WINTER 2015 VOL. 10 NO. 1

THE MAGAZINE OF UC RIVERSIDE

UCR’s research is improving the way the world eats — and it all starts with food on campus Page 10

UCR Winter 2015 | 1

CHANCELLOR Kim A. Wilcox

VICE CHANCELLOR, ADVANCEMENT Peter Hayashida

PUBLISHER James Grant

EDITOR Lilledeshan Bose

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Luis Sanz

WRITERS Vickie Chang Litty Mathew Sean Nealon Michelle Woo Koren Wetmore

DESIGNERS Brad Rowe Denise Wolf Eric Yang

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Bethanie Le Konrad Nagy

CONTRIBUTORS Ross French Maydeli Magana Bettye Miller Konrad Nagy Sean Nealon Iqbal Pittalwala Kristin Seiler

ILLUSTRATORS Loris Lora Mike Tofanelli

PHOTOGRAPHERS Lonnie Duka John Gilhooley Carlos Puma Carrie Rosema

PROGRAMMERS Bob Bottomley Cameron Booth

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Questions? Concerns? Comments? Change of address? Contact Editor Lilledeshan Bose at [email protected] THE MAGAZINE OF UC RIVERSIDE WINTER 2015 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

COVER STORY 8 Feeding the World from Riverside From rice to citrus to cowpeas, UCR’s research has changed the way people eat

FEATURES 18 22 24 26 28 Eat, Drink, Play On a Mission to From Mind to No Sophomore A Night to Highlanders talk Help Students Market Slump Remember about how their years Learn Carlos Cortés’ The School of The Chancellor’s at UCR inspired Teaching kids with “Multicultural Medicine’s first class Dinner honored the careers in food learning disabilities America” reveals a is tackling its second achievements of has been Professor new, evolving year with aplomb Highlanders who’ve H. Lee Swanson’s diversity made a difference lifelong goal

03 | R View 27 | Page Turners 31 | Class Acts A message from Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox 29 | From the Web 36 | C Scape 04 | R Space Around the world with #MiniScotty Poetry and jazz: National Book DEPARTMENTS Catch up on the latest news Award nominee Fred Moten says at UC Riverside 30 | Alumni Connection they’re one and the same

What’s New? MAGAZINE.UCR.EDU

Watch Videos of the Listen Fred Moten reads Watch Julia Bailey- inspiring lives of from “The Feel Trio.” Serres, Howard Judelson distinguished and more explain their graduates Shah Selbe Make Highlander foodies research. ’04, Bill Kroonen ’60, share special recipes ON THE WEB Michael Devirian ’66 online. and Pamela and Mark Rubin. UCR Winter 2015 | 1 EVENTS

Flutist Meerenai Shim performs as part of the Culver Center of the Artsblock.ucr.edu Arts’ Outpost Concert Series. Founder of the flute and percussion Meerenai Shim Concert group A/B Duo, Shim has performed all over the United States as a 2.18 soloist and chamber musician.

Theatre.ucr.edu “Measure for Measure” This play by William Shakespeare defies the traditional rules of comedy with complex themes of justice versus mercy and sex versus love. 2.19-2.21

Artsblock.ucr.edu Free and open to the public, the colloquium will discuss the Archaeological Institute of America Colloquium of Asian diasporic settlements in California. 2.28

Music.ucr.edu The UCR Taiko Ensemble, directed by the Rev. Shuichi Thomas Kurai, Japanese Taiko Drumming Demo puts on a spirited, 30-minute outdoor demonstration of Japanese 3.3; 5.26 drumming.

Artsblock.ucr.edu Brooklyn-based pianist Karl Larson performs as part of the Culver Center of the Arts’ Outpost Concert Series. A sought-after collaborator, Karl Larson Concert Larson has worked with notable musicians around the country such as 4.8 Tristan Perich, Mantra, Eve Beglarian and the Eco Ensemble.

This play follows Elizabeth Packard, who is committed by her husband Theatre.ucr.edu to an asylum without proof of insanity. Based on historical events, “MRS. PACKARD,” a play by Emily Mann Emily Mann’s play tells of one woman’s struggle to right a system gone 4.30-5.2; 5.7-5.9 wrong. “MRS. PACKARD” is the recipient of the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays Award.

Theatre.ucr.edu This festival is full of original short films produced by UCR students, UCR TFDP Film Festival 2015 faculty and alumni. “Control Your State,” a new film by M.F.A. student 5.14-5.15 Lisa Umhoefer, will also be screened.

Staffassembly.ucr.edu Open to all staff, faculty and students, the sixth annual UC Walks UC Walks event encourages the community to take a 20-minute walk around the 5.20 UCR track as a way to promote physical fitness and better health.

Nasp.ucr.edu The 34th annual UCR Pow Wow will celebrate Native American UCR Pow Wow culture and traditions. This intertribal social gathering will include bird singers, handmade Native American jewelry, drum groups, arts and 5.22-5.23 crafts and more.

For more on UCR events, visit www.ucr.edu/happenings Theatre.ucr.edu Students in the UCR M.F.A. playwriting program offer this exciting New Play Festival 2015 selection of full-length plays. A different work will be presented at each 5.22-5.23; 5.29-5.30 performance.

2 | UCR Winter 2015 For more information, go to happenings.ucr.edu R VIEW R VIEW Nourishing the Mind and In December, I helped release a batch of Pakistani wasps (natural enemies of the Asian citrus psyllid) at UCR’s Body at UCR citrus groves with Jodie Holt, a divisional dean at CNAS.

At UC Riverside, the citrus trees that beautify our interdisciplinary approach like UC’s essential. campus and perfume the air each spring are tangible As detailed in this issue’s cover story, UC Riverside reminders of our roots as an agricultural research station. faculty, staff and students are involved in an array of These trees link us to the Citrus Experiment Station, food-related research and activities. UCR scientists are which was our campus’ direct forebear, and also serve as studying ways to develop new and better crops, including symbols of the innovative agricultural research that is rice plants that can survive catastrophic floods and wheat part of the continuing mission of a public land-grant that can tolerate drought. institution like ours. Other UCR experts are examining ways to help break UC Riverside and our sister University of California the cycle of poverty that affects generations of rural campuses have played a key role in helping California farmers, while still others focus on innovative approaches to controlling the pests and pathogens that can devastate citrus and other crops. UCR aims to tackle These are just a few examples of UCR research making a difference in communities in California and around the a critically important world. But the campus itself is also redoubling its efforts issue: how to feed a related to food education and outreach. As part of the new initiative, UCR faculty and staff are world population that working to create a lecture series that will help inform us all about ways to eat more healthily and sustainably. UCR is expected to reach 8 is also launching the California Agriculture and Food billion by 2025. Enterprise (CAFÉ), a new institute that will serve as an umbrella for interdisciplinary research related to food and agriculture. become the nation’s leading agricultural state. UC’s UCR students are also engaged in projects connected to agricultural experts are at work in communities across the initiative, including investigating why nearly a quarter of California, using research-based knowledge to help our students report skipping meals often or very often. farmers and ranchers cope with such challenges as At UCR, we’re working to nourish our community invasive pests and the drought. and the world, intellectually and physically, too. Now, UCR is joining other UC campuses in a system- wide Global Food Initiative, which aims to harness the university’s research prowess and other resources to Fiat lux, tackle a critically important issue: how to feed a world population that is expected to reach 8 billion by 2025. Of course, the question of food is not just about what we eat, as UC President Janet Napolitano noted last summer in announcing the initiative. It includes such complex, related topics as food availability, climate change, population Kim A. Wilcox growth and sustainability, making a comprehensive, Chancellor

UCR Winter 2015 3 Photo: Michael Lewis, Center for Invasive Species Research, UCR | R SPACE

Studying the Link Between Autism and Sound Hypersensitivity

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder in New Education School Dean humans. It causes social impairments, Thomas Smith started his tenure research capacity, and the opportunity repetitive behaviors as dean of UCR’s Graduate School of to enhance the Graduate School of and other Education in September 2014. Education locally and nationally. behaviors on the Smith was previously a faculty “It is an exciting challenge to go to a autistic spectrum, member at Vanderbilt University’s school that has strong roots and to take as well as Peabody College of Education the good work that is already occurring cognitive deficits. and Human Development; he and push it into something that is It is the most said he came to UCR because bigger and better recognized,” he said. common inherited of top-level leadership, growing cause of intellectual disability and the most common cause of autism. A team of UCR researchers UCR Researchers Join Effort to Unlock received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study Secrets of the Earth and the Solar System the mechanisms of auditory hyper- sensitivity in FXS from molecules UCR’s team of will spend five to circuits to therapies. It is led by researchers will years trying to Khaleel Razak, an associate professor share a $50 million map the different of psychology; the School of grant from the states of life on Medicine’s Iryna Ethell, a professor NASA Astrobi- Earth by studying of biomedical sciences, and Devin ology Institute ancient rocks to Binder, an associate professor of (NAI) to analyze determine how biomedical sciences. Earth’s history. oxygen developed The purpose of the in the atmosphere project is to answer billions of years the question of ago. The team whether any other consists of 19 planets in the scientists from solar system can support life besides 11 academic institutions and is led Earth. by UCR Distinguished Professor of UCR’s Alternative Earths team Biogeochemistry Timothy Lyons.

4 | UCR Winter 2015 Plant Genome Scientist Awarded McClintock Prize

Susan R. Wessler, distinguished mutation, professor of genetics and world- genome renowned expert in transposable evolution and elements, was awarded the adaptation. McClintock Prize for Plant Genetics The awarding body called and Genome Studies in recognition significant award, Wessler says, because Wessler “one of the most creative of her scientific achievements. “it is named after a scientist whose minds and productive scientists in Wessler is one of the nation’s leaders discovery of transposable elements in the study of plant genome structure, in the study of plant transposable maize started a revolution in biology and function and evolution.” It’s a elements — specifically regarding greatly influenced my career.”

Shaun Bowler Named Interim Dean

Shaun Bowler, distinguished D’Anieri, is to have a new permanent professor of political science, began dean by summer 2015. “Professor his position as interim dean of Bowler has stated that he will not be the College of Humanities, Arts a candidate,” D’Anieri said. and Social Sciences (CHASS) last “Being interim dean is a temporary November. Prior to that, he served as assignment for me but it promises associate dean for Social Sciences to be an exciting one,” Bowler said. in CHASS. “I’ve always been very proud to be a The goal, says Provost and part of UCR and CHASS and what Executive Vice Chancellor Paul we do here.”

Introducing the Diaper Detective A team of UCR Bourns College pregnancy test or urine test strip. of Engineering students created an Chemical indicators change color inexpensive pad that can be inserted when they come in contact with urine into diapers to detect dehydration from an infant who is suffering from and bacterial infections in infants. dehydration or a bacterial infection. The product, which won third The pad, dubbed the Diaper place at the National Institute of Detective, costs only 34 cents to Biomedical Imaging make. It doesn’t require and Engineering electricity, cold storage or be added to test for other medical condi- Design by Biomedical an advanced education tions, and it could be adapted to be used Undergraduate Teams to interpret. Plus it is in adult diapers. The Diaper Detective Challenge, operates customizable so other addresses the worldwide problem of much like a home chemical indicators can infant mortality in developing nations.

UCR Winter 2015 | 5 R SPACE

Superheroes + Engineering = National Award

Suveen Mathaudhu, assistant entitled Comic-Tanium, was displayed Achievement in Engineering Communi- professor of mechanical engineering, at the ToonSeum, a museum dedicated cations from the American Association studies the underpinning mecha- to comic and arts. of Engineering Societies. The award is nisms that make metallic “The goal is to get kids interested given to individuals who speak with materials and composites in materials science and engineering,” passion about engineering, allowing lighter and stronger. said Mathaudhu. “They typically don’t the public to better understand the field Last year, he think of engineering as something cool and better appreciate how engineers helped curate or interesting. But when you make the improve our quality of life. an exhibit that connection that Spider-Man and Hulk “This may be the most significant combines the real are scientists, kids start connecting to award I will win in my career,” said world of materials what scientists and engineers do.” Mathaudhu. “It focuses science and the On April 20, Mathaudhu on the importance of fictional worlds of heroes, will receive the Norm connecting science to such as Iron Man, Captain America, Augustine Award the general public at a Spider-Man and Batman. The exhibit, for Outstanding level they can relate to.”

Janet Lucas Appointed Interim Director of Athletics

Veteran athletics administrator Lucas said she is honored by the Janet Lucas was appointed interim appointment: “I share UCR’s values director of the UCR Division I concerning the relationship between Athletics program last October. academics and athletics. I look forward Lucas, who has been working as the to leading the department in the executive associate athletics director development of an integrated and at UCR since 2006, has more than quality student-athlete experience that 20 years of intercollegiate athletics embraces and fosters academic, athletic experience, and takes over after the and personal success.” resignation of Jim Wooldridge.

6 | UCR Winter 2015 UCR BY THE NUMBERS

The number of UCR students enrolled in the 2014-15 academic year: 18,793 are undergraduate 21, 602 students; 4,280 are new freshmen; 2,809 are graduate students; and 1,293 are transfer students.

The number of UCR sports teams that compete in the NCAA Division 17 1 Big West Conference.

The number of solar panels installed for UCR’s new solar farm. The solar farm went online on Sept. 19 at 7,440 the 11-acre site on West Campus.

The number of students that will be admitted to the Master of Public Policy program for Fall 2015 enrollment. The School of Public Policy is UCR’s newest professional school. 20 UCR’s ranking among 539 schools on the Social Mobility Index (SMI) that is co-sponsored by CollegeNet and PayScale. The SMI ranking emphasizes economic mobility and the extent that a university helps its students with family 8 incomes below the national median improve their social and economic standing. The total number of books in the four UCR Libraries. 3,214,420

The number of times that UCR has appeared on the Military Friendly Schools list published by Victory Media. 4 UCR’s rank (tied) among all public universities in the United States by London- based Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The methodology behind this ranking is measuring how a university’s published work is cited by 7 global scholars. UCR scored 91.5 in the research citations category. UCR Winter 2015 | 7 Feedingworld the UCR fromBy Michelle Woo

“So we’ve got strawberries right here,” says A 2011 graduate of UCR, Morales is the population is expected to reach 8 billion. Yet Fortino Morales III, gripping a garden hoe. coordinator of R’Garden, the campus’ 3-acre already, 1 billion people suffer from chronic “The irises are down. Kale. That’s red community garden where students, faculty, hunger or serious nutritional deficiencies. cabbage. Here, we’ve got cauliflower or staff and community members can harvest Roughly the same number of people in the broccoli — we’ll know pretty soon.” fresh produce while learning about world are obese. UC, which has played a sustainable food systems — and cultivate major role in helping California become the Stepping past rows of green sprouts broader solutions. agricultural powerhouse of the nation, aims budding from a vast expanse of soil, Morales to be a leader in the global food arena. stops at a box of leek seedlings, which he Here in this space, and across the and a group of interns are planting today. university, a movement grows. Riverside is a key engine in the initiative. Its He lifts one out of its square compartment, roots in food and agricultural research run examines it in the sunlight and uncurls the UCR is part of the University of California deep. Ever wonder why you can bite into a white roots with his fingers, bits of excess Global Food Initiative, a UC systemwide juicy citrus fruit virtually all year long dirt falling to the ground. quest to address the myriad of food issues instead of only during its natural winter confronting the world. This includes food season? Thank UCR scientists, who “One of the reasons why I’m really drawn to availability, security, sustainability and discovered chemicals that slow the aging of the garden is because it’s tangible,” says nutrition. The initiative, launched earlier the fruit. Need rice that can survive a Morales, who comes from a family of this year by UC President Janet Napolitano monsoon flood? No problem. They’ve helped growers. “And at the end of the season, and UC’s 10 chancellors, comes at a critical make that a reality, too. What about you’re able to feed others.” time. By the year 2025, the world’s weapons to protect California against the

8 | UCR Winter 2015 Fortino Morales ’11, coordinator of UCR’s community garden, sits in front of a mural created by students who volunteer to grow produce on campus.

UCR Winter 2015 | 9 Asian citrus psyllid, a pest that could “UCR’s vision for the UC Global Food appreciation for the harvesting process and devastate the state’s citrus industry? Yep. Initiative is to raise the profile of food issues the nutritional benefits of plant-based UCR experts are fighting them. Could as an integrated part of our daily lives foods. another potato famine be in our future? It’s starting locally, building globally,” says Peggy possible, and UCR scientists are studying Mauk, director of Agricultural Operations “We’re grooming the people who can really ways to address the threat. and UCR’s initiative leader. “There is a make a difference,” says Cheryl Garner, renewed sense of energy on campus executive director of dining services. “These On campus, students have participated in a regarding food education and outreach. The are first-time shoppers, first-time cooks and wide array of courses, workshops and events initiative has been an excellent vehicle to future parents and leaders. With the rising focused on food education. These range bring together faculty, staff and students to cost of health care, clearly, we can’t just from an Urban Garden seminar offered address food issues.” continue to think about health in the way during the spring quarter to talks from local we have in the past. We have to ask, how do farmers to walking tours of the edible trees For the UCR community, it’s a movement we educate around it? How do we actually on campus, led by Tracy Kahn, curator of the they see, touch and even taste. This winter, change people’s eating habits?” UCR Citrus Variety Collection. As part of the fruits and vegetables from R’Garden will initiative, UCR faculty and staff members debut in the university’s residential Garner adds that many farmers are now are developing a UC systemwide lecture restaurants and at the Barn. A hope is that retiring, so there’s an urgency to inspire and series called “Healthy Students, Healthy when diners learn where their produce groom the next generation. “Campuses need Campus, Healthy Communities.” comes from, they’ll develop a greater to develop programs to get young people

10 | UCR Winter 2015 We’re grooming the people who can really make a difference

excited about farming, to teach them how to statistic and eventually open an on-campus agriculture in the broadest sense. “The do it in a proper manner — or else we’re pantry, a place where students can pick up membership is so diverse,” Ellstrand says. going to run out of food,” she says. food for the day, week and even the quarter. “We have researchers studying everything Heilmayr, a second-year graduate student in from the psychology of gardening to the To help engage students in the Global Food the School of Psychology, is studying the interaction of diet and health to crop Initiative efforts, the UC Office of the potential of gardening as a “multifaceted improvement during environmental President created a fellowship program intervention,” a way to slowly shift people challenges.” funding three students on each campus to onto a healthy trajectory. And Lin, a senior work on projects or internships related to undergraduate majoring in computer Through the efforts at UCR and across the the mission. At UCR, Daniel Lopez, Dietlinde engineering, aims to showcase UC Global university system, the UC Global Food Heilmayr and Darrin Lin received the award, Food Initiative efforts by developing a new Initiative hopes to put the world on the path which comes with an honorarium of up to website. to feed itself sustainably and nutritiously. $2,500. Lopez, a third-year undergraduate with a double-major in linguistics and UCR is also launching CAFÉ — the It all starts by planting the seeds. anthropology, is investigating why 22 California Agriculture and Food Enterprise. percent of UCR students self-reported that Led by professor of genetics Norm Ellstrand, they skip meals often or very often, it is an institute that will act as an umbrella according to the 2012 University Experience for UCR interdisciplinary research and other Survey (UCUES). He hopes to curb the activities associated with food and

UCR Winter 2015 | 11 Giving plants strength Breaking the poverty Saving California’s to carry on cycle among rural citrus

JULIA BAILEY-SERRES farmers ELIZABETH GRAFTON-CARDWELL PROFESSOR OF GENETICS RESEARCH ENTOMOLOGIST STEVEN M. HELFAND SEAN CUTLER PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS Every year California’s diverse ecosystem ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PLANT CELL is invaded by new, often-destructive In recent decades, Brazil has become one BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY species of exotic pests, resulting in annual of the largest agricultural powerhouses in economic losses of more than $3 billion. the world. And yet in the semiarid Natural disasters can wipe out crops that The central San Joaquin Valley is home to northeastern region, farmers are still humans have been growing for millennia. 75 percent of California’s commercial under the weight of extreme poverty, What plants need are better coping skills. citrus; that’s where Professor Elizabeth passed on from generation to generation. Grafton-Cardwell is working to develop Julia Bailey-Serres’ specialty is rice. She effective methods of keeping pest and her team of geneticists were involved Steven M. Helfand is evaluating a project populations under control. “I study the life in the identification of SUB1A, a gene that that aims to breaks the cycle. In 2013, the cycles of pests and how to sample for enables rice plants to survive complete economist was awarded a $70,000 grant them, I figure out how to preserve and submergence, which can happen during by the International Fund for Agricultural boost their natural enemies and I learn catastrophic flooding. The breakthrough Development (IFAD) of the United Nations how to utilize pesticides in ways that resulted in Swarna-Sub1, a flood-tolerant to analyze how well cash-transfer minimize their use,” Grafton-Cardwell rice variety developed by the International programs work with rural development says. By minimizing fruit damage, growers Rice Research Institute. Today more than programs, such as one created by the can provide affordable, healthy fruit to 10 million farmers grow this variety. (In the IFAD. consumers. fields of Bangladesh and India, one Cash-transfer programs emerged in Latin farmer’s wife told the researchers that the America in the 1990s, providing small Grafton-Cardwell’s goal is to keep the rice was growing even though it had been stipends to families. Conditions typically citrus pests under control with as few underwater for 15 days.) stipulate that children must attend school pesticides as possible, and to rapidly develop methods of identifying, Sean Cutler and his team of plant cell and receive vaccinations. IFAD’s monitoring and controlling new pests as biologists discovered a way to Community Development Project for the they are introduced into California. supercharge the reaction of abseisic acid Gavião River Region (PROGAVIÃO) was Grafton-Cardwell is stationed at the (ABA), plants’ naturally occurring stress launched to increase incomes and Kearney Agricultural Center; she is the hormone that helps them survive extreme improve living conditions of residents of director of the Lindcove Research and conditions, particularly drought. After the Gavião River basin through Extension Center where she is in the searching through many thousands of environmentally sustainable development. heart of the citrus-producing area of molecules to identify inexpensive synthetic For instance, a 16,000-liter cistern can California. She says, “These center chemicals that could mimic ABA, they provide a family with enough water to locations help my research program to came across one they named quinabactin, survive a drought for one year. rapidly respond to grower needs and a molecule that’s nearly indistinguishable Helfand is leading a team that will allow me to extend the information to the from ABA in its effects, but much simpler investigate whether poverty can be citrus growers in their own orchards.” chemically and therefore easier to make. increasingly diminished when such “Discovering the full complement of plant programs work together. hormones and understanding how they work is a very big goal that will have a tremendous impact on agriculture,” Cutler says.

12 | UCR Winter 2015 Tackling late blight Helping wheat HOWARD JUDELSON develop drought Developing affordable PROFESSOR OF PLANT PATHOLOGY tolerance crop biosensors The Irish potato famine of the mid-19th J. GILES WAINES HIDEAKI TSUTSUI century led to the death of 1 million PROFESSOR OF GENETICS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL people on land and hundreds of ENGINEERING thousands more who tried to escape on J. Giles Waines’ lab helps to solve food boats to find food elsewhere. A major production issues in drought-stressed In developing areas such as sub-Saharan culprit of epic agricultural disaster? Late areas, including California, Mexico and Africa, farmers can’t afford to buy costly blight, a plant disease that still exists — many areas in Africa, Asia and Australia. fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides to and still wreaks havoc on the world’s To do so, the team gets down to the roots. protect their source of food and income. crops — even today. They need a way to quickly identify and “During the last 150 years of scientific segregate infected plants in order to Howard Judelson and his team are research, most plant science had minimize a loss of harvest. researching the biology and genetics of concentrated on the above-ground parts the fungus-like pathogens known as of the crop plant, including stems, leaves, Hideaki Tsutsui’s lab develops low-cost oomycetes, such as Phytophthora flowers and fruits,” Waines says. “There tools and technology to fabricate infestans, the species that causes late was relatively little research on below- biosensors on plant leaves. Through blight of tomatoes and potatoes. His lab ground root characters.” funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates uses gene transfer tools it pioneered and Foundation’s Grand Challenges But that’s changing. His research group other approaches to study the pathogen’s Explorations (GCE), they’re developing found evidence that increasing the size of life cycle, seeking better strategies for and testing an easy-to-read sensor — one the wheat root system helped to increase battling such diseases. Recently, the team that works similarly to a pregnancy test grain yield in fields at the UCR Moreno has been helping a group in the United — to use on the leaves of crops such as Valley Station and at other locations in Kingdom develop potato cultivars corn, rice and cassava. When plants are in California by 5 to 10 percent. The resistant to late blight. Judelson also danger, the sensor changes color. discovery may allow more crops to be directs USAblight.org, a website that Researchers hope to use the sensor to grown on the same amount — or even allows researchers nationwide to report monitor plant disease, health and nutrition less — of water. A bonus: Wheat with a late blight outbreaks and track them on contents. maps. larger root system leaves less nitrogen in the drain-water that flows from the field, The team has been developing the Judelson believes most people don’t reducing nitrate pollution, a problem in sensor technology using a model plant realize how much of a threat pathogens California agriculture. and a mock biomarker in the laboratory. pose to food production, and it’s The next step is to test it using a food The group now aims to determine the important to bring together the whole crop and a plant pathogen in optimum size for the wheat root system to community to help defeat them. “We are collaboration with plant pathologists. lucky to have an inexpensive and ample maximize grain yield. food supply, but a devastating disease can always be just around the corner,” he says. Research to CREATE A Well-fed World UCR Winter 2015 | 13 Mmm...

Sure, your refrigerator may be stockedCitrus red, purple, yellow, blue, green. There are Tango, a mandarin orange that can be with oranges, lemons, grapefruit and all types imaginable.” grown anywhere with one to very few limes from Albertsons. But have you ever seeds. bitten into the beautiful pink flesh of a UCR has a special connection with citrus, Cara Cara or tasted the rich sweetness of as its history begins with the fruit. In 1873, Along with working with scientists, Kahn a Gold Nugget mandarin, or marveled at when Eliza Tibbets planted two Bahia leads walking tours of the collection and the gnarly, squid-like “fingers” of a navel orange seedlings in her Riverside collaborates with companies such as Buddha’s Hand? garden, she inadvertently set off Givaudan, a Swiss manufacturer of California’s citrus gold rush. The boom flavorings and fragrances that finds Tracy Kahn has, and can talk about the helped prompt the University of California inspiration in the groves. She’s also origins, qualities and harvesting seasons Regents in 1907 to establish the Riverside co-principal investigator with Mikeal of each one. She’s the principal museum Citrus Experiment Station, the forebear of Roose on a project to evaluate the scientist and curator of UCR’s Citrus UCR. In 1910, the Citrus Variety Collection commercial potential of new citrus Variety Collection, which spans 22 acres. was established to support the needs of cultivars. This is part of an integrated Consisting of two trees each of more than the developing citrus industry in Southern program to develop and evaluate new 1,000 citrus types, the collection is one of California. commercial citrus scion and rootstock the most famous citrus germplasm cultivars suitable for California conditions. collections in the world. Today, scientists use the collection to conduct research projects, map citrus “I probably have one of the coolest jobs “Citrus diversity is amazing,” Kahn says. genomes and search for ways to battle on campus,” Kahn says. “In the springtime, “We have fruits as small as a pea and as crop-destroying pests and diseases. They the whole campus smells like citrus large as a person’s head. Fruits that are also breed citrus to develop new flowers.” varieties. In 2006, UCR introduced the

14 | UCR Winter 2015 Bug vs.

Brown marmorated stink bug.Bug Avocado damage in Florida: So far, the insect- from Pakistan, Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis, lace bug. Asian citrus psyllid. Red palm disease combination has cost the state’s joined California’s battle against the weevil. Gold spotted oak borer. In Mark citrus industry more than $4.5 billion in psyllid in December. Hoddle’s eyes, they all must be stopped. output and 8,000 jobs. And it has come to California. The psyllid arrived in San Hoddle explains that using natural His official title is the director of the Diego County in 2008, and the first case enemies to control invasive species Center for Invasive Species Research, but of HLB was detected in Los Angeles reduces — and in some cases completely Hoddle is also known as the “Indiana County in 2012. eliminates — the need for pesticides. Jones of Insects.” Every year, California’s “This is good for the environment, our diverse ecosystem is invaded by new, To find the insect’s natural enemy, Hoddle food and water supplies, native plants often-destructive species of exotic pests, took multiple trips to Pakistan, where the and animals and people,” he says. resulting in annual economic losses of psyllid is native. In the Punjab region, he more than $3 billion. Hoddle travels and a team collected colonies of around the world on a quest for natural Tamarixia radiata, a type of wasp, and enemies that can combat these species brought them back to the Quarantine before they cause extensive damage to Facility at UCR. Tests showed that the agriculture, residential areas and native species were safe for the environment, plants and animals. and the first release took place in 2011. Since then, Hoddle and the California The Asian citrus psyllid, for example, can Department of Food and Agriculture have spread the lethal citrus disease known as released more than 1 million Tamarixia huanglongbing (HLB), previously called radiata in Southern California at more than citrus greening. It’s already done crippling 350 different sites. Another parasitic wasp

UCR Winter 2015 | 15 Green

Few fruits are branded as stronglyGems with In the early 1980s, the program released a more consistent in its production and the Southern California’s fresh, laid-back variety called the Gwen. It was similar to trees are more compact, so growers have image as the avocado. the known-and-loved Hass in its flavor fewer harvesting and maintenance costs. and thick, pebbly skin, though the trees Mary Lu Arpaia wants to make the required nearly a third of the space to Now they’re evaluating even more avocado better. The UC Cooperative grow and produced twice as much fruit. varieties and hoping to release them over Extension subtropical horticulturist gives a But the Gwen never took off the next few years. Avocado lovers: checklist of traits that the ideal variety commercially, in part because it didn’t turn Arpaia arranges avocado tastings each should possess. “The tree should be black when it ripened like the Hass. After month at Batchelor Hall. semi-dwarfing, adaptable to high density that, the program’s former breeder plantings, early-bearing and less prone to planted more than 60,000 variety alternate bearing,” she says. “Ideally, it will seedlings on farms across Southern be stress tolerant and have some salt California. Avocados are a particular tolerance and of course, be of excellent challenge since the selection rate for flavor and possess good shipping and promising varieties is about one or two ripening characteristics.” selections per 1,000 seeds planted, according to Arpaia. Four varieties were Arpaia leads the avocado variety eventually released from this mass breeding program at UCR, which has planting: Lamb Hass, SirPrize, Harvest and existed since the 1950s. The goal of the GEM. research is to develop new and improved avocado varieties that meet the needs of The GEM avocado has the same excellent California avocado growers. characteristics as Hass, but the variety is

16 | UCR Winter 2015 It’s in the

Abundant in protein and energy-rich oils, toDNA be part of the transition that is markers. Close calls it a “very detailed cowpeas — also known as black-eyed underway,” Close says. road map” of the cowpea genome. peas — are central to the diets of millions of people across Africa and Asia. But Placed in the plant genome, DNA markers “We now live in the light of the ‘genome according to Timothy Close and Philip are molecular flags that indicate the era,’” Close says, describing the new Roberts, the legume crop is only location of a particular genetic trait. They landscape in which each organism can be performing at 20 percent of its genetic allow breeders to screen large studied directly or as part of an potential. So they’ve set out to breed new populations of plants and locate genes ecosystem. “The consequences for cowpea varieties, ones with traits such as linked to the traits they specify. Close, a practical applications are tremendous for higher yield and quality, disease professor of genetics, and Roberts, a food security, renewable energy, resistance, pest resistance and drought professor of nematology, received two conservation and to foster respect for tolerance. To accomplish this, they’re not grants totaling nearly $7 million from the human cultural diversity.” using the laborious breeding methods U.S. Agency for International that have become the standard — Development (USAID) to continue crossing one variety with another, based developing better yielding varieties of on best guesses. Instead, they’re using a cowpea through marker-assisted genetic tool called DNA marker-assisted breeding and new genomic resources. breeding. Timothy Close (front) and Philip Roberts The support has allowed the pair to “We are at the dawn of a new era of increase the resolution of the cowpea worldwide cooperation for cowpea genetic map 40-fold, from about 1,100 breeding and genetics, and it is exciting genetic markers to about 45,000 genetic

UCR Winter 2015 | 17 These five Highlanders made successful careers out of their love for food and merry-making. Here’s how UCR helped them get started.

From Biochemistry to Chef Artistry | robert del grande

When you ask world-renowned chef Robert Del Grande, Ph.D. Del Grande would visit the campus bookstore for cookbooks ’81, when he decided to pursue the culinary arts, he jokes, “I to look for new recipes, adding to his arsenal of tried and trues didn’t decide. I never decided — I still haven’t!” from his mother. There was the roasted chicken nestled in perfectly caramelized onions and potatoes, and a traditional Owner of the revered RDG + Bar Annie in Houston, Texas, ham dinner whose leftovers were transformed into several Del Grande, 60, is celebrated for carving the path for modern Southwestern cuisine at a time when French and Italian other recipes that would last throughout the week. reigned supreme. You could say that Del Grande helped Del Grande had planned on a post-doctorate after UCR, but American Southwestern cuisine gain its strong foothold in spent his transitional three-month break in Houston, Texas the culinary world. with his then-girlfriend (now wife), working at her brother-in- Del Grande started as a science geek; he received his Ph.D. law’s restaurant. He never left. And just like that, Del Grande in biochemistry at UCR in 1981. “I lived in a house with two says, “Three months turned into 30 years.” The restaurant — other guys who really loved to eat but didn’t know how to cook. the legendary Café Annie — evolved into RDG + Bar Annie five I [learned to cook] as a kid, and that started it all,” he explains. years ago. Good Food Font: Karen Cantú “There was this rumor going around: ‘Those are the guys who live in that chateau on the other side of the citrus fields. They always have some kind of big dinner going on over there.’ ”

When I was at UCR, I was reading Julia Childs books, thinking this 18 | UCR Winter 2015 is great. And then I became friends with her! –robert del grande t Robert Del Grande, “When I was at UCR, I was reading Julia Childs books, thinking, with the pots and pans ‘This is great,’ ” he says, chuckling. “And then I became friends from his UCR days. with her! It was totally bizarre.”

These days, Del Grande has his sights on a new venture: ROXOR, the first-ever gin with Texas origins. Del Grande created ROXOR from lab equipment purchased online (“You’re right back there in the lab, aren’t you?” his wife said) and inspiration from a profile on Tracy Kahn, the curator of UCR’s Citrus Variety Collection, and the origins of the mandarin orange.

“Citrus and distilled spirits,” Del Grande sums up, “brought me back to UCR.” by v.c. u

Brewing Up Excellence | mike perry

Chat with Mike Perry ’96 and you’ll gain a new appreciation for coffee — including the science, art and passion that go into making the “I would take different paths, recording everything I did from best cup. the start to the finish. I soon realized I could develop a roast much the way a chef could manipulate meat or a sauce to get As founder and CEO of Klatch a different taste.” Coffee Inc., Perry spends a third of the year traveling to places like Nicaragua, Costa Rica With his technique perfected, Perry set out to find better and Brazil to select the best beans. He then roasts them beans. He secured his first batch from a farm in Nicaragua to perfection using the “peak of flavor” style he developed and was so impressed with the quality that he reached out to shortly after graduating from UC Riverside. farmers in other countries. Buying direct from the farms gave Klatch great coffee at good prices while still paying farmers It’s a life the Harley-riding, sandal-clad CEO would never have a better rate. Klatch now works with thousands of farmers, imagined two decades ago. many of whom Perry personally visits each year.

He and his wife, Cindy, opened their first coffeehouse in 1993 The resulting coffees have garnered Klatch several awards, as a way to keep financially afloat while Perry pursued his including Best Coffeehouse in America, Micro Roaster of the degree in biochemical engineering. Perry enjoyed the work Year and World’s Best Espresso. so much, however, that after graduation he decided to stay in the business. “Engineering is really about being creative,” Perry says. “UCR challenges students to take stuff to the next level and, for me, “I loved the interaction with the people and I loved the that fulfilled itself in coffee.” product,” he says. Klatch’s custom blends are distributed to coffeehouses, Yet he felt the product could be improved. So when a friend restaurants and hotels nationwide. The brews are also gave him access to a roasting machine, Perry applied his available at Klatch coffeehouses in Rancho Cucamonga, San engineering skills in search of a better coffee. First he adjusted Dimas, Ontario, LAX and Korea. by k.w. u the device’s temperature probe so it would function like a meat thermometer, allowing him to gauge bean temperature. Next he experimented with airflow, flame and other variables of the roasting process.

UCR Winter 2015 | 19 Organically Fused with Flavor | litty mathew Greenbar Distillery products are sold throughout America and even overseas. You can find the couple giving walking tours Like all good things, Greenbar three nights a week at their 14,500-square-foot distillery. Distillery started out as a hobby. Melkon Khosrovian infused liquor “I really enjoy the tours because it’s so fun to see that for his wife, Litty Mathew ’91, so she flavor makes a difference. People will try something could learn to enjoy the Russian and be like, ‘Wow, that’s what it tastes like!’ ” Mathew brandies and vodkas his family loved shares. “It’s fun to see people say, ‘Wow, this tastes so much. He took cues from Litty, like real food.’ And that makes me happy.” by v.c. u who would often shop at farmer’s markets for fresh ingredients, and incorporated all-natural complexities into liquors. Crafting a More Creative Beer | ryan wicks “He would get a fruit or vegetable and back it up with a fresh herb of some sort and then a dry spice — a variety. He came Wicks Brewing Co. is not your average up with some beautiful combinations,” Mathew, 44, says. son-and-pop shop. In fact, the brewpub Khosrovian would affix beautiful handmade labels on these founded by Ryan Wicks and his father, bottles and gift them to friends and family, who began Brad, is quite possibly the only one of spreading the word about these wonderfully fragrant bottles its kind, incorporating a restaurant, tap of liquor. room and brew-on-premises system that allows customers to create their “It turns out I wasn’t the only fan,” Mathew explains. “Pretty own craft beer. soon people were calling us for these little treats. So we thought, we better get the phone number unlisted or go into “We wanted to make our place a destination that puts Riverside business! That was 10 years ago.” on the map in the craft beer world,” says Ryan Wicks, who studied at UCR. “Most microbreweries have a small tasting room with space for about 20 people. Here it’s a full venue with room for It’s really about putting flavor in the 230, plus we have live music and standup comedy.” bottle. — litty mathew The unique business has attracted attention from several Greenbar Distillery was founded by Mathew and Khosrovian television networks such as The Food Network, which featured in Monrovia, California, but the couple opened a new location the brewpub in an episode of “Boss Under Fire.” in Downtown Los Angeles in 2012 — the first distillery in the He and his dad launched the business in 2013 with the intent city since Prohibition. Greenbar uses all organic ingredients, of sharing their love of craft beer with fellow enthusiasts. The a decision made by Mathew and Khosrovian because they restaurant was an afterthought, originally planned to give found that organic produce simply tastes better: “It’s really people someplace to eat while they waited the three hours about putting flavor in the bottle,” Mathew says. for their custom brews to finish. But people soon flocked Mathew was an economics and political science double- there for meals, enjoying a few beers while dining. major at UCR; she says Tracy Kahn, UCR Citrus Variety The tap list includes popular labels along with a few Wicks’ Collection curator, helped introduce some amazing citrus to custom beers bearing names such as Black Night, Die Krausen the Greenbar ingredients list. and The Farmer’s Toil, a citrus wheat created using fruit from But she credits the year she spent studying in France as an UCR’s Citrus Variety Collection. undergrad for changing her life. “The ingredients were so “We wanted to honor Riverside’s citrus heritage and thought good, the farmer’s markets were fabulous, and Lyon was the it would be cool to bring out a beer that tapped into UCR’s center of all this great food. Then I brought it together for citrus program,” says Wicks. “We usually pick two to three my everyday life and then into a career finally,” Mathew says. citrus varieties — sometimes a sweet orange, other times it’s (She also went on to earn her master’s in journalism at USC grapefruit or lemon — and no two batches are the same. We — where she met Khosrovian on the first day of class! — and attended culinary school in Lyon, France.)

20 | UCR Winter 2015 cube up the whole fruit, put it in a cheesecloth bag and boil it with our beer.”

Wicks’ brew-on-premises system features six kettles that customers can rent to brew their own recipes, often with creative input from Wicks’ brewing staff. More than a hundred custom blends have been created with the system since the brewpub opened.

Some of the more interesting creations include a Macadamia Nut Brown that used nuts from a customer’s tree, a Citrus Saison that combined citrus fruit with rose hips, and two beers brewed in memory of fallen officers. Sheepdog, an American red ale, honors San Bernardino County sheriff’s detective Jeremiah MacKay, and Freight Crain, a chocolate malt stout, honors Riverside police officer Michael Crain. Both men died u ONLINE: Check out recipes from in the February 2013 pursuit of homicide suspect Christopher Robert, Dee, Mike, Litty and Ryan Dorner. by k.w. u at magazine.ucr.edu

We wanted to honor Riverside’s citrus heritage and thought it would be cool to bring out a beer that tapped into UCR’s citrus program –ryan wicks

A Journey Through Food | dee nguyen

When chef/owner Dee Nguyen ’97 UC Riverside, Nguyen says, is where the cooking and partying all opened Break of Dawn in 2006, it started. As a student he lived in a Moreno Valley house with five was a hit. Devoted crowds flocked roommates and five dogs. Nguyen, of course, cooked for them all. to the restaurant for Nguyen’s dishes: Asian-influenced California “I made a lot of really good food; they were all my guinea pigs cuisine with house-cured pork belly and it turned out pretty good,” Nguyen explains. He decided to nestled between delicate tempura head to San Francisco for culinary school. After landing on the eggs, napa slaw and kimchi-spiced crema, while Hawaiian culinary fast track that led to an executive sous chef position at sausage is served alongside green papaya, hijiki, scallions the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Nguyen decided to pursue his and fried eggs. Break of Dawn’s eclectic menu is filled with all own dream of opening a restaurant. sorts of ingredients most people would have to Google first, While the crowds are hearty and the waitlist is long, Break of but it keeps guests’ curiosity — and hunger — satisfied. Dawn to this day does not offer a dinner service. In fact, Break Nguyen, 40, explains that he took up cooking as a necessity of Dawn is open for business five days a week for brunch, a very while in junior high. His family had just emigrated from Vietnam conscious decision made by Nguyen early on, who wanted more and his parents were occupied with work, so he learned to than anything to help raise his disabled son, Berlin, now 13. create food for himself: fried eggs, Chinese sausage, fried “Do what you love and keep your family close,” Break of Dawn’s chicken wings, rice, that sort of thing. website boasts.

Nguyen attended UCR as a biology major with a minor in As for the restaurant’s memorable name, Nguyen explains that psychology. But just as he’s carved out his own style as a the story behind it is twofold: Sure, it’s a breakfast place, but it chef, Nguyen has carved out his life the way he wants to live also signifies a new beginning to a new journey. by v.c. t it. While his mom urged him to go on to dentistry school, Nguyen had other ideas.

UCR Winter 2015 | 21 On a Mission to Help Children Learn

22 | UCR Winter 2015 H. Lee Swanson, a distinguished professor in the Graduate School of Education, has held the Peloy Chair, an endowed professorship, since arriving at UC Riverside in 1991. His research focuses on helping children — particularly those in elementary school — with learning disabilities.

BY SEAN NEALON How did you end up studying children with learning What is an Endowed disabilities? Chair and Why is it I graduated from college during the Vietnam War and was a Important? conscientious objector. So I had to do two years of alternative service and was assigned to a school for special-education kids. A lot of kids An endowed chair is one had behavioral problems, but others, who were smart kids, just couldn’t read, write or do math. I became quite interested in those of the most important kids and realized we didn’t know a whole lot about how to help them. gifts to higher education;

How has your endowed chair helped you and your research? it’s an honor that fosters It’s a nice addition to the position because I could support graduate students. It’s allowed me to carry on my research during the academic excellence and summer. recognizes superior How did you come to work at UCR? faculty. Established with I had a wonderful job at the University of British Columbia, but this was a wonderful job, too, especially with the endowed chair. My sizeable donor gifts to an wife has relatives in the area, so I applied for the position. academic area, the What do you like best about working on campus? I like working with the students we have in the doctoral program endowed chair provides and working in an area where research is needed. invaluable financial What do you hope to leave as your legacy in your lifetime? support above and beyond I started off my research with very theoretical models that focused on cognitive development in kids with learning disabilities. The last the salary that the few years I have made a concerted effort to focus on interventions that work, primarily in the area of math cognition. professor uses in

What do you do in your spare time? research, teaching or I just got back from a golf-palooza with my three boys in Washington, D.C. I would say I am abysmal in terms of my abilities service activities. in that area. I read a lot, too, mostly history and biographies.

UCR Winter 2015 | 23 FROM MIND TO MARKET

BY LILLEDESHAN BOSE

Multicultural America: A Multimedia Encyclopedia Carlos E. Cortés attempts to catalog the changing population of America

PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF HISTORY CARLOS E. CORTÉS retired from active teaching at UC Riverside in 1994, but that didn’t mean he stopped educating people. As the author of “The Children Are Watching: How the Media Teach About Diversity” and the creative/cultural advisor for Nickelodeon’s Peabody Award-winning children’s television series “Dora the Explorer” and its spinoff, “Go, Diego, Go!,” Cortés has always been able to teach cultural sensitivity — and through varied, popular channels. He also lectures about diversity and multiculturalism around the world to this day. Most recently, he edited “Multicultural America: A Multimedia Encyclopedia,” which explores how the country is pivoting from a white-black-dominated American population to one that is multiracial and multicultural. Illustration by Loris Lora

24 | UCR Winter 2015 CORTÉS SETTLED ON 915 ENTRIES FOR THE 6. ENCYCLOPEDIA, WHICH INCLUDE TOPICS SUCH AS MAJOR ETHNIC GROUPS, ART, CULTURE AND MORE. “I just thought, what don’t you see in traditional encyclopedias? Maybe there’s a relation- ship between multicultural Americans and opera, or multicultural America and disability, or multicultural America and sexual orientation. There’s all these intersections that people usually don’t think about, so I thought, let’s [create] something that readers are not going to find anywhere else.”

THE 2010 CENSUS WAS THE 4. IMPETUS FOR THE PROJECT. PROFESSOR CARLOS CORTÉS “The census had such remarkable 1. CAME TO UCR IN 1968 AS A LAT- results, particularly in the enormous IN AMERICAN HISTORY PROFESSOR. IN increase in people of color in the 1971, HE WAS APPOINTED TO A STATE- United States; the Asian and Latino WIDE TASK FORCE BY THE CALIFORNIA population jumped 43 percent in the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. For 2000s!” Using that as a take-off point, five weeks, his job — alongside many Golson pitched the idea to a publisher, other scholars of different ethnicities saying, “I think America is ready for a — involved looking at how minorities multicultural American encyclopedia. were represented in social studies There’s nothing like this out there.” He textbooks that the state of California found Cortés by the magic of the Inter- was considering for adoption. “In those net offered him the position of editor. five weeks, something crystallized “And that was that!” Cortés said. in me,” Cortés said. “I saw just how badly minorities have been served in THE PROJECT TOOK MORE the textbook industry, and from there I THE ENCYCLOPEDIA DEVOTES 7. THAN TWO YEARS TO COM- just jumped into it.” 5. A LARGE SECTION TO THE PLETE. These entries — which are U.S. CENSUS, ITS HISTORY AND HOW written in an accessible language — MINORITIES HAVE BEEN CATEGO- aren’t just for scholars, but for everyone CORTÉS BEGAN TO GET RIZED THROUGH THE YEARS. Even as interested in race, culture and history. MORE INVOLVED IN EDU- 2. a diversity expert, Cortés says working “There were some entries that made me CATING PEOPLE ABOUT DIVERSITY. on the encyclopedia taught him much say, ‘We’ve gone through a really tortu- HE STARTED WRITING TEXTBOOKS, more about the subject. “I learned so ous history in our relationship to ethnic- THEN SPREAD OUT INTO RESEARCH, much history — about court cases that ity in America,’” Cortés said. “As an PUBLISHING AND NOW CONSULTING dealt with ethnicity in America, about expert, I’m still finding ‘Aha!’ moments. WITH TV SHOWS. “My most famous how the census dealt with immigration, Grappling with diversity makes America thing is [the kid’s TV show] ‘Dora the and the relationship of wars to multicul- a better place.” Explorer,’ where my official title is Cre- tural America.” ative/Cultural Advisor.”

AS AN ESTABLISHED AUTHOR- 3. ITY ON DIVERSITY IN THE UNITED STATES, Cortés regularly re- ceived requests for seminars and talks. On July 4, 2011, Geoff Golson, who develops encyclopedias for academic social science publishers, reached out to Cortés to ask if he could serve as an editor for a multicultural encyclopedia. UCR Winter 2015 | 25 The First 50: Rafael Ornelas gives updates on his second No Sophomore Slump year of medical school

BY BETHANIE LE and luncheons for the year. The group is using “In terms of rigor, all the material they created this school year. “It’s what this medical school needs, In the series “The First 50,” we follow compared to last year, members of the inaugural class of the UCR especially because of our location. Southern School of Medicine through the challenges classes are more intense, California has a lot of Spanish-speaking they face. patients, and it’s good that the medical but you also have the students who come out of UCR will have afael Ornelas has successfully some exposure to medical Spanish so they can feeling that you’ve been completed his first year at the UCR connect to the patients culturally.” School of Medicine and, after a long through this already.” Ornelas also kept busy this summer with a R summer break, he is returning as an six-week research project for Huntington’s experienced second-year medical student. Disease through Johns Hopkins University. “I “I came into the classroom more “Studying for the Step 1 exam is [on was on a different stage trying to learn comfortable,” said Ornelas. “In terms of rigor, everyone’s] mind,” Ornelas explains. “By the something. It felt very different compared to compared to last year, classes are more end of this year, we have to take that national UCR, a place that I am comfortable in and intense, but you also have the feeling that exam and it’s pretty daunting!” have been at for more than six years.” you’ve been through this already. It’s not bad Leading the new Medical Spanish With one year of medical school under his when you have the context of first year.” (MedSpa) class for students who do not belt and his second year taking form, Ornelas The new year comes with a new set of already speak Spanish is another task for the is ultimately one step closer in his journey to challenges, including the Step 1 exam, or second-year medical students. Over the becoming a doctor. He said, “Coming into “Boards.” Along with their degree, physicians summer, Ornelas, along with three other medical school, I’ve had this mentality — and are required to obtain a license to practice second-year medical students, re-wrote the I still have it — that’s basically to become the medicine by passing a series of national MedSpa curriculum from scratch and focused best and most efficient physician that I can exams — a three-step process. on creating the course’s workshops, modules possibly be.”

26 | UCR Winter 2015

Love, politics, transnational communities TURNERS PAGE and other Page Turners

The Original Guitar Hero and the Power of Music: The Legendary Lonnie Johnson, Music, and Civil Rights Mario Vargas Llosa: A Life of by Dean Alger (’74 M.A., ’78 Writing Ph.D.) by Raymond Leslie Williams University of North Texas Press University of Texas Press March 2014, 384 pages December 2014, 250 pages Lonnie Johnson (1894–1970) Awarded the Nobel Prize in Smart People Don’t Diet: How the was a virtuoso guitarist who The Feel Trio 2010 at the age of 74, Peruvian influenced generations of by Fred Moten Latest Science Can Help You Lose writer Mario Vargas Llosa has held musicians from Django Reinhardt Letter Machine Editions Weight Permanently pivotal roles in the evolution and to Eric Clapton to Bill Wyman and April 2014, 104 pages by Charlotte Markey (’00 M.A., ’02 revolutions of modern Latin especially B.B. King. Born in New Ph.D.) American literature. Providing a According to Fred Moten’s Orleans, he began playing violin Da Capo Lifelong Books unique perspective on the description,“The Feel Trio” is Cecil and guitar in his father’s band at an December 2014, 280 pages complexity, nuance and scope of Taylor, Tony Oxley and William early age and can be heard on Vargas Llosa’s lauded early novels Parker. In the wake and air and Being on a diet is a miserable many Duke Ellington and Louis and on his passionate support of light of The Feel Trio, what it bears experience for most people, and it Armstrong records. indigenous populations in his and what propels them, which is rarely leads to the desired goal of In this book, Dean Alger homeland, Williams analyzes recent everything in particular, The Feel shedding fat. In fact, studies show answers many biographical works and provides a detailed Trio tries to put some things that dieters often gain weight rather mysteries, places Johnson and his description of Vargas Llosa’s together. Alabama runs through than lose it because most diets’ musical contemporaries in the traumatic childhood and its impact those things like nobody’s business. intensity, restrictions and short context of American race relations on him, as well as of the authors To celebrate the varieties of black duration are ill-equipped to produce and argues for the importance of who influenced his approach, from devotion. But coalition can’t be too long-term effects. In this book, music in the fight for civil rights. Faulkner to Flaubert. easy; it’s in our nature not to come Charlotte N. Markey offers a Alger also analyzes Johnson’s major naturally lyrically, beautifully refreshingly different approach to Williams is distinguished recordings in terms of technique violently. The organizing principles, weight management. professor of Hispanic studies at and style. in our extramusical tailor’s retrofit Based on more than 100 years UCR. of fitting, sharp as a tack from the of research by scientists, doctors, Alger is a writer and a public tone worlds of east by southeast of nutritionists and psychologists, affairs and media consultant. Sheffield, the Bronx’s compas- Markey’s plan addresses the sionate project/s and fly, flaired, underlying causes of weight gain flared Corona: listen to everything, and offers proven strategies for These books are available for relax the shape, approach with love, healthful, lasting weight purchase at the UCR Campus be worthy of a lovely t! management, including advice on how to eat well, lose weight and Store and online at Moten is a professor of English keep it off. www.ucrcampusstore.ucr.edu. They at UCR. “The Feel Trio” was have been discounted up to 30 nominated for a National Book Markey is a professor of percent Award. Read his interview on psychology at Rutgers University page 36. at Camden. UCR Winter 2015 | 27 IT’S WHAT YOU KNOW w AND WHO YOU ARE

At the 2014 Chancellor’s Dinner, Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox talks about what makes UCR students so special

What guarantees success at the Univer- sary of the UC Riverside Alumni Awards career at JPL and NASA. Among his many sity of California, Riverside? It’s not whom of Distinction. Colorful lights transformed achievements, Devirian worked as Mission you know, and it’s not who your parents Highlander Union Building's main ball- Control for the Mars Mariner and Lunar are. It’s what you know and who you are. room into a showcase for the stories of Lander Missions from 1966-70. He was That’s the message that Chancellor Kim UCR's outstanding alumni, scholarship also the operations manager for the Hubble A. Wilcox imprinted upon his guests at the recipients and the donors who make those Space Telescope and Camera Installation.

annual Chancellor’s Dinner, held Oct. 18, scholarships possible. Pamela and Mark Rubin received the 2014. That night, more than 300 cam- This year, the Outstanding Young Alum- w pus friends, students, alumni and donors nus Award was presented to Shah Selbe '04 gathered to raise support for the best and for his work and research on ocean conser- brightest UCR students. vation. Partnering with organizations such “We are so proud of who we are After reading a lengthy list of UCR’s as the Center for Ocean Solutions and the and where we are going, but recent accomplishments, Wilcox said, “We Monterey Bay Aquarium, Selbe earned the are so proud of who we are and where we recognition of the National Geographic Soci- we’re also excited about the time are going, but we’re also excited about the ety as one of its 2013 Emerging Explorers. in which we’ve arrived.” time in which we’ve arrived.” The Alumni Service Award was presented UCR has hit its stride and is currently to Bill Kroonen '60. In addition to serving w at a place of distinction for faculty research on the Desert Sands Unified School District’s and for putting education within reach for Board of Education and the Riverside UCR Medallion in recognition of their students who rely on Pell grants and are the County Board of Education, Kroonen has impact on UC Riverside and the greater first in their family to go to college. volunteered on behalf of many Coachella Riverside region through their vision Wilcox spoke of the transformative role Valley community organizations over the for building community, leadership and that UCR plays in the lives of more than years, including the educational program- philanthropy. The event was sponsored by 21,000 students and thanked all those who ming committee for UCR Palm Desert. the UCR Alumni Association and the UCR contribute their personal and financial re- Michael Devirian '66, a former ASUCR Foundation. sources to sustain the institution's mission. president, was honored with the Distin- The evening was also the 28th anniver- guished Alumni Award for his extraordinary

28 | UCR Winter 2015 To watch videos of the awardees, go to magazine.ucr.edu Grand Prize Winner Orange you excited for homecoming 2014?

“Orange You Glad” #miniscotty #UCR #AgriculturalOperations HOW I SEE IT by Maria Jaramillo (@platimatishati) #PhotoContest #Oranges #CitrusResearch

“School of Medicine Scotty” “Husky” “Time Lapse Scotty” by LMR (@LMR2012) by Saul Ramirez (@saulr5) by Al Dupont (@chosendragon)

#miniscotty at the School of It’s behind me isn’t it?! o_o Scotty is putting his team together for Homecoming weekend. Who’s side will you be on? Medicine #miniscotty #ucralumni #R’SIDE #ballin #miniscotty #UCR #ucrathletics

“Time Lapse Scotty” “Horse Riding” “Birth of Scotty” by Al Dupont (@chosendragon) by Claire Kileen (@clairewilkill) by Nikki (@nikkideedeedee)

Making #scottythebear with the nephew #miniscotty The birth of #miniscotty #ucrlife #ucr #ucriverside #onmywaytoUCRhomecoming

“Beach Break” “Hike to the C” “Capitol” by Elizabeth Rubalcava (@eruba002) by Robert Gonzales (@thepuzzled1) by Chioma (@beisos)

#miniscotty taking a beach break at the #miniscotty looks tired after the long hike to the C but the #miniscotty takes on the Academic Resource Center view is great! #UCR #UCRhomecoming #C #SNIMA Capital! @UCRiverside

UCR’s beloved mascot, Scotty Highlander, Capitol, with alumni and their children, and took on paper form in the #MiniScotty photo ON THE WEB everywhere on the UCR campus. Behind each contest for Homecoming 2014. People took a picture, the Highlander Pride was strong! die-cut paper figure of Scotty in the previous @ Barnes & Noble gift cards were awarded for issue of UCR Magazine, assembled him and then photos with the most school spirit, creative took creative photos to post on Facebook, location and clever caption. The grand prize Twitter and Instagram, hashtagged #MiniScotty, winner was Maria Jaramillo, who made a collage of course! The bear was seen at the State UCR of Mini-Scotty in an orange orchard. #miniscotty UCR Winter 2015 | 29 Travel the Globe and Expand Your Horizons

The UCR Alumni Association travel program offers a mix of exploration, education and adventure in partnership Inaugural Highlander Day of Service with reputable, prescreened tour operators. These are just two of the

ALUMNI CONNECTION April 25 many trips we have available this year. Visit www.alumni.ucr.edu/travel for The Alumni Association is pleased activities. If you would like to organize details about the trips we are offering to announce its inaugural Highlander an event for fellow Highlanders in in 2015. Day of Service. Highlanders your area or see projects that are throughout the country are already being planned, please visit encouraged to give back to their the Alumni Association website and communities through volunteer click on “Get Involved.”

Alumni Receptions UC Advocacy Day with Chancellor in Sacramento Kim A. Wilcox March 9 – 10

Alumni and parents are invited to a • Grand Danube Passage, 14-day land special reception to meet Chancellor and cruise journeys, Sept. 8-22 Kim A. Wilcox. Mix and mingle with • Greece, 10-day land journeys, Oct. local alumni and parents and hear 7-17 about the exciting developments occurring at UCR. For more information Tour participants, whether UCR and to register online, visit www.alumni. alumni or not, must be members of the ucr.edu/chancellor-receptions UCR Alumni Association. Each member may bring up to three travel Long Beach, California Feb. 9 companions as guests. On Advocacy Day, alumni, Washington, D.C. March 16 parents and friends meet in small New York, New York March 26 groups with elected officials to discuss issues affecting higher education and UCR in particular. How to contact the UCR Alumni Association: Join us in Sacramento as we carry Website: alumni.ucr.edu our message to elected leaders. For E-mail: [email protected] more information and to register, Phone: (951) UCR-ALUM or visit www.alumni.ucr.edu/ucday. (800) 426-ALUM (2586)

30 | UCR Winter 2015 CLASS ACTS

1 What are some of your favorite UCR memories? TAKE FIVE I had a minor in music and I played the drums with the UCR jazz band. That was a lot of fun. I also worked at the 50s gh UCR Music Library and the UCR ticket office to pay for Charles Field ’58 was a study abroad trip. I did the Education Abroad Program honored at the fall during my fourth year at UCR. I went to England for a year 2014 Citizens and it was the greatest thing ever! I highly recommend University Committee that every undergraduate pick a country and study abroad, (CUC) Kick-off Melody Ellis because it was worth it. Reception. A former CUC chair, Valdini ’99 Charles was the first UCR alumni How was the transition from California to Oregon? regent, the first UCR Foundation B.A. Political Science 2 The academic job market is very competitive — Board of Trustees chair, and a probably because we get paid to read books and to member of UCR’s 1954 pioneer think about ideas, which is a great gig — so I feel quite class. He is a retired Riverside lucky that Portland State University decided to hire me. Superior Court judge and serves on the Western Municipal Water Basically, I’m paid to be a nerd and that’s pretty fantastic! District Board. It was rough at first because it’s dark and rainy for months but now I love it here.

3 Tell me about the book that you co-authored. It examines the different institutions used in democracies, as every country has different political institutions that drive various outcomes. The book lays 70s out five democratic ideals (for example, representation, or whether or not voters feel they can hold the legislators Pamela Clute ’71, accountable) and investigates how the institutional M.A. ’78, Ph.D. ’82 structure of each democracy affects the expression of was honored at the these ideals. fall 2014 Citizens University Committee Melody Ellis Valdini is What was your inspiration behind the book? Kick-off Reception. Pam 4 an associate professor I’ve always been a big fan of governing institutions, established the ALPHA center at of political science at particularly electoral systems, so I jump at any chance UCR in 1998; it is through this Portland State University to write about them. Our book takes a very unique center that she has been able to and co-author of the approach because we argue that there is no perfect set inspire and motivate young book “The Character people — especially women of Democracy: How of democratic institutions, and that every institution — — toward success in science and Institutions Shape Politics.” electoral systems, court structures, and executive designs math careers. — has costs and benefits.

Joan I. Senyk ’72 is How did UCR prepare you for your position today? still going strong at 5 the age of 76. Since The professors that I worked with in the political April she has served science department, particularly Shaun Bowler, gave me

as a chemistry tutor a really strong foundation in the field. They were really for students online on Tutor.com. gh instrumental in my career. UCR also taught me to cultivate It’s a transition from 20 years of my independence, put myself out there and seek out teaching chemistry at high opportunities. schools and colleges across the country. After earning her master

Names printed in blue indicate members of the UCR Alumni Association. UCR Winter 2015 | 31 To update your membership, visit www.alumni.ucr.edu CLASS ACTS

of divinity degree in 1994 from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., Joan served I am a first as a United Methodist minister for 16 years in Baltimore, generation 90s Maryland and Katy, Texas. college student. Brian Anderson ’94 has been Jose Medina ’74 has been appointed to the State Board of re-elected to represent Mining and Geology. Brian has I am pursuing my California’s 61st Assembly been vice president of property District, which consists of MFA in dance. permitting and environment at Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris Vulcan Materials Co. since and Mead Valley. I am following 2013, where he has held several my passion. positions since 2002 including director of environment.

William D. Quan ’94 was recently elected as Superior Court judge Scholarships of Imperial Valley and was sworn have changed in January 2015. Quan earned my life. 80s his bachelor’s in political science at UCR. James D. Woods ’82 has been voted to Karen Fernandez ’91, formally My name is represent District 2 in Karen Guereca, is the author of the California “ABC Trace and Say Alphabet PATRICIA Assembly. Originally Book,” which was recently awarded from Southern California, he has the 2014 Moonbeam Children’s HUERTA lived in Northern California since Book Award. The book uses proven I am a 1987 when he opened his family techniques to help children read dental practice in Cloverdale. He and write easily. Fernandez is an HIGHLANDER practiced dentistry for 26 years educator, author and home-school before becoming an elected mom. She has taught young official. readers for 15 years in Southern California, and early literacy is her Shedrick (Rick) Davis ’84 is the passion. While at UCR she earned regional director of the Western her master’s degree in education Your gift will change the lives Regional Office for Lambda and is a Reading Recovery teacher. of students like Patricia. Legal, the oldest and largest She resides in San Diego with her national legal organization husband, daughter, dog and three GIVENOW.UCR.EDU committed to achieving full rabbits. recognition of the civil rights of See Patricia dance and share her #iamahighlander story lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, Mark Takano ’98, M.F.A. ’10, has http://www.ucr.edu/giving/ transgender people and people been elected to represent the with HIV. He is responsible for 41st Congressional District, expanding Lambda Legal’s which includes Riverside, Moreno organizational reach in 11 Valley, Perris and Jurupa Valley. FUND Western states. Rick obtained his law degree from the UCLA Cassandra Z. Hughes PO Box 112, Riverside, CA 92502 School of Law after receiving his ’98 gave birth to Tel 951.827.3486 | Fax 951.827.7311 bachelor’s degree in political daughter Ada science at UCR. Christina on Oct. 23, 2014.

32 | UCR Winter 2015 CLASS ACTS

1 Why did you choose UCR? I started off as an undergraduate at UC San Diego, TAKE FIVE but I felt lost. After two years I transferred to UCR. I 00s really liked the fact that UCR was a smaller university. It was easy to fit in, I had a terrific experience with all of Col. Paul Cook ’00 was re-elected gh my professors and I learned more at UCR than I did in to serve in the U.S. House of my whole college career up to that point. The size of the Representatives in November campus and the ability to connect with professors and 2014. He represents California’s fellow students made my undergraduate experience truly 8th Congressional District, which memorable. includes the high desert Lance Merker communities of San Bernardino 2 What made you decide to return to UCR for your M.B.A.? County as well as Mono and Inyo ’87, M.B.A. ’91 About a year after I graduated, someone from UCR counties. He currently serves on contacted me and encouraged me to consider the M.B.A. program. It seemed like a great opportunity to return to the House Armed Services, the campus that I really liked and that gave me so much. Foreign Affairs, and Veterans’ I was a teaching assistant for one of my favorite professors Affairs committees. and the program was terrific. UCR’s M.B.A. program was Monika Rocsko ’01, the thing that put it all together for me and helped me the most in my career. formally Monika Buchmuller, married What is your favorite memory from your time at UCR? Michael Rocsko in 3 I have vivid memories of being in the computer labs. October 2012. She There was this amazing amount of technology available to and her husband welcomed the us as students, allowing a business major like me to make birth of their first daughter, Alexis and present projects of incredible professional quality. I Rocsko, on May 26, 2014. also met two people who became very important in my Monika currently works as a life: My wife, whom I’ve been married to now for 22 years, Home Service Specialist III with and someone who later became the chief financial officer Bank of America Home Loans in at OmniUpdate. Orange County. 4 Describe your work with OmniUpdate. What principles have Eduardo Garcia ’03 has been guided you through your management of the company? elected to represent California’s Lance Merker is the I joined OmniUpdate in the early ’90s and helped rebuild the company from the ground up to create a 56th Assembly District. The president and CEO of district encompasses the Imperial product that is absolutely loved by our customers. We OmniUpdate, a company managed to outpace the competition with extreme Valley and parts of the Coachella hard work, good strategy, a little bit of luck and a lot of Valley and the Colorado Desert. whose Web content focus. We focused on becoming the best in the world at management system, OU Onyebuchim Chinwah ’08 is something, which for us was becoming the best customer Campus, is used to manage management system for higher education. serving as an attorney for the Office of the Attorney General for more than 700 colleges What advice would you give to students? the District of Columbia in the and universities (including 5 First, learn your curriculum. Take this seriously and Civil Litigation Division. UC Riverside’s!) learn it really well. Second, while you’re in college, take Vanessa Hua M.F.A. ’09 is the time to learn how to live on your own and learn important skills that go way beyond the classroom. College is a good, recipient of the San Francisco safe environment to learn these life lessons. Finally, make Foundation’s James D. Phelan connections. The connections you make in college might

literary award for the manuscript even become business partners later in life. Think not “Loaves and Fishes.” A recent gh about how to apply to the job market, but rather how to Steinbeck Fellow in Creative apply what you learned to the world that’s evolving Writing at San Jose State around you. University, she is working on a novel, a collection of short UCR Winter 2015 | 33 stories, and a memoir. She began He recently started a brewery Expeditions. He aims to conduct Association Conference in her career at the Los Angeles where he created several beers research and report on scientific Colorado, where he co-presented Times before heading east to the using fruits from the UC Riverside discoveries while stationed at research on implementing Hartford Courant. Her work has Citrus Variety Collection, such as the remote Tambopata Research traditional justice in tribal appeared in the New York Times, kumquats, grapefruit and oranges. Center in Peru. Aaron manages courts. New Yorker online, Salon, Pacific He is hoping to use more, as the social media content and Kareem Gongora ’13 is working collection has more than 1,000 coordinates publicity via Standard and Newsweek, among for Riverside County for varieties. journalists and television other publications. Community Action Partnership productions covering research Carolyn Brown ’11 is a senior in as a program manager. The Erika Michelle Nakajima ’09 and conservation efforts. recently moved to Japan to work the Advisory Services practice of organization helps families in as a volunteer in the disaster area Ernst & Young LLP. She has Javier Amaya ’12 became poverty become self-sufficient. affected by the great Japanese been selected as this year’s engaged to fellow Highlander Most recently, Kareem ran for earthquake of 2011. Earthwatch Ambassador, Ernst & Penelope Quintero in December the Fontana School Board. Young’s competitive and 2013 and is now a second-year James Ruby Barsalou ’13 works at prestigious corporate responsi- law student at the University of Indian River Charter High School bility program in environmental New Mexico School of Law. This in Vero, Florida, where he moved a sustainability. She represented past summer, Amaya was an year ago with his wife and two the Xochimilco, Mexico, team in extern for Justice Edward children to be the communications May 2014. Chavez at the New Mexico and community relations Supreme Court. He is a member Jazmyn Clark ’11 graduated from specialist. James, an accom- 10s of the and Tribal Law Journal Boston’s New England Law with a plished photographer, earned his Heidi Garrett ’10 spent a month recently attended the National J.D. in May 2014. She passed bachelor’s degree in studio art at in Siem Reap, Cambodia, last American Indian Court Judges the Washington state bar exam in UCR. August as part of the Trade September 2014 and has been Foundation, a nonprofit organiza- sworn in as a practicing attorney tion made up of hairstylists, in the state of Washington. makeup artists and counselors Privacy Rights Jazmyn earned her bachelor’s who help women rescued from degree in English at UCR. the sex trade learn new skills. PRIVACY NOTICE: address with our affinity partners. This does not Affinity Partners Programs prohibit us from sharing your information when Gabriella Landeros ’12 Penelope Quintero ’10 became One of the ways the UCR Alumni we are required to do so by law. is now a press engaged to fellow Highlander Association generates the income needed to Unless you say “NO,” we may share your assistant with the Javier Amaya ’12 in December fund programs that benefit UC Riverside is by name, address and e-mail address with our U.S. Department of engaging in partnerships with carefully affinity partners. Our affinity partners may send 2013. After graduating from Commerce. Gabriella selected businesses. Partner candidates you offers to purchase various products or Loyola Law School in May 2014 graduated from UCR with a compete for the privilege of marketing their services that we may have agreed they can offer and passing the New Mexico Bar services and products to highly desirable UC in partnership with us. bachelor’s degree in media and exam in July, Quintero is now an Riverside students and graduates. You may decide at any time that you do not cultural studies, with a concen- associate attorney for Rose Little We select these partners based on the want us to share your information with our tration in film and visual media, quality, value, price and appropriateness of affinity partners. If you decide that you do not Brand & Associates P.C., a and a minor in Spanish. their offerings and their reputation. We hope want to receive information from our partners, creditor’s rights law firm. Gabriella is also a contributing that you agree that our judgment is sound and you may do one of the following: you find any partner solicitations useful and Michael Walkusky ’11 is the writer for Latinitas Magazine; (1) Visit us at: http://www.alumni.ucr.edu/ relevant. But, even if you do not respond to prior to her new role, she worked partnermailings and fill out the form online senior editor of EDM.com, one of such offers, you are still helping us simply by the most respected media as a digital strategy associate allowing us to continue to send these offers to (2) E-mail us at: [email protected] outlets for dance music in the with New Partners, where she you. (3) Call us toll free at: 800-426-2586 You have the right to control whether we world. He has interviewed top developed original digital (4) FAX us at: 951-398-4887 DJs such as Armin van Buuren content for various candidates share your name, address and e-mail address with our selected affinity partners (companies and Steve Aoki. and organizations. Regardless of the method, be sure to include that we partner with to offer products or your Alumni ID number, name, address, phone services to our alumni). Please read the Philip Vieira ’11 Aaron Pomerantz ’12 number and class year. following information carefully before you make earned his master’s has been working as your choice below: Thank you for your continued support. in psychology and a biological science You have the following rights to restrict the Your friends at the UCR Alumni Association has been busy reporter with sharing of your name, address and e-mail working on his Ph.D. Rainforest

34 | UCR Winter 2015 CLASS ACTS

WE REMEMBER

Carla Dodd ’58, wife and mother. as an associate dean in the College of Siegfried Schaible, emeritus professor the UCR Athletic Director in 1992. August 2014. Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. of management science, died on Sept. 7, Perry is survived by his wife, Donna; Milton Hiroshi Tenno ’79, teacher, Magnus co-edited the influential 2014. He was 74. children Jim, Joan, John and Janelle; and counselor and coach at Bolsa Grande and “Cambridge Companion to Nietzsche,” Schaible was born in Marburg, six grandchildren. Los Amigos high schools and at Golden served on the editorial board for the Germany, during World War II. He went on West College. September 2014. “Complete Works of Nietzsche,” and was to study mathematics and physics to earn Wilbur (Bill) W. the founder of the North American two doctorates from the University of Mayhew, professor Faculty Nietzsche Society. He also received a Cologne. emeritus and a founding member of the UCR Robert Chilton Calfee, prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for his In 1987, he became a tenured professor campus in 1954, died on former dean of the research on Nietzsche. at UC Riverside, teaching at the A. Gary Sept. 19, 2014. He was 94. Graduate School of After his retirement, the philosophy Anderson Graduate School of Management Mayhew served as an active professor Education, died on Oct. department started the Magnus Lecture, until his retirement in 2006. He then in the Department of Zoology until his 24, 2014, in his home in which brings an internationally known moved to Taiwan, where he taught at retirement in1989. Prior to that, Mayhew Stanford, California. The philosopher to campus once a year to Chung Yuan Christian University. was a decorated veteran of World War II cause of death was stomach cancer. He speak about Nietzsche or related topics. Schaible wrote and edited a number of who completed his military service with a was 81. Magnus is survived by his wife, Lore scientific journals and books in his area of Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Calfee, professor emeritus of education Woodcock Magnus; his children, David expertise, generalized convexity. Purple Heart, and Presidential Unit Citation at Stanford Graduate School of Education, Magnus and Victoria Varnals; his He is survived by his siblings, Dieter with two oak leaf clusters. After the war he was an influential scholar who wrote grandsons, Tyler and Ryan Varnals; and his Schaible and Waltraut Kippenberger; his earned his bachelor’s, master’s and extensively about pedagogy. sister, Miriam Eis. daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Frank doctoral degrees in zoology from UC He pioneered new approaches to Suranyi; his son and daughter-in-law, John Berkeley (1948, 1951, and 1953, training classroom teachers and working George Edgar Slusser, and Christy Schaible; his daughter Rickie respectively). His graduate research was directly with schools. He also helped co-founder of the Eaton Schaible; and his seven grandchildren. conducted under the mentorship of A. launch LeapFrog Enterprises Inc., a leader Collection of Science Starker Leopold. in the educational entertainment market. Fiction & Fantasy, died Nov. Dr. Richard “Dick” Perry, former While at UCR, Mayhew taught more Calfee became an education professor 4, 2014, at his home in athletics director, died at his Riverside than 5,600 students in numerous field at Stanford in 1969. In 1998 he became Highland, California. He was 75. home on Oct. 19, 2014. He was 85. classes. dean at UCR, a role he would fill until Slusser, curator emeritus of the Eaton Perry began his journey in athletics Mayhew was also deeply involved in the 2003. Collection and professor emeritus of coaching basketball, baseball and football protection of natural California habitats. Calfee is survived by his wife, Suzanne comparative literature, joined the UCR at Emporia College in Kansas. In 1958, he He was one of the founders of the UC Barchers; his three children, Adele Library in 1979 and, beginning in 1991, became the head basketball coach, Natural Reserve System, which today is Woodward, Robert W. Calfee and Elise held a joint position as professor of assistant football coach and an instructor comprised of 34 reserves with over Sachs; and four grandchildren. comparative literature until his retirement in physical education at Cal State Long in 2005. Beach. After completing his Ph.D. at the 130,000 acres of protected land for research and teaching. Bernd Magnus, professor emeritus of Under his leadership the collection University of Southern California, he was Mayhew’s wife, Corinne, and his family philosophy, passed away on Nov. 3, 2014. – formally known as the J. Lloyd Eaton invited to join the USC teaching faculty in were highly supportive of his legacy in He was 76. Professor Magnus, a survivor of Collection of , Fantasy, 1968. In 1975, Perry served as the director protecting California’s critical habitat and the Holocaust, was an internationally Horror, and Utopian Literature – grew from of athletics at USC. During his nine years energizing young minds about the recognized expert on 19th- and 7,500 volumes to the internationally there, USC teams won 20 national natural world. 20th-century European philosophy and, renowned collection it is today, a collection championships. more specifically, a leading scholar of that includes books, journals, fanzines, In 1987, Perry was hired as the Friedrich Nietzsche. comic books, authors’ manuscripts, media Highlanders director of intercollegiate Born in Danzig, Germany, Magnus and memorabilia. He taught the first athletics at UCR. During his tenure he immigrated to the United States in 1947. courses in science fiction studies at UCR worked diligently to improve the athletic He went on to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy at and originated the Eaton Conference, facilities and teams at the university. Columbia University in 1967. He joined which he chaired for more than 20 years. Through his efforts many local business UCR in 1969 and was part of the faculty Slusser is survived by his wife, Danièle leaders came together in an attempt to for more than 35 years. He served as the Chatelain-Slusser. help UCR move up to become a Division I chair of the Department of Philosophy and university. He retired from his position as

UCR Winter 2015 | 35 C SCAPE

BY LITTY MATHEW However, Moten is reluctant to give “When I say I love poetry, himself that title, I’m really saying that I love although many of his surprises,” says Frederick peers — including Charles Moten, professor of those who nominated English at UCR. him for the National “Poetry is important today Book Award in Poetry because it’s fun and beautiful; — have done just that. it allows us to celebrate and to “I still haven’t had critique, two activities that are the moment — the one when indispensable now more than I’ll know I’m a poet. And ever.” I’m not particularly worried about having any such moment, Moten had quite the surprise either,” notes Moten. when he was nominated as one of five finalists for the National “I think I’m just one of many Book Award in Poetry for his people who is interested in poetry, collection “The Feel Trio” (Letter and who loves poetry. Sometimes I Machine Editions), named after write things down that I hear; and the jazz improvisational trio of I like to make patterns and shapes Cecil Taylor, William Parker and with words and sounds. But who Tony Oxley. doesn’t?”

He describes his lauded Moten’s journey to UCR is just as collection as a preliminary report lyrical. “I came to UCR in the hope rather than the last chapter of his Fred Moten: that I would find more students who lifelong observations. He likens the would be truly interested in the kinds energy and vibe of his three-part of classes I had to offer. And even work to that of the cult jazz trio. my wildest dreams and expectations have been exceeded.” He also credits Born in Las Vegas, Nevada in THE POET the brilliance of his colleagues in the 1962, Moten comes from a family English department. of music lovers. “Most of the folks “I think I’m just one of in my family were very brilliant “The importance of poetry is and poetic in the way they used many people who is only intensified by the ubiquity of its language in ordinary situations. presence,” says Moten. “The more Everyone was infected by, every- interested in poetry, and poetry the better.” one’s speech was infused with, poetry.” who loves poetry.”

Listen to Fred read from 36 UCR Winter 2015 Illustration by | “The Feel Trio” and read a magazine.ucr.edu Mike Tofanelli Q&A with Moten on Health . Sustainability . Policy . Technology

LIVING THE PROMISE

OUR PROMISE: Explore more health impacts Real World Solutions promise.ucr.edu

By studying how the human immune system is . Alzheimer’s Research . Cancer Prevention affected over a lifetime by diet and aging, . California’s newest public School of Medicine UCR immunologist Ilhem Messaoudi can develop . Charter Member: University Innovation Alliance more effective vaccines for older populations. UCR Winter 2015 | 37 www.universityinnovationalliance.org “Water is a limited resource, and yet it’s vital to all of us. It’s unconscionable to waste it.” – Reuben Muñoz and Paul Velen

Reuben and Paul are supporting water research at UCR YOUR PASSION. through a bequest. WHAT’S YOUR PASSION? From health and technology to policy, sustainability and the arts, your gift to UCR YOUR LEGACY. will support the area that is most meaningful to you.

To explore how you can make an impact through a legacy gift, Call (877) 249-0181 or email [email protected].

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