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Finding classrooms was a challenge on UC Irvine’s first day, Oct. 5, 1965. Class convenes in Science Lecture Hall (now Schneiderman Lecture Hall). (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives) |
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Flutist transcends tradition |
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Earlier this year, Kojiro Umezaki, composer, professor of music and renowned player of the shakuhachi – a traditional Japanese flute – used an original generative AI system he developed, called simerent, as an accompaniment and backdrop to his performance of “The Ghost of Autumn Winds (秋風の).” Umezaki characterizes his work as an extension of UC Irvine’s Integrated Composition, Improvisation and Technology program – an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program taught by core faculty whose work embraces diverse forms of music making, challenging traditional distinctions among classical composition, computer music, improvisation and jazz. The emphasis is on innovation in all forms and on the overlap between sounds and ideas to craft projects that redefine contemporary music. |
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Scientists discover new state of quantum matter |
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UC Irvine researchers have identified a new state of quantum matter – something that until now existed only in theory. “It’s a new phase of matter, similar to how water can exist as liquid, ice or vapor,” said Luis A. Jauregui, professor of physics & astronomy and lead author of the study, which appears in Physical Review Letters. The discovery could lay the foundation for next-generation technologies, including computers that can operate reliably at low powers even in the harsh radiation of outer space. The research was partially supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. |
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Daily movement can boost brain health |
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New research underscores the link between brain health and regular, daily movement. UCI Health neurologist Dr. S. Ahmad Sajjadi tells Prevention that exercise helps by boosting circulation, providing a sense of well-being and enhancing cognitive performance. |
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From President Drake: Our incredible impact |
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On his last day as President of the University of California, President Drake shares, “Arriving as a 21-year-old medical student, my ambitious plan was to finish school and set up a solo private practice,” said Michael V. Drake. “This was the only model I knew. A future that included residency, a march through the faculty ranks, and opportunities to serve as Vice President, Chancellor, and President were beyond my imagination. The journey has been filled with opportunities to work with the outstanding students, faculty, and staff who are the heart of our university, and the privilege of representing UC to the wider world.” |
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The July monthly UC Spotlight celebrates the UC locations, teams and individual staff members who are helping to make UC a great place to work. This issue highlights four UC Irvine achievements:
Patty Furukawa, assistant dean and CIO/COO at the School of Law, who will be honored with the Outstanding Staff Achievement award at the 2025 Lauds & Laurels Awards Ceremony. The awards recognize members of the UC Irvine community for outstanding contributions to the university, their professions and society. Anne Marie Watkins, chief nursing executive and senior vice president at UC Irvine Health, was named one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2025. The UC Irvine Police Department has achieved the goals outlined in the 30×30 Initiative, part of a national effort aimed at increasing representation and improving the experiences of women in policing. The UC Irvine teamMADE team attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first residential unit they designed and built for public use. The development will provide housing for local at-risk youth.
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Ph.D. student wins two national grants |
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Economics Ph.D. student Noah Kouchekinia was selected for the Horowitz Foundation for a Social Policy Dissertation Grant and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy’s Dissertation Fellowship Program – two competitive awards that recognize the potential of research to inform public policy and support scholars in bringing that work to completion. |
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Associate professor elected into Explorers Club |
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Daniel Parker, associate professor of population health & disease prevention, was elected as a Fellow National into The Explorers Club, a U.S.-based international and multidisciplinary professional society with the goal of promoting scientific exploration and field study. The honor is awarded to individuals who conduct fieldwork, often in remote or challenging environments. Parker, designated as ‘FN ’25’ to indicate the year of his induction, was recognized for his field-based and exploratory work in Myanmar, Southeast Asia and South America. |
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#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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U.S. News & World Report, July 30
Cited: Dr. Robert McCarron, professor of psychiatry & human behavior |
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CNN, July 31 Cited: Amir AghaKouchak, Chancellor’s Professor of civil & environmental engineering |
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The Diplomat, July 30 Cited: Etel Solingen, Distinguished Professor of political science |
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