University of California, Berkley
Recent News About University of California, Berkley
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Middle school students explore historic musical treasures at UC Berkeley collection
Middle school students explore musical treasures from special Berkeley collections
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Introducing Max Staller: A New Addition to Our Faculty in Quantitative Biology
Max Staller, a Ph.D. graduate from Harvard University in 2015, has joined our faculty as a specialist in qualitative biology. Staller's research interests focus on understanding how cells activate genes. When asked to describe his work, Staller shared, "We study how cells turn on genes."Aside from his academic endeavors, Staller also has a variety of hobbies. He enjoys parenting, cooking, hiking, and skiing in his free time. This well-rounded approach to life is sure to bring a unique perspective to our academic community.As we welcome Max Staller to our team, we...
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Largest repatriation in Hawaiian history completed with cultural items long held at UC Berkeley
Native Hawaiians have successfully completed the largest repatriation of cultural items in Hawaiian history from UC Berkeley, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to return sacred objects to their Indigenous homelands. Mana Cáceres, a Native Hawaiian repatriation specialist, expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative process, stating, "It was really refreshing to work with people who recognize the healing that could be done for everybody in the room — not just on our side." The repatriation effort involved the return of 335 items, including 34...
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The Influence of Michael Pollan and the Launch of the Michael Pollan Narrative Journalism Fund at Berkeley Journalism
Writer Michael Pollan, known for reshaping how we think about food, health, and the environment, has extended his influence to the realm of psychedelics with the establishment of the Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics. Pollan spoke with Berkeley Journalism's Andrea Lampros in a recent interview, reflecting on his time at Berkeley and his impact on journalism and education.Pollan shared a moment of realization during a panel event at Berkeley, stating, "I knew something was cooking around this issue." This event marked a turning point in his understanding of...
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UC Berkeley’s Annie the falcon sets a record: All of her eggs hatch on the Campanile
UC Berkeley's renowned peregrine falcon, Annie, has achieved a remarkable milestone in her eighth breeding season as all of her eggs hatched successfully on the Campanile, producing four healthy chicks. Ecologist Sean Peterson from Cal Falcons expressed his excitement, stating, "This is really exciting to see." Peterson also noted the usual occurrence of one of Annie's eggs failing to hatch in previous years, speculating on the reasons behind it.With all four chicks hatching this time, Annie and her mate, Archie, are gearing up for the challenges of raising a larger...
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Meet our new faculty: Long Le-Khac, ethnic studies
Long Le-Khac, with a B.A. in English from Harvard University in 2006 and a Ph.D. in English from Stanford University in 2015, has joined our faculty to teach Ethnic Studies. His research interests encompass a broad spectrum as he delves into the connections between different racial groups, focusing particularly on Asian Americans and Latinxs. As Le-Khac himself explains, "I study the literary, cultural, political and historical relationships linking distinct racial groups — especially Asian Americans and Latinxs — and the solidarities possible in these relationships."...
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Introducing Chiwei Yan: Expert in Operations Research Joins Faculty
Chiwei Yan, a Ph.D. graduate in Operations research from MIT, has joined the faculty with a specialization in modern transportation and logistics problems. Yan's research interests also extend to platforms and market design, with a specific focus on air transportation systems.In his own words, Yan describes his work by stating, "My work centers around modern transportation and logistics problems, with a recent focus on its intersection with platforms and market design. I also have a particular interest in air transportation systems."Aside from his academic pursuits, Yan...
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In Campus Conversation, President Michael Drake Talks Budget, UC Future
University of California system President Michael Drake engaged in a Campus Conversation event, covering various significant topics related to UC Berkeley and higher education. During the conversation, President Drake highlighted the historical importance and excellence of UC Berkeley, referring to it as the origin of the University of California and a defining entity in the realm of public research universities. He expressed, "Berkeley was where we all started, where the University of California started, and Berkeley really defined for the United States, and in many ways...
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New UC Berkeley Housing Complex Honors Ohlone People with Indigenous Name
A five-building UC Berkeley apartment complex in Albany designed for graduate students will be named xučyun ruwway (HOOCH-yoon ROO-why), in honor of the Ohlone people. This marks the first time Berkeley has given a name in any Indigenous language to a campus building or consulted with an Indigenous group for naming.Charlene Nijmeh, chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, expressed that the consultation and naming of the apartment complex symbolize an important step towards reconciliation between UC Berkeley and the Ohlone people, stating, "Berkeley's consultation with...
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Berkeley Talks: The future of psychedelic science
In a recent episode of Berkeley Talks, UC Berkeley professors delved into the intriguing world of psychedelic science, shedding light on the evolution of psychedelic substances, their effects on the human brain and mind, and their potential therapeutic applications.During the discussion, psychology Professor Gül Dölen emphasized the importance of post-trip care in maximizing the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic experiences. She remarked, "If it's true that the therapeutic effects are in part because we're returning to this state of susceptibility, and vulnerability,...
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Here comes Hatch Day 2024, an event to welcome Berkeley's newest falcons
Bird lovers and enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the arrival of new members to the peregrine falcon family residing on UC Berkeley's Campanile. Annie, the matriarch, and her partner Archie are expecting up to four chicks to hatch on or before April 24th. The excitement surrounding this event has led to the organization of the third annual Hatch Day celebration at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA).Visitors to Hatch Day will have the opportunity to witness the hatching of the falcon chicks in real-time on a large outdoor screen, displaying a...
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Introducing Caitlin Patler: An Expert in Public Policy Joins the Faculty
Caitlin Patler, a Ph.D. in Sociology from UCLA, has joined the faculty as an expert in public policy. Dr. Patler's research areas focus on US immigration and criminal laws, legal statuses, and law enforcement institutions as drivers of socioeconomic and health disparities. She also explores the spillover and intergenerational consequences of systemic inequality on children's wellbeing.In her own words, Dr. Patler describes her research interests as examining "US immigration and criminal laws, legal statuses, and law enforcement institutions as drivers of socioeconomic and...
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Meet our new faculty: Alane Suhr, computer science
Alane Suhr has recently joined our faculty as a computer science expert. Suhr brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, with a B.S. in Computer science & engineering from Ohio State University in 2016 and a Ph.D. in Computer science from Cornell University in 2022.Suhr's research interests lie in "building systems that use and learn language in collaborative, situated interactions with human users." This focus showcases Suhr's dedication to exploring innovative approaches to human-computer interactions in the realm of language learning and utilization.We...
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UC Berkeley Historian and Documentary Filmmaker Named 2024 Guggenheim Fellows
UC Berkeley Professor John Connelly expressed his relief upon being named one of the 188 new Guggenheim Fellows, describing the honor as a chance to have more time to think and write in peace. Connelly, a historian, shared that the fellowship will provide him with the essential resource of time as he works on an extensive project on German history. He noted, "With more time, one is also challenged to take risks, to go down paths, ask questions, travel places that one otherwise never would have considered in the first place."Jennifer Redfearn, a Graduate School of...
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Rich Lyons to Become UC Berkeley's Next Chancellor
Rich Lyons, an established economist and the current leader for innovation and entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley, has been announced as the university's next chancellor. The UC Board of Regents confirmed Lyons as the 12th chancellor of UC Berkeley, making him the first UC Berkeley undergraduate alumnus to hold the position since 1930.In response to his appointment, Lyons expressed gratitude for the opportunities his Berkeley education provided him, stating, "No institution has come anywhere close to Berkeley in terms of shaping my life." He acknowledged the influence of his...
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Meet our new faculty: Mohamed Wajdi Ben Hammed, Arabic literature
Mohamed Wajdi Ben Hammed is a new addition to the faculty, specializing in Arabic literature. With a Ph.D. from Columbia University, an M.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and a B.A. from the University of Tunis, Ben Hammed brings a wealth of academic experience to his new role.In his own words, Ben Hammed shares his research interests, stating, "I work on Modern Arabic literature and thought with interests in postcolonial thought, philosophies of time, Sufism and the Islamic philosophical tradition."The university community looks forward to the contributions and...
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Introducing Nicholas Baer: New Faculty Member Specializing in German Studies
Nicholas Baer, a specialist in German studies, has joined our faculty. Baer obtained his B.A. from the University of Chicago in 2007, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. from UC Berkeley in 2010 and 2015, respectively. His research interests focus on film and digital media within the context of German philosophical traditions, with a specific focus on aesthetics, critical theory, and the philosophy of history.In his own words, Baer expressed his academic focus, stating, "My research examines film and digital media in conjunction with vital traditions of German thought, with a...
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UC Berkeley Graduate Programs Shine in U.S. News 2024 Rankings
UC Berkeley graduate programs have once again proven their excellence, securing top positions in various categories in the 2024 rankings by U.S. News and World Report, as announced on April 8th. The university's commitment to academic quality and innovation is evident as approximately 30 Berkeley graduate programs have secured positions in the Top 10 nationally.Among the programs highlighted in the rankings, UC Berkeley's computer science program claimed the top spot, with the university also excelling in public affairs, social work, business, and public health fields....
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Sociologist Harry Edwards Discusses the Power of Sport in Society
Sociologist Harry Edwards recently shared his insights on the role of sport in shaping society during a discussion at UC Berkeley. Edwards, a renowned sports activist and UC Berkeley professor emeritus of sociology, emphasized the potential for sport to influence societal perceptions and relationships.Speaking at a campus event sponsored by the Institute for the Study of Societal Issues and Cal Athletics, Edwards highlighted the transformative power of sport, stating, "You can change society by changing people’s perceptions and understandings of the games they play." He...
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Summit advances Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in higher education
On April 2, UC Berkeley made history by hosting the nation's first-ever Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) Higher Education Leadership Development Summit. The event brought together individuals from various backgrounds to address the pressing need for educational equity and opportunity.Organized by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), along with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and in collaboration with Berkeley Engineering, Berkeley Research, and the Division of Equity...