July 17, 2025

Anteater Time Machine: “In anticipation of the sturdy growth and spreading influence of the University of California at Irvine.” This California Alumni Association plaque dated Oct. 23, 1964, is located on the UC Irvine campus. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

UC Irvine researchers develop promising drugs

UC Irvine scientists made a promising discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for aggressive cancers and chronic skin conditions. In the new study, they identified a class of drug compounds that block the growth of blood vessels – a process known as angiogenesis – in both tumors and skin tissue. The discovery was led by Dr. Anand Ganesan, physician-scientist at UCI Health and professor of dermatology & biological chemistry.

UC Irvine expands national leadership in Alzheimer's research

With a $21 million renewal grant from the National Institute on Aging, UC Irvine reinforces its status as a global leader in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research. The five-year award will support the continued work of UCI MIND’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, which has been advancing understanding of memory impairments and engaging with the community for more than 40 years.

UCI Health Physician Network adds SoCal Eye as a new affiliate

UCI Health announced the expansion of its UCI Health Physician Network with the addition of SoCal Eye as a founding affiliate. The addition strengthens the academic health system’s ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality ophthalmology care and addresses the growing vision health needs in Orange County. The UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, a premier center for eye care research and treatment, plays a pivotal role in this collaboration, bringing advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise and leading-edge research to the network.

UC NEWS

UC Center Sacramento names new executive director

The University of California Office of the President has appointed Christopher Witko as executive director of the University of California Center Sacramento. Witko comes to UC from Pennsylvania State University, where he teaches public policy and political science, and serves as the director of a program in the College of Liberal Arts that prepares graduate students for careers in the public and private sectors.

University of California degrees lead to jobs, economic prosperity

According to a new data analysis, University of California graduates are more likely to find good-paying jobs and increase their earnings over the course of their careers thanks to their UC degrees. The university, in collaboration with leading workforce data firm Lightcast, released a dashboard highlighting 25 years of career outcomes for UC alumni. The new tool shows the strong connection between a UC education and a high-growth career.

SAVE THE DATE

National Choreographers Initiative: NCI Discovery 2025

July 26, 8 p.m. (Sponsored by Irvine Barclay Theatre)

New Swan Shakespeare Festival

July 18, 8 p.m. Much Ado About Nothing (Sponsored by New Swan Shakespeare Festival)

July 20, 8 p.m. All's Well That Ends Well (Sponsored by New Swan Shakespeare Festival)

For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#IamUCI

Anne Marie Watkins named Most Influential Clinical Executive

UCI Health chief nursing executive and senior vice president Anne Marie Watkins has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2025. The program recognizes licensed clinicians in executive roles for their exceptional achievements in driving innovation, improving outcomes, serving their communities and demonstrating exemplary leadership both within and beyond their organizations.

Dynamic Womxn Awards honors Katherine Thompson-Peer

(Katherine Thompson-Peer, left, at the 2025 Dynamic Womxn Awards)

UC Irvine women are leading the way – Katherine Thompson-Peer, Women In Research mentor and assistant professor of developmental & cell biology at UC Irvine, was honored with the Spotlight Award at the Dynamic Womxn Awards. It is a distinction given to individuals whose leadership and impact shine across multiple areas and whose stories speak powerfully to the spirit of the award.

#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.

UC IRVINE NEWSMAKERS

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