Dateline archive:

Lavernia honored, Aggie love, 'global worming' — 2.8.13

UC Davis FRIDAY UPDATE

2.8.2013

News and information for faculty and staff


Spotlight on…
Photo: Scott and Kristen Judson

In sync for Valentine's Day

Couples are emotionally connected, this we know. But new research from UC Davis reveals a physiological connection, too, in the syncing of men's and women's heart rates and breathing. A lot of couples we know have an additional connection: UC Davis. Go to our Facebook page to watch the story of one married couple who met at UC Davis, and tell your own story. [ More… ]

NEWS SUMMARY

More stories at Dateline UC Davis and UC Davis News and Information

Engineering dean elected to National Academy

Enrique Lavernia, dean of the College of Engineering, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, the highest professional distinction for an engineer. … Peter Hall, distinguished professor of statistics, has been named an officer of the Order of the Australia — one of the highest honors awarded by the Australian government — for his contributions to the field of statistics worldwide. [ More… ]

Survey rewards: Better campus climate, maybe an iPad or a gift card

Kathy Henderson took the Campus Community Survey almost as soon as it was launched a week ago. Today, she received an iPad. Coincidence? Definitely not. Henderson, who works in the Office of University Development, was the first person on the Davis campus to win an iPad for participating in the survey. Dozens of other staff, faculty and students won gift cards — and there are many more prizes to come. So, take the survey! [ More… ]

Shared Services Center: 1 year old and 'continuously improving'

Throughout the two-plus years of planning for the Shared Services Center, one phrase kept repeating: "continuous improvement." That is, officials said, the center would continually refine and streamline campus business processes to save time and money — at this stage, an estimated $4 million annually. The center, which next week celebrates its one-year anniversary, is continually improving, too, by listening to its clients. [ More… ]

'Doers' in diversity receive chancellor's achievement awards

Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi and Associate Executive Vice Chancellor Rahim Reed present the 12th annual Chancellor's Achievement Awards for Diversity and Community, to members of the Academic Senate and the Academic Federation, to staff members, to an undergraduate and a graduate student, and to a community member. Diversity adds value, the chancellor says, thanking the awardees "for committing themselves and their energy to enrich the community." [ More, with slide show… ]

'Global worming': Earthworms contribute to climate change

Earthworms are long revered for their beneficial role in soil fertility, but with the good comes the bad: They also increase greenhouse gas emissions from soils, according to a new study by a research team that includes a UC Davis soil scientist. [ More… ]

Does probability come from quantum physics?

Ever since Austrian scientist Erwin Schrodinger put his unfortunate cat in a box, his fellow physicists have been using something called quantum theory to explain and understand the nature of waves and particles. But a new paper by physics professor Andreas Albrecht and graduate student Dan Phillips makes the case that these quantum fluctuations actually are responsible for the probability of all actions, with far-reaching implications for theories of the universe. [ More… ]

Needless abdominal CT scans can be avoided in children, study says

A study of more than 12,000 children from emergency departments throughout the country has identified seven factors that can help physicians determine the need for a computed tomography scan following blunt trauma to the abdomen. "CT scans involve significant radiation risk, especially for children, who are more vulnerable than adults to radiation's effects," said principal investigator and lead author James Holmes, professor of emergency medicine. [ More… ]

NEWS BRIEFS: Top rankings in the Peace Corps, again

With 60 alumni in the Peace Corps, UC Davis maintains its top-5 ranking among large California colleges and universities and top-25 ranking in the nation. … Departments eligible for Dell Computer refunds are welcome to ask the campus counsel's office for assistance in filing claims. … Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi will be a featured guest at She Shares, a series of conversations highlighting female trailblazers. … The "Mrak Gives Back" food drive nets about 120 pounds of food for The Pantry. [ More… ]

DIRECTIVES and ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Nomination time for Community Service Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012-13 Community Service Awards, honoring dedicated service to others as well as breadth, quality and time committed, by staff and faculty, and students (undergraduate, graduate and professional) and student organizations. [ More… ]

EVENTS

Black Family Week

Sunday-Friday, Feb. 10-15

This year's theme is "Our Story: Remembering Our Past, Appreciating Our Present, Reclaiming Our Future." [ More… ]

Campus Community Book Project author's talk

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m., Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center

Students, faculty and staff have been reading and discussing Isabel Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration. [ More… ]

THE ARTS: Studio 301 presents 'nightmare comedy'

Feb. 14-24, Sciences Lab lecture hall

"All at once moving and ridiculous, 'Tis Pity is where Shakespeare meets John Waters," the student troupe says. ... Plus, MFA Thesis Choreographies, Feb. 21-March 3, and a Nelson ARTfriends bus trip to the de Young Museum in San Francisco. [ More… ]

More calendar listings…