May 5, 2026

The Infinity fountain reflects midday light as students amble through the lower Physical Sciences Plaza. (Photo by Steve Zylius / UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Bernard Choi named director of Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic

Bernard Choi has been appointed as director of the Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, following a comprehensive national search. Choi has served as the institute’s interim director for the past three years, guiding the team through a period of significant growth and scientific achievement. As professor of biomedical engineering and surgery, he bridges the School of Medicine and the Henry Samueli School of Engineering. “The next chapter of the Institute is about translation, moving new innovations in optical and photonic technologies out of the laboratory and impacting patient care,” said Choi. “That vision only succeeds if we are equally committed to the educators and trainees who will carry this field forward.”

Corps strength

College Corps fellow Ella Faysman (second from left), a second-year prelaw student majoring in international studies and political science, helps prepare lunch plates at Lakeview Senior Center in Irvine.

UC Irvine has been awarded $4.7 million as a returning partner campus for the 2026-29 #CaliforniansForAll College Corps. The funding ensures that hundreds of low-income students in the program will continue to contribute to Orange County communities while mitigating the cost of higher education. Ella Faysman, an international studies and political science major, joined College Corps to meet others and give back to the community. “When I joined College Corps, I met so many people in my major,” said Faysman. “It helped me grow and learn about myself in terms of what type of people I enjoy being around, the type of volunteering I like to do and what specific communities I would want to serve in the future.”

Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month

May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. UC Irvine Libraries continues to expand its collections on AANHPI communities and their cultural contributions, compiling a broad-ranging Southeast Asian Archive to a wide variety of digital resources, scholarly texts and creative works. While certain resources are restricted to those with a valid UCInetID, many are accessible to the public as part of UC Irvine Libraries' ongoing commitment to promoting learning and enhancing access.

UC NEWS

Scholars and alumni elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

UC-affiliated scholars, alumni and honorees have been elected to the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences. UC Irvine’s Kyriacos A. Athanasiou, Distinguished Professor of biomedical engineering (above); George E. Marcus, Distinguished professor of anthropology; Etel Solingen, Distinguished Professor of political science; Jacquelynne Eccles, Distinguished Professor of education; David Snow, professor emeritus of sociology; and James Weatherall, Chancellor’s Professor of logic and philosophy of science join new members recognized for leadership in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research and science.

#IamUCI

Medical student wins OC Marathon

Photo courtesy of Brianna Bourne

Brianna Bourne, a School of Medicine student (above center), was the women’s winner at the 22nd annual OC Marathon, finishing in just over 2 hours and 57 minutes.

#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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