Above: Students walking at Kresge College (photo by Jason O’Rear)
Features
The long and short of it
Telomeres, crucial for cell division, show surprising chromosome-specific length patterns. A new study using nanopore sequencing—invented at UC Santa Cruz—unveils potential targets for disease prevention and innovative drug screening.
By Mike Peña
Undergrads get rewarding research experience—and crucial career prep
Employing Humanities–funded undergraduate students have begun working with faculty in paid research opportunities that connect their classroom curriculum with hands-on training.
By Gwen Jourdonnais
Alum, noted artist teaches art workshop for students
For three days, alumnus and noted artist Fritz Chesnut worked with a group of Art Department students, teaching them a technique for applying paint distinctively to canvas using unexpected tools and materials as a new mode of creating abstract art.
By Gaby Messino
How California can capture more jobs from lithium battery boom
A study from the UC Santa Cruz Institute for Social Transformation, New Energy Nexus, and the UC Berkeley Labor Center demonstrates the need for strategic investments and policy approaches to encourage build-out of the lithium supply chain within California in an environmentally friendly and economically inclusive manner.
By UCSC Public Affairs and New Energy Nexus
Research on understudied lung cancer drivers may improve treatments
Angela Brooks has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s prestigious R01 program to study how gene isoforms impact cancer progression and what treatments might be most effective or lead to drug resistance.
By Emily Cerf
Alumni profiles
Looking back and moving forward: Alumni Reunion Weekend 2024
With nearly 200 alumni, family, and friends in attendance, Alumni Reunion Weekend, held April 14–15, was filled with reminiscing, rekindling, and reuniting.
By Rachel Raiyani (John R. Lewis ’23, human biology)
Innovation at the intersection: An alum’s trailblazing ventures in tech, film, and social change
Kortney Ryan Ziegler is an award-winning tech entrepreneur, a filmmaker and producer, a social justice advocate, and a scholar.
By Haneen Zain (Rachel Carson ’21, politics)
Embracing identity: Tchad Sanger’s advocacy and leadership at UC Santa Cruz
Tchad Sanger, UC Santa Cruz university registrar and alum, found his identity and purpose on campus. Now, he’s an advocate for student rights and inclusivity. His journey from student to administrative leader reflects his commitment to the university’s mission.
By Stephanie Silva
Championing inclusion: Nancy Kim’s leadership in UCSC’s resource centers
Nancy Kim graduated from UCSC in 1994, became the university’s founding Director of the Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center, and currently serves as the Executive Director of Resource Centers.
By Haneen Zain (Rachel Carson ’21, politics)