Oct. 8, 2026

Anteater Time Machine: Students play the beautiful game, circa 1969. (Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Libraries Archives)

UC IRVINE NEWS

Department of Energy selects UC Irvine AI-driven geothermal energy project

Mohammad Javad Abdolhosseini Qomi (right), professor of civil and environmental engineering, here with co-principal investigator Russ Detwiler, professor of civil and environmental engineering.

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science has selected MAESTRO, a geothermal energy project led by UC Irvine researchers, to guide its second phase for the next three years. The initiative was established to improve energy independence and security in the U.S. Project experts will use AI to discover and tap into geothermal energy resources safely and economically. “There is more than enough potential geothermal energy underground to power the entire United States, but unlocking it safely and economically is still a major challenge,” said lead principal investigator Mohammad Javad Abdolhosseini Qomi, professor of civil and environmental engineering. “The MAESTRO project is designed to resolve the gaps in our knowledge of complex underground environments by using an integrated AI framework to attack the problem from multiple angles.”

Beyond America’s 250th

This summer, the U.S. celebrated 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At UC Irvine, 29 middle and high school teachers are making sure the conversation continues long after the anniversary. The teachers are the inaugural cohort of the Teaching the Declaration of Independence at 250: Fellows Program, a year-long professional learning experience led by the School of Education’s Teacher Academy through the Fortifying Liberty's Legacy: Cultivating Informed Citizens Through History and Innovation grant program. “When people interact with the Declaration of Independence, they often leave impacted, resonating with the ideals and then moved to action,” said one Fellow. “This makes me think about how to support my students to interact with the Declaration and give them space to create ideas.”

First in-human study attacks pancreatic cancer with laser light

The UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is conducting a first in-human, phase 1 clinical trial using laser light to target localized but inoperable pancreatic tumors. Radiologist Dr. Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh is leading the groundbreaking effort, which uses the light-sensitive drug padeliporfin to destroy pancreatic tumors that encase major arteries in the abdomen. Once the vessels are clear of tumors, patients can undergo a lifesaving surgery. UCI Health is one of only two U.S. cancer centers testing the potential breakthrough treatment.

UC NEWS

UC Academic Senate welcomes new leadership

UC’s systemwide Academic Senate began the 2026–27 academic year with a new leadership team. Susannah L. Scott is the new chair, joined by Amani M. Nuru-Jeter as vice chair. Both bring years of experience in research, academic leadership and shared governance. At UC, the faculty have a formal role in university decision-making through the Academic Senate, which represents faculty members from all 10 campuses. The Senate sets academic policy, approves courses and determines requirements for admission, certificates and degrees. It also advises UC administrative leaders on budgets, faculty appointments and promotions, libraries and other matters that affect the academic environment.

SAVE THE DATE

UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge

Oct. 10, 6 a.m. (sponsored by Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center)

PBK 250th Anniversary Honorary Alumni Event Program

Oct. 9, 5 p.m. (sponsored by UCI Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society)

Irvine Global Village Festival

Oct. 10, 10 a.m. (sponsored by UC Irvine)

Ecotechnics

Oct. 10, 2 p.m., multiple subsequent dates (sponsored by Claire Trevor School of the Arts)

Before the Look of Law

Oct. 10, 2 p.m., multiple subsequent dates (sponsored by Claire Trevor School of the Arts)

Neurodivergent Career Exploration

Oct. 15, 5 p.m. (sponsored by Disability Cultural Center)

For more events, visit UC Irvine Today.

#UCIconnected

Send in your tributes

Honor the memory of a loved one by adding an ofrenda to UC Irvine’s Día de los Muertos digital altar. To participate, email photos of your loved ones, their name, dates of birth and death, your name and a dedication of up to 100 words to secomm@uci.edu. Write “altar” in the subject line, send by Oct. 28 and help create a beautiful, collective homage to those we cherish. Tributes will appear on screen at the fourth annual Día de los Muertos, which will take place Nov. 2 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

#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.