Dec. 9, 2024

Peppery clouds and a contrail paint the sky over the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. (Photo: Steve Zylius/UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

School of Humanities launches new "The Power of Imagination" campaign

The School of the Humanities has launched The Power of Imagination to help students to use their creative abilities to think conceptually, make and study art, write literary works, and change the world around them. Dean Tyrus Miller introduces the School of Humanities’ new banner campaign, while Luiza Silva, assistant professor of art history, starts the Imagination in Research series with a discussion about ancient Egypt, Katy Perry and how Egyptian farmers might have understood the pyramids.

UCI Libraries receives $3 million gift

The UC Irvine Libraries have received a $3 million gift to help meet the evolving needs of students, faculty and other library users in the digital age. In recognition of the anonymous gift, the university librarian’s position will be known as the "Endowed University Librarian." The anonymous donors expressed the importance of supporting the libraries’ mission and goals: “The UCI Libraries offer a wealth of knowledge. We are enthusiastic about supporting the university librarian as a leader to innovate in thought and community interaction to foster this treasure.” The university librarian is a dean-level position charged with leading and providing strategic direction for UCI Libraries. Lorelei Tanji (above), who has held the position since 2012, will be UC Irvine’s inaugural endowed university librarian.

Tips to help seniors beat the holiday blues

Feelings of sadness and depression are common for many people during the holiday season, especially for older adults who may be coping with the loss of loved ones, beloved family traditions and even their independence. A proactive approach can help prevent seasonal sadness and depression, and improve physical and mental health. And it’s not just for older adults, says UCI Health geriatrician Dr. Renee Abueg, who sees patients at the UCI Health SeniorHealth Center.

UC NEWS

UC Irvine cancer study among “12 Amazing UC discoveries of 2024”

Among “12 amazing UC discoveries of 2024” recently compiled by UC News is a UC Irvine study from September that links inconsistent sleep habits to colorectal cancer. Staying up late watching Netflix, pulling all-nighters and even midnight snacking could produce similar effects. “Our findings suggest that disruption of the circadian clock plays a significant role in altering the gut microbiome and compromising intestinal barrier integrity, both of which may contribute to colorectal cancer development,” said Selma Masri (above), an assistant professor of biological chemistry.

#IamUCI

Professor elected president of the Law and Society Association

Mario Barnes, Chancellor’s Professor of law and co-director of the Law Center on Law, Equality and Race, has been elected the next president of the Law and Society Association. He will begin the two-year term as president following the LSA annual meeting in 2025. Global and interdisciplinary in scope, LSA connects scholars from across disciplines who share a common interest in the role law plays in societal, political, cultural and economic life. “I am humbled and deeply honored to have been elected the next president of the Law and Society Association,” said Barnes. “The association has been my intellectual home for over two decades, and I, like many others, have benefited immeasurably from the group of scholars that gather together under its banner to produce impactful socio-legal work. I look forward to working with the outstanding LSA staff, trustees, executive board and membership to advance the organization’s vision and continued support for innovative, interdisciplinary and global law and society research.”

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