June 4, 2026

Anteater Time Machine: Anteaters celebrate graduation with a photo, circa 1983. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Evaluation protocols for city chatbots

AI is increasingly being tapped to deliver public service information to Southern California residents. But what happens when deployment of this technology outpaces evaluations of its accuracy, use and impacts? A UC Irvine-led research team has received funding from the Social Science Research Council to address these concerns. “Municipal oversight remains focused on basic operational metrics, not on whether these systems help residents understand their rights, navigate civic processes or engage meaningfully with local government,” said Bill Maurer, social sciences dean, professor of anthropology and law, and the project’s principal investigator. “So cities in Southern California face a choice: continue rolling out AI without democratic oversight or intentionally evaluate and govern these systems to strengthen civic trust, equity and participation.”

Students transcend musical boundaries with inventions

Student team HeartThrob set their percussion instrument to the player's heartbeat.

UC Irvine students challenged the limits of music through their inventions showcased at the third annual Engineering-Symphonic Orchestra New Instrument Competition. Jars filled with water, XYZ coordinates, dancing gloves and heartbeat-led-percussion were some of the creative ways students expanded the boundaries of sound with their musical instruments. “E-SONIC is a unique opportunity for our students to show their artistic and creative sides while applying their engineering skills,” said Bihter Padak, assistant professor of mechanical & aerospace engineering.

Symptoms years after treatment

A new study led by Joel Milam, professor of epidemiology & biostatistics (above), highlights the often-overlooked long-term health challenges faced by young adult cancer survivors. Researchers found that symptom burden remains widespread nearly a decade into survivorship. “Even years after treatment ends, many young adult cancer survivors are still managing a wide range of symptoms that can affect their daily lives,” said Milam. “These findings highlight that survivorship doesn’t mean the end of cancer-related health challenges, instead it often marks the beginning of a different phase of care.” The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health supported the work. #SpeakUp4Science

UC NEWS

Practical tips for more inclusive, engaging content

Accessibility is about making sure everyone can engage with content. With new accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.1 AA) taking effect for UC social channels in April 2027, now is the time to build social media habits to future-proof work and improve performance today. Learn how to make social content more accessible, without slowing down workflow.

SAVE THE DATE

The Symphony Orchestra will close the season with a vibrant program designed to be shared with friends and community members.

UCI Symphony Orchestra

June 5, 8 p.m. (sponsored by Claire Trevor School of the Arts)

at the very bottom of a body of water

June 6, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and multiple subsequent dates (sponsored by Claire Trevor School of the Arts)

UCI Chamber Music Concert

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

Noel Drury, M.D. Institute for Translational Depression Discoveries Launch Event

June 9, 10 a.m. (sponsored by Noel Drury, M.D. Institute for Translational Depression Discoveries)

For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#IamUCI

Digging in

There was a time when Claire Kerns did not believe she would ever earn a college degree. Now, not only is she graduating from UC Irvine with an anthropology degree, she’s also heading to one of the world’s top two master’s programs in her field. “I’ve gotten to take some of the most interesting classes on topics that I never would have thought of,” said Kerns. “Every single professor has such interesting topics of research, and they are always willing to encourage and help you.”

#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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