic bacteria,” will take place at 4 p.m. in the Genomics Auditorium, Room 1102A, Genomics Building. Chemist Honored for His Impact on Chemical Toxicology Research Science/Technology Yinsheng Wang has been named the winner for the inaugural Chemical Research in Toxicology Young Investigator Award. UC Riverside Track Facility to be Dedicated on Friday, March 2 University News Chancellor Timothy P. White, Athletics Director Brian Wickstrom and Head Track and Field Coach Irv Ray will speak at the dedication of the new University of California, Riverside Track Facility on Friday, March 2 at 3 p.m. Documentary Film about Korean Diaspora in Kazakhstan Screens March 5 Arts/Culture A documentary film about the Korean diaspora in Kazakhstan will screen at UC Riverside on March 5, followed by a question-and-answer period with film director Y. David Chung. Three-strikes Law Fails to Reduce Crime Politics/Society California’s three-strikes law has not reduced violent crime, but has contributed significantly to the state’s financial woes by substantially increasing the prison population, according to a UC Riverside researcher. Plant Pathologist Elected Fellow of American Academy of Microbiology Science/Technology Shou-Wei Ding, a professor of plant pathology and microbiology, has been elected a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. Academy fellows are eminent leaders in the field of microbiology and are relied upon for authoritative advice and information on critical issues in microbiology. Lecture March 5 to Address Impact of Super PACs Politics/Society UC Riverside political scientist Martin Johnson will discuss 2012 primary elections and the impact of “super PACs” on American politics in a lecture on March 5. Chicano Student Programs to Celebrate 40th Anniversary on March 2 & 3 University News For forty years, the Chicano Student Programs office at University of California, Riverside has been a source of family, pride and heart for Chicano and Latino students at UCR, and CSP will celebrate this milestone during UCR’s Homecoming on March 2 & 3, 2012. Scheduled celebration events include a talk by UCR History Professor Emeritus Carlos Cortés on the Chicano/Latino experience at UCR over the last four decades, an alumni reunion dinner and an open house. Six Female UCR Students to be Honored by Women’s Resource Center University News California Secretary of State Debra Bowen will be the keynote speaker and six University of California, Riverside students will receive awards for efforts in leadership and civic engagement, social justice and overcoming adversity at the fourth annual Celebration for Women Students on Thursday, March 1, 2012. UC Riverside Campus Tour 2012 University News Come join us on a virtual tour of UC Riverside! TEDxUCR Live Streams One Day of TED Conference Arts/Culture The co-founder of LinkedIn, a beatboxer and a techno-illusionist are among the speakers who can be heard during a TEDxUCR live event at the University of California on Feb. 29. Hundreds of Young Scientists and Engineers to Compete in Regional Science Olympiad University News More than 750 students from 35 Inland Southern California middle schools and high schools will compete in the Inland Empire Regional Science Olympiad on Saturday, March 3, the first time the popular hands-on competition is being held on the University of California, Riverside campus. Scholar to Discuss Native American Medicine Arts/Culture Native American scholar Clifford E. Trafzer will discuss the relationship between Western and American Indian medicine in a lecture on March 1 at noon at UCR Palm Desert, 75-080 Frank Sinatra Drive, Palm Desert. Heat Music Festival Set for Saturday, March 3 at UCR University News The Airborne Toxic Event, Mac Miller and Major Lazer will headline the sixth annual Heat Music Festival at the University of California, Riverside on Saturday, March 3, 2012. The festival is the grand finale of UCR’s annual Homecoming celebration. Oscar’s Winning Experts Arts/Culture As Hollywood prepares for the 84th Annual Academy Awards – a celebration of film that draws a global audience – on Sunday, Feb. 26, scholars at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss movie-making, film fans and Oscar fantasy leagues. Spanish-language Media Help Shape Public Policy Politics/Society Spanish-language media in the United States play a critical role in shaping perceptions of public opinion among Latino voters and public officials of every ethnicity across the country. They also play a far greater advocacy role for the communities they serve than do their English-language counterparts, according to a UC Riverside researcher. Riding and Raising Funds to Rid the World of AIDS University News UCR alumna and current Environmental Health and Safety analyst Cassandra Greenawalt is raising funds to participate in the 545-mile AIDS/LifeCycle Ride to End AIDS, which raises funds for the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. It will be the first time that the former UCR softball player has ever ridden such a distance. Improving Earthquake Forecasting Science/Technology In a free public lecture on March 2, James Dieterich will explain how earthquake forecasting capabilities can be improved. Laugh in Peace Comedy Show to Bring Three Humorous Perspectives on Religion to UCR Arts/Culture Three comedians, two of whom are also ordained ministers, will perform as part of the Laugh in Peace comedy show at UC Riverside's Highlander Union Building on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Rabbi Bob Alper, the Reverend Susan Sparks and Muslim comedian - and Riverside native - Ahmed Ahmed will perform in the show, which is sponsored by several diverse UCR student groups. Culver Center Honored with Arts and Culture Award Arts/Culture UC Riverside’s Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts will be recognized this week with the Downtown Riverside Partnership’s Arts and Culture Award. Making Motors More Energy Efficient Science/Technology Energy efficiency efforts tend to focus on things such as lighting and insulation. But, in fact, motors that run heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the largest user of energy in buildings. Are Some Faculty Members Really Like Serfs? Politics/Society Full-time non-tenure track faculty at colleges and universities lack a professional identity and a sense of self worth, according to interviews with these faculty members that formed the basis of a recently published paper co-authored by a University of California, Riverside professor. Study Posits a Theory of Moral Behavior Politics/Society Why do some people behave morally while others do not? Sociologists at the University of California, Riverside and California State University, Northridge have developed a theory of the moral self that may help explain the ethical lapses in the banking, investment and mortgage-lending industries that nearly ruined the U.S. economy. Are Some Faculty Members Really Serfs? Politics/Society Full-time non-tenure track faculty at colleges and universities lack a professional identity and a sense of self worth, according to interviews with these faculty members that formed the basis of a recently published paper co-authored by a University of California, Riverside professor. A Newspaper Man Plans Ahead Politics/Society Howard H “Tim” Hays, former owner and publisher of The Press-Enterprise newspaper, set up a charitable trust more than 20 years ago that will now benefit the University Honors program. He died last October, at the age of 94. And as he requested, his trust delivered a $700,000 gift to the UCR Foundation that is enough to support an endowed professorship, called the Howard H Hays, Jr. Endowed Chair. Division I Baseball Players from UC Riverside Will Meet Their Professional League Brethren University News Major league baseball players Marc Rzepczynski and Troy Percival will lead the alumni team in the annual baseball game that pits current Division I players from UC Riverside against players who have already graduated. The annual alumni game this Saturday, Feb. 11 at 12 noon at the UCR baseball stadium. Admission to the game is free, parking is $5. New Avenue for Treating Colon Cancer Health New insight on colon cancer uncovered by Frances Sladek's lab provides potential new avenues for diagnosing and treating the disease. UCR Hosts Science Fiction Lecture Feb. 23 Arts/Culture George Slusser, curator emeritus of the Eaton Collection of Science Fiction and Fantasy at UC Riverside, will lecture on Belgian science fiction writer J.H. Rosny Aîné on Feb. 23 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Special Collections & Archives on the fourth of the Rivera Library. Division I Baseball Players from UC Riverside Will Meet Their Major League Brethren University News RIVERSIDE (www.ucr.edu) — Major league baseball players Marc Rzepczynski and Troy Percival will lead the alumni team in the annual baseball game that pits current Division I players from UC Riverside against players who have already graduated. The annual alumni … Continue reading → UC Riverside Named a Best Value University News The University of California Riverside has been named one of the top 75 best value public undergraduate schools in the nation, according to a list published this week by The Princeton Review. Same-sex Marriage Experts Politics/Society A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will rule Tuesday on whether California’s ban on same-sex marriage, which voters approved in 2008, violates the constitutional rights of gay men and lesbians. UC Riverside scholars are available to talk about the impact of the ruling, gay marriage and the political process. African American Women in Art Exhibit Opens Arts/Culture Images of African American women as church lady, soul sister and black Madonna fill display cases in “The Spirit of African American Women in Art” exhibit in the lobby of the Tomás Rivera Library. The artwork will remain on display throughout February in a celebration of Black History Month. New Target for Alzheimer’s Drugs Health Iryna Ethell's lab has identified a new link between a protein (beta-arrestin) and short-term memory that could open new doors for the therapeutic treatment of neurological disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Legendary Fitness Guru Richard Simmons to Host Fitness Class, Speak, at UCR University News Richard Simmons is coming to UC Riverside on Thursday, February 9th, and he’s bringing his workout gear. UCR Alumnus, Super Bowl Champion Butch Johnson to Speak on Feb. 8 University News Former UC Riverside football star Butch Johnson, who went on to play with the Dallas Cowboys and make appearances in the 1978 and 1979 Super Bowls, is scheduled to speak on-campus on Wednesday, February 8 at 6 p.m. in HUB 302 as part of the campus’ Black History Month Celebration and the celebration of the 40th anniversary of African Student Programs at UCR. Fair to Bring Future Scientists and Engineers to Campus Science/Technology Do cookies taste better if the dough has been refrigerated first? Do whitening toothpastes really work? Can you prevent apples from browning? Does your hair color impact how much electricity it can carry? How greasy are your potato chips? Hundreds of K-12 students will answer these and other intriguing questions at the 23nd annual Science and Engineering Fair that takes place on campus, Feb. 7-9. Fellowships to Assist Nine Students Secure Doctoral Degrees Science/Technology UCR has awarded nine first-year graduate students an annual stipend of $30,000 for two years to increase underrepresented minority students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the doctoral level. Writers Week Features Award-Winning Poets and Novelists Arts/Culture UC Riverside’s 35th annual Writers Week Conference will celebrate prize-winning poets and novelists beginning Tuesday, Feb. 7. UCR Scholars Weigh in on Black History Month Arts/Culture As the nation observes Black History Month in February, members of the UC Riverside faculty are available to comment on the African American experience, how the contributions of African Americans have enriched the United States, and issues facing African Americans. Citrus Day: A Sweet Success Science/Technology When the announcement of “UC Riverside Citrus Day” went out a few weeks ago, the response the organizers received was so overwhelming that the 160 spaces they had reserved for citrus growers, citrus industry representatives and members of the general public were taken up in just five days. UC Riverside Students Have Highest Average of Volunteer or Community Service in the UC System University News University of California, Riverside undergraduate students average the most volunteer hours of any of the UC schools according to the 2010 UC Undergraduate Experiences Survey (UCUES). Surveyed students averaged 3.5 hours of volunteer or community service work per week. Date Industry, National Date Festival Subject of Dissertation Business The history of the date industry in the Coachella Valley and the National Date Festival are the subject of a doctoral dissertation by Sarah McCormick Seekatz, a UC Riverside graduate student and Indio native. The date festival opens Feb. 17 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. From Aviation Mechanic in Iraq to Physics Major Science/Technology At 17, Louise Daniels enlisted in the Marine Corps. In the following years, she was stationed in Florida, California, Hawaii and Japan. Then, in 2005, she deployed to Iraq and spent seven months working as an aviation mechanic. UCR to Honor 40th Anniversary of African Student Programs During Black History Month University News Black History Month at the University of California, Riverside will have extra significance this year as the campus’ African Student Programs (ASP) department will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. Scheduled events include stage performances, screenings of films and speakers. UCR Students to Dance the Night Away in Marathon Fundraiser University News A six-hour dance marathon at the Student Recreation Center on Feb. 25 will raise funds for the UCR Guardian Scholars Program Geneva Overholser to Discuss Journalism Upheaval, Future on Feb. 13 Arts/Culture Geneva Overholser, director of the Annenberg School of Journalism at the University of Southern California, will deliver the 44th Hays Press-Enterprise Lecture on Feb. 13. Does Antimatter Weigh More Than Matter? Science/Technology Physicists David Cassidy and Allen Mills have set up an experiment to determine if antimatter and matter weigh differently. The result they find could explain why the universe seems to have no antimatter and why it is expanding at an ever increasing rate. Wasp Found in Upstate New York Shows Up in Southern California Discovery by entomologist Serguei Triapitsyn strongly suggests the wasp is well established in the country. Sustainability Lecture Series Continues Jan. 24 A yearlong series of lectures that address various aspects of sustainability continues on Tuesday, Jan. 24, with a discussion of water resources at 2:15 p.m. Bilayer Graphene Works as an Insulator Jeanie Lau's lab has identified a property of bilayer graphene that she says is analogous to finding the Higgs boson in particle physics. UCR Faculty to Go Back to the Classroom to Improve the Educational Experience As class sizes grow, UC Riverside faculty members will have the opportunity to learn skills that keep students engaged and focused. UC Regents Able to Meet at UC Riverside Despite Protests UC Riverside police detained three people during protests Thursday, Jan. 19, outside the UC Board of Regents meeting taking place on campus. One protester was released without charge. Two were arrested and booked on suspicion of felony assault on a police officer: Kenneth Ehrlich, 39, of Los Angeles, and Humberto Rivera, 25, of Corona. UC Riverside to Introduce Chancellor’s Research Fellowship Program The new Chancellor's Research Fellowship (CRF) at UC Riverside will encourage undergraduate research and creative activity projects by awarding up to 12 fellowships of as much as $5,000. Global Capitalist Crisis Author to Lecture, Sign Books Ethnic studies professor Armando Navarro will present a brief lecture and sign copies of his new book, “Global Capitalist Crisis and the Second Great Depression” on Jan. 25. Powering Electric Vehicles with Sunlight The Riverside area will become a leader in powering electric vehicles from the sun under a $2 million award to the Center for Environmental Research and Technology at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering. Tuskegee Airmen Archive Consulted for Feature Film The Tuskegee Airmen Archive at UCR was consulted by actors auditioning for "Red Tails," a feature film by Lucasfilm Ltd. that opens Jan. 20 in theaters nationwide. Groups to Combine Efforts to Build Arlanza Community Garden Members of the public are invited to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and help begin work on the Arlanza Community Garden during the “Grow Arlanza” day of service on Monday, January 16 from 1 to 4 p.m., sponsored by the Child Leader Project. UCR to Host Workshop on the Science of Morality Twelve of the nation’s leading scholars on the science of morality will meet for a two-day, interdisciplinary workshop at the University of California, Riverside on Jan. 27-28. Grant to Korean American Studies Center to Fund Sa-I-Gu Conference The Korea Foundation has awarded $20,000 to UC Riverside’s Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies to support an April 28 symposium on the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest that devastated Koreatown. Super Bowl Advertising Expert Available for Interviews David Stewart, a professor of marketing at the University of California, Riverside, is available to do interviews regarding Super Bowl advertising. Keeping Electronics Cool A University of California, Riverside engineering professor and a team of researchers have made a breakthrough discovery with graphene, a material that could play a major role in keeping laptops and other electronic devices from overheating. UCR Psychologist Wins Prize for Inspiring Students Howard Friedman, distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, has won a $25,000 award for inspiring students to make a difference in the community. Environmental Microbiologist to Lead College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Marylynn V. Yates has been appointed the dean of the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, effective Jan. 1, 2012. Latin American History Scholar Named Woodrow Wilson Fellow UC Riverside history professor James P. Brennan has been named a research fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., for the current academic year. New Food Truck to Add to UC Riverside’s Culinary Options A new 32-foot food truck, the Culinary Chameleon, will provide a new gourmet dining option to hungry people at a variety of sites across campus. It will make its debut the week of January 16, 2012. Bug Expert to Visit Rwanda to Solve Mystery Surrounding Specialty Coffee Sector Thomas Miller will help solve “potato taste” – seemingly insect-caused – that is threatening Rwanda’s economic development. Grant Will Help Area Students with Disabilities A $1.2 million grant will allow a University of California, Riverside professor in the Graduate School of Education to fund doctoral students to conduct research and prepare teachers for students with disabilities at Riverside and San Bernardino schools. Astronomers Discover Rare Galaxy at Dawn of Time Bahram Mobasher and Hooshang Nayyeri are members of an international research team that has discovered that one of the most distant galaxies known is churning out stars at a shockingly high rate. Documents, Photos of Eliza Tibbets Donated to UC Riverside The great-great-granddaughter of Eliza Tibbets has donated research documents gathered for a book about the navel orange pioneer to UCR. Educational Talent Search Program at UC Riverside Receives $1.15 Million Grant A five-year, $1.15 million grant from the U.S Department of Education will allow the Educational Talent Search program at the University of California, Riverside to continue to work with low-income high school students at four San Bernardino City Unified School District high schools on the path towards pursuing a college education. Scientists Release Natural Enemy of Asian Citrus Psyllid This morning, entomologists released a natural enemy of the Asian citrus psyllid in a grove on campus to help control the spread of the psyllid, a deadly invasive pest that could devastate the state's citrus industry. Two UC Riverside Professors Collaborate on a Psychological Thriller “A Thousand Cuts,” a psychological thriller feature film directed by UC Riverside theatre professor Charles Evered, will premiere Jan. 12 at the 23rd Palm Springs International Film Festival. India Destination for New Global Residency Program The University of California, Riverside School of Business Administration is launching its third global residency program next month in India and has plans to add two more in the future. Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture Ariel Dinar has co-edited a “Handbook on Climate Change and Agriculture” (Edward Elgar Publishing Inc., December 2011). A Window on Health Care Reform Health care issues have dominated national and local news since the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010, so little wonder it was chosen as the inaugural topic for UC Riverside’s new series of free public forums designed to build more interactions between the university and the community while examining the pressing issues of our day. A Major Step Forward Towards Drought Tolerance in Crops Discovery by Sean Cutler's lab creates new blueprint for engineering drought tolerant crops. Insect Warfare: A Timely Holiday Gift for Citrus Growers On Dec. 20, entomologists will release a tiny parasitic wasp that lays eggs in Asian citrus psyllid nymphs, eventually killing them. Occupy Movement Spread to Small Towns and Cities in California The Occupy Wall Street movement that began in New York and spread to America’s largest cities and abroad also found support in many of California’s smaller towns and municipalities, according to UCR researchers. Four UC Riverside Researchers Receive National Recognition Four researchers at the University of California, Riverside have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Including this year’s fellows, the total number of UC Riverside faculty members who have been recognized with AAAS Fellow distinction is 194. Perils Facing Higher Education Focus of Talk Neil Smelser, one of the most distinguished professors in the University of California system, will give a lecture Feb. 14 at UC Riverside about perils facing higher education. Holiday Spirit Brings Out the Best in UCR Students With the holidays approaching, Santa Claus and his elves have gotten a little help from some remarkable volunteers in campus organizations at the University of California, Riverside. Future Physician Program to Hold Networking Dinner Dec. 21 with Coachella Valley Healthcare Professionals More than 50 students, physicians and health care leaders will take part in the Future Physician Leaders winter social scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Soul of Mexico restaurant, 44-100 Jefferson St., Suite E-502. Saudi Monetary Policy-Maker Addresses UCR Students The global economy is likely to remain fragile for some time, but double-dip recession is unlikely, Muhammad Sulaiman Al-Jasser, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, predicted in a lecture at UCR. Scientists Rediscover Rarest U.S. Bumblebee Cockerell’s Bumblebee was last seen in the United States in 1956, according to senior museum scientist Douglas Yanega. Applications Due Dec. 15 for Graduate Library Science Scholarship Program Scholarship applications toward a Master of Library and Information Science degree are due Dec. 15. Trip to Japan Adds to Cultural Bridges Between UCR and Tohoku University University of California, Riverside lecturer Reiko Sato is leading a group of 11 UCR undergraduate students on a 10-day trip to Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan as part of an exchange program between the two campuses. Decisions, Decisions: House-hunting Honey Bees Work Like Complex Brains Research by Kirk Visscher and others shows how the signaling of honey bee nest-site scouts parallels that of neurons in primate brains. |
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