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.

Anita Oberholster, a wine chemist and professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis, died Saturday after a long battle with cancer. She was 50.

Known as a dedicated educator, researcher, mentor and colleague, Oberholster joined UC Davis in 2011 with a background in both wine chemistry and sensory science. She was also charged with working with the industry in her role as a Cooperative Extension specialist supporting the thousands of wineries in California. 

Yi Wang, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of California, Davis, is part of a new multi-institutional engineering research center funded by the National Science Foundation that aims to develop transformative technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster sustainable manufacturing practices.

Season’s Greetings from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences! Every December we create a yearly slideshow to showcase our many incredible efforts and commitment to excellence in education, research and outreach. This year we had several reasons to celebrate the college! Please enjoy the highlights for 2024—a year full of discoveries, awards, research and student engagement. Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, friends, donors and partners for your dedication and commitment to the college and campus.

The campus feels brisk and vibrant this November, with the cold mornings and changing leaves. There are many examples of faculty and students outdoors in action. Students with the Draft Horse and Driving Club have brought joy to many with their horse and carriage rides, giving our community a chance to connect with Olive, a gentle Percheron. At the Student Farm, students taking a course on the biology and conservation of wild birds measured and recorded characteristics and practiced handling golden-crowned sparrows, house finch and yellow-rumped warblers.

The University of California, Davis, Office of Research is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Hampton as the director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) and professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy.

Editor's note: A spokesperson is available for Zoom or phone interviews in English or Spanish on Monday, Oct. 28, or Tuesday, Oct. 29.

The University of California, Davis, is now eligible to be one of the nation’s few research-intensive universities designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, or HSI, after fall enrollment numbers crossed the threshold for HSI status for the first time.

Last week we celebrated a successful fundraising effort of over $415 million in the Expect Greater campaign. This is an incredible milestone for our college. Each gift allows us to expand our reach and educational excellence, conduct research that translates into real-word solutions, support students and create experiential learning opportunities to expand their education.

Food and wine are more than just great flavors – they reflect the stories of communities and traditions. Darrell Corti, a Sacramento food and wine expert, has spent a lifetime sharing those stories, enriching California’s culinary landscape with his introduction of new tastes, ingredients and varietals.

To honor Corti’s contributions, Bob and Roger Trinchero, brothers from one of the largest family-owned wineries in the country and producers of Sutter Home wines, have established the $1.5 million "Darrell Corti Endowed Professorship in Food, Wine and Culture" at UC Davis.