Research Week, the annual showcase of UC Merced’s important explorations into some of the world’s most pressing challenges, kicks off Monday with the Sierra Nevada Research Institute’s symposium on climate.
SNRI researchers are at the forefront of innovative tools, technology and thinking about resilient and sustainable ecosystems, food systems and futures. Everyone is welcome to join the annual SNRI Research Symposium as members discuss new climate research and approaches for ag, energy, infrastructure and the environment.
Research Week runs Monday through Friday and is hosted by the Office of Research and Economic Development, along with the many institutes and centers at UC Merced.
“We are genuinely excited to highlight the incredible research that goes on at UC Merced and to offer faculty, staff, students, and members of the community the chance to learn about each other’s work and intellectual passions,” said interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development Marjorie Zatz. “I hope everyone will take advantage of the many opportunities during Research Week.”
Like most of the events, the SNRI symposium will be virtual. One of the few-in person offerings is the chance to get out and go for a walk on Tuesday and tour the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve. People can learn about the ancient soils, the protected species and the shallow pools that form each year.
Research Week offers many opportunities for people to learn about topics such as intellectual property, biosafety and the culture of lab safety, UC Merced’s research facilities and a variety of subjects faculty members specialize in.
New this year: faculty flash talks. Faculty will offer 15-minute sessions to share current projects for students to be aware of research opportunities for the current academic year, summer or the next academic year.
The Health Sciences Research Institute ’s symposium will feature graduate students and faculty speaking on a broad range of topics, including an introduction to HSRI’s new San Joaquin Valley Center for Community Air Assessment and Injustice Reduction (SJV CC-AIR), for a taste of the broad range of work being conducted by HSRI members.
Topics include “Predicting and Promoting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors,” “The Effects of Electronic Cigarette Additives on Lung Surfactant Membranes,” “Toward a New Paradigm in Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases” and “Improving Self-Regulation and Social Support for Diabetes During Emerging Adulthood.”
The week will continue with guest speakers from Yosemite National Park, the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and the greater National Park Service discussing research partnerships and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. They will discuss with students how to navigate the federal job application process and access amazing lab and field research experiences.
During Grad STORY, participants can hear about the journeys graduate student researchers have been on to get to UC Merced and during their time here and get a chance to ask the students questions.
There will also be a Resource Center for Community Engaged Scholarship Community Reception to celebrate research conducted in collaboration with the community. Those who attend will learn about current research projects and how to get involved in future projects to connect research with community goals and hear from faculty and students about their projects from across the Central Valley that directly involve community members.
To see the whole schedule, register for events and get passcodes for the virtual gatherings, visit the Research Week website.
