Newsroom August Edition: “Have You Heard?” Roundup
Welcome to the August edition of Newsroom’s monthly “Have you heard?” roundup! This is your quick-hit guide to the faculty and staff breakthroughs, honors, milestones, and memorable moments shaping our campus and community. Enjoy your regular dose of Bruin brilliance!
Awards, Grants and Honors
A Spotlight on Storytelling
The UCLA Semel Healthy Campus Initiatives Center has received a $2 million grant to enhance collaborations with community organizations regarding well-being.
Bruin Ideas Go Global
Several faculty received 2026 Global Education and Global Research grants totaling $260,000 to expand UCLA’s global reach.
Awards and Honors — Sciences
2 Bruins Take a Quantum Leap
UCLA computer scientists Jason Cong and Jens Palsberg will lead national efforts in quantum computing, supported by $37.5 million grants from the National Science Foundation.
Making Big Data Make Sense
Wei Wang, professor and chair of computer science, has received the Innovation Award from the Association for Computing Machinery for his contributions to data mining.
A Greener Way to Make Everyday Products
UCLA scientists Soumitra Athavale and Justin Manoff are starting a project with a W.M. Keck Foundation grant to create sustainable hydrogenation processes.
Awards and Honors — Health Sciences
UCLA Health is Tops — Again
For the 37th consecutive year, UCLA Health has made the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Honor Roll.
Could a Healthier Gut Help with Obesity?
Dr. Arpana Church has received a $4 million grant to study probiotic impacts on adults with obesity.
A One-Two Punch Against Lung Cancer
Dr. Jie Deng has been awarded a grant to research improved radiation therapy outcomes for lung cancer patients.
Fixing Giant Aneurysms
Dr. Naoki Kaneko is testing a new device for treating complex brain aneurysms, supported by a $50,000 grant.
A Commanding Honor
Dr. E. Dale Abel has been awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander by Jamaica’s Government for contributions to medicine.
Keeping Moms Vaxxed
Dr. Neil Silverman has received the Maternal Immunization Champion Award in recognition of his efforts in advancing maternal vaccine rates.
Extraordinary Impact
Using AI to Outsmart Disease
Jason Zhang, assistant professor of bioengineering, is utilizing AI for protein design, aim for breakthroughs in disease treatment.
Protecting Bruins When Sparks Fly
Steve McNaughten, UCLA’s new lead campus fire marshal, brings extensive experience in fire safety and emergency response.
Explore more honors, recognitions, and grant awards on Newsroom’s Faculty Bulletin Board page and faculty and staff page.
Transitions and Appointments
Sandesara to Lead Global Health Minor
Dr. Utpal Sandesara has been appointed chair of the International Institute’s global health minor.
From Student Staffer to Associate Vice Chancellor
Sarah Dundish takes on her new role as associate vice chancellor for UCLA Housing & Hospitality.
A Disease Detective Takes the Lead
Dr. Anne Rimoin has been appointed associate dean of global health.
Around Campus
Lights, Camera, Keke!
Emmy winner Keke Palmer will join UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television for a new artist-in-residence program.
Randall Park is Back — for a Dance Battle?
Comedian Randall Park will co-host the UCLA College Lecture Awards on Oct. 12.
In Memoriam
A Dentistry Pioneer’s Enduring Legacy
The UCLA School of Dentistry mourns Dr. Henry H. Takei, who passed away at 88.
A Giant of SoCal Architectural History
Thomas Spight Hines Jr. has died at 89, remembered for his contributions to architecture and history.
For more details, visit Newsroom’s faculty and staff page.
