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UC Spotlight: November & December 2025

December 10, 2025

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Group of people with boxes of supplies
UC Davis employees launched the campus’s first “Employee Giving Back” school-supplies drive, providing hundreds of students with backpacks, textbooks and essential tools. Credit: UC Davis

Our UC Spotlight celebrates how UC staff and their teams are making a difference for Californians and the world beyond our state. Meet the people who are bringing UC’s values to life.

To jump to a section, use the links below:
Hands-on support of California communities
Advancing UC’s mission
Supporting campus communities
Awards and accreditations
Submit your achievements

Hands-on support of California communities

Leonel and Tobias in a field
Leonel Jimenez (right), the son of farmworkers, grew up believing that leaving the fields was his best chance for success. As a UC graduate and UC Cooperative Extension area director, he’s learned that his childhood experiences give him a unique perspective in helping today’s farmers succeed.

Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)

  • UC Cooperative Extension hosted the Forester Prescribed Fire Training Exchange, which offered hands-on “good fire” training to foresters, land managers and cultural practitioners from across California.
  • Leonel Jimenez, UC Cooperative Extension area director for Kings, Kern and Tulare counties, shared how his background as a child of farmworkers informs his approach to serving his community through advanced agricultural techniques.
  • Several UC ANR staff members participated in the inaugural California Earthworkers Summit, at which food producers discussed approaches to climate, environment, agriculture and food system resilience.

Davis

  • UC Davis Health’s Anchor Institution Mission is supporting local neighborhoods through equitable, locally driven initiatives that expand access to essential resources and promote healthier outcomes.

Irvine

  • UC Irvine partnered with the Wellness and Prevention Center to open a new drop-in center for local youth who need mental health services. 
  •  UCI Health Family Health Center — Anaheim teamed up with Hyundai Motor America to host a free car-seat safety event, offering expert guidance and free car seats to local community members.

Los Angeles

  • The UCLA Community School, with support from the Skyhook Foundation, hosted an event featuring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which provided students and families with an enriching and motivational experience — along with free backpacks and shoes.
  • UCLA’s volunteer-led “Science Is for Everybody” fair — a community event designed to make science accessible and fun for all ages — welcomed more than 12,000 visitors!
  • May Hong HaDuong, director of the UCLA Film & Television Archive, shared free public film events that will “bring stories often relegated in the shadows to the light of the screen.”
  • UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge staff prepared to welcome winter travelers — creating warm, festive experiences in a beautiful mountain setting.
  • As communities rebuild following the Eaton and Palisades Fires, cityLAB-UCLA held a public showcase of prefab housing options and released a guide to help homeowners return home.
  • The UCLA Film & Television Archive and UCLA Library Special Collections expanded creative access by participating in a region-wide Getty initiative — enriching arts and education across Los Angeles.
  • UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden hosted Fall Fest 2025 — welcoming community members for a season-of-nature celebration, including hands-on demos.

Merced

  • The UC Merced Experimental Smart Farm hosted “Sow and Grow” workshops to share sustainable agriculture and smart-farming practices with local growers, students and community members.

Riverside

  • UC Riverside volunteers helped host a Women’s Health Fair at the Riverside Free Clinic, offering free screenings, health education, and wellness resources to support community well-being.

San Diego

  • The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego is expanding roadway safety education to reach more Californians, with a focus on Native American youth, pedestrian safety and Spanish-speaking communities.

UC Law SF

  • UC Law SF hosted a Halloween celebration for children and families in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood — bringing community members, students and staff together for a festive, inclusive event.

Advancing UC’s mission

ANR

  • UC ANR partnered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development to launch the California AgTech Alliance, a $15 million statewide initiative designed to transform how agricultural technology moves from lab to field.
  • UC ANR hosted VINE Connect Field Day, for ag-tech companies to demonstrate tools — from drones to automated irrigation — aimed at helping California citrus and tree-fruit growers boost efficiency and stay resilient.

Berkeley Lab

  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has teamed up with NVIDIA to merge quantum computing and AI supercomputing — a collaboration set to drive next-generation research with cutting-edge speed and capability.
Two women standing together
Jacqueline Moreira (left), program coordinator for research studies in the UC Riverside Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, partnered with Professor Ann Cheney (right) to conduct a study on how culturally grounded, community-led initiatives can reduce chronic disease disparities in underserved areas. Credit: UC Riverside

Davis

  • UC Davis Chancellor Gary May led a delegation to Kenya, building on California’s climate and trade partnership, connecting with local leaders and expanding the university’s global work in sustainability and innovation.
  • The UC Davis Health Otolaryngology team opened a new temporal bone lab at Aggie Square — giving surgeons and trainees a state-of-the-art space to practice complex ear and skull-base procedures and sharpen their surgical skills.
  • UC Davis Health cardiologists became the first in the world to treat patients with mitral and tricuspid regurgitation using a novel valve repair system.
  • UC Davis celebrated the grand opening of the Institute for Sustainable Design, Fashion and Textiles. Housed at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, the institute will advance textile technologies and promote sustainable design practices.
  • Robert Penman, UC Davis executive director of undergraduate admissions, gamely participated in a video about TikTok advice for UC applicants.

Irvine

  • UC Irvine Libraries compiled veterans resources and research — including archival materials, media and recent acquisitions — that document the history and experiences of those who have served in the US armed forces.
  • UC Irvine became the first school in the UC system — and one of two R-1 research universities in the state — to offer a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program.
  • The UC Irvine Antrepreneur Center unveiled its new Santora Pitch Lab — equipping students and alumni with a dedicated space to pitch ideas, refine startups, and fuel innovation.
  • The Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health at UC Irvine hosted its 11th Annual Women’s Health Summit, uniting 200 attendees under this year’s theme, Menopause Matters: A Public Health Call to Action. 
  • UC Irvine Health launched the Live Well with UCI Health podcast, a new way to receive insights from the academic health system’s internationally recognized, trusted experts.

Los Angeles

  • Kathryn Paul, assistant vice provost for international studies and global engagement at the UCLA International Institute, shared how her work advances international teaching, learning and collaboration.
  • Maia Ferdman, deputy director of UCLA’s Bedari Kindness Institute, shared an overview of the upcoming Compassionate Conversations speaker series, designed to address social disconnection, polarization and fragmentation.
  • UCLA opened a new Pediatric Airway and Swallowing Disorders Clinic, providing coordinated, multidisciplinary care to help children with complex breathing and swallowing conditions.
  • The UCLA Department of Communication celebrated its 50th anniversary by exploring how AI and human connection intersect — spotlighting a bold vision of “smarter machines, wiser humans.”
  • UCLA Library shared its 2025 Impact Report — highlighting the vital role its resources, services and community outreach play in supporting research, learning and public access across campus and beyond.
  • Post-Graduate Assistant Conservator Maile Chung shared the UCLA Library’s year-long preservation project to digitize materials from the East West Players, the longest-running Asian American theater group in the United States. 

Merced

  • UC Merced partnered with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers and the F3 Initiative to bring together farmers, ranchers, researchers and community organizers at the Small Farm Tech Expo. The event highlighted what’s possible when agriculture technology is designed for small farms.
  • UC Merced welcomed nearly 800 students and 200 recruiters, staff and volunteers from across California for the California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education, a dynamic event dedicated to inspiration, inclusion and academic ambition.
  • The UC Merced Center for Educational Partnerships convened educators from several counties to discuss challenges they’re facing in the K-16 education system and opportunities to address them.

Riverside

  • Jacqueline Moreira, program coordinator for research studies in the UC Riverside Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, was the first author of a research paper on how culturally grounded, community-led initiatives can reduce chronic disease disparities in underserved areas.
  • UC Riverside Health launched its first residency program at Bear Valley Community Healthcare District — marking a major milestone in training new physicians and expanding regional medical care.
  • UC Riverside, in partnership with UC Berkeley, hosted the 2025 Latinxs & Environment Conference — bringing together diverse voices to explore environmental issues, social equity and sustainability in the Latinx community.
  • UC Riverside School of Public Policy celebrated 10 years of progress — marking a decade of shaping public-service leaders and influencing community policy.
  • UCR School of Medicine hosted its All-Research-Cores Symposium — bringing together researchers, faculty, and staff to showcase shared facilities and strengthen collaborative work that supports both scientific discovery and community-focused health research.

San Diego

  • In partnership with UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego launched “Degree Plus” to empower graduates for the modern workforce — blending academic credentials with real-world skills training, career readiness and professional development.
  • UC San Diego’s Horizon Accelerator announced its new advisory board which will strengthen connections with industry leaders and guide students and alumni toward startup success.
  • UC San Diego launched a new AI initiative for Earth and ocean science — leveraging artificial intelligence to advance research on environmental issues and marine ecosystems.
  • The UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences, in partnership with the School of Medicine and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, convened the “Building Biomedical Bridges” summit — bringing together leaders in research, industry and entrepreneurship to foster collaborations that accelerate medical innovations.
  • Harry Helling, executive director of the Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego, shared highlights of the aquarium’s new Living Seas Gallery — a vibrant space designed to immerse visitors in marine life and deepen public appreciation for ocean conservation.
  • The San Diego Robotics Forum celebrated its 10th anniversary by probing the limits of what is possible in robotics and artificial intelligence.
  • UC San Diego Health is the first hospital system in the country to offer a new integrated MRNA blood test for testicular cancer.

San Francisco

Santa Barbara

  • UC Santa Barbara has launched the Engineering + Technology Management Fellows Program — giving engineering students hands-on leadership and management training.
  • UC Santa Barbara Library released a major collection of historic American music films — including recordings of folk, blues, gospel, and early country performances — giving researchers, educators and music lovers unprecedented access to this cultural history through a new partnership with Dust-to-Digital.

Santa Cruz

  • UC Santa Cruz’s Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas partnered with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and UCLA’s Chicano Studies Research Center to release instructor’s guides and educational lesson plans for K-12 students that draw from the life and legacy of social justice icon Dolores Huerta.
  • UC Santa Cruz hosted the inaugural Economic Futures Summit, which created space for connection, Indigenous innovation, and collective investment in environmental sustainability efforts.
  • The UC Santa Cruz Institute for Social Transformation hosted an economic-development workshop that empowered community organizations to lead local initiatives by offering training, tools and collaboration.

Supporting campus communities

Andrea Mora holding produce
“Seeing so many students gain access to CalFresh benefits through our enrollment parties has been incredibly rewarding,” says Andrea Mora, director of the UC Irvine Basic Needs Center. Credit: Steve Zylius / UC Irvine

ANR

UC Berkeley

  • UC Berkeley Haas updated its brand to focus on articulating what makes the Haas experience indispensable.

Berkeley Lab

  • The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory IT Department launched a new support portal — streamlining services and making it easier for staff and researchers to get assistance.
  • The Berkeley Lab Embedded IT team shared how they deliver on-site, tailored support to researchers, helping scientific teams stay focused on discovery.

Davis

  • UC Davis employees launched the campus’s first “Employee Giving Back” school-supplies drive, providing hundreds of students with backpacks, textbooks and essential tools.
  • UC Davis has named Paul Cody the 2026 UC Davis Picnic Day parade marshal, in honor of his decades of service as a beloved UC Davis Police sergeant and K-9 officer.
  • UC Davis hosted a reception to welcome a new cohort of inclusive-excellence program faculty. The scholars’ expertise includes identity, health, history and the environment.
  • The UC Davis Logistics team shared how “last-mile” deliveries are making campus safer and greener, streamlining shipments to reduce traffic, cut emissions and boost campus safety.
  • UC Davis Facilities Management completed a full transformation of the former Touchdown Tower, delivering a modern, efficient facility that better serves campus needs while improving safety and sustainability.
  • UC Davis HR profiled 10 employees whose names perfectly match the type of work they do.
  • UC Davis Chief Human Resources Officer Tammy Kenber shared her journey from the Army to HR, as well as her leadership philosophy and work with in Workplace Violence Prevention Department. 

Irvine

Los Angeles

Riverside

  • The UC Riverside Health, Well-being and Safety Division launched a new scooter-safety education program — helping students and staff stay safe while riding around campus.
  • Brendan O’Brien, UC Riverside assistant vice chancellor of student engagement, shared how the return of the popular “Thursday Night Live” program is bringing fresh energy and connection to campus social life.

San Diego

  • Sergeant John Martin, Corporal Rich Roman and Officer Dustin Dubois of the UC San Diego Police Department were honored with University of California Lifesaving Medals for their swift response that saved a student’s life.
  • UC San Diego opened a new Living and Learning Neighborhood — a mixed-use residential community designed to enrich student life and foster academic growth and social connection.
  • Meenakshi Wadhwa shared her bold vision and broad scientific perspective as the new vice chancellor for Marine Sciences and director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.
  • During its Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week, UC San Diego highlighted expanded support for students facing food and housing insecurity — free meals, emergency resources and community events to connect students with essential aid.

San Francisco

Santa Cruz

  • Colleen Stone — who serves as manager of the Science & Justice Research Center, administrative coordinator of the Center for Critical Urban and Environmental Studies, and department assistant of the UC Santa Cruz Social Sciences Division — was awarded the Staff Award for Outstanding Achievement.
  • Omar Galvez shared his background and vision for serving as UC Santa Cruz’s new executive director for Dining Services. 
  • On the 10th anniversary of Giving Day, the UC Santa Cruz community shattered records by raising nearly $2 million dollars from an unprecedented number of contributing donors.
  • UC Santa Cruz is giving fallen redwoods a second life — salvaging wood from downed trees and repurposing it for sustainable building materials and community-based woodworking projects.
  • The UC Santa Cruz Cal Teach program marked 20 years of putting service-minded STEM majors on a path to helping public schools students embrace math and science

Awards and accreditations

Group of people holding an award
Students, faculty and staff at the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center pose with their Community Impact Award from Orange County Power Authority. Credit: UC Irvine

Awards

Davis

Irvine

  • The UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center has been honored with the 2025 Orange County Power Authority’s Community Impact Award for nonprofit leadership. 
  • The UC Irvine Health Risk and Regulatory team received a Spotlight Innovation Award from the UC Office of the President for its Fire Safety Risk Assessment Project, which has prevented procedural fires in ambulatory care settings.
  • Khristine Felix, a nurse at UC Irvine Health — Orange, received the inaugural Excellence in Acute Care Nursing Award for her dedication to professional development, exceptional leadership and the positive impact she makes on patients and colleagues.
  • UC Irvine Health nurses Rhodel Agatep and Jane Bon, along with Patient Experience Team Member Chanel Liu and Senior Ultrasound Technologist Virgi Sevilleno, were honored for exceptional dedication to patients and co-workers.

Los Angeles

  • UCLA was honored with an Innovation & Economic Prosperity Talent Award by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The award highlights the university’s leadership in preparing students for future success through education and workforce development.

Accreditations, recognitions and rankings

Davis

Irvine

Merced

  • UC Merced earned a perfect Green Rating score and ranked seventh in the nation on The Princeton Review’s 2025 list of Top 50 Green Colleges.
  • UC Merced students, faculty members and facilities services celebrated the campus’s Bee City USA designation, marking its commitment to improve landscapes for pollinators.

San Diego

San Francisco

Santa Cruz

  • UC Santa Cruz ranked sixth on the Green Colleges list by The Princeton Review and tenth in the Post Landfill Action Network’s list of Zero Waste Campuses.

Submit your achievements!

UC Spotlight honors workplaces, teams and individual staff members that make UC a great place to work. To send a recognition or achievement for consideration, email the relevant URL and information to the UCnetwork editorial team or complete this form. Your story may also be featured on our new @ucnet_work Instagram page!

Please note that UC Spotlight is intended to reflect staff-specific achievements; to that end, we do not accept recognitions that are student, faculty or alumni-focused. Submissions are chosen for publication at the editor’s discretion. Funding and promotion/hiring announcements are not appropriate for this feature.

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