UCI Research Team receives $3 million from Department of Energy
A UCI team led by biology professor Steven Allison was recently awarded $3 million from the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the effects of drought on surface soil microbes.
These microbes play a key role in plant life sustainability and the release of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Drought brought on by climate change may have a great effect on them.
Along with other researchers from UCI and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Allison will focus on developing innovative ways to predict what these effects may be. Findings from this research could help scientists better understand the real consequences of climate change.
ASUCI Observes National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
ASUCI is hosting an event this week at the Student Center Terrace to recognize issues surrounding National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
The Food Security Commission, the Anteaters in Action Commission and the Campus Task Force Commission have teamed up to show students various ways they can help the homeless and others in need.
The national event, sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness is hosted every year the week before Thanksgiving. According to its website, the initiative strives “to educate the public, draw attention to the problem of poverty and build up the base of volunteers and supporters for local anti-poverty agencies.”
Activities at UCI this week, like making healthcare packages, are aimed at educating students on housing and food insecurity.
Student Venture Competition Kicks Off
The 2017 Beall New Venture Competition, which gives UCI students and staff members the chance to create and fund their own startup ideas, commenced at the Paul Merage School of Business last Wednesday, Nov. 9.
The six-month competition involves a series of eight or more expert-led workshops to help students learn what it takes to launch a business.
Participants form a team, present their ideas and attend workshops before submitting their final business plans.
The Final Presentations and Awards Ceremony will be held on May 12. More than $100,000 will be awarded to winning teams.
Federal Agencies Band Together to Help Veterans Become College-Educated
The US Department of Education (DOE), as well as the the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a joint effort to support veterans who aspire to pursue higher education last Thursday, Nov. 10.
The White House also issued a Presidential Memorandum instructing federal agencies to do more to ensure veterans are getting the most out of postsecondary programs and education benefits.
Initiatives will include a DOE and VA pilot program which will consider how technology can benefit and contribute to veterans’ success in college, increased data sharing so veterans can make informed decisions on where to apply their benefits and a move to provide student loan interest rate relief to active-duty servicemembers.
In addition, the departments hope to continue their efforts to protect students from predatory actions by for-profit schools and aggressive recruiting programs.
