Feb. 23, 2026

An intrepid raccoon crawls from a storm drain during a rainy morning outside of Hewitt Hall. (Photo by Stephen Mahler)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Executive protection certificate program

In response to security threats faced by corporations and public-facing organizations, the Division of Continuing Education started a certificate program in Executive Protection: Private Executive and Corporate Protective Operations. Retired U.S. Secret Service special agents created the program, and it is instructed by professionals with exceptional backgrounds in national security, protective intelligence and executive protection operations. "Our instructional team embodies the pinnacle of protective operations and is dedicated to providing rigorous, interactive training that accurately reflects the current threat landscape," said Lorenzo Robert Savage III, program lead and retired Secret Service executive.

Tapping AI to boost cancer detection and treatment

UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers are developing artificial intelligence algorithms that seamlessly integrate with existing imaging systems to analyze thousands of MRI images to provide clear views of tumors that otherwise would go undetected. “It is a testament to the innovation happening right here at UC Irvine, where we are turning groundbreaking research into renewed hope for patients and their loved ones,” said Peter D. Chang, UCI Health neuroradiologist and founding director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence Research.

Duo update

An upcoming change to Duo Multi-Factor Authentication requires users to update to a newer version of the mobile app. Beginning March 31, devices not running Duo Mobile version 4.85 or higher will not be able to authenticate in Duo, resulting in a loss of access to services requiring UCI Single Sign On such as email and Canvas. Phones running older versions of the app will start receiving update messages before the deadline.

UC NEWS

Apply for the 2026-27 Fellowship

Each year, the National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement selects fellows from myriad areas such as law, journalism, higher education, social science, technology and government. The center welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Applications are due by March 30. For questions, contact freespeechcenter@uci.edu.

#IamUCI

UCI Health – Orange nurse receives DAISY Award

Natascha Benz-Wolfinger, a nurse in the surgical step-down unit at UCI Health – Orange, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for going above and beyond for her patients. “She frequently volunteers whenever any patient is in need. Patients notice,” wrote the colleague who nominated her.

#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

Note: Some news sites require subscriptions to read articles. UC Irvine Libraries offers free subscriptions to The New York Times, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Orange County Register and The Washington Post for students, faculty and staff.