Staff & Faculty News

Amemiya Awarded for Research, Teaching, Outreach and Service

August 4, 2025

Professor Amemiya, right, with Past President Leslie Pick, left, and President Karen Crow.

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology Professor Chris Amemiya has been honored by the Pan American Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology (PASEDB) with the Service Award. This prestigious award celebrates a society member who has made exceptional contributions to PASEDB and...

Researchers Discover Mechanism Proteins Use To Find And Control Genes

Bioengineering Professor Victor Muñoz has answered a long-standing genetic mystery, and his research suggests that someday, bioengineers could devise ways to control gene activity — manually...

National Academy of Engineering Elects Kurtz Into Its Ranks

Professor Sarah Kurtz has become the first UC Merced faculty member to be elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in recognition of her contributions to the development of gallium...

Maria Nishanian will assist graduate students with academic support, time management skills, communication skills, and referrals to campus and community resources.

Grad Students Gain an Ally in New Academic Counselor

Graduate students face a number of unique challenges as they embark on the life-changing journey of earning their master’s or Ph.D. Adjusting to graduate studies, achieving work-life balance...

Fellows prepare to undergo mock interviews where they will present their research in a way the general public can understand.

New Fellowship Program Gives Faculty an Edge in Competitive Funding Landscape

Many faculty members are experts in their fields, pioneering new ways to think about complex subject matter. But how does one communicate that research in a simple way, specifically when seeking...

In Yosemite, prescribed burning saved the Tuolumne giant sequoia grove from the Rim Fire, the largest-ever Sierra Nevada wildfire.

Wildfire and Water Challenge Solutions Featured in Documentary to Air on KVIE

UC Merced researchers outline solutions to the severe wildfire problems in California’s mountain forests and closely linked water resource challenges in a documentary premiering on KVIE, the...

‘Home for the Holidays’ Gift-Drive Brings Joy to Local Children

The spirit of giving is taking root across UC Merced as the campus collects gifts for Merced County families through the annual “A Home for the Holidays” campaign. Members of the...

UC Merced Emergency Manager Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro

UC Merced's First Emergency Manager Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro Comes Prepared

Emergencies can come in many forms, from a burst pipe that causes a flood, to a major earthquake, to a threat of violence. No matter its character, Laura Rodriguez-Mascorro will make sure the campus...

Dr. Thelma Hurd joins UC Merced as the Director of Medical Education after years working as a clinician, public health researcher and translational scientist.

New Director of Medical Education Ready to Unleash Valley’s Untapped Potential

Dr. Thelma Hurd’s journey in medicine has taken her from New Jersey to Nigeria, with stops in Texas and Buffalo. Along the way, she gathered experience as a clinician, public health researcher...

Nicole Pollack joined UC Merced in August, marking a return to the Valley for the longtime Turlock resident.

New Chief Human Resources Officer Nicole Pollack returns to her Valley roots

Nicole Pollack is happy to be home. After a few years in the Bay Area, the longtime Turlock resident is back in the San Joaquin Valley and diving into her new role as UC Merced’s chief human...

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