Sept. 22, 2025

New and returning students busily move into their campus homes. (Photo by Steve Zylius / UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Celebrating Hispanic heritage

The UC Irvine Libraries continually expands its collections focused on Hispanic heritage and related subjects that document and honor the contributions of Latine individuals. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Libraries created a guide of available online resources, archival materials and media (including both fiction and nonfiction), and recent book acquisitions. While certain online resources are restricted to those with a valid UCInetID, many are accessible to the public as part of UC Irvine Libraries' ongoing commitment to promote learning and enhance access.

Orange County demographics

Dr. Sonia Sehgal, a UCI Health internist and geriatrician, spoke with Voice of OC about Medicare as a costly health insurance option for older adults as their medical needs increase. “To age is very expensive. We know that Medicare, which is the primary insurer for people over 65, doesn’t cover very basic things. For example, hearing aids and dental care are not covered and are often very expensive out of pocket,” said Sehgal.

Sniffing out danger

UC Irvine scientists are working on a device that appeals to the senses: an electronic nose capable of detecting explosives, narcotics and dangerous chemicals – down to individual molecules. Led by Peter Burke, a professor in electrical engineering and computer science, the team aims to create a handheld device that reacts to trace amounts of chemical substances – even those that differ by just a single carbon atom. The National Science Foundation supports the work. #StandUpForUC #SpeakUp4Science

Shining light on trauma care

When someone suffers a devastating injury – whether from a roadside blast, a car accident or a house fire – seconds matter. At Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, UC Irvine researchers are developing new tools to give physicians exactly that kind of real-time insight – using beams of light. A team led by Bernard Choi, professor of biomedical engineering and acting BLI director, is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in trauma medicine thanks to a $7.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The technology can provide clinicians fast, accurate and noninvasive ways to see what’s happening inside the body during trauma care. #StandUpForUC #SpeakUp4Science

UC NEWS

UC alumni entrepreneurs

According to the 2025 Pitchbook rankings of the top 100 universities for entrepreneurship, University of California undergraduate alums have started more venture-backed companies than alumni of any other university. The entire UC system performed exceptionally well across all categories in this year's PitchBook rankings, with UC Irvine securing a position in the top 100 at number 90.

#UCIconnected

UC Irvine’s Future Leaders Initiative

Over 150 high school and college students, many hailing from underserved communities throughout Orange County, took part in UC Irvine’s Future Leaders Initiative, hosted by the Irvine Company. The participants spent a day at the Irvine Spectrum Center engaging in educational activities with local business leaders, including Irvine Company executives. The visit was part of a weeklong program organized by the Paul Merage School of Business aimed at introducing students to the local business community and professionals in various fields, including those in entrepreneurship, planning and commercial real estate.

#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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