Fall 2025 Content

5 Ways UC Davis Says AI Is Surprisingly Good

Russell L Thebaud — August 18, 2025 - 9:27am

The capabilities of artificial intelligence are expanding every day. UC Davis is harnessing AI in many beneficial ways. Here, researchers in veterinary medicine, health, climate science, engineering and education ask how AI can help in their fields — and discover the good side of the growing technology.

Alum Joe Sasto Is a Rebel in the Kitchen

Jocelyn C Anderson — August 18, 2025 - 9:24am

Alum Joe Sasto releases his first cookbook in October. (Courtesy of Bre Furlong)

Joe Sasto ’10 knows food.

Statewide Study Taps 3,000 Students for Salmon Research

Russell L Thebaud — August 18, 2025 - 9:22am

In addition to predators, river diversions, and reduced spawning grounds, California salmon now face a new challenge: Thiamine Deficiency Complex, or TDC, a nutritional deficiency that leads to neurological problems and early death. Thankfully, more than 3,000 high school students offer a way forward in tackling this urgent issue.

Celebrating 100 Years of Graduate Education in Davis

Jocelyn C Anderson — August 18, 2025 - 9:20am

On a crisp fall morning in 1925, a dozen graduate students in white button-down shirts with their slacks cuffed over worn brogans arrived at the University Farm in Davis. They were united by a shared ambition: to pursue advanced studies in agriculture at what was then the research extension of UC Berkeley.

It was a quiet beginning for graduate education in Davis — seeding what would grow into one of the top graduate education programs in the country.

5 Things to Know About Baltimore Ravens Linebacker and Alum Teddye Buchanan

Jocelyn C Anderson — August 18, 2025 - 9:15am

Teddye Buchanan ’24 called from Baltimore, shortly before training camp with the Ravens was set to begin. The alum was drafted to the team in April, becoming the first Aggie to be drafted by the National Football League since 2002. He’ll be an inside linebacker.

“This year has been one of the crazier years of my life,” Buchanan said, “but a ton of fun.”

Student Satellite Project an Exercise in Technology and Teamwork

Jocelyn C Anderson — August 18, 2025 - 9:14am

This October, if all goes to plan, four UC Davis graduate students will see their work launched into orbit. For the past six months the team at the UC Davis Center for Space Exploration Research has been working with Proteus Space, Inc. on a government-sponsored project to design and build a satellite payload.

See Butterfield Horse Sculptures at School of Veterinary Medicine

Jocelyn C Anderson — August 18, 2025 - 9:13am

John Pascoe, executive associate dean emeritus of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, said he has always wanted to bring more art to the school, having seen the positive effect of public art at land-grant veterinary schools across the country. Over his more than 40 years at UC Davis, the now-retired Pascoe led the school’s efforts to collaborate with artists to acquire works, especially those depicting animals.

Winemaking in Our Own Backyard

Russell L Thebaud — August 18, 2025 - 9:12am

On a warm July morning, Marcus Meadows-Smith navigates the rows at Great Bear Vineyards. He points out an area with a varietal developed at UC Davis to be climate tolerant and drought resistant. With climate change, these grapes may become even more important over the years.

“We're going to get hotter, drier, more extreme weather conditions as climate change happens,” Marcus described while holding the still-growing grapes. “It's shaping and looking good, looks happy and healthy.”

Is the American Dream Dead?

Russell L Thebaud — August 18, 2025 - 9:12am

White picket fences. Green, manicured lawns. Children on bicycles.

The “American Dream” conjures images of a suburban ideal and elicits hope and optimism, especially for immigrants and for those fighting for democracy in their own countries. At the same time, entire segments of society have been denied equality, freedom and life. Even today, the promise of the American Dream for millions remains completely out of reach.

Exploring Country

Jocelyn C Anderson — August 18, 2025 - 9:11am

UC Davis professors Glenda and Jesse Drew aim to reclaim country music for working people through an original documentary, two decades in the making: Open Country.

“We feel like country music has kind of been taken away from its roots,” said Jesse Drew, professor of cinema and digital media at UC Davis. “A lot of people today think it's very conservative and right-wing music, and that’s not really its origins.”