News

During Bilegt Baatar’s time in the Environmental Policy and Management (EPM) graduate program at UC Davis, he worked on a project that explored meaningful solutions for rural communities. He was part of a student team that analyzed gaps in electric vehicle infrastructure in non-urban areas and developed policy recommendations to address these challenges. Years later, Baatar was excited when a regulatory department cited his team’s work.

Maria Marco, microbiologist and professor with the Department of Food Science and Technology, has been elected to the 2025 class of fellows for the American Academy of Microbiology. 

Marco has been with UC Davis faculty since 2008 and teaches two upper division food microbiology courses on campus. She has built an internationally recognized research program on fermented foods, probiotics and how diet affects microbes in the gut. Her research examines the beneficial compounds these microbes produce and their impact on human well-being. 

Small and diverse farms are a vital part of California’s food system, but navigating food safety regulations can be challenging, especially for those with limited access to training and resources. To bridge this gap, UC Davis is leading an effort to establish the California Center for Food Safety, a new hub offering growers the education and support they need to meet food safety standards.

Researchers tempted grazing cattle with sweet molasses feed to discover whether cows would roam far and wide to graze or stick close to the herd, water supplies and feed stations.

The findings by animal scientists at the University of California, Davis and published in the journal Scientific Reports, offer a low-cost way for ranchers and others to identify the best cows for their landscapes to optimize grazing while meeting the nutritional needs of cattle. 

It’s mid-February and many New Year’s resolutions have already fizzled out, with research suggesting that about 80% don’t last past this point. Debbie Fetter, associate professor of teaching with the UC Davis Department of Nutrition, shares some practical tips to help make healthy habits last all year long. Fetter, who teaches the NUT 10 course, earned her Ph.D. in nutritional biology from UC Davis and provides strategies to help make healthy eating and exercise fun and sustainable.

Nestled among the rolling hills of Napa Valley and surrounded by award-winning wineries like Opus One and Robert Mondavi lies a gem of the research and winemaking world: Oakville Station.

Overseen by the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis, the 40-acres of land is home to a lab, research facility and two vineyards producing sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and other grapes.

Dean Helene Dillard from the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, or CA&ES, will gather with fellow scientists, staff and students in Tulare at the 2025 World Ag Expo, which connects farmers, growers, ranchers, prospective students, alumni and leaders throughout the agricultural industry.

At the historic gambling hall named Dai Loy – which translates to "big welcome" – UC Davis landscape architecture students received just that, as they explored the rich history of Locke, a quaint town in the Delta. The landmark was one of the stops on a field trip that immersed students in the community's past, inspiring ideas for future improvements in the region that could benefit the town.

Several faculty at the University of California, Davis, are among the recipients of presidential awards for excellence in STEM mentoring and research announced by the White House Jan. 13 and 14.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring was established by the White House in 1995 and is administered by the National Science Foundation. The most prestigious mentoring award bestowed by the White House, it recognizes mentors who work with underrepresented groups to fully develop the nation's human resources in STEM.

Winter quarter is already upon us, and I hope you all had a restful holiday break. The new year has already presented us with some unexpected challenges as we witness the devastating fires in Southern California and their impact on the state and our Aggie community. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. I want remind everyone about the available campus resources.