Rep. Loretta Sanchez, who represents the 47th Congressional District, comprising much of central Orange County, visited key research centers at UC Irvine Tuesday, Aug. 4, to learn about emerging technologies. Graduate students Shane Stephens-Romero and Allie Auld joined National Fuel Cell Research Center director Scott Samuelsen in telling Sanchez about the future of hydrogen power. The congresswoman then climbed behind the wheel of a fuel-cell-powered Toyota hybrid and drove to the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. There she heard from Hans Keirstead and Peter Donovan, center co-directors, and Frank LaFerla, director of the Institute for Memory Impairments & Neurological Disorders, about their work. She urged them to educate the community about the value of stem cell therapy.   More »

Kyle Good's notion of a sustainable energy storage device designed to power electric vehicles has catapulted him to the finalists in the "What's Your Crazy Green Idea" contest sponsored by X Prize Foundation. "If chosen, my idea could become the next energy and enviroment X Prize competition with a $10 million incentive to anyone who can achieve the goals specified," said Good, a second-year film and media studies student at UC Irvine. The X Prize Foundation's goal is to promote creation of radical breakthroughs that benefit humanity. Its most publicized achievement was funding the construction of a private spaceship. Good's "Capacitor Challenge" is competing against two others. Winners are chosen by popular vote. To cast a ballot, go to   More »

UC Irvine Chancellor Michael V. Drake and professors Peter Li and Yvonne Rainer have been named 2007 fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. They join 32 other honorees affiliated with UCI who have been elected to the 227-year-old academy of scholars, scientists, academics and business people. Fellows and foreign honorary members are nominated and elected to the academy by current members.This year’s new fellows also include Sandra Day O’Connor, Robert Redford and UC Irvine benefactor Donald Bren.   More »

The UCI Alumni Association will recognize National Medal of Science winner R. Duncan Luce with its Extraordinarius award at the 37th annual Lauds & Laurels ceremony. Luce, a pioneer in mathematical behavioral sciences, and 16 others will be honored May 10 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Since 1971, UCIAA has bestowed awards to those alumni, colleagues, faculty, staff, students or community friends that demonstrate heartfelt dedication and commitment to UC Irvine.   More »