Sept. 30, 2024

UC IRVINE NEWS

UC Irvine to host Cal-Bridge program

Cal-Bridge, a statewide program to promote participation by traditionally underrepresented groups in California’s higher education systems, is entering its second decade of service with new administrative headquarters at UC Irvine. During the summer break, Cal-Bridge co-founder and executive director Alexander Rudolph (right, above with James Bullock, dean of the School of Physical Sciences) recently joined the School of Physical Sciences to lead Cal-Bridge. “Of all of the University of California campuses, UC Irvine has been the most strongly engaged in Cal-Bridge,” Rudolph said. “Combined with involvement from UC Irvine’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and substantial backing and resources from the Department of Physics & Astronomy, Cal-Bridge flourished at UC Irvine and, as a result, more broadly in the UC and CSU systems. That’s one key reason why we decided to make Irvine the home of the program.”

Circadian disruption, gut microbiome changes linked to colorectal cancer

UC Irvine researchers have revealed how disruption of the circadian clock – the body’s internal, 24-hour biological pacemaker – may accelerate the progression of colorectal cancer by affecting the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier function. This discovery offers new avenues for prevention and treatment strategies. “There is an alarming rise in early-onset colorectal cancer in adults under the age of 50,” said Selma Masri (above), an associate professor of biological chemistry. “Circadian misalignment through extended light exposure, late-night meals and other environmental factors could [be] driving these cases. Our study suggests that clock disruption, particularly through lifestyle choices, may play a significant role in gut health and, subsequently, cancer risk.”

International Podcast Day

Today is International Podcast Day, so what better time than now to check out all the fascinating conversations that make up the UCI Podcast? In case you missed them, recent episodes of the UCI Podcast include Belinda Campos, chair of Chicano/Latino Studies, discussing PRIME-LC and cultural components that promote health; esports director Mark Deppe highlighting the program’s superstar gamers; and psychologist Jessica Borelli offering strategies for easing the back-to-school transition.

UC NEWS

UC Irvine among 2025 VOICE recipients

The Valuing Open and Inclusive Conversation and Engagement, or VOICE Initiative, provides funding for UC students, staff and faculty who are interested in conducting research or coordinating programs and activities. Support will go to projects that further the center’s mission of exploring the intersection of expression, engagement and democratic learning and the value of free speech. Among this year’s honorees were UC Irvine’s Eras Tour: Student-Led Free Speech Movements Gallery, SASICon 2024: Speeches for Liberation, and (Re)Writing Migration Stories Across the UC.

#IamUCI

In Their Own Words: Haley Hernandez

Growing up in a Latino household meant cherishing family traditions, says women’s basketball player Haley Hernandez. “Some of my favorite memories growing up were the women in our family coming together and making tamales for the holidays,” she recalled. “The labor of love was a long day’s work, but it also was valuable time I got to spend with my abuela and loved ones with countless memories made. My background has taught me the importance of family and how every occasion or monumental moment in my life has been celebrated with loving support from the village of people who raised me.”

#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.

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