Spotlight on…
Photo: Chris Johnson

The hunger for 'perfect' ramen

To alum Chris Johnson, necessity — and hunger — is the mother of invention. Johnson '02 has invented a way to microwave ramen noodles — a staple of every college student's diet — to stovelike perfection. Seemingly overnight, Johnson and his Rapid Ramen Cooker have become nationwide sensations. [ Video… ]

NEWS SUMMARY

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

Record applications make major gains in diversity

A record high of nearly 70,000 students have applied for fall 2013 admission to UC Davis, representing impressive gains in national and international applicants as well as those from historically underrepresented groups. Systemwide, applications are up 8.6 percent from last year. Read the UCOP press release. [ More… ]

Pomeroy to lead Lasker Foundation

Claire Pomeroy has been named president of the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, which for 68 years has championed advances in medical research. Pomeroy, an expert in infectious diseases, is a professor of internal medicine and microbiology and immunology, as well as dean of the School of Medicine, chief executive officer of the UC Davis Health System and vice chancellor for Human Health Sciences. She had previously announced that she would leave the university on June 30. [ More… ]

Campus turns waste water vapor to heat for Tercero 3, collects another rebate

Energy wrung from a former waste product — water vapor often seen as a fluffy white plume coming out of the campus steam plant — will heat the new Tercero 3 residence halls and allow the university to cut its natural-gas purchases by 511,000 therms a year (and cut greenhouse gas emissions). PG&E is giving the university a one-time rebate of $511,000 (a dollar a therm), which adds to energy-conservation rebates of $7.65 million since 2009. [ More, with slide show… ]

Accused remains in custody after arraignment in Jan. 17 explosion case

David Snyder, 32, remains in jail in lieu of $2 million bail following his arraignment Thursday in Yolo County Superior Court on 10 felony charges related to a Jan. 17 explosion on campus. In a statement issued Thursday, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter said: "The safety of the entire university community — students, staff, faculty and visitors — is our top priority." Authorities on Thursday night conducted small, controlled explosions of materials allegedly found in Snyder's chemistry lab, rendering them harmless. Meanwhile, the Student Farm is arranging for soil tests to determine the impact, if any, resulting from use of the farm as a site for controlled explosions on Jan. 17. [ More… ]

Staff engagement findings under review

The results of last spring's UC systemwide Staff Engagement Survey are in — and a team of UC Davis staffers and administrators is now reviewing our campus's comments. "Staff Assembly and HR are in the process of reviewing the results and will be communicating them in detail, along with action plans for improvement," said Susan Gilbert, associate vice chancellor for Human Resources, who is leading the effort with Rob Kerner, chair of the Davis campus Staff Assembly. [ More… ]

Law school hosts attorney who helped write 'I Have a Dream' speech

The School of Law, which occupies a building named after Martin Luther King Jr., is hosting an author and attorney who has his own connection to the slain civil rights leader: as counsel and speechwriter who helped compose King's "I Have a Dream" speech nearly 50 years ago. Clarence B. Jones is the keynote speaker for "Remembering Our Roots: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at King Hall." The program, free and open to the public, is scheduled to begin at noon Monday, Feb. 4, at the Conference Center. [ More… ]

The 'rebound' effect of energy-efficient cars overplayed

The argument that those who have fuel-efficient cars drive them more and hence use more energy is overplayed and inaccurate, says economist David S. Rapson in a comment article published Wednesday in the journal Nature. [ More… ]

NEWS BRIEFS: Postage goes up Sunday; new customs form process in effect

Postage rates go up Sunday, and a new customs form process — online only — is already in effect. … Professor Art Shapiro waits out a freight train to win his own beer-for-a-butterfly contest once again. … WorkLife presents a webinar for telecommuters and a brown bag on the "No Time to Workout Workout." … Registration opens next Friday, Feb. 1, for ADMAN's Mid-Management Conference — and remember, this annual program usually fills up fast. … Last week's ASUCD blood drive netted 794 pints. [ More… ]

DIRECTIVES and ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Town halls in CAES dean search; staff adviser to regents; Conflict of Interest Code

Towns halls are scheduled for Feb. 4 to discuss the qualifications that UC Davis should be looking for in the next dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. … UCOP is taking applications for staff adviser-designate to the Board of Regents. … The comment period is open on proposed amendments to the UC Conflict of Interest Code. … The Student Employment Center is seeking nominations for the 2012-13 Student Employee of the Year Awards. [ More… ]

EVENTS

Women's water polo season opener

Saturday, Jan. 26, noon, Schaal Aquatics Center

The No. 12-ranked Aggies open the new season against Cal State Monterey Bay. [ More… ]

THE ARBORETUM: Audacious Aussies and Curious Kiwis

Saturday, Jan. 26, 1 p.m., Wyatt Deck

This docent-led tour goes "down under," highlighting unusual features of plants in the Australia and New Zealand collections. Plus more in the arboretum. [ More… ]

'Super Science Saturday': Biodiversity on display in museums, collections

Saturday, Feb. 2, 1-4 p.m.

One day before the Super Bowl, visit six campus museums and collections: Anthropology, Bohart (entomology), Botanical Conservatory, Geology, Plant Diversity, and Wildlife and Fish Biology. Free. [ More… ]

More calendar listings…