University News

51�ԹϺ�� Davis’ Aggie Square Formally Inaugurated: Sacramento Innovation District Comes to Life With Labs, Classrooms, Community Spaces

Julia Ann Easley — May 02, 2025

SACRAMENTO -- Opening a new chapter in the University of California, Davis’ role as a regional engine of innovation and economic growth, Chancellor Gary S. May joined city of Sacramento leaders, developer Wexford Science & Technology LLC, business partners and community members Friday to inaugurate Aggie Square, the $1.1 billion innovation district that will bring together the university’s cutting-edge research with private-sector companies and startups. The chancellor also announced new partnerships to accelerate life sciences ventures at Aggie Square.

James B. Milliken Named 22nd President of the University of California

James Michael Nash — May 02, 2025

51�ԹϺ�� Davis Chancellor Gary S. May made the following statement about the appointment of James B. Milliken as the University of California president: “I extend my sincere congratulations to James Milliken on his selection as the next president of the University of California. With his deep roots in higher education, I know that the University is in good hands.

The Secret to Happiness Lies Within You, Or Society — Or Both

Andy Fell — May 02, 2025

What is the secret to happiness? Does happiness come from within, or is it shaped by external influences such as our jobs, health, relationships and material circumstances? A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour shows that happiness can come from either within or from external influences, from both, or neither — and which is true differs across people.

United Way Expands Collegiate Guaranteed Income Program for former Foster Youth at Sacramento State and 51�ԹϺ�� Davis

Julia Ann Easley — May 01, 2025

Twenty former foster youth studying at Sacramento State and the University of California, Davis, received their first payments today from United Way California Capital Region’s Collegiate Guaranteed Income program that will provide them with $500 a month for one year.

Support leads to success in college

Isabella E Beristain — May 01, 2025

Read how joining a student retention initiative helped 51�ԹϺ�� Davis student Pat Fang find community, gain leadership skills and discover the right career path.

Among the Academies: Searching for New Ways to Treat Pain

Cody Kitaura — April 29, 2025

Bruce Hammock, a world-class scientist with worldwide impact, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he collected insects and befriended and studied snakes, lizards, frogs, raccoons, possums, a deer and assorted other critters.

Face to Face: Aggie Square’s Aims for the Region

Anila Mary Lijo — April 29, 2025

On this month’s Face to Face With Chancellor May, George Baxter, chief innovation and economic development officer, shared insights into Aggie Square, an innovation district on the Sacramento campus.

Community Invited to Celebrate Aggie Square

Cody Kitaura — April 29, 2025

Community involvement has been a key aspect of Aggie Square since the very earliest stages of its development, so it's only fitting that all are invited to help celebrate the moment the innovation district on the Sacramento campus officially opens its doors.

How Aggie Square Is Advancing Innovation in Sacramento

Jocelyn C Anderson — April 29, 2025

Learn how 51�ԹϺ�� Davis’ Aggie Square is solving pressing challenges through collaborative research and cutting-edge technology.

Study Suggests Dance and Lullabies Aren’t Universal Human Behaviors

Andy Fell — April 29, 2025

Social singing and dance are often assumed to be hard-wired into the human condition; studies have supported the conclusion that these are common across cultures. But new research from a University of California, Davis, anthropologist challenges the idea that dance and lullabies are universal among humans.

Staff: Volunteer to Help Commencement Run Smoothly

Julie Ling Huang — April 28, 2025

To ensure that Spring Commencement runs smoothly at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento this June, organizers are inviting staff members to participate as commencement ambassadors and serve in a variety of capacities.

AVAILABLE SHIFTS

Ambassadors must be available to work a minimum of one five-hour shift and attend a virtual training session on May 14.

Shields Library Celebrates the Arboretum with Archival Exhibit

Jocelyn C Anderson — April 25, 2025

Shields Library is celebrating the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Arboretum and Public Garden and its vibrant history with a new exhibit, “Community in Bloom.”

Located in the library’s lobby, the exhibit will run through summer 2025 and features more than a dozen photographs and documents from the University Archives dating back to the 1950s.

51�ԹϺ�� President Drake: The Strength That Built Us Will Sustain Us

Cody Kitaura — April 23, 2025

51�ԹϺ�� President Michael V. Drake issued the following statement today (April 23):

Dear University of California community,

The last several months have challenged our university community in many ways. We find ourselves in a moment that requires us to navigate a great deal of uncertainty every day. This is not easy, and I know that many of you are understandably anxious about what is happening around you. In times like these, it’s important to reflect on why we are all here and all the good we do at the University of California.

Students Prepare for Undergraduate Research Conference

Julia Ann Easley — April 22, 2025

51�ԹϺ�� Davis student Natasha Bibbs of Sacramento has already gone places with academic research — and she hopes to go even further.

The fourth-year student travelled about 2,000 miles to Louisiana and more than 150 years back in time to discover how someone she believes is an ancestor — perhaps her great-great-grandfather — became one of the first Black doctors in his community and used his status to contribute to the African American community.

WarnMe Test on April 30

Julia Ann Easley — April 22, 2025

51�ԹϺ�� Davis will test its emergency notification system at noon Wednesday, April 30.

WarnMe messages provide information and directions regarding emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life and safety. Aggie Alert messages, sent using the same system and contact information, provide notification about events on and around Davis campus facilities that may cause disruption to normal activities.

What to Know About Processed and Ultra-Processed Food

Jocelyn C Anderson — April 22, 2025

Scientists explain the difference between whole, processed and ultra-processed foods. Learn how they could affect our health and how the food industry can improve.

Give Day Sets New Fundraising Record

Cody Kitaura — April 22, 2025

The spirit of Give Day was in full swing as the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis community rallied together for the ninth annual celebration, held over Picnic Day weekend. With more than 4,100 donations made both online and in person, this year’s event raised nearly $4.5 million — surpassing the previous dollar amount record of $4.1 million set in 2022.

ORG CHART: Endowed Chair, Center Directors, Law School, More

Cody Kitaura — April 22, 2025

This edition of Org Chart has news on a number of centers around campus, as well as a new endowed chair, a key financial position and more.

Novel Study Calculates the Cost to Cattle Ranchers of an Expanding Wolf Population

Amy M Quinton — April 21, 2025

51�ԹϺ�� Davis researchers found that one gray wolf can cause between $69,000 and $162,000 in losses due to lower pregnancy rates in cows and decreased weight gain in calves.

Statement from Chancellor Gary S. May on Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions

Cody Kitaura — April 21, 2025

Updated April 27: As of late Saturday, April 26, the Department of Homeland Security has reinstated the F-1 visa status for all 23 51�ԹϺ�� Davis students and recent graduates whose status was terminated earlier in the month.

Chancellor Gary S. May issued the following statement today (April 5):

This week, we learned through our Services for International Students and Scholars unit that the federal government terminated the eligibility of many international students across the country to stay in the U.S.