April 21, 2026

Jacaranda trees bloom with lavender flowers in Aldrich Park. (Photo by Steve Zylius / UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Collaborating with a purpose

In its second year, the UC Irvine Climate Collaboration is going strong and building up interdisciplinary climate change research teams to meet the needs of regional partners. Brett Sanders, Chancellor’s Professor of civil and environmental engineering and UCICC director, discusses the impetus for starting the organization, how it functions and what he and his collaborators hope to achieve.

Headache on the Hill

Dr. Nan Cheng, assistant professor of neurology, was in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the estimated 40 million Americans suffering from migraines and other headache disorders. Cheng provided a clinical perspective on the burden of migraine and other headache disorders at Headache on the Hill, a biannual event organized by the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy.

ICE enforcement cost L.A. region $625 million in lost sales

UC Irvine researchers released a policy brief showing that aggressive federal immigration enforcement carries a steep and measurable economic price – one that is ultimately paid by local businesses, neighborhood residents and the governments that serve them. “When residents fear leaving their homes, they shop less, eat out less and limit patronizing local businesses,” said T. William Lester, associate professor of urban planning and public policy (above). “As a result businesses lose revenue, and local governments lose tax dollars.”

UC NEWS

CUCSA celebrates outstanding UC staff and leaders

The Council of University of California Staff Assemblies released its 2026 CUCSA Annual Awards to honor staff and leaders across UC who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting colleagues, strengthening communities and advancing the staff experience. Each year, CUCSA delegates nominate individuals who exemplify the values of service, collaboration, inclusive excellence and leadership. Lou Gill, senior director of undergraduate housing at UC Irvine, was specifically lauded for supporting staff and strengthening community. He received the Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award.

#IamUCI

Hunting for the next Earth

In this video, Claire Rogers, Ph.D. student and Cal-Bridge scholar in physics & astronomy, discusses using telescopes like the W.M. Keck Telescopes in Hawaii to search for planets beyond the solar system.

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