I’d like to extend a sincere “welcome back” to everyone after the Thanksgiving break and the campus closure caused by the very poor air quality from the tragic Camp Fire. Our hearts go out to all those affected by what is now the most destructive and deadly wildfire in California history.

The relative calm of summer in Davis has quickly given way to the hustle and bustle of our students, staff and faculty gearing up for a new academic year. We welcome everyone back and look forward to the excitement, discovery, and connections this change in seasons brings.

Congratulations to the 1,720 undergraduate students who will cross the stage at one of two College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) commencement ceremonies on Friday, June 15. 

Kamaljeet (Kamal) Singh-Khaira has been named director of the University of California CalFresh Nutrition Education Program (UC CalFresh). Singh-Khaira will begin her new role in June, succeeding David Ginsburg, who has successfully led UC CalFresh since 2008. 

Field days help farmers plan for the future

Field days for California growers are a tradition going back to the very beginning of the University of California. They have stood the test of time because they are an extremely effective method of showing the agricultural community the latest innovations in plant and animal production.

Wine chemist takes helm of UC Davis institute devoted to wine and food

Professor Andrew Waterhouse, a faculty expert in wine chemistry, quality and analysis, has been named Director of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at the University of California, Davis.

Waterhouse brings extensive experience in teaching, research and community involvement to the institute, which connects faculty and students with a broad network of scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, consumers and industry professionals engaged in wine, brewing and food science.

Farmers gather to see new research in beef, alfalfa and small grains

When it comes to agricultural research, there’s nothing like seeing it in action to learn how it fits on your farm. That’s why farmers, ranchers, crop advisers and many others gathered at UC Davis on a recent sunny day in May to attend field days focused on beef, alfalfa and small grains.

Susan Harrison, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors a scientist can receive. As an ecologist, Harrison studies the processes that shape and maintain plant species diversity at the landscape scale.

Gurdev Khush among those to receive highest campus honor at June 8 gala in Sacramento

Recipients of the UC Davis Medal were recently announced, and among them is Professor Emeritus Gurdev Khush of the Department of Plant Sciences. The medal is the highest honor the university bestows on individuals.

Khush is perhaps best known for his work with the International Rice Research Institute, where he spearheaded the program for developing high-yielding and disease- and insect-resistant varieties of rice. 

CA&ES faculty and staff honored by their peers for notable achievements

Frank Zalom, a distinguished entomology professor and Cooperative Extension specialist, received a lifetime achievement award for his work in integrated pest management (IPM) at the Ninth International IPM Symposium held in March in Baltimore.