University News

Record-Breaking Haul for Fourth Annual Employee Giving Supplies Drive

Cody Kitaura — April 01, 2025

The results are in for the fourth annual Employee Giving Supplies Drive, and the outcome is record-breaking. This year’s drive brought in an impressive 1,853 pounds of non-perishable food and toiletries — surpassing last year’s total by more than 100 pounds. These generous donations will go directly to students through the AS51�ԹϺ��D Pantry and Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center.

Wexford’s Connect Labs Open at Aggie Square

Anila Mary Lijo — April 01, 2025

Connect Labs Sacramento, located at Aggie Square, opened a facility in March designed to support early-stage startups in digital, life science and health sectors.

The 50,000-square-foot space features pre-built and furnished labs, office and support spaces with a curated set of amenities, services and shared equipment for emerging and growth companies.

Make a Powerful Impact During Employee Giving Month

Cody Kitaura — April 01, 2025

April is Employee Giving Month, an ideal time to support the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis programs and services that matter most to you. Whether you're funding inspiring exhibitions at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, backing your favorite Aggie team for success, or enhancing the well-being of animals at our renowned School of Veterinary Medicine, there are endless opportunities to make a meaningful impact at our university.

8 Elected as AAAS Fellows

Andy Fell — March 27, 2025

Eight faculty from 51�ԹϺ�� Davis are among 471 scientists, engineers and innovators newly elected as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the society announced today (March 27). AAAS fellows are recognized for their exceptional achievements in science, including research, teaching, administration and science communication.

Here are the new fellows from 51�ԹϺ�� Davis, with their fellowship citations:

Crowdfund 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Continues To Hit New Milestones

Cody Kitaura — March 27, 2025

The February cohort of Crowdfund 51�ԹϺ�� Davis hosted a record 39 diverse projects led by students, faculty and staff. It also attracted over 1,045 donors, raised more $109,346 combined, and hit some exciting new milestones:

Alumni Couple to Receive 2025 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Medal, University’s Highest Honor

Karen Michele Nikos — March 27, 2025

The 2025 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Medal will be awarded to Michael C. and Renée Z. Child, who have dedicated themselves to the University of California, Davis, and their communities throughout their lives.

The alumni couple, who met as undergraduates in the early 1970s, have remained deeply committed to 51�ԹϺ�� Davis, volunteering their leadership and insight to advance many areas of the university.

‘Face to Face’: A Legacy of Inclusion and Access at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis

Anila Mary Lijo — March 25, 2025

Mikael Villalobos, associate vice chancellor for the Office of Campus and Community Relations at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis, has dedicated over three decades to making the campus more inclusive. On this month’s Face to Face With Chancellor May, the proud Aggie alumnus (’93, EdD ’14) discusses his career and how it has been driven by a commitment to the university’s Principles of Community.

LAURELS: Fellowships, Accreditation

Cody Kitaura — March 25, 2025

In this Laurels column, find news of recent fellowships, along with recognition from Finance, Operations and Administration and the University Honors Program.

Dateline 51�ԹϺ�� Davis welcomes news of faculty and staff awards, for publication in Laurels. Send information to dateline@ucdavis.edu.

Among the Academies: Transforming Lives Before Birth

Cody Kitaura — March 25, 2025

As one of the world’s first fetal surgeons, Diana Farmer has long been focused on the smallest of patients.

She specializes in treating birth defects inside and outside of the womb, treating congenital anomalies and cancer and performing airway and intestinal surgeries. In the late 1990s, she became the first woman in the world to perform open fetal surgery.

Foundation Plant Services Detects No Viruses in 2025 Distributed Grapevines

Amy M Quinton — March 24, 2025

Foundation Plant Services Classic Foundation Vineyard at the University of California, Davis, detected zero cases of grapevine red blotch and grapevine leafroll associated virus-3 infections.

Developing Future Food and Health Leaders

Amy M Quinton — March 24, 2025

The 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health will partner with 51�ԹϺ�� Investments and Denmark's Novo Nordisk for exchange fellowship.

Checking In With Chancellor May: Standing Up For Federal Research Funding

Cody Kitaura — March 21, 2025

To the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis community:

We are navigating a number of issues that are changing rapidly, often by the day or hour. On Wednesday, I shared some information with faculty and staff after University of California President Michael V. Drake announced a systemwide hiring freeze designed to manage costs in the face of budget uncertainties.

Cracking the Code of Pistachio Genetics

Amy M Quinton — March 20, 2025

51�ԹϺ�� Davis researchers have generated the most high-quality map of the DNA of the pistachio, allowing breeders to develop better varieties.

Restored Stream Supports New Wild Salmon Run

Katherine E Kerlin — March 20, 2025

A 51�ԹϺ�� Davis study confirms Putah Creek origin salmon for first time, marking a win for creek restoration and wild salmon, and providing hope for other degraded streams around the globe.

51�ԹϺ��-Wide Hiring Freeze In Response to Fiscal Challenges

Cody Kitaura — March 19, 2025

Dear Colleagues:

Today, University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., directed all 51�ԹϺ�� locations to implement a staff hiring freeze as soon as possible. This action is part of a broader effort to thoughtfully curtail expenses and minimize impacts on our current workforce.

51�ԹϺ�� Davis Expert Media Sources on Federal Issues

Karen Michele Nikos — March 18, 2025

The University of California, Davis, has political scientists, historians, economists, law professors, K-12 policy experts and other researchers who can help media navigate the current political scene. We also can help media contact researchers who can describe how their research benefits the public, and share potential consequences if funding is reduced or eliminated.

This expert guide was initially published in March 2025 and will be updated regularly. Note: This is reporters' use, not for publication.

Asking Students: How Did the Pandemic Affect Your Life?

Russell L Thebaud — March 18, 2025

Five years ago, the global COVID-19 pandemic changed the trajectory of lives all around the world. For many students, it served as a defining moment in their academic careers. To mark this five-year milestone, we asked seven 51�ԹϺ�� Davis students to reflect on their pandemic experiences and how it affected their educations and perspectives on the future.

Photography by Gregory Urquiaga

Sacramento Proud: Local Businesses Build Aggie Square

Cody Kitaura — March 18, 2025

If the walls at Aggie Square could talk, they would tell stories that go beyond the upcoming launch of the innovation district rising on the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Sacramento campus. They would also speak to local history and the role of regional enterprises in building the ambitious project that will open in May.

New Dean Named for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Amy M Quinton — March 18, 2025

Ashley Stokes, professor and dean emeritus at the University of Tennessee, will join 51�ԹϺ�� Davis as its new dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences on July 1.

The Milestones of COVID-19: A Timeline

Jocelyn C Anderson — March 18, 2025

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, its effects still pervade our lives. Millions of Americans still wear masks at times, carry hand sanitizer and work from home. We also have a heightened understanding of the role that health care providers, government and public institutions must play during a public health crisis.