Latest News

Latest News

Post Doctoral Fellow, Sonja Wild's, Research on Carnivorous Squirrel Behavior Featured on CBS News

In a joint study between UC Davis and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, published in the Journal of Ethology, Sonja Wild's research observed never-before-seen behavior from California Ground Squirrels.  Previously, it was believed that these squirrels were granivorous, but the research found them hunting and feeding on voles, a type of small rodent.  Sonja posted a video on YouTube showing a squirrel hunting a vole here.

Stephanie Hampton Appointed as TERC Director and ESP Professor

Dr. Stephanie Hampton has been named the new director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) and professor in the Department of Environmental Science & Policy. A distinguished aquatic ecologist, Dr. Hampton brings extensive experience to these roles, including her current position as deputy director of Biosphere Sciences and Engineering at Carnegie Science. Dr. Hampton received her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Kansas.

Susan Harrison, James Thorne, and Hugh Safford's Study Highlights California's 30x30 Initiative and Fire Strategy Reforms as Key to Protecting Terrestrial Biodiversity Amid Climate Change

In their review published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Susan Harrison, James H. Thorne, and Hugh Safford argue that California serves as a crucial test case for global biodiversity conservation amid climate change. The study examines California’s exceptional terrestrial biodiversity and the severe threats posed by climate change, including direct impacts such as shifting plant diversity hotspots, and interactive effects involving invasive species and land-use changes.

Gwen Arnold receives 2024 Outstanding Advising Award - Faculty Role from NACADA

Dr. Gwen Arnold has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Outstanding Advising Award - Faculty Role by NACADA, The Global Community for Academic Advising. This accolade recognizes Dr. Arnold’s exceptional dedication to enhancing student development through academic advising. NACADA, which champions effective advising practices in higher education, selected Dr. Arnold based on her outstanding interpersonal skills, consistent availability to advisees, and her proactive approach in supporting student success.

Mary Jade Farruggia and Steve Sadro Publish Study on Wildfire Smoke Impacting Lakes

Ph.D. candidate, Mary Jade Farruggia, and department faculty member, Steve Sadro, published a study in the Global Change Biology journal which examined how wildfire smoke impacts lakes.  The study found that wildfire smoke deposited particles in the majority of lakes in North America which lasted more than 30 days.  The study goes on to look at the impact this has on local ecology including the food webs for these lakes. 

Mark Lubell and Tyler Scott Receive 2024 Awards from the American Political Science Association

Department faculty, Mark Lubell and Tyler Scott, have been recognized and awarded by the American Political Science Association (APSA).  Lubell has won the 2024 Elinor Ostrom Career Achievement Award which recognizes the lifetime contribution to the study of science, technology, and environmental politics.  Scott has won the 2024 Emerging Scholar Award which recognizes the notable contributions to the field of science, technology, and environmental politics.

Dan Sperling Discusses the Future of Transportation with the Focus on Sustainability

In a recent UC Davis news article, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) at UC Davis, Dan Sperling, discusses the importance of sustainability in the future of transportation and the work that ITS is doing to influence policies around the world to address the challenges faced due to climate change.  Sperling explains that ITS has centers around the world including China, Europe, and soon India while working in other countries such as Mexico.

Department Chair, Susan Harrison, Featured on ABC 7 News Discussing the Seasonal Wildflower Bloom in California

In a recent ABC 7 news segment, Department Chair, Susan Harrison, discusses what to expect during the seasonal wildflower bloom in Northern California.  In the video, Harrison explains that tall grass plants, which are not native to the area, may actually out number or out pace the native wildflowers during this blooming period. 

Watch the Story:

https://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=59fb3961-fe8e-4f…

Increasing Global Temperatures Linked to Rising Food Costs

Department Faculty member, Frances C Moore, recently commented on an Associated Press article regarding the relationship between climate change and the increase costs of food.  Moore validates a study published by the European Central Bank that describes the impact climate change has on agriculture and how this increases food costs by 1.5-1.8 percentage points.

Steve Sadro Discusses the Increase of Wildfire Smoke and its Impact on Lakes in California

In a recent study published in the Nature journal, department faculty member, Steven Sadro, examines how wildfire smoke affects the natural environment- in particular, lakes.  The study looks at the changes in California's lake ecosystems which saw a decline in ecosystem respiration during the smokiest years in California (2018, 2020, and 2021).

Frances C. Moore Receives Distinguished Scholarly Public Service Award

Associate Professor Frances C. Moore was recognized by the Academic Senate and Federation for her public service work.  She has consulted with various government agencies and groups including the Environmental Protection Agency.  From September 2022 and September 2023 she served as a Senior Economist for the Council of Economic Advisors for the White House. 

Read the news story: 

https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/senate-and-federation-honor-15-top-academics

Department Vice Chair and Professor, Susan L Handy, Discusses Reducing Traffic Congestion in the UC Davis Magazine

Traffic congestion in California has been a long standing issue within the state.  A common suggestion to help ease traffic is widening the roads on the freeways by adding more lanes.  Susan L Handy, Department Vice Chair and Professor, discusses why this is not an optimal solution and offers other viable solutions from her, Shifting Gears: Toward a New Way of Thinking about Transportation (The MIT Press, 2023).

Frances C. Moore awarded title of Chancellor’s Fellow

The Chancellor’s Fellows Program honors outstanding faculty members early in their careers. Honorees each receive a one-time award of $25,000 to be used for research, teaching or service activities. Frances Moore is part of UC Davis’ newest class of Chancellor’s Fellows for her work in environmental economics and climate science.

Department Chair and Professor, Susan P Harrison, Highlights Ecosystem Diversity in UC Davis Research Sites

In an article featured on the UC Davis website, Susan P Harrison discusses the importance of the UC Davis McLaughlin Natural Reserve research site.  The news feature describes a 15-year study Harrison worked on which described the decline plant diversity due to climate change.  This study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States.