Circadian clocks & cancer; Falling Leaves Foundation building update

June 3, 2024

Students study in the Susan and Henry Samueli Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building. (Photo: Steve Zylius/UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building update

Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building construction

The momentum towards completing the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building continues to build. The interior build-out of Levels 2 through 4 is advancing steadily, and the implementation of fire suppression systems and fire alarms is underway across Levels 1 through 6. The overhead HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems are being fitted throughout the building, providing a critical foundation for the facility’s operational functionalities.

Study shows circadian clock can enhance cancer immunotherapy

Bridget Fortin (left) and Selma Masri (right)

A new study has revealed that the circadian clock – the biological pacemaker that governs daily rhythms in physiological processes, including immune functions – can be leveraged to enhance the efficacy of certain cancer therapies. The study provides deeper insights into the intricate relationship among the circadian clock, immune regulation and tumor development. It also found that a therapeutic approach optimizing time-of-day delivery based on an individual’s unique circadian patterns offers new avenues for prevention and treatment. “Our findings demonstrate the pivotal role of the circadian clock in enhancing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy,” says the study’s corresponding author, Selma Masri (above, right) an associate professor of biological chemistry. Masri is shown with lead author Bridget Fortin, a doctoral student in biological chemistry.

2024 Service Awards open invitation

All staff and faculty are invited to attend the 2024 Service Awards at the Bren Events Center on Tuesday, June 18 from 9-10:30 a.m. to celebrate and support honorees who have reached service milestones. RSVPs are not required, but are requested for planning purposes. Parking is free in the Mesa Parking Structure; please use Park-by-Plate and code SSA@UCI. If you have any questions, please contact the UCI Employee Experience Center at eec@uci.edu.

UC News

Expanded paid sick leave approved for UC employees

The UC system will significantly expand access to paid sick leave effective Jan. 1, 2025. Leave policies for staff and for academic personnel will be revised to:

Expand eligibility for paid sick leave, including ensuring that part-time employees have access to paid sick leave
Expand the reasons for which employees may use paid sick leave
Provide paid sick leave that is “protected” so that the employee can be entitled to take the leave for a qualifying reason
Extend the period during which paid sick leave may be reinstated if an employee is reemployed after a separation from employment

UC also plans to expand paid leave options for sick leave purposes for represented staff employees and academic appointees, subject to applicable collective bargaining requirements. For details, see the Systemwide HR Policy and Academic Personnel Manual Policy Issuance and Guidelines pages on UCOP.edu. More information will be shared before the Jan. 1, 2025, effective date.

#IamUCI

Phoebe Roach (left) and Hassan Shaikh (right)

#IamUCI: Phoebe Roach ’24, B.S., Earth system science, minor in public health

First-generation college student and Earth system science major Phoebe Roach has always known that she wanted to work with the environment. She’s currently a bee/tree intern through the Sustainability Resource Center, planning and coordinating educational events about pollinators, native species, trees and their roles in the campus ecosystem. After graduation, Roach hopes to work somewhere along the West Coast, mapping shifts in the environment and site testing for environmental firms.

#IamUCI: Hassan Shaikh ’24, B.S., biological sciences

Biological sciences major Hassan Shaikh conducts bench research in the lab of Marcelo Wood, a professor and chair of neurobiology & behavior, exploring the role of the epigenome in regulating gene expression in long-term memory processes. Shaikh plans to take a gap year after he graduates to prepare himself for his next step: medical school, where he’d like to combine his interests in environmental science and human health. He hopes to remain in California and would be happy to stay at UC Irvine for its integrative medicine training program. “It’s new, and it provides a lot of opportunities,” Shaikh says. “I’d like that.”

@UCIrvine on Instagram: Wishing a Happy #PrideMonth to all! As we celebrate and uplift our LBGTQIA+ community, let’s work toward creating a world where every person feels loved and welcomed for who they are.

#UCIconnected spotlights interesting updates from the UC Irvine community. #IamUCI spotlights profiles of students, faculty, staff and alumni. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected or #IamUCI hashtags.