Winter 2026 Content

Risks of AI Mirror Social Media

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 10:41am

Artificial intelligence is already blurring how we think about what is real, even when we know the truth.

A recent study at UC Davis had AI chatbots send messages to people’s phones to remind them to get their steps in. Those messages were interactive. Sometimes the chatbot would tell a joke based on this example provided by the research team:

Do you know what a sloth's favorite exercise is?

Running late!

Ph.D. Alum Wins ‘Genius’ MacArthur Grant

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 10:40am

For evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers, Ph.D. ’05, winning a 2025 MacArthur fellowship — “genius grant” — came as a total shock.

“I was stunned,” said Kiers, a professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. “I think it’s the mystery of the process that makes winning the fellowship so exciting because there’s no application, no forms, you have no idea who nominated you. It’s magic.”

Why Is Federally Funded Research So Important?

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 10:35am

America’s lucrative, long-running investment in basic science and research is under threat, and the consequences could be far-reaching for local and national economies and for the United States’ leadership in innovation and technology.

Meet 5 UC Davis Student Leaders

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 9:40am

The presidencies of UC Davis student governments and hired advisors to the chancellor and the dean of Graduate Studies are among the most high-profile student positions on campus. Let’s meet five students who’ve taken on the roles this year.

UC Davis Engineering Faculty Find Harmony on and Off Stage

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 9:34am

At UC Davis, the College of Engineering is known for innovation, academic excellence and now, for rocking out. A band comprised entirely of faculty and staff members, The Technically Hip, is striking a chord not just with music lovers on campus, but also with those who value community, creativity and a healthy work-life balance.

At Napa’s Matthiasson Winery, UC Davis Connections Age Well

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 9:33am

It’s an autumn day at Matthiasson Winery, and the place is humming. Steve and Jill Klein Matthiasson are coordinating the delivery of freshly harvested grapes, crews are prepping the gear needed to crush, destem and begin fermentation, and guests are arriving to taste already bottled vintages while seated at outdoor tables overlooking the Napa Valley.

Alum Creates ‘Welcome to Davis’ Mural

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 9:32am

Seongmin Yoo, M.F.A. ’24, identifies as an Aggie in every sense of the word. Though she grew up in South Korea, she says Davis is home.

Yoo has been working with the Davis Mural Team for the last three years and has helped paint five murals downtown. She is passionate about helping the local art scene thrive.

A Campus Connection

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 9:32am

Fire Chief Nate Hartinger

Newly appointed UC Davis fire chief Nate Hartinger ’00 identified his career path by the time he graduated with dual degrees in communication and sociology.

Why Do We Fear Snakes?

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 9:31am

Dusk starts to settle across the landscape. The dirt trail, lit by the last licks of sunlight, winds through the trees. The sound of your shuffling footfalls fills the quiet.

Suddenly, you stop. Something isn’t right.

As you scan the path, you see it. No more than two paces ahead of you is a coiled rattlesnake ready to strike. Its rattle sounds.

Read Excerpts from Alum’s New Poetry Book

Jocelyn C Anderson — November 17, 2025 - 9:30am

Gabrielle Myers, M.A. ’08, explores the human experience in her new book of poetry.

Points in the Network (Finishing Line Press, 2025), her third poetry book, takes on complex feelings while also looking at social injustice, homelessness and more.