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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260521T120000
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SUMMARY:Beautiful Universe - An astrophotography exhibit
DESCRIPTION:Beautiful Universe is a pop-up exhibit in collaboration with the UC Santa Cruz Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics that will be on display at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History from May 21 to 31.\nIn over more than 20 photos\, you will see galaxies\, novae\, supernovae\, reflection and emission nebulae\, and interstellar dust clouds that give birth to new stars and planets. They are artistic images filled with scientific information. The astrophotography exhibit bridges the gap that often exists in our minds between art and science. \nAsk an astronomer! Astronomers will be on site at the Museum of Art and History in downtown Santa Cruz from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends (May 23\, 24\, 30\, and 31) to answer your questions. \nImages are by Steve Mandel and Bob Fera\, Deep Space Remote Observatories\, and once the pop-up exhibit concludes\, the photos on display will be permanently installed on the UC Santa Cruz campus\, courtesy of Steve Mandel\, research associate for the UC Santa Cruz Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and sponsor of the Mandel Lecture Series. \nLearn more.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/beautiful-universe-astrophotography-exhibit/
LOCATION:Museum of Art & History\, 705 Front St\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95060\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T120000
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SUMMARY:Spring Exhibitions at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences
DESCRIPTION:Visit the IAS\, UCSC’s premier art galleries\, for our spring exhibitions. On view April 10–August 16\, 2026 are three diverse and interdisciplinary shows: Libia Posada: Everything is Going Right\, the first US solo exhibition by the Colombia-based artist and medical doctor; Gina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj\, a site-specific and immersive exploration of the Haitian kreyol conception of rasanblaj; and Ronaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words\, But Melodies\, a mixed-media exhibition emerging at the intersections of Black poetics\, performance\, and visual art. \nThe IAS Galleries are open Wednesday-Sunday\, 12 pm – 5 pm. Admission is free to the public. \nLibia Posada: Everything is Going Right\nLibia Posada’s first solo exhibition in the United States features installations\, sculptures\, and drawings meticulously constructed from surgical instruments\, gauze bandages\, crutches\, used books\, and domestic picture frames. The new and existing works in the exhibition powerfully stitch together the personal\, social\, and political disorders and afflictions that currently trouble the world\, from the wars that resonate across the globe to the violences of aging in US prisons.  \nGina Athena Ulysse: A Redwoods Rasanblaj: Origins & Disentanglements\nThe internationally-lauded work of humanities professor Gina Athena Ulysse is on view as a premier Faculty Spotlight Exhibition. The site-specific installation\, produced in community from things collected\, found\, purchased and donated\, centers on the Haitian concept of rasanblaj\, a form of assembly and collage that transcends the formal use of materials to draw together people\, spirits\, and ideas.  \nRonaldo V. Wilson: There Are No Words\, But Melodies\nCollage is both a material practice and a structural interrogation in the Faculty Spotlight Exhibition artworks by literature professor Ronaldo V. Wilson. In video\, painting\, and installation\, layers and folds conceal and reveal\, delving into the experience\, both bodily and emotive\, of living in times of violence.  \n 
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/spring-exhibitions-at-the-institute-of-the-arts-and-sciences/2026-05-31/
LOCATION:Institute of the Arts and Sciences\, 100 Panetta Ave\, Santa Cruz\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T170000
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SUMMARY:Visualizing Abolition Screening Series: Beyond Access
DESCRIPTION:On view in the IAS Screening Room is a selection of short films curated by Visualizing Abolition Visiting Faculty Fellow Dr. Pooja Rangan. \nPrisons deny and censor the access of those trapped inside them—to information\, to intimacy\, to community\, to meaningful work\, to nourishment of all kinds\, and perhaps most cruelly\, to care. This program assembles a series of films\, including works by filmmakers incarcerated in California as well as others without that lived experience. Together\, these works confront the debilitating impacts of these restrictions and reveal how the disabling logic of the prison is extended to other institutional spaces (the hospital\, the university)\, turning access into a scarce commodity by enclosing what should be held in common. Questioning the carceral and state-sponsored productions of disability and accessibility\, the short films together reveal the courage of people working despite limitations to produce collective access for one another\, described simply and beautifully by disability justice activist Leah-Lakshmi Piepzna Samarasinha as “revolutionary love without charity.” \nThanh Tran\nDying in Prison\, 2022\nHD Video (color\, sound)\, 3 minutes\nCourtesy of the artist \nCarolyn Lazard\nPre-Existing Condition\, 2019\nHD video (color\, sound)\, 6 minutes\nCourtesy of the artist and Trautwein Herleth3 \nAnthony Alejandrez\nAnother Rainy Day\, 2023\nPhone video (color\, sound)\, 3 minutes\nCourtesy of the artist \nJordan Lord\nAfter…After… (Access)\, 2018\nHD Video (color\, sound)\, 16 minutes\nCourtesy of the artist \nRahsaan “New York” Thomas\nFriendly Signs\, 2023\nVideo (color\, sound) 21 minutes\nCourtesy of Tommy Wickerd\, Empowerment Ave & System Impact Media
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/visualizing-abolition-screening-series-beyond-access/2026-05-31/
LOCATION:Institute of the Arts and Sciences\, 100 Panetta Ave\, Santa Cruz\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T140000
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SUMMARY:Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles\, directed by Kinan Valdez
DESCRIPTION:Blending Euripides’ classic Medea with Mexican folklore\, Luis Alfaro examines the tragedy behind America’s immigration system and the destiny of one family caught in its grip. Directed by Kinan Valdez. \nADVISORIES\n–  Content advisory: includes violence\, adult language\, mature themes\, and mention of sexual violence\n– This presentation is 90 minutes in length with no intermission.\n– Seating is limited and will reach full capacity.\n– Ticket holders not seated at least five minutes before the advertised start time may forfeit their ticket/seat\, and no refund will be issued.\n– Parking impacts may be significant on Fri-Sun during Week 2 of this production in Lot 126 due to other overlapping events expected to reach full capacity. \nADMISSION\n– Tickets issued online through Eventbrite only.\n– Attend in person at Theater Arts eXperimental Theater at UC Santa Cruz.\n– Free for UCSC undergrads (ticket required).\n– General admission “Pay What You Like” options for $10\, $15\, or $20.\n– Follow the Dept. of Performance\, Play & Design on Eventbrite for notifications and updates.\n– Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time. \nPARKING\n– Arts Lot #126 is the closest parking lot to the event.\n– $5 ParkMobile Arts Special Event flat rate; cash/credit via parking attendant when present in the lot; or by valid UCSC permit.\n– Before arriving to UCSC\, we recommend downloading the ParkMobile App on Google Play or Apple App Store and setting up a profile with license plate and payment information.\n– Visitors with DMV placards or plates may park for free in DMV spaces\, Medical spaces\, or ParkMobile spaces without additional payment\, or in timed zones for longer than the posted time.\n– UCSC affiliates must get their permits in advance; attendants will only sell non-affiliate rates\n– More information provided by UCSC Transportation & Parking Services. \nFull Schedule of Events \nThis production includes seven performances over the course of two weeks\, including the following dates/times:\n– Fri\, May 22\, 7:30 p.m.\n– Sat\, May 23\, 7:30 p.m.\n– Sun\, May 24\, 2:00 p.m. matinee\n– Thu\, May 28\, 7:30 p.m.\n– Fri\, May 29\, 7:30 p.m.\n– Sat\, May 30\, 7:30 p.m.\n– Sun\, May 31\, 2:00 p.m. matinee\n—\nThis program is open to all members of the public consistent with state and federal law.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/mojada/2026-05-31/
LOCATION:Experimental Theater\, Theater Arts Center\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Performances
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T160000
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SUMMARY:Lavender Graduation Celebration
DESCRIPTION:For over 20 years\, The Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center has proudly honored the accomplishments of graduating students at UCSC.  At the annual Lavender Graduation Celebration\, graduates of all academic levels and programs are celebrated in a uniquely queer way. Graduating students receive a lavender or rainbow stole in addition to enjoying refreshments\, music\, and student speakers. \n\nRegister to attend the celebration (or to reserve a stole to pick up after).\n\nNominate a student speaker.\n\nLav Grad 2026 will take place on May 31\, 2026 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. in the multipurpose room (MPR) of College 9/John R. Lewis College.   Friends and family are invited to cheer on graduates. \n\nYou Belong Here: The programs and services described here are open to all\, consistent with state and federal law\, as well as the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Every initiative—whether a student service\, faculty program\, or community event—is designed to be accessible\, inclusive\, and respectful of all identities. \n\nTo learn more\, please visit UC Nondiscrimination Statement or Nondiscrimination Policy for UC Publications.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/lavender-graduation-celebration/
LOCATION:Colleges Nine and John R. Lewis College Multi-purpose Room\, 615 College Nine Road\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Reception
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T170000
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SUMMARY:UCSC Opera—Orpheus in the Underworld
DESCRIPTION:A rollicking and irreverent spoof of the Orpheus myth\, Jacques Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld is most famous as the origin of the “gallop infernal”—the music now strongly associated with the can-can dance. This operetta follows the unhappy (and unfaithful) union of Orpheus and Eurydice\, as the latter’s love affair with the god of the underworld results in Eurydice relocating to hell. Cowed by Public Opinion\, Orpheus makes an attempt to retrieve his wife from the underworld\, but Jupiter’s involvement\, along with many of the other gods of Olympus\, complicates matters further.  \nThe UCSC Orchestra ensemble and voice students are conducted by Bruce Kiesling\, with direction by Sheila Willey.\nCostumes by Brooke Jennings\, wigs by Sharon Ridge and Jessica Carter\, and set/lighting design by David Dunning.\n—\nADMISSION\n– Attend in person at the UCSC Music Center Recital Hall.\n– General admission opera tickets available online through Eventbrite.\n– Free for UCSC students (ticket required).\n– Follow the Music Department on Eventbrite for notices and updates.\n– Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.\n– Ticket holders not seated at least 5 minutes before the advertised start time may forfeit their ticket/seat and no refund will be issued.\n—\nFULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS\n– Th.\, May 28\, 7:30 p.m.\n– Fr.\, May 29\, 7:30 p.m.\n– Sa.\, May 30\, 7:30 p.m.\n– Su.\, May 31\, 3:00 p.m. matinee\n—\nPARKING\n– Arts Lot #126 is the closest parking lot to the event.\n– $5 ParkMobile Arts Special Event flat rate; cash/credit via parking attendant in Lot 126; or by valid UCSC permit.\n– Before arriving to UCSC\, we recommend downloading the ParkMobile App on Google Play or Apple App Store and setting up a profile with license plate and payment information.\n– Visitors with DMV placards or plates may park for free in DMV spaces\, Medical spaces\, or ParkMobile spaces without additional payment\, or in timed zones for longer than the posted time.\n– More information provided by UCSC Transportation & Parking Services.\n—\nThis program is open to all members of the public consistent with state and federal law. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/opera-orpheus/2026-05-31/
LOCATION:Music Center Recital Hall\, 400 McHenry Road\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Performances
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260531T160000
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SUMMARY:The Deep Read – A Conversation with Merlin Sheldrake
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a free\, public conversation with British mycologist and author\, Merlin Sheldrake\, at UC Santa Cruz’s Quarry Amphitheater on May 31\, 2026. He’ll discuss his New York Times bestseller\, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make our Worlds\, Change our Minds\, and Shape our Futures with Associate Professor of History Benjamin Breen and the Deep Read community. Together\, we’ll explore the dependence of all life—human\, plant\, animal\, and beyond—on fungal networks and how the resulting interconnections provoke us to reconsider our understanding of existence\, identity\, intelligence\, and more. \n \nEvent Schedule: \n3:00-3:15 pm: Doors Open \n3:15-4:00 pm: Musical performance by Le Jazz Hot Duo \n(Nelsen Hutchison & Paul Mehling) will play acoustic jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France. Expect a mix of Parisian waltzes\, jazz standards\, bossa nova\, and reimagined pop tunes\, all driven by energetic improvisation \n4:00-5:30 pm: Main program \nMerlin Sheldrake will discuss his New York Times bestseller\, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make our Worlds\, Change our Minds\, and Shape our Futures with UC Santa Cruz Associate Professor of History Benjamin Breen and the Deep Read community. We’ll explore the dependence of all life—human\, plant\, animal\, and beyond—on fungal networks and how the resulting interconnections provoke us to reconsider our understanding of existence\, identity\, intelligence\, and more. \n5:30-6:00pm: Book signing \n\nADA & General Public Parking: \nFor our ADA guests\, the ADA accessible parking will be available at the Hahn Student Services/Lot 101. Please follow directional signs that will lead you to this Lot. Disability Van Services will be available to support guests that require transport. An ADA placard will be required to park in this lot. \nGeneral parking is located at the East Remote. Carpooling is highly recommended. Parking will be free and a courtesy shuttle will be available to and from the East Remote to the Quarry Amphithater. Directional signage will be posted starting at the base of campus. \nIt is up to a 20 minute walk to the Quarry Amphitheter from the East Remote Lot. \n\nAdditional Events of Interest: \nEntangled Life Faculty Salon: On May 19\, 2026\, at 6pm\, we will hold a salon-style event at the Hay Barn on campus where a group of Deep Read faculty—Professors Breen\, Gilbert\, and Haraway —will give brief presentations and discuss Entangled Life with moderator Laura Martin and the Deep Read community. Participants can also attend virtually. \nThe Literature and Poetics of Fungi Salon: On May 26\, 2026\, at 6pm\, we will hold a salon at the Hay Barn focused on the literary and poetic influence of fungi and its relation to Entangled Life. The salon will feature Professors Cole\, Hillman\, Palmer\, and Tseng in conversation with moderator Laura Martin and the Deep Read community. Participants can also attend virtually. \n \nThe Deep Read is an annual program of The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz made possible through the generous support of the Helen and Will Webster Foundation. We invite curious minds to think deeply about books and the most pressing issues of our contemporary moment.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/the-deep-read-a-conversation-with-merlin-sheldrake/
LOCATION:Upper Quarry Amphitheater\, 15 McLaughlin Drive\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
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DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T114500
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
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SUMMARY:ECE 290 Seminar: Memristors for a brain-scale neuromorphic chip
DESCRIPTION:Presenter: Sung-Mo “Steve” Kang\, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Research Professor\, UC Santa Cruz \n  \nDescription: Recently\, applications of artificial intelligence (AI) have far outpaced Moore’s law in chip development\, thus creating an increasingly large gap between user demand and the supply that the semiconductor industry can deliver. In this talk\, we will discuss the unique roles of memristor technologies that can be leveraged to develop scaled-up AI neural networks\, particularly spiking neural networks (SNNs) for brain-like neuromorphic computing and unsupervised learning with high energy efficiency. Open-source memristor circuit designs\, along with open-source software\, may facilitate the development of micro- and nano-electronic systems that emulate brain functions. In this venue\, we will discuss how to harness memristor- based circuits and systems to build memristor neurons\, synapses\, and their interconnects for ultra-high packing density\, low power consumption\, and the fabrication services needed to enable innovation. \n  \nBio: Sung-Mo “Steve” Kang is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Research Professor at the Baskin School of Engineering\, UC Santa Cruz; Chancellor Emeritus of UC Merced; and President Emeritus of KAIST. He has published more than 500 journal and conference papers\, authored 10 books\, and holds 17 patents. Before returning to academia in 1985\, he led the development of the world’s premier fully CMOS 32-bit VLSI microprocessor chipsets for telecommunications and computing applications as a technical supervisor at AT&T Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill\, New Jersey. This work was recognized as an IEEE Milestone in February 2025. He has received honors\, including best paper awards\, induction into the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame\, the Alexander von Humboldt Senior US Scientists Award\, the IEEE Millennium Medal\, the IEEE Mac Van Valkenburg Circuits and Systems (CAS) Society Award\, the IEEE CAS Society Technical Excellence Award\, the US Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) Technical Excellence Award\, the IEEE Leon K. Kirchmayer Graduate Teaching Technical Field Award\, and the IEEE CAS Society John Choma Education Award\, as well as the Chang-Lin Tien Education Leadership Award. Dr. Kang is a Life Fellow of the IEEE and a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)\, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)\, and the Asia-Pacific AI Association. He is a life member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Korean Academy of Science and Technology\, and a foreign member of the National Academy of Engineering\, Korea. He received his B.S. from Fairleigh Dickinson University\, Teaneck\, New Jersey\, in 1970; an honorary B.S. from Yonsei University; an M.S. from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1972; and a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley in 1975\, all in electrical engineering. \n  \nHosted by: Professor Soumya Bose\, ECE Department \nZoom Link: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/97975378707?pwd=ljcgaCfhMmhZ88Vt5dqQUBVQRjehOx.1
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/ece-290-seminar-memristors-for-a-brain-scale-neuromorphic-chip/
LOCATION:Engineering 2\, Engineering 2 1156 High Street\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Lectures & Presentations,Seminars
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T170000
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SUMMARY:Rules Are Not Neutral: Play As Sense-Making\, Acts Of Resistance\, And Imagining Otherwise
DESCRIPTION:This exhibition brings together a range of analog games – including board\, card\, role-playing\, and other participatory works – that engage social and political realities in different ways. The works span widely circulated commercial games to independently produced projects\, one-of-a-kind artworks by artists\, faculty\, alumni\, and students\, and materials drawn from UC Santa Cruz Special Collections and Archives. \nIn part\, the exhibition challenges the persistent assumption that games and play are detached from social and political life. On the contrary\, game designers and artists across diverse perspectives and positions have long used play to engage questions of social systems\, lived experience\, and how power operates. This exhibition does not attempt to represent that full spectrum. Instead\, it brings together a particular set of works that foreground how games can make systems visible\, intervene in them\, and imagine alternatives. \nAll games embody values\, whether intentional or not.  \n– Mary Flanagan\, game designer and scholar \nAcross all of these works\, games are not only forms of entertainment\, though they may be that as well. They are encountered in multiple ways: as objects\, as systems\, as artworks\, and as experiences that unfold unpredictably through interaction. In each case\, rules and constraints shape what participants can do. In these different forms\, the works stage systems – such as housing and land ownership\, capitalism\, race and identity\, civil rights and protest\, fascism\, and colonialism – in ways that are simplified and easy to see\, opening space to recognize similar structures beyond the game. In this sense\, the works suggest that rules are not neutral – they organize experience\, distribute power\, and produce meaning. \nGames are the art of agency. \n– C. Thi Nguyen\, philosopher \nThe exhibition is intentionally dense. This abundance reflects the breadth of ways games operate across contexts\, from activism and education to art and everyday life. While it celebrates creativity and difference\, it also asks how these works engage critically with the structures that shape our lives.  \nSome works use rules to model systems\, helping players understand how those systems operate. Others use play to rehearse action\, asking players to practice navigating or challenging those systems. Still others turn toward speculation\, inviting players to imagine alternative futures\, worlds\, and the systems that might shape them.  \nThe imagination is an instrument of change. \n– Ursula K. Le Guin\, author \nThe focus on analog games reflects how they foreground materiality and shared physical presence. Played face-to-face\, handled\, read aloud\, and experienced together\, these works show how rules operate not in abstraction\, but through lived\, embodied experience. \nUltimately\, the exhibition asks us to consider not only how games represent the world\, but how they shape our engagement with it – and how through play\, the social and political systems they model might be understood\, challenged\, and reimagined. \nGames are not apolitical. \n– Kishonna L. Gray\, media scholar \n  \nGallery Reception\nMay 15 from 1 to 4pm at the Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery \n  \nArt Friday\nHands-on art activities drawing from the current exhibition.\nALL ARE WELCOME regardless of skill level. Art supplies and free snacks are provided!
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/rules-are-not-neutral-play-as-sense-making-acts-of-resistance-and-imagining-otherwise/2026-06-01/
LOCATION:Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery\, 11 Cowell Service Rd\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Exhibits
ORGANIZER;CN="Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery":MAILTO:epsgal@ucsc.edu
GEO:36.996399;-122.0527221
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery 11 Cowell Service Rd Santa Cruz CA 95064;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=11 Cowell Service Rd:geo:-122.0527221,36.996399
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T133000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260526T191332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T191332Z
UID:10014871-1780317000-1780320600@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:CM Seminar - Alex Olwal\, "Human-Centered Augmentation: Interacting with Matter\, Humans\, and Machines"
DESCRIPTION:Presented by: Alex Olwal \nDescription: “In this talk\, I will share my perspectives on the evolution and future of human-centered augmentation\, through the lens of two decades of research and development. Drawing from experiences across academia and industry\, I will discuss insights from having led projects in augmented reality\, accessibility\, electronic textiles\, novel sensing and displays\, and their implications for emerging AI-augmented interfaces.” \nBio: Alex Olwal is a research scientist and engineering leader focused on interaction technology and human augmentation. During his tenure at Google\, he founded the Interaction Lab and Biointerfaces team \, and tech transferred accessibility-focused language glasses to the Augmented Reality product organization\, where he established the Augmented Language Team. As an engineering manager in the product organization\, he evolved his team’s scope to deliver Human-AI language capabilities\, including speech perception\, natural language understanding\, real-time translation and captions\, and generative AI. The team’s conversational AI experiences for AR glasses were a key feature in the Google I/O 2022 keynote. Alex’s research has spanned augmented reality\, ubiquitous computing\, wearables\, and accessibility\, often leveraging novel opportunities in display technology\, sensing\, soft electronics\, and machine intelligence. He is passionate about impactful problems that can be addressed through Human-AI interfaces\, real-time interaction techniques and transformative applications. \nPreviously\, Alex conducted research at MIT Media Lab as a postdoctoral fellow after receiving his Ph.D. from KTH Royal Institute of Technology\, with research conducted at Columbia University\, UC Santa Barbara\, and Microsoft Research (research internship). He has held faculty positions at Stanford University\, Rhode Island School of Design\, and KTH. \nWebsite: www.olwal.com \nHosted by: Professor Katherine Isbister \nWhen: Monday\, June 1\, 2026 from 12:30PM to 1:30PM \nLocation:  \nIN-PERSON @ UCSC Main Campus\, E2-280. \nViewing room @ SVC 3212. \nLUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED AT BOTH LOCATIONS! Faculty and students are highly encouraged to attend. \nZoom info: \nhttps://ucsc.zoom.us/j/97081260699?pwd=eyt5f4CAEHHLQWBhdaLA693T3gecaj.1\nMeeting ID: 970 8126 0699\nPasscode: 047011
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/cm-seminar-alex-olwal-human-centered-augmentation-interacting-with-matter-humans-and-machines/
LOCATION:Engineering 2\, Engineering 2 1156 High Street\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Lectures & Presentations,Seminars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T132500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T143000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260512T144639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T144657Z
UID:10014624-1780320300-1780324200@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Seminar Series | What you may not know about groundwater management in California with Ruth Langridge
DESCRIPTION:Host: ENVS Personnel Committee \nGroundwater is a critical source of California’s water supply. Many basins in critical overdraft are now being managed under the 2015 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) to support state goals of sustainable and equitable management. However\, court adjudicated basins that encompass over 8\,000 square miles and are home to nearly 11 million people\, over 4 million of whom live in disadvantaged and economically vulnerable communities\, are not managed under SGMA but under court judgments. The groundwater basins in the entire San Gabriel River Watershed and large areas of the Santa Ana Watershed in Southern California are adjudicated. Our research evaluated how management of these important groundwater basins under a court appointed Watermaster is aligned with state sustainability and equity goals as expressed in SGMA. \nIn person and on Zoom \nMeeting ID:  949 5253 7079 \nPasscode: 552886
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/groundwater-management-in-california/
LOCATION:Interdisciplinary Sciences Building\, 7487 Red Hill Road\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Seminars
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X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Interdisciplinary Sciences Building 7487 Red Hill Road Santa Cruz CA 95064;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=7487 Red Hill Road:geo:-122.0617685,37.001379
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260421T175854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T211522Z
UID:10013949-1780329600-1780333200@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:AM Seminar: Using Math and Experiments to Study the Control of Cell Metabolism
DESCRIPTION:Presenter: Denis Titov\, Assistant Professor\, University of California\, Berkeley \nDescription: Cells run thousands of chemical reactions simultaneously\, and these reactions must be precisely controlled—like a thermostat that prevents overheating. When this control fails\, diseases including diabetes\, cardiovascular disease\, and fatty liver disease result. One key control mechanism is allosteric regulation\, where a small molecule binds to an enzyme and changes its activity. Allosteric regulation is among the most conserved features of cellular life\, yet the functions it serves remain one of the oldest unsolved problems in biology. Several roles have been proposed\, but since the discovery of allostery in the 1950s\, no one has systematically disabled it in metabolic enzymes and measured the consequences. Four technological advances now converge to make this possible. CRISPR enables precise genome editing of allosteric sites. Structural biology has mapped which residues to target. LC-MS metabolomics makes metabolic phenotyping routine. The speed of modern computers enables detailed modeling of allosteric regulator function. In this talk\, I will describe our work developing and testing the first-in-class biophysical model of a metabolic pathway that accurately predicts responses to the addition or removal of allosteric regulators. Our work provides a framework for developing predictive models of cell metabolism that can be used for drug development or for engineering cells for energy production and chemical synthesis. Within a decade\, we plan to develop a model that accurately predicts metabolic activity in any human cell type under any condition. \nAbout the speaker: Denis Titov is an Assistant Professor at the University of California Berkeley with joint appointments in the Department of Metabolic Biology and Nutrition\, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology\, and Center for Computational Biology. Dr. Titov’s long-term research dream is to improve the understanding of human metabolic pathway regulation to a point where we can accurately predict metabolic pathway activity in any cell type\, under any condition\, and in response to any perturbation. Dr. Titov is interested in the following broad questions: How does metabolic homeostasis emerge from the activities of individual enzymes? What trade-offs drove the evolution of specific metabolic pathways and their control mechanisms? How to effectively combine data and biophysical models to simulate metabolic pathways? To tackle these questions\, Titov lab is using a combination of biochemistry\, mathematical modeling\, physiology\, custom instrumentation\, and genetically encoded tool development to study metabolism in mammalian cells and reconstituted biochemical systems. \nThis seminar is hosted by Professor Nilah Ioannidis.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/am-seminar-using-math-and-experiments-to-study-the-control-of-cell-metabolism/
LOCATION:Jack Baskin Engineering\, Baskin Engineering 1156 High Street\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Lectures & Presentations,Seminars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260528T210924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T210924Z
UID:10014886-1780329600-1780333200@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Statistics Seminar: From Random Walks to Planning-Ready World Models: A Normative Model of Place Cells
DESCRIPTION:Presenter: Deqian Kong\, PhD student\, UCLA \nDescription: How does the hippocampus turn experience into a cognitive map that is not just a passive record of space but a representation ready for planning? In this talk\, I will present a normative model in which place cells emerge as a non-negative population embedding whose inner products approximate the multi-step random walk transition kernel across a discrete set of time scales. From this single construction\, a great deal follows. First\, the representation reproduces signature biological phenomena: multi-scale place fields that mirror the hippocampal dorsoventral gradient\, theta phase precession as an angular sweep in representational geometry (angle–phase duality)\, and contextual remapping. Second\, and more consequentially\, the resulting cognitive map is proximity-preserving — Euclidean distance in embedding space monotonically tracks graph distance in the environment — so path planning reduces to following the gradient of the learned embedding\, with no value iteration\, no explicit map reconstruction\, and no learned optimal policy. The underlying one-step transition is just random exploration; optimal trajectories arise from inference on the multi-scale kernel. I will argue that this turns place cells from a phenomenological model of space into a planning-centric world model: a single likelihood objective trains the kernel\, and planning\, goal-reaching\, and re-routing under detours or shortcuts all reduce to gradient queries against the learned geometry. I will close by briefly contrasting this proposal with prevailing world models in machine learning — Vision–Language–Action policies\, model-predictive control\, and latent-dynamics models— to highlight what is distinctive about a planning-ready cognitive map built from random exploration alone. \nBio: Deqian Kong is a PhD candidate in Statistics and Data Science at UCLA\, advised by Prof. Ying Nian Wu\, and a student researcher at Google DeepMind. His research develops generative models — latent-variable models\, energy-based models\, and language models — with applications in reasoning\, robotic planning\, drug discovery\, and representational models of spatial navigation. His work has appeared at NeurIPS\, ICML\, ICLR\, ICCV\, UAI\, and CoRL\, with spotlight presentations at NeurIPS 2024 and CoRL 2025. He has previously held research positions at Lambda\, Amazon\, and BioMap Research. \nHosted by: Statistics Department
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/statistics-seminar-from-random-walks-to-planning-ready-world-models-a-normative-model-of-place-cells/
LOCATION:Jack Baskin Engineering\, Baskin Engineering 1156 High Street\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
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GEO:37.000369;-122.0632371
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Jack Baskin Engineering Baskin Engineering 1156 High Street Santa Cruz CA 95064;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Baskin Engineering 1156 High Street:geo:-122.0632371,37.000369
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T180000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260518T165029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T165029Z
UID:10014646-1780329600-1780336800@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:International Grad End-of-Year Celebration
DESCRIPTION:What a remarkable year it has been for our international graduate community! To celebrate your hard work and achievements\, ISSP and the International Grad Peer Mentors invite you to join us for one final gathering before the academic year concludes. \nStop by to enjoy a catered lunch from Fusion Fare\, connect with fellow peers\, and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere. \nDate: Monday\, June 1\nTime: 16:00 – 18:00 (4:00 – 6:00 PM)\nLocation: Graduate Student Commons\n* vegan and gluten-free options will be available*\n\nRSVP here to let us know you’re interested\, and we’ll send a calendar invite to remind you.\n\nThis event is hosted by the International Grad Peer Mentors in International Student Services and Programming (ISSP). If you have any questions\, please contact us at iprogramming@ucsc.edu.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/international-grad-end-of-year-celebration/
LOCATION:Graduate Student Commons\, 420 Hagar Drive\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Social Gathering
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GEO:36.9979834;-122.0555164
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Graduate Student Commons 420 Hagar Drive Santa Cruz CA 95064;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=420 Hagar Drive:geo:-122.0555164,36.9979834
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260601T203000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260429T190219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T190219Z
UID:10014369-1780340400-1780345800@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:UCSC MEIP XXIII\, May 29\, 30\, and 31st\, at 7:00 PM in the Stevenson Event Center-Performances in French\, Japanese and Spanish. FREE-ALL WELCOME
DESCRIPTION:UCSC Free Performance Miriam Ellis International Playhouse \n  \nUCSC – STEVENSON EVENT CENTER (Stevenson College) \n  \nMEIP XXII \nMay 29\, 30\, and 31st\, at 7:00 PM \nStevenson Event Center at UCSC \n  \nFREE STAGE PERFORMANCES IN FRENCH\, JAPANESE\, AND SPANISH WITH ENGLISH TITLES \nFROM STUDENTS OF UCSC! \nFor its 23rd season\, the Miriam Ellis International Playhouse will present fully-staged performances in French\, Japanese\, and Spanish\, with English super-titles projected above the stage. The program will be directed by Language lecturers and performed by Language students. \nFrench: Dur dur la torture (Pure Torture)\, written by the students\, directed by Renée Cailloux. \nJapanese: “きぼうのうた” (Song of Hope)\, directed by Naoko Yamamoto. \nSpanish: “Noble campaña” (A Lofty Cause)\, Based on a short story by Gregorio López y Fuentes directed by Carolina Castillo-Trelles and Sandra Malone. \nEvent Location: Stevenson Event Center\, UCSC – FREE \nFor more information\, contact Renée Cailloux at meip@ucsc.edu
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/ucsc-meip-xxiii-may-29-30-and-31st-at-700-pm-in-the-stevenson-event-center-performances-in-french-japanese-and-spanish-free-all-welcome/2026-06-01/
LOCATION:Stevenson Event Center\, Stevenson Service Road\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Performances
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X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Stevenson Event Center Stevenson Service Road Santa Cruz CA 95064;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Stevenson Service Road:geo:-122.0512963,36.996897
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20250121T080000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T233109Z
UID:10008374-1780390800-1780419600@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Community Day: Free Admission at the Arboretum
DESCRIPTION:The first Tuesday of each month\, the Arboretum is open without charge to visitors. See dates and times UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is open. NOTE: Due to limited parking at the Arboretum and the popularity of Community Day\, we greatly encourage visitors to carpool\, bike\, walk or use public transportation as much as possible.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/community-day-free-admission-at-the-arboretum/2026-06-02/
LOCATION:Arboretum\, 122 Arboretum Road\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
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GEO:36.9838652;-122.0609079
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Arboretum 122 Arboretum Road Santa Cruz CA 95064;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=122 Arboretum Road:geo:-122.0609079,36.9838652
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T130000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260520T175017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T175017Z
UID:10014847-1780401600-1780405200@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Discover Bioinformatics: Data\, Biology & Innovation
DESCRIPTION:Lead the next wave of innovation in life sciences and data\nAs biotechnology and data analytics converge\, the demand for professionals who can interpret complex biological data and drive discovery continues to grow. Learn how experts in bioinformatics use computational tools\, programming\, and molecular biology to transform raw data into scientific and medical insights. \nYour speaker\nJoin Darryl A. León\, Ph.D.\, chair of the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Bioinformatics program\, for an inside look at how our courses can help you strengthen your skills in data analysis\, genomics\, and software tools—preparing you to contribute to advances in biotech\, pharmaceuticals\, and healthcare. \nClaim your seat today.\n\nKeep learning\nExplore our course catalog to see the full course lineup.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/discover-bioinformatics-data-biology-innovation/
LOCATION:Silicon Valley Campus\, 3175 Bowers Avenue\, Santa Clara\, CA\, 95054\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lectures & Presentations,Meetings & Conferences,Training
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GEO:37.3796975;-121.9765484
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Silicon Valley Campus 3175 Bowers Avenue Santa Clara CA 95054 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3175 Bowers Avenue:geo:-121.9765484,37.3796975
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260526T162137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T162137Z
UID:10014866-1780405200-1780412400@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Sheaves\, T. (CSE) - Timing Side-Channels in Commercial ReRAM: Toward ReRAM Pentimenti
DESCRIPTION:Recently\, a class of non-invasive hardware side-channel attacks has been discovered in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). These attacks extract remnants of prior users’ activity that persist as transistor defect states within reconfigurable routing resources. These remnants are known as FPGA Pentimenti. Resistive random-access memory (ReRAM) is a compelling candidate for pentimenti-like attacks beyond FPGAs. However\, unlike FPGAs\, where sophisticated on-chip sensors capable of detecting pentimenti have been well-studied\, non-invasive pentimenti recovery in commercial ReRAM must rely on measurements of observable write latency. These measurements are dominated by data-dependent structural biases that obscure any underlying defect-dynamics signal. In this dissertation\, we demonstrate that the structural and stochastic components of commercial ReRAM write latency can be decoupled and recovered through non-invasive timing analysis alone. Our results provide the reverse engineering and measurement infrastructure for future study of ReRAM pentimenti by isolating the component of programming latency sensitive to defect dynamics. \nEvent Host: Tyler Sheaves\, Ph.D. Candidate\, Computer Science & Engineering  \nAdvisor: Dustin Richmond  \nZoom: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/92729427179?pwd=BpYLqft18YdOU0mDdQWs8erID2VcHi.1 \nPasscode: 939530
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/sheaves-t-cse-timing-side-channels-in-commercial-reram-toward-reram-pentimenti/
LOCATION:Engineering 2\, Engineering 2 1156 High Street\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Ph.D. Presentations
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T134500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T153000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260529T163203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T163203Z
UID:10014888-1780407900-1780414200@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Figuerres\, S. (ECE) - Ion Transport Mechanisms for Bioelectronics
DESCRIPTION:Ion transfer as the movement of charged species across spaces and interfaces is the basis of signaling in nearly all biological systems. My research is grounded in the idea that precise control over ion transfer enables direct manipulation of biological function. Specifically\, I focus on how ion transport can be engineered to regulate both collective behavior in microbial communities\, as well as cellular sensing through ion channels. In comparison to traditional means such as passive diffusion\, mediated ion transfer via ion pumps and ion channels creates opportunity for high precision control of biological signaling. My work centers on ion transfer as a fundamental mechanism for biological signaling and control across systems. Using bioelectronic ion pumps and mechanosensitive ion channels to precisely manipulate the movement of charged species\, I aim to investigate ion transfer at the interface of biology and electronics. \nEvent Host: Sydnie Figuerres\, Ph.D. Student\, Electrical & Computer Engineering  \nAdvisor: Marco Rolandi
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/figuerres-s-ece-ion-transport-mechanisms-for-bioelectronics/
LOCATION:Jack Baskin Engineering\, Baskin Engineering 1156 High Street\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Ph.D. Presentations
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T160000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260527T204156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T204156Z
UID:10014880-1780408800-1780416000@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Bose\, S. (ECE) - Learning-Augmented Optimization\, Control\, and Inference in Modern Power Systems
DESCRIPTION:The electric grid is essential to modern society\, and recent developments such as renewable energy sources (RESs)\, battery energy storage systems (ESSs)\, and microgrids (MGs) have necessitated novel computational methods for planning and operations. Machine learning offers a promising lever here\, both as an accelerator for and proxy to traditional optimization-based problems. In this thesis\, we consider learning-based algorithms for three such problems: load restoration in islanded microgrids\, accelerated optimal power flow\, and short-term load forecasting. \nWe first address load restoration of islanded MGs containing RESs\, battery ESSs\, microturbines\, and inverter-based devices. We formulate the problem as a multi-timestep nonconvex optimization and decompose it via model predictive control (MPC). We develop novel convex relaxations of the nonconvex constraints\, including power flow\, ESS charge/discharge complementarity\, and inverter voltage-reactive power relations\, to generate approximately feasible solutions\, and then improve on them via a reinforcement learning method based on constrained policy optimization (CPO) that respects the original nonconvexity. \nWe then turn to accelerating convexified optimal power flow (C-OPF) via constraint screening\, presenting an analysis that reduces screening for certain C-OPF families to a rank-based test. Building on this\, we introduce Mixture of Gradient Experts (MoGE)\, an architecture that learns optimal dual variables from historical C-OPF solutions and combines them with the KKT conditions to eliminate likely non-binding constraints\, with a recovery step that guarantees the reduced problem’s solution matches the original’s. We demonstrate speedups on grids with up to 10\,000 buses. \nFinally\, we consider short-term load forecasting (STLF) from smart-meter data\, motivated by the role of forecasts as inputs to the optimization problems above. To address consumer-data privacy and the heterogeneity of consumption patterns\, we introduce personalization layers for federated learning (PL-FL)\, in which each client trains a model with a local personalized component and a shared aggregated component\, and extend it to a privacy-preserving variant (PPFL) that applies differential privacy to the shared component. Separately\, we present an empirical study of forecasting architectures spanning classical recurrent networks to fine-tuned time-series foundation models\, holding dataset size and parameter count constant to isolate architectural contribution. All methods are evaluated on subsets of the NREL ComStock dataset. \nEvent Host: Shourya Bose\, Ph.D. Candidate\, Electrical & Computer Engineering  \nAdvisor: Yu Zhang \nZoom: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/93511298189?pwd=eAyDKdMirlVqYGUsbhQCccoBM9gDV6.1 \nPasscode: 462014
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/bose-s-ece-learning-augmented-optimization-control-and-inference-in-modern-power-systems/
LOCATION:Engineering 2\, Engineering 2 1156 High Street\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Ph.D. Presentations
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260602T210000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260330T212447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T215437Z
UID:10011779-1780426800-1780434000@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Chamber Music Concert with UCSC Music Ensembles —Percussion\, Celtic\, Classical Guitar\, Horns\, Central Asian\, Experimental
DESCRIPTION:Audiences are invited to a free spring quarter chamber music concert featuring a variety of student ensembles.\n—\nADMISSION\n– Attend in person at the Music Center Recital Hall at UC Santa Cruz\n– UCSC Affiliates only\n– Open seating (no ticket required).\n– Doors are scheduled to open 30 minutes prior to event start time.\n—\nPARKING\n– Arts Lot #126 is the closest parking lot to the event.\n– $5 ParkMobile Arts Special Event flat rate; cash/credit via parking attendant when present in the lot; or by valid UCSC permit.\n– Before arriving to UCSC\, we recommend downloading the ParkMobile App on Google Play or Apple App Store and setting up a profile with license plate and payment information.\n– Visitors with DMV placards or plates may park for free in DMV spaces\, Medical spaces\, or ParkMobile spaces without additional payment\, or in timed zones for longer than the posted time.\n– UCSC affiliates must get their permits in advance; attendants will only sell non-affiliate rates\n– More information provided by UCSC Transportation & Parking Services.\n—\nThis program is open to UCSC affiliates only.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/chamber-music-spring/
LOCATION:Music Center Recital Hall\, 400 McHenry Road\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Performances
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T110000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260529T161208Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T161208Z
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SUMMARY:Morey\, C. (BMEB) - Innovations in Interdependence: Genomic and Functional Evolution in Invertebrates and Their Intracellular Symbionts
DESCRIPTION:Intracellular symbionts are microorganisms\, such as bacteria\, that live within host cells. These associations are widespread throughout the invertebrate tree of life\, and can perform a diversity of key metabolic\, immune-response\, or other functions that the host is dependent on for survival or reproduction. Intracellular symbioses allow both the host and the symbiont to occupy new ecological niches\, and thus can have profound impacts on their evolution. Recent and rapid growth of available sequencing data provides new opportunities to investigate the genomic alterations underpinning functional and morphological changes during the evolution of these relationships\, and how they reshape both host and symbiont biology. \nHere\, I propose investigating unique mechanisms of genomic innovation across three levels of host-symbiont evolution: symbiont genome evolution\, host-symbiont regulatory co-evolution\, and host genome evolution. In aim 1\, I will investigate how mobile genetic elements drive episodic genome expansion and functional innovation in obligate chemosynthetic symbionts of deep-sea clams\, further challenging the notion that reductive genome evolution is an inevitable or linear fate for host-restricted lineages. In aim 2\, I will explore the potential for symbiont-derived small-RNA molecules to participate in cross-kingdom gene regulation of their hosts across a diversity of host-symbiont systems using publicly available genome and RNA-sequencing data. In aim 3\, I will explore the convergent evolution of gut loss across independently derived marine bivalve lineages that depend nutritionally on chemosynthetic symbionts\, identifying host genomic changes associated with the transition to a symbiotic lifestyle. Together\, these aims leverage the expanding wealth of genomic data to illuminate how host-symbiont relationships reshape the genomes of both partners and generate novel adaptations across evolutionary time. \nEvent Host: Camryn Morey\, Ph.D. Student\, Biomolecular Engineering & Bioinformatics \nAdvisor: Shelbi Russell and Russ Corbett-Detig \nZoom: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/92296748824?pwd=kabPBvby5xZbAHBbxBX6IIHNka8sLX.1 \nPasscode: 153631
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/morey-c-bmeb-innovations-in-interdependence-genomic-and-functional-evolution-in-invertebrates-and-their-intracellular-symbionts/
LOCATION:Biomedical Sciences Building\, 575 McLaughlin Drive
CATEGORIES:Ph.D. Presentations
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T121500
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
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SUMMARY:
DESCRIPTION:Presenter: Sai Teja Peddinti\, Google \nAbstract: As the digital landscape expands\, traditional models of threat mitigation and user support are failing to keep pace with the unprecedented security\, privacy\, and safety challenges. Fortunately\, the rise of large language models (LLMs) offers a powerful new paradigm for defense. This talk explores how LLMs are being leveraged to improve digital privacy\, security\, and safety from the network layer down to the individual user. We will examine how LLMs are opening new frontiers in cybersecurity and solving complex challenges\, such as: inferring device identities through semantic analysis of network traffic\, mapping global privacy trends by distilling over a decade of app reviews\, and analyzing user help-seeking behaviors across millions of social media interactions. Ultimately\, this talk will demonstrate how AI is evolving from a technological novelty into an essential foundation for scalable\, proactive\, and human-centric digital defense. \nBio: Sai Teja Peddinti (https://www.saitejapeddinti.com) is a Staff Research Scientist at Google\, where his research focuses on the intersection of Privacy\, Security\, Artificial Intelligence\, and Data Mining. His research employs a multidisciplinary approach\, blending qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate user and developer privacy preferences and translate those insights into scalable privacy/security features using LLMs and large-scale data analysis. Sai Teja holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering (2014). His research has garnered industry recognition\, including the IAPP SOUPS Privacy Award and finalist placements in major applied research competitions. Throughout his education\, he has been honored with numerous accolades. \nHosted by: Professor Ram Sundara Raman \nDate and Time: Wednesday\, June 3\, from 11:00 am – 12:15 pm \nLocation: Engineering 2\, Room E2-180 (Refreshments such as fruit\, pastries\, coffee\, and tea will be provided.) \nZoom Option: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/93445911992?pwd=YkJ2TQtF79h0PcNXbEcpZLbpK0coiY.1&jst=3
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/12348/
LOCATION:Engineering 2\, Engineering 2 1156 High Street\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Lectures & Presentations,Seminars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260529T164521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T164521Z
UID:10014860-1780491600-1780506000@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:22nd Annual Graduate Research Symposium
DESCRIPTION:This event celebrates and highlights the work of UCSC graduate students in all academic divisions. Enrolled graduate students will present either a poster\, talk\, or mixed media presentation. Judges will select and award a top prize for each academic division. This event is free and open to the public. \nLocation : Science Hill\nResearch talks will be scheduled in BioMed 200\, BioMed 300 and PSB 240 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM\nThe poster session will be outside on the Plaza between PSB and the Science & Engineering Library\, 2:30 – 4:00 PM
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/22nd-annual-graduate-research-symposium/
LOCATION:Physical Sciences Building\, Physical Sciences Building\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Ph.D. Presentations,Seminars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T160000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260325T202453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T202453Z
UID:10011770-1780495200-1780502400@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Global Cafe: Spring 2026
DESCRIPTION:International Student Services & Programming invites you to our monthly Global Cafe\, a space for all international-minded community members to connect. Swing by for some refreshments and an opportunity to meet other international students and scholars\, as well as Global Engagement staff. Feel free to drop in at any time between 14:00 – 16:00 and stay for as long as you’d like. \nOur spring Global Cafe dates: \n\nWednesday\, April 8\nWednesday\, May 6\nWednesday\, June 3
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/global-cafe-spring-2026/2026-06-03/
LOCATION:Classroom Unit\, Classroom Unit\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064\, Select a Country:
CATEGORIES:Drop-In Support
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T160000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260518T223045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T223045Z
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SUMMARY:Global Cafe: Slug Celebrations 2026
DESCRIPTION:Hi everyone!\n\nAs the Spring quarter winds down\, International Student Services and Programming (ISSP) and Global Learning invite you to our final gathering of the year: Slug Celebrations 2026.\n\nJoin us to wrap up the academic year\, look forward to summer\, and connect with fellow international and global learning students. Our staff will also be there to provide any summer support including travel signatures and logistics related to your global learning programs. \n\nWhen: Wednesday\, June 3 | 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00 – 4:00 PM)\nWhat: Free refreshments (coffee\, tea\, and light bites)\, exclusive freebies\, and great company\nGraduating Seniors: We have a special gift waiting for you to celebrate your next big adventure! If you can’t make it\, let us know and you can swing by our office to pickup this gift during Week 10.\n\n\nRSVP here and stop by anytime. Questions? Reach out to iprogramming@ucsc.edu.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/global-cafe-slug-celebrations-2026/
LOCATION:Classroom Unit\, Classroom Unit\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064\, Select a Country:
CATEGORIES:Drop-In Support,Social Gathering
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T161500
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260518T223127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T223127Z
UID:10014655-1780499700-1780503300@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Bi-weekly GenAI Meetup at UC Santa Cruz
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to invite you to the second session of the GenAI Meetup at UC Santa Cruz\, which will be held on Wednesday\, May 20\, 2026\, at 3:15 PM in E2-506. \nThis session will feature a student talk and demo by Akhilesh Thite\, a Master’s student\, on local LLMs in the PeerSky Browser. \nTo describe the session in the speaker’s own words: \n“”” Local LLMs in PeerSky Browser: AI That Runs on Your Machine\, Not in the Cloud \nYou have probably used ChatGPT\, Claude\, or Copilot. They are powerful\, but every prompt you type goes to a server owned by someone else. Your ideas\, your code\, your research questions; all passing through a company’s cloud. \nWhat if AI ran entirely on your own laptop? No sign up. No surveillance. No sending your data anywhere. No internet connection! \nI have been building exactly that inside the PeerSky Browser. PeerSky is a local-first\, peer-to-peer web browser. It lets you publish content\, chat\, and collaborate without any cloud servers. Now it also runs local LLMs directly on your machine. You can generate text\, summarize papers\, or write code completely offline. AI becomes a tool you own\, not a service that owns you. \nIn this talk\, I will show you how it works. Come if you care about AI\, privacy\, or just want to see a browser do something cool.“”” \nWe are also happy to share that the meetup is now moving to a hybrid format. This session will be held in person and broadcast on Zoom. A calendar invite is attached to this email so you can add the event to your calendar directly. You can also join the session on Zoom using this link. \nAs always\, the GenAI Meetup is intended to be a student-driven\, open-ended space for learning\, discussion\, and community building around generative AI tools and research. Whether you are already working with these tools or just curious to learn more\, you are very welcome to join us. \nPlease feel free to come by\, meet fellow researchers and students\, ask questions\, and take part in the discussion while enjoying coffee and light snacks.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/bi-weekly-genai-meetup-at-uc-santa-cruz/2026-06-03/
LOCATION:E2-506\, Build 2\, Baskin Engineering\, Santa Cruz\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T161500
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260518T223156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T223156Z
UID:10014682-1780499700-1780503300@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Bi-weekly GenAI Meetup at UC Santa Cruz
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to invite you to the second session of the GenAI Meetup at UC Santa Cruz\, which will be held on Wednesday\, May 20\, 2026\, at 3:15 PM in E2-506. \nThis session will feature a student talk and demo by Akhilesh Thite\, a Master’s student\, on local LLMs in the PeerSky Browser. \nTo describe the session in the speaker’s own words: \n“”” Local LLMs in PeerSky Browser: AI That Runs on Your Machine\, Not in the Cloud \nYou have probably used ChatGPT\, Claude\, or Copilot. They are powerful\, but every prompt you type goes to a server owned by someone else. Your ideas\, your code\, your research questions; all passing through a company’s cloud. \nWhat if AI ran entirely on your own laptop? No sign up. No surveillance. No sending your data anywhere. No internet connection! \nI have been building exactly that inside the PeerSky Browser. PeerSky is a local-first\, peer-to-peer web browser. It lets you publish content\, chat\, and collaborate without any cloud servers. Now it also runs local LLMs directly on your machine. You can generate text\, summarize papers\, or write code completely offline. AI becomes a tool you own\, not a service that owns you. \nIn this talk\, I will show you how it works. Come if you care about AI\, privacy\, or just want to see a browser do something cool.“”” \nWe are also happy to share that the meetup is now moving to a hybrid format. This session will be held in person and broadcast on Zoom. A calendar invite is attached to this email so you can add the event to your calendar directly. You can also join the session on Zoom using this link. \nAs always\, the GenAI Meetup is intended to be a student-driven\, open-ended space for learning\, discussion\, and community building around generative AI tools and research. Whether you are already working with these tools or just curious to learn more\, you are very welcome to join us. \nPlease feel free to come by\, meet fellow researchers and students\, ask questions\, and take part in the discussion while enjoying coffee and light snacks.
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/bi-weekly-genai-meetup-at-uc-santa-cruz-2/2026-06-03/
LOCATION:E2-506\, Build 2\, Baskin Engineering\, Santa Cruz\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260603T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260526T213037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T152930Z
UID:10014875-1780500600-1780506000@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Precarious Accumulation: Fast Fashion Bosses in Transnational Guangzhou
DESCRIPTION:Anthropology Colloquium with Nellie Chu\nWednesday\, 6/3/2026 @ 3:30\nSocial Sciences 1\, Rm. 261 or Zoom \n\n\nTalk Abstract: This presentation takes the audience through the maze of dark alleyways of Guangzhou’s urban villages\, where small-scale\, unregulated jiagongchang sustain the “just in time” delivery of fast fashion worldwide. With an ethnographic focus on the Wongs\, a migrant family from neighboring Guangxi Province\, the talk elaborates the paradoxical condition of stalled mobility\, whereby migrants describe their labor as “free” even though they struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of fast fashion production. \nAs migrant bosses\, migrant bosses remain caught in the double bind of evading exploitation by clients and competitors while also exploiting other migrant laborers. Their experience demonstrates that accumulation by exploitation is a relational and dynamic practice that involves uncertain assertions of discipline and uneven power. Over time\, the freedom of physical and social mobility they experience wears off and transforms into a sense of freedom deferred. Stalled mobility highlights how migrant entrepreneurs like the Wongs\, and the temporary migrant workers they hire\, must negotiate the contradictory dynamics of mobility and immobility\, as well as freedom and unfreedom. These paradoxical conditions leave migrants vulnerable to the interests of multinational corporations like SHEIN that mobilize migratory labor power to serve the e-commerce platforms for global fast fashion.\n\nSpeaker Bio: Nellie Chu is Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Duke Kunshan University. Her ethnographic and interdisciplinary research focuses on transnational and domestic migrant entrepreneurs across the global supply chains of fast fashion in southern China. Her teaching interests include transnational capitalism\, migration (domestic and transnational)\, gendered labor\, fashion\, and commodity culture. \nShe is the author of the book\, Precarious Accumulation: Fast Fashion Bosses in Transnational Guangzhou (Duke University Press\, 2026). She has papers published in leading academic journals\, including Cultural Anthropology\, positions: east asia critique\, Modern Asian Studies\, Culture\, Theory\, and Critique\, and Journal of Modern Craft. Her work can also be found in Made in China Journal\, Youth Circulations\, and Noema Magazine. She has served on the editorial board of the flagship journal\, Cultural Anthropology (2022-2025).
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/precarious-accumulation-fast-fashion-bosses-in-transnational-guangzhou/
LOCATION:Social Sciences 1\, Social Sciences 1\, Santa Cruz\, CA\, 95064
CATEGORIES:Lectures & Presentations,Seminars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260604T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260604T113000
DTSTAMP:20260531T094442
CREATED:20260526T174336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T174336Z
UID:10014869-1780565400-1780572600@events.ucsc.edu
SUMMARY:Xie\, Y. (CM) - Crop Circles of Play: Forces and Formation in the Dyadic Magic Circle
DESCRIPTION:Cooperative two-player play produces distinctive social experiences between players: intimacy\, trust\, cooperation\, communitas. Since Huizinga\, the frame within which these experiences arise has been called the Magic Circle: a temporarily-set-apart space through which play does its social work. It has been a central organizing concept across game studies\, performance theory\, and HCI because it points to a basic human capacity: the way play transforms activity that\, on its own\, would mean nothing into shared experiences of intimacy\, trust\, and communitas. Yet a century on\, after generations of theoretical elaboration and equally vigorous contestation\, the Magic Circle remains theoretically rich but empirically elusive\, invoked by Huizinga\, Goffman\, Stenros\, and others but never located in observable interaction. Locating it empirically would let us observe what shapes any given Magic Circle and how that shape develops over the course of play: the game itself\, each player’s prior experience with games and streams\, the histories they bring to each other\, and whatever else is pressing on the shared frame. It would help explain why two dyads playing the same game produce different experiences\, a particular concern for educational games\, serious games\, and art games that aim to deliver a specific message or outcome to players. This proposal argues that the dyadic Magic Circle becomes observable when two players meet over a shared game and must negotiate their individual senses of “what this play is” into a shared frame. It treats this negotiated frame as a Crop Circle: a pattern pressed into recorded interaction by forces (player pulls\, designer prescriptions\, external audiences)\, reconstructable through close multimodal reading. The proposal therefore asks: where\, in the recorded interaction of dyadic play\, can the negotiated Magic Circle be caught taking shape\, and what does its observable form reveal about how a designed game becomes a lived experience between two people? \nThis proposal examines the dyadic Magic Circle through five connected studies. Study 1 conducts a PRISMA systematic review of two-player game scholarship in the ACM Digital Library\, showing that the field has already documented Magic Circle phenomena and closely related interactional dynamics without naming them as such. Study 2 applies Interaction Analysis (Jordan and Henderson\, 1995) to publicly available stream footage of two-player cooperative gameplay performed for an external audience. Study 3 conducts a controlled lab study of dyadic cooperative gameplay\, using multimodal recording and post-session stimulated recall to capture the negotiated Magic Circle under private play conditions. Study 4 conducts a comparative reading of the Study 2 and Study 3 corpora to examine how the audience-versus-private frame\, as an external force\, imprints on the dyadic Magic Circle. Finally\, Study 5 reads across Studies 1-4 to identify what gives the Magic Circle its “magic”: the configurations of force and trace that produce the distinctive social experiences a century of play scholarship has been chasing\, and to articulate “design for the Magic Circle\, not for the experience” as a generative principle for cooperative game design. \nEvent Host: Yi Xie\, Ph.D. Student\, Computational Media \nAdvisor: Elin Carstensdottir \nZoom: https://ucsc.zoom.us/j/94258671135?pwd=qEkTZAQKI5avLf060hOycY1hgER2tX.1 \nPasscode: 650205
URL:https://events.ucsc.edu/event/xie-y-cm-crop-circles-of-play-forces-and-formation-in-the-dyadic-magic-circle/
CATEGORIES:Ph.D. Presentations
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END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR