June 16, 2025

A graduate waves while crossing the stage at the School of Physical Sciences/School of Education commencement ceremony. Scroll to see more commencement photos. (Photos by Steve Zylius / UC Irvine.)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Mission to explore space medicine

Graduating UC Irvine medical students Kaveri Curlin and Christopher Yang

Clinical rotations, a standard component of medical school, provide hands-on training in a real-world environment for all future physicians. For two graduating students in the UC Irvine School of Medicine, however, part of this experiential learning occurred not only in a local clinic or hospital but at government and commercial spaceflight facilities. Kaveri Curlin and Christopher Yang found themselves learning from aerospace medicine physicians and onboard a parabolic flight as part of COSMOS 401, a new four-week immersive rotation, “Concepts of Space Medicine and Orbital Systems.”

4 at UC Irvine receive Fulbright awards

UC Irvine scholars Quoc-Viet Dang, Julia Gelfand, Denise Payán and Kai Wehmeier have received Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program awards for the 2025-26 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is one of the most prestigious international exchange initiatives, supporting accomplished faculty, researchers and professionals in teaching and research abroad.

The power of pets for older adults

an older man sitting on a couch with two dogs

Bringing a pet into your life can spark joy in unexpected ways. These joys of pet ownership aren’t limited by age, but they can be especially profound for older adults who often face reduced social engagement and physical challenges. “For seniors who are feeling isolated, a pet can be transformational, offering connection and purpose,” says UCI Health geriatrician Dr. Lisa Gibbs. "You just need to make sure the situation is a win-win for the owner and the pet." Whether it’s encouraging you to get outside for daily walks or offering comfort during quiet moments at home, a furry companion can contribute meaningfully to both your physical and emotional health.

UC NEWS

UC launches new employee Instagram: @UCnet_work

UC has launched a new Instagram account with content dedicated to University of California employees that celebrates the real stories, people and perks of working at UC. Complementing the UCnetwork staff newsletter, the Instagram page provides university updates, staff events, spotlights, success stories, employment news and resources – and ways to get involved and make an impact. Follow @UCnet_work to get the latest UC news and connect with colleagues.

#IamUCI

Graduating students walk to commencement ceremony
graduate smiles at a commencement ceremony
a graduate prepares to move her tassel with her classmates at commencement
a graduate walking down the stairs at graduation
a graduate adorned with multiple leis throws shaka hand signs
a student makes a heart symbol with her fingers at commencement

#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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