May 14, 2026

Anteater Time Machine: Tracy Caldwell Dyson works in the lab. Caldwell Dyson, a former postdoctoral scholar in chemistry, was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998 – the year this photo was taken. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Gift to create neurosciences clinic

J.W. and Sandra L. Mitchell Foundation trustees Richard Goodman, Cecilia Goodman, Susan Laird and Howard Schulman.

The J.W. and Sandra Mitchell Neurosciences Clinic – a new home for outpatient neurology and neurosurgical care at the UCI Health – Irvine medical campus – has been established with an $8 million gift. The center will bolster collaborative research in movement disorders within the Department of Neurology at the School of Medicine. “UCI Health is grateful for the generosity of the stewards of the Mitchells’ legacy,” said Chad Lefteris, UCI Health president and CEO. “With their support, we continue to improve access to the clinical innovation and lifesaving research of the world class UCI Health neurosciences program.”

Renewable hydrogen delivers the greatest social benefit

Renewable electrolytic hydrogen produced by using electricity drawn from wind and solar sources delivers its greatest societal value when applied to steelmaking, transoceanic shipping and long-haul heavy-duty trucking, according to a new study from UC Irvine researchers. The findings conclude that renewable hydrogen applied in certain sectors offers greater social value, which includes reduced climate change impacts, cleaner air, improved public health and lower demand for natural resources.

Challenging negative stereotypes and embracing strengths associated with aging

In this episode of The UC Irvine Podcast, Susan Charles, professor of psychology and nursing, will discuss her award-winning findings on how people’s perceptions of good days – and their priorities – change as they grow older. The director of the Emotion Research Lab will also highlight several factors that contribute to well-being over the years.

UC NEWS

UC statement on Gov. Newsom’s 2026-27 revised budget proposal

In this message released today, UC President James B. Milliken thanks Gov. Newsom for his thoughtful leadership and sustained support of the University of California over the years. “The UC funding included in the May revision will help ensure that the university remains affordable and accessible to California students,” he said.

SAVE THE DATE

Original works by Ph.D. students in Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology showcase innovative approaches to contemporary music-making.

ICIT Showcase Concert

May 16, 8 p.m. (sponsored by Claire Trevor School of the Arts)

UCI Jazz Orchestra

May 20, 8 p.m. (sponsored by Claire Trevor School of the Arts)

For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#IamUCI

Leaving your comfort zone

Sunny Lin, mechanical and aerospace engineering senior, used to be really shy. Then, the quiet freshman blossomed into an engineering ambassador, student success coach, external VP of the UC Irvine chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, and a recovery design and test engineer for the Rocket Project Liquids team. For Lin, it all started with finding community. “I needed engineering friends,” she said. “Since college is a time to learn about yourself, go out of your comfort zone to discover your true identity.”

#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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