Social Sciences News
Student team wins ‘Excellence in Safety’ award at second Farm Robotics Challenge
November 18, 2024
A team of engineering students were recognized with the “Excellence in Safety” award at the second-annual Farm Robotics Challenge
Imperial Valley’s lithium reserves could power a global energy transition. But will they also fuel local economies?
November 18, 2024
Professor Chris Benner's latest book with coauthor Manuel Pastor, a professor at the University of Southern California, explores economic and environmental possibilities for a lithium boom in California's Imperial Valley.
Traditional Mayan collaboration practices show both changes and resilience after decades of globalization
November 15, 2024
UC Santa Cruz psychologist Barbara Rogoff has been working with Mayan communities in Guatemala for decades to document traditional collaboration and learning practices. Her latest research follows up on an initial study from 30 years ago to see how practices have shifted or persisted over time within families.
Redefining philanthropy: Alumna Carmen Rojas drives change
November 14, 2024
Alumna Carmen Rojas is the president and CEO of the Marguerite Casey Foundation and is a leader in the fight for racial, economic, and social justice.
$4 million NSF grant will fund project to improve K-12 mathematics education in partnership with Black disabled students
November 5, 2024
A grant from the National Science Foundation’s Racial Equity In STEM Education program will support a project led by Assistant Professor of Education Paulo Tan to develop new professional learning resources for K-12 math teachers through a partnership with Black disabled students.
Decarbonization policy initiatives will require more data-based decision-making
November 1, 2024
A new article by UC Santa Cruz Associate Professor of Economics Peter Christensen and co-authors recommends how to collect and apply evidence in order to achieve the greatest possible impact from recent investments in decarbonization in the United States.
Transit systems in Kenya demonstrate some potential upsides of worker monitoring technologies
October 29, 2024
In a new paper for the October issue of the American Economic Review, UC Santa Cruz economist David Schönholzer shared findings from an experimental application of a worker monitoring technology for minibus transit companies in Kenya. The results demonstrate how, in some cases, monitoring technologies can lead to broader societal good.
Rooted in resilience: Alumna Natalie Nguyen reflects on her journey
October 29, 2024
Recent UC Santa Cruz graduate Natalie Nguyen (Kresge ’23, economics) reflects on her UC Santa Cruz journey and post-graduation endeavors.
New mapping techniques empower bird conservation in Colombia
October 23, 2024
Natalia Ocampo-Peñuela, assistant professor of environmental studies, and a team of Colombian researchers have introduced a transformative approach to mapping bird species distribution across Colombia, harnessing community science data and innovative modeling techniques.
UC Santa Cruz receives NSF grant to transform diversity and inclusion in STEM graduate programs
October 23, 2024
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded nearly $1 million to researchers at UC Santa Cruz to advance equity and inclusion by fostering a more inclusive, culturally rich environment in STEM graduate programs.
Grasslands live in the climate change fast lane
October 18, 2024
A new paper that built upon prior research efforts in the Environmental Studies Department shows that grassland communities across the California Floristic Province are transitioning toward plants that prefer hotter and drier conditions at a pace that's comparable to the observed rate of changes in climate.
2024 CITRIS Interdisciplinary Innovation Program supports wide range of campus research
October 15, 2024
The CITRIS Interdisciplinary Innovation Program (I2P) provides UC Santa Cruz Principal Investigators with funding for projects focussed on developing information technology solutions to significant societal challenges.
Study of a large public university in the Northeastern U.S. finds that students who feel more university connection may be more likely to binge drink
October 11, 2024
Universities should ensure they are providing ample opportunities for students to feel connected through sober activities and environments, researchers recommend.
UC Santa Cruz professor helps set national research agenda for atmospheric methane removal technologies that could help fight climate change
October 10, 2024
Environmental Studies Professor Sikina Jinnah was a co-author on a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) that recommends a national research agenda for atmospheric methane removal technologies and assesses potential atmospheric removal tools.
Recognizing outstanding faculty and staff in the Division of Social Sciences
October 8, 2024
Social Sciences Dean Katharyne Mitchell and award committee members recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Social Sciences Division faculty and staff awards, which are dedicated to honoring significant contributions to teaching, research excellence, and student support.
Professor Stacy Philpott leads U.S. delegates for “Agri-Young Hackathon” at G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Agriculture
October 8, 2024
Environmental Studies Professor Stacy Philpott led the U.S. delegation for a youth hackathon at the recent G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Agriculture in Italy. Philpott was asked by USDA representatives to coordinate and support the country’s team, a reflection of her national leadership role in preparing the next generation of agriculture professionals.
Will AI tools revolutionize public health? Not if they continue following old patterns, researchers argue.
October 8, 2024
A new paper published in the journal Social Science & Medicine shares findings from an extensive literature analysis of AI’s current trajectory in health care.
Social Sciences Division welcomes new faculty
October 7, 2024
UC Santa Cruz’s Social Sciences Division is welcoming 10 outstanding new faculty members this academic year.
UC Santa Cruz launches new degree program in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications, and Research
October 7, 2024
UC Santa Cruz is launching a new Master of Arts program in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Technologies, Applications, and Research (GISTAR), designed to meet the growing demand for expertise in geospatial technologies.
Research Roundup: Summer 2024
October 2, 2024
This issue of Research Roundup highlights the wide array of articles and books published, along with other research efforts by the Division of Social Sciences faculty in summer 2024.
Leading by listening: Marianas Fernandez’s journey to becoming a student leader
September 23, 2024
UCSC student Marianas Fernandez excels in academics, activism, and athletics, earning recognition and awards for her leadership and contributions.
Election forum series to foster dialogue and empower students for active democratic participation
September 16, 2024
This fall, the University of California, Santa Cruz will host the 2024 U.S. Elections Forum Series: Power, Politics, and Our Democracy, a six-part event series designed to foster open dialogue and engage students and the public in critical conversations about democracy, media, and voter participation.
Celebrating the 2024 UCSC Alumni Awards recipients
September 12, 2024
The UC Santa Cruz Alumni Association is proud to present this year’s UCSC Alumni Awards honorees: George M. Kraw, Keith Curry, Jacob Martinez, Kamari Maxine Clarke, Paul Fielder, and Neroli Devaney.
National Academy of Education awarded Josephine H. Pham the Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship
September 12, 2024
Josephine H. Pham, Assistant Professor of Critical Studies in Education at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has been awarded the prestigious National Academy of Education Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Creating community and change: Sharhonda Bossier’s path from UCSC to education leadership
September 10, 2024
Sharhonda Bossier, a UCSC undergraduate and graduate alumna and current CEO of Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC), credits the support and community she found at UCSC for shaping her career in education leadership.
Experts weigh in on wildfire impacts
September 10, 2024
UC Santa Cruz has many experts who can provide relevant, research-based comment on a wide variety of wildfire impact topics.
New book explores the limits of technology in addressing food system problems
September 10, 2024
A new book from UC Santa Cruz Professor Julie Guthman warns that technological solutions are no match for structural problems in our food system. She hopes the book will help more people realize that we need to respond to these problems with social action.
A car-free future? A Banana Slug alum is targeting one obscure regulation to get there
September 9, 2024
Alumnus Tony Jordan is a 2024 Grist 50 honoree, a list of climate leaders and innovators.
A special look into art exhibition Seeing through Stone
August 27, 2024
For First Friday this September 6, Director and Chief Curator, Dr. Rachel Nelson will give a special curator-led walk-through of the major Visualizing Abolition exhibition, Seeing through Stone, at the UC Santa Cruz Institute of the Arts and Sciences Gallery on the Westside of Santa Cruz.
Humanizing every client
August 21, 2024
One year after graduation, Guneet Hora (College Nine ’23, intensive psychology, legal studies) works as a paralegal at the Office of the Federal Public Defender in the Western District of Virginia.
A passion for change
August 21, 2024
One year after graduation, Nailah Smith (Stevenson ’23, cognitive science) works in the African American Studies and Chicana and Chicano Studies Departments at San José State University and is pursuing a Masters in Science.
Breaking barriers and breaking news
August 21, 2024
One year after graduating from UCSC, Ryan Loyola (Stevenson ’23, politics) is a news assistant and fill-in assignment editor at ABC7 Los Angeles where he reports on breaking news.
Stepping onto the global stage
August 21, 2024
One year after graduating from UCSC, Samantha Moore (Merrill ’23, politics) recently completed an M.A. in International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations.
Accounting ambitions
August 21, 2024
One year after graduation, Yehan Weerasuriya works at PwC as a consultant and associate in the Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory group.
Guiding generosity
August 19, 2024
Lora Hollingsworth, Executive Director of Gift Planning , helps donors craft their philanthropic legacies
Research Roundup: Winter 2024
April 9, 2024
The wide array of articles, book chapters, and conference invitations garnered by the faculty of the Division of Social Sciences in Winter 2024 are highlighted in this issue of Research Roundup.
Research Roundup: Spring 2024
April 9, 2024
This issue of Research Roundup highlights the wide array of articles and book chapters published and the public talks given by the Division of Social Sciences faculty in spring 2024.
Research Roundup: Summer/Fall 2023
December 21, 2023
Research Roundup: Winter/Spring 2023
July 14, 2023
UCSC Politics and Legal Studies Professor Mark Massoud discusses Sudan evacuations and current unrest on Channel News Asia
April 25, 2023
CNA’s Julie Yoo and Steve Lai speak to University of California Santa Cruz Professor of Politics and Legal studies Mark Fathi Massoud in a Channel News Asia story about the current unrest in Sudan and the challenges of ongoing evacuations. Massoud says the number of foreign nationals in the country is small and the real concern is for the 6.3 million Sudanese caught in the crossfire.
Research Roundup: Summer/Fall 2022 Issue
December 19, 2022
An Open Letter Regarding the "UCSC Anti-Racist Farm Now" petition
December 13, 2022
Research Roundup: Winter/Spring 2022 Issue
June 30, 2022
Continuing effects of the COVID pandemic and the ethics of community-engaged research are just some of the wide-ranging topics investigated by Social Sciences faculty and published in Winter and Spring 2022.
Research Roundup Summer/Fall 2021 Issue
December 15, 2021
Research Roundup: Winter/Spring 2021 Issue
June 24, 2021
Research Roundup: Summer/Fall 2020 Issue
December 15, 2020
Research Roundup: Winter/Spring 2020 Issue
June 22, 2020
College Ten class connects students with Soledad Prison inmates
March 28, 2019
A first-ever class called "Transcommunal Cooperation and Peacemaking" brought together 14 undergraduates and 28 men incarcerated at the Soledad Correctional Training Facility for an extraordinary 10 weeks of learning and discovery.
Teens who seek solitude may know what's best for them, research suggests
March 22, 2019
Teens who choose to spend time alone may know what's best for them, according to new research that suggests solitude isn't a red flag for isolation or depression.
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki and Google exec Dennis Troper share tips and tales
March 18, 2019
During a campus visit on Saturday, tech titan Susan Wojcicki urged college students to pursue careers of meaning and impact in fields that are growing—and to be flexible and humble as they begin their work lives.
Sixth annual Climate Conference links science and justice
March 14, 2019
For the first time, the annual UC Santa Cruz Climate Conference will bring together prominent ocean scientists and leading social-justice advocates to discuss the environmental and equity dimensions of the crisis.
Blum Scholars present preliminary results of community-based research
February 19, 2019
Four graduate students discussed their research on jail health care, Latina resistance, Central Valley youth, and feminism in the farmlands.
Marin County: Safe harbor for Native residents during the Mission era and into the 20th century
February 14, 2019
Contrary to the dominant narrative of cultural extinction, indigenous residents of Marin County survived colonization, preserving and passing on their traditions and cultural practices, says anthropologist Tsim Schneider.
Mean streets: Self-driving cars will "cruise" to avoid paying to park
January 31, 2019
If you think traffic in city centers is bad now, just wait until self-driving cars emerge on the scene, cruising around to avoid paying hefty downtown parking fees.
Gov. Newsom appoints UCSC alumna Kris Perry to key post
January 23, 2019
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed UC Santa Cruz alumna Kris Perry, a nationally recognized advocate for children, to a key post in his new administration.
Janet Yellen: Honoring a living legend
January 14, 2019
Janet Yellen, widely regarded as one of the most successful Federal Reserve chairs in history, will receive the UC Santa Cruz Foundation Medal at a ceremony in Menlo Park next month.
Research Roundup: Summer/Fall 2018 Issue
December 17, 2018
Racial bias taints neighborhoods—and residents, research reveals
November 28, 2018
In her research, Courtney Bonam explores the assumptions people make about neighborhoods and schools that are either predominantly black or white, and she has uncovered racial bias in the way people perceive communities.
Ancient DNA evidence reveals genetic exchanges between the Americas
November 08, 2018
Unprecedented details about the story of the peopling of Central and South America have been revealed in a new study published in the journal Cell.
Beyond campaign rhetoric: What's really needed to secure California's economic future
November 07, 2018
With the world's fifth-largest economy, California has legitimate bragging rights as it proudly leads the "resistance" to federal attacks on immigrant rights, environmental policy, and progressive values in general. But that's not the whole story.
From asexuality to heteroflexibility: 21st century ushers in new openness about intimate relationships
November 05, 2018
The 21st century has ushered in a "quiet revolution" in the diversity of intimate relationships, and a leading scholar says the scale and pace of this social transformation warrants a "reboot" of relationship studies.
Exhibit showcases art inspired by the UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserves
November 01, 2018
'Reserves of Inspiration: Exploring UC Santa Cruz Natural Landscapes' opens November 6 at the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery in Cowell College.
UCSC hosts free public forum Oct. 22 on the Santa Cruz housing crisis
October 10, 2018
Six UC Santa Cruz scholars will discuss rent control and other proposals to address the Santa Cruz housing crisis during a free public forum on Monday, October 22, in the Kresge Town Hall.
Central Valley Freedom Summer registers voters, changes lives
October 02, 2018
For most kids who grow up in the Central Valley, the goal is to get out. But this summer, 25 UC Santa Cruz and UC Merced students turned that narrative on its head and returned home, eager to give back to their communities.
LA County's new public defender is guided by 'presumption of innocence'
September 28, 2018
This fall, UCSC alum Ricardo Garcia will take the helm of the LA County Public Defender's Office—the largest and oldest public defender's unit in the country.
Industry takes profit, leaves messes
August 10, 2018
Karen Holl calls on Congress to make sure industry cleans up the messes it makes on public lands.
Aphorism Foundation underwrites important work by Professor Ravi Rajan
June 21, 2018
Environmental Studies Professor Ravi Rajan has received three years’ support from the Aphorism Foundation to write a comprehensive world environmental history.
Research Roundup: Winter/Spring 2018 Issue
June 14, 2018
The financial impacts of hospitalization, ecosystem restoration, governance of climate engineering technologies, and gender biases and societal norms are some of the topics that Social Sciences faculty have researched and published this Winter and Spring.
The new queer teenager
June 14, 2018
Queer youth today are in a paradoxical situation, coming out earlier and becoming leaders even as they cope with the significant challenges of adolescence, Psychology Professor Phil Hammack told a panel convened by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.
Researchers discuss educational needs of Latino, immigrant, and disadvantaged youth
June 08, 2018
A recent informal interdisciplinary workshop focused on the educational needs and experiences of Latino and immigrant youth.
Dr. Rebecca London speaks about her work with a new education initiative
June 1, 2018
Dr. Rebecca London, Assistant Professor in the Sociology Department and Faculty Director of the Student Success, Evaluation and Research Center, speaks with KZSC's Sylvanna Falcon about her work with a new education initiative entitled The Silicon Valley Regional Data Trust.
UCSC Basic Needs Website Launched
April 9, 2018
New website offers information on food, housing, and other basic needs resources for UCSC students.
Politics Professor Dan Wirls Featured in San Francisco Chronicle
March 29, 2018
Politics Professor Dan Wirls' op-ed about military spending is featured in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Alternative Spring Break Featured in Register-Pajaronian
March 28, 2018
UC Santa Cruz students on Alternative Spring Break study social justice in Watsonville.
Alternative Spring Break Featured in Sentinel
March 28, 2018
UC Santa Cruz students on Alternative Spring Break connect with Calabasas Elementary students.
Understanding shari’a
March 19, 2018
Mark Fathi Massoud, associate professor of politics and legal studies at UC Santa Cruz, will delve into the realities, subtleties, and richness of Islamic law and ethics at this year's Noel Q. King Memorial Lecture during Alumni Weekend.
Environmental Studies professor Chris Wilmers featured in The Mercury News
March 8, 2018
Chris Wilmers, director of the Santa Cruz Puma Project at UC Santa Cruz, discusses how a high-speed rail could doom mountain lions and other wildlife in the Santa Cruz Mountains with The Mercury News.
Art professor Newton Harrison featured in Sentinel
February 25, 2018
Newton Harrison discusses the ecological art movement and environmental change since 1969 in the Sentinel.
New book edited by environmental studies professor examines historical context of BRICS nations
January 25, 2018
Co-edited by Ravi Rajan, The Great Convergence: An Environmental History of BRICS shows how Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa can come together to deal with environmental challenges
UC Santa Cruz Professor examines fundamental questions of knowledge and justice raised by genomics
January 24, 2018
Sociology professor and Director of the Science and Justice Research Center Jenny Reardon talks about how genomics engages some of the most fundamental questions of knowledge and justice of our times.
Sociology professor Jenny Reardon featured in New Scientist
January 24, 2018
Jenny Reardon credited for highlighting the issues with the pace of genomic innovation in New Scientist.
Psychology undergraduate student Alexandra Piper examines the importance of diversity for student success
January 23, 2018
An undergraduate research project by UC Santa Cruz psychology student shows how advancing diversity in higher education must begin in K-12 classrooms.
Politics professor studies opportunities for climate governance
January 23, 2018
Sikina Jinnah shares her thoughts about what climate governance looks like and ways to implement environmentally-sound policies.
Environmental Studies research and education coordinator Damian Parr featured in Modern Farmer
January 23, 2018
Damian Parr discusses the current state of agricultural education with Modern Farmer.
Latin American and Latino studies professor Adrian Felix interviewed in Reuters
January 19, 2018
LALS professor Adrian Felix was interviewed for a story in Reuters about the institutional issues Mexicans voting from abroad–especially in the U.S.–must deal with to cast their ballot.
Professor Emeritus Eliot Aronson ranked among 50 most influential living psychologists
January 11, 2018
UCSC Professor Emeritus of Psychology Eliot Aronson has been ranked among the 50 Most Influential Living Psychologists in the World by TheBestSchools.
Economics for non economists
January 2, 2018
A new course offered by UC Santa Cruz’s Economics Department teaches non-economics majors how economics applies to everyday life.
Sociology professor featured in Outside
January 2, 2018
Sociologist Lindsey Dillon was quoted in an Outside magazine story about the pro-industry leanings of the leaders of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior.
A Quarter of California Adolescents May Be ‘Gender Nonconforming.’ So What Does That Mean?
December 23, 2017
Psychology Professor Phil Hammack was quoted in a KQED Radio report about a new survey that found 27 percent of California youth are gender nonconforming.
Research Roundup: Fall 2017 Issue
December 18, 2017
Climate change, feminism, stereotypes, political art, sanctuary spaces, human rights are just some of the many topics faculty in the social sciences published in fall quarter.
A Year in Review
December 18, 2017
The Division of Social Sciences reflects on some of the many amazing achievements and inspiring moments of 2017.
Trump’s right about one thing: The US Senate should end its 60-vote majority
December 13, 2017
Politics Professor Dan Wirls penned an opinion piece for The Conversation about the Senate's 60-vote majority rule, and it was picked up by papers around the country, including the Albany Times-Union and Idaho Press-Tribune.
Recent alum shows that after graduation, anything is possible
November 29, 2017
When Anna Jean Kaiser (Cowell, politics ’12) graduated from UC Santa Cruz, she decided to move to a country where she knew no one. Now, she is a successful reporter writing for the Washington Post, the New York Times, and other publications.
Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems alum Onika Abraham featured in Time Magazine
November 29, 2017
Onika Abraham, CASFS alum and now Director of Farm School NYC, talks about urban farming, food justice, and creating community in NYC.
Environmental Studies professor Jeffrey Bury featured in The New York Times
November 26, 2017
Jeffrey Bury discusses the effects of climate change and their study of glacier melt on Peruvian agriculture with The New York Times.
From community organizer to organic farmer to immigrant champion
November 22, 2017
Community Studies major and CASFS Apprenticeship graduate combines farming and food justice work
UCSC alum (M.S. in economics) and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki leads women in tech and tops Forbes list
November 20, 2017
UC Santa Cruz alum Susan Wojcicki, also Google employee #16, is breaking the glass ceiling one searchword hit and viral video view at a time
The Chicano Latino Research Center archive, Nuestras Historias, is testimony of interdisciplinary scholarship and community
November 15, 2017
How a UC Santa Cruz professor found a piece of campus history and the team of students that transformed it into a treasured library collection
Students from Colleges Nine and Ten harness the power of storytelling
November 14, 2017
Stories are a core part of our individual and collective identities. Now, thanks to a new initiative created by Colleges Nine and Ten, storytelling is now a part of their core curriculum.
Sociology professor Jenny Reardon featured in Radio National
November 13, 2017
Jenny Reardon discusses how just genomics and biomedical research is with Radio National.
Opportunities for scholarship and research during challenging times
November 9, 2017
At the UC Santa Cruz Division of Social Sciences’ fifth annual research event, faculty showed how the social sciences can confront assumptions framing everyday experiences.
Economics professor Rob Fairlie featured in Inc. magazine
November 9, 2017
Economics professor Rob Fairlie was featured in an Inc. magazine story about the hiring practices of startups.
Alum helps California farmers with capital, credit, and cash flow
November 6, 2017
James Harris — UCSC Farm and Garden alum, Army veteran, now financial advisor at the USDA — talks about swapping spades for spreadsheets.
Environmental Studies professor Michael Loik featured in Newsweek
November 6, 2017
Environmental Studies professor Michael Loik discusses how smart greenhouses can generate solar power and grow crops at the same time with Newsweek.
Psychology professor Cambell Leaper featured in Slate
November 6, 2017
Psychology professor Cambell Leaper discusses how sexism starts in childhood with Slate.
Making immediate impact with long-term change
October 31, 2017
How Everett Program students–with the help of alum and Executive Fellow Monica Gutierrez-Lopez–apply skills learned in the classroom to the community through “impactathons," hackathon-style events intended to make a social difference.
Movies, migration, and the Mediterranean
October 31, 2017
Chicano Latino Research Center kicks off film series November 8.
Sociology professor Bill Domhoff featured in The Atlantic
October 26, 2017
In an article about the paucity of black CEOs, The Atlantic cited Bill Domhoff's book, The New CEOs: Women, African American, Latino, and Asian American Leaders of Fortune 500 Companies.
"No Place Like Home" study signals the beginning of a new movement
October 23, 2017
Over 600 people gathered to hear findings from "No Place Like Home," a two-year study about the affordable housing crisis in Santa Cruz.
Psychology professor Craig Haney discussed solitary confinement with Oprah Winfrey on “60 Minutes”
October 23, 2017
Economics professor Julie Gonzalez featured in WalletHub
October 17, 2017
Economics professor Julie Gonzalez discusses with WalletHub about the most and least energy efficient states.
Anthropology professor Lars Fehren-Schmitz featured in Forbes
October 16, 2017
Professor Lars Fehren-Schmitz led a research team that decoded the genetic history of the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island.
Sociology student and DACA holder featured in San Francisco Chronicle
October 14, 2017
Sociology and community studies student Enrique speaks about DACA and strives to liberate people through activism.
Put people over profits, says Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus
October 12, 2017
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus discussed his new vision for capitalism before a full house at UC Santa Cruz on Tuesday, October 11 at an event hosted by the UC Santa Cruz Blum Center for Poverty, Social Enterprise and Participatory Governance at Bookshop Santa Cruz.
Anthropology professor Lars Fehren-Schmitz featured in Science
October 12, 2017
Anthropologist Lars Fehren-Schmitz received significant media coverage for his paleogenomic analysis of the remains of early inhabitants of Easter Island, including this write-up in Science magazine.
Students with Puerto Rican roots featured in Sentinel
October 10, 2017
The Santa Cruz Sentinel covered the story of four apprentices at the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems who are crowdfunding their efforts to help Puerto Rico's agricultural sector recover from Hurricane Maria.
Research Roundup: Summer 2017 Issue
October 5, 2017
Some of the many topics highlighted in this quarter’s research roundup include the stock market, mountain lions and frogs, heat waves and optical illusions, food activism and mental health policy.
Psychology professor Benjamin Storm featured in Angle News
October 3, 2017
Memory expert Benjamin Storm, an associate professor of psychology, was quoted in an Angle News story about millennials who rely on smartphones and tablets when they cook, saying that reliance breeds dependence, erodes memory, and diminishes skill development.
LALS grad student Juan Davila covers Trump's visit to Puerto Rico for Democracy Now
September 29, 2017
Chris Wilmers featured in BeProvided Conservation Radio
September 26, 2017
Environmental Studies professor and Chris Wilmers discusses his involvement with the Santa Cruz Puma Project, a research lab group that studies the impacts of humans on pumas.
Sociology professor Lindsey Dillon quoted in Salon about environmental justice
September 25, 2017
Assistant Professor of Sociology Lindsey Dillon was quoted in a Salon article about how the Trump administration is systematically rolling back environmental protections and dismantling the achievements of the environmental justice movement.
Statement on DACA from the Division of Social Sciences
September 6, 2017
The Division of Social Sciences at UC Santa Cruz underscores our continuing support for DREAMers/DACAmented and their families.
Game theory, lizards, and climate change
September 05, 2017
New study uses game theory to uncover the mating games male lizards play, and how climate change is impacting their gaming strategies.
Santa Cruz Sentinel reports on USDA grant awarded to UCSC
August 31, 2017
The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported on a $2.5 million USDA grant that will extend the reach of new strategies being developed by Environmental Studies Professor Carol Shennan to fight soil diseases in commercial strawberry production.
Exploring the UCSC Farm & Garden’s history through faculty research
August 2, 2017
Faculty and students in the division of social sciences show how the farm plays a crucial role in their research at farm and garden’s recent First Fifty Celebration.
Gaming Wall Street
August 02, 2017
How a group of economists at UC Santa Cruz is building trust and transparency in financial markets.
Psychology professor Ben Storm featured in the New York Times
July 03, 2017
Psychology professor Ben Storm talks to the The New York Times about how forgetfulness can lead to improved reasoning.
June 29, 2017
New study looks at strawberry production in a post-methyl bromide world
June 26, 2017
Julie Guthman examines how California strawberry growers are adapting to the loss of a soil fumigant they depended on for decades
Research Roundup: Spring 2017 Issue
June 16, 2017
Faculty in the Social Sciences Division published research on a diverse range of topics, including youth activism in the immigration rights movement, water and poverty, climate change governance, and more.
The weaker sex? Science that shows women are stronger than men
June 11, 2017
The Guardian talks to anthropologist Adrienne Zihlman in an article that unpacks the science and history debunking the long-running argument: the battle of the sexes.
UCSC psychologist Campbell Leaper talks to the New York Times about raising feminist sons
June 06, 2017
The New York Times featured Leaper's work in the recent article How to Raise a Feminist Son.
2016-2017 award recipients announced
May 23, 2017
Congratulations to the students who received awards from the Division of Social Sciences.
Psychology professor featured in National Science Foundation Video Showcase "STEM for All"
May 15, 2017
From survival mode to sustainability leader
May 09, 2017
How a CASFS alum helped develop a food community in San Francisco — thanks to a start at UC Santa Cruz.
Inspiring local change for communities everywhere
May 3, 2017
Environmentalist scholar and activist Betsy Herbert is the inaugural Distinguished Graduate Student Alumni Awardee for the Division of Social Sciences.
From founding farmer to fair food movement champion
April 25, 2017
Oran Hesterman shares how his experiences at the UCSC Farm & Garden set him on a life’s journey to make sustainable food accessible and equitable.
Research Roundup: Winter 2017 Issue
April 4, 2017
Some of the diverse topics covered by faculty in the Social Sciences Division in Winter 2017 include predicting college success, models for sustainable development, the psychological impact of President Donald Trump, his proposed military budget, and more.
The New York Times features psychology professor Craig Haney
March 30, 2017
The New York Times features economics professor George Bulman
March 18, 2017
George Bulman was quoted in a story about the issues behind the metrics most colleges use to admit students.
March 17, 2017
USA Today features psychology professor Campbell Leaper
March 12, 2017
Campbell Leaper, a developmental and social psychologist, was quoted in a story about gender reveal parties that ran in USA Today and other media outlets.
Economics professor Nirvikar Signh interviewed in Foreign Policy about immigration under a Trump adminstration
March 8, 2017
Economics Professor Nirvikar Singh, coauthor of the new book The Other One Percent: Indians in America, was featured in a Foreign Policy interview about immigration during the Trump era.
Support projects in the Division of Social Sciences on campus fundraising day, March 8, 2017
March 6, 2017
On March 8, more than 100 campus teams will spend 24 hours raising money on Giving Day at UC Santa Cruz.
Scholarships and Awards Announcement
March 6, 2017
The Division of Social Sciences at UC Santa Cruz is proud to announce multiple funding opportunities for undergraduate students.
Rebecca London releases issue brief with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
February 27, 2017
Assistant Professor of Sociology Rebecca London released a report with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation titled “Building a Culture of Health Through Safe and Healthy Elementary School Recess.”
Ruben Espinoza and Andres Arias featured in KION news
February 24, 2017
Ruben Espinoza and Andres Arias, student researchers working with Steve McKay, associate professor of sociology at UC Santa Cruz, were featured in KION news.
George Bunch wins American Education Research Association award
February 22, 2017
George Bunch, associate professor of education at UC Santa Cruz, is the winner of the 2017 Second Language Research Special Interest Group Midcareer Award.
Jenny Reardon receives Humboldt Foundation award
February 03, 2017
Jenny Reardon, professor of sociology and director of the Science and Justice Research Center at UC Santa Cruz, is the winner of the 2017 Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award.
Teach-in strengthens solidarity, activism
January 20, 2017
UC Santa Cruz faculty, students, staff, and community partners gathered at a campus-wide teach-in as part of a nationwide day of democratic education and action on Jan. 18.
Daniel Press interviewed for Mother Jones
December 19, 2016
Environmental Studies Professor Daniel Press was interviewed in the progressive news magazine Mother Jones for a feature about president-elect Donald Trump's stance on green energy.
Research Roundup: Fall 2016 Issue
December 15, 2016
Clean energy, gerrymandering, self-driving cars, bear populations, microagressions, water rights, and the youth vote are just some of the diverse topics faculty in the social sciences at UC Santa Cruz are researching.
Scholarship, teaching, and campus community recognized at annual division event
October 7, 2016
Professors David Kaun, Mayanthi Fernando, and Andrew Szasz recognized with division teaching and research awards
Research Roundup: Summer 2016 Issue
October 4, 2016
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan, budget deficits in the Europe Union, and climate governance in U.S. foreign policy are just some of the many topics faculty in the social sciences at UC Santa Cruz published research findings about in summer quarter.
Julie Snyder: Serially great journalism
September 09, 2016
UC Santa Cruz alumna, who will receive this year’s Alumni Achievement Award, talks about making the hit podcast Serial and how her college years laid the foundation for a career in broadcast journalism
Research Roundup: Spring 2016 Issue
July 25, 2016
From sequencing DNA from pre-Columbian mummies, examining the California strawberry farming industry, and understanding how teachers teach, faculty and researchers in the Division of Social Sciences published a wide range of issues and ideas in spring quarter.
Mark Fathi Massoud: “Three important points to help in understanding South Sudan’s worsening crisis”
July 12, 2016
In an op-ed in the Washington Post’s Monkey Cage blog on politics, politics professor and award-winning researcher Mark Fathi Massoud analyzes the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.
Dean’s award winner is committed to public safety
June 14, 2016
Sociology student Ean Brown strives to keep the public safe – in the classroom, campus, and community.
How can health equity be ensured in the age of precision medicine?
June 1, 2016
Conference at UC Santa Cruz highlights disparities in a “broken” healthcare system
Student success, scholarship and social justice celebrated at Social Sciences Division annual awards ceremony
June 1, 2016
2015-2016 award recipients announced
May 26, 2016
Congratulations to the students who received awards from the Division of Social Sciences.
EVC's 'Beyond Compliance' town hall confronts culture around sexual misconduct
May 12, 2016
About 100 students, staff, and faculty confronted issues of sexual harassment and sexual assault on campus during a May 10 town hall meeting convened by Alison Galloway, campus provost and executive vice chancellor.
April 20, 2016
Events in the social sciences during alumni weekend, April 28-30th, 2016.
April 12, 2016
From honoring political activist Drummond Pike to a bird walk, documentary film screening and more - join the Division of Social Sciences for alumni weekend.
Research Roundup: Winter 2016 Issue
March 24, 2016
From biodiversity in California to power relations in Tanzania, faculty and researchers in the Division of Social Sciences published a wide range of issues and ideas in winter quarter.
Scholarships and Awards Announcement
March 18, 2016
The Division of Social Sciences at UC Santa Cruz is proud to announce multiple funding opportunities for students.
New technology, but familiar problems
March 11, 2016
Interdisciplinary event hosted by the Science and Justice Research Center and Center for Analytical Finance discussed the historical and social problems in tech and finance.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition honors UC Santa Cruz alumnus and sustainability champion, Mark Lipson
February 5, 2016
The award was made to honor Lipson’s years of service to the organic and sustainable agriculture movement, and his groundbreaking work on Capitol Hill shepherding in historic changes.
Going global: UC fellows to tackle development projects
February 2, 2016
Stephanie Webb, a UC Santa Cruz Ph.D. candidate in environmental studies, received a UC-USAID fellowship.
