Live-cell fluorescence microscopy enables high-resolution, non-invasive imaging and optical stimulation of biological processes, yet existing systems are often prohibitively expensive, mechanically complex, and poorly suited for wide field-of-view, high-speed, multi-channel experiments—particularly those involving optogenetics. To address these limitations, I developed a low-cost, modular fluorescence microscope constructed from 3D-printed mechanical components and off-the-shelf optics. I also […]
Explore the future of AI with Praveen Krishna Join Program Chair and AI expert Praveen Krishna for an insider’s look at the University of California’s first certificate in AI Application Development. Learn about the growing number of jobs involving AI, the skills you'll need to build a competitive resume, and the UCSC Silicon Valley classes […]
Make your resume work smarter with Jobscan Learn how to create tailored resumes and cover letters using Jobscan’s free AI-powered tools. In this hands-on session, you’ll discover how to optimize your application materials for specific job postings, track the positions you’ve applied to, and make the most of Jobscan’s features to stay organized and stand […]
Transform learning with Sharmila Roy Join Educational Therapy program chair Sharmila Roy for a thoughtful program overview and hear how the uniquely designed curriculum empowers educators and professionals to make a lasting impact– in the classroom and beyond. As one of the few AET-approved programs, you’ll learn to assess learning challenges and apply effective, research-based […]
Open-domain question answering (ODQA) systems come with diverse challenges — ranging from resolving conflicting information to interpreting figurative expressions and representing meaning in a human-understandable form. This dissertation presents three complementary contributions toward building more robust and interpretable QA systems. First, we investigate QA model performance on figurative language. Introducing FigurativeQA, a benchmark of yes/no […]
Transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications are essential for structural integrity, decoding fidelity, and stress adaptation, yet their dynamics across phylogenetically distinct archaeal species and their functional roles during stress remain incompletely understood. This dissertation aims to address some of these gaps through a multi-scale investigation that spans the evolutionary dynamics, stress-responsive functions, and direct detection of […]
Local ancestry methods classify the segments of DNA inherited from a specific ancestry (e.g., African, East Asian, European), improving analyses of admixed populations. Aim 1 applies ancestry-specific analysis to more than 1000 whole genome sequences across Polynesia, revealing strong bottlenecks in the voyagers who settled both Hawaiʻi and Rapa Nui, and confirming frequencies of Mendelian […]
Now more than ever, we need to be equipped with tools and strategies to adapt to stressors both in the workplace and in our personal lives. In this workshop, you will learn simple, science-backed techniques including breathwork, mindfulness, and self-reflection to help manage stress and build better resilience for the future. Then you will discover […]
Learn how to grow your professional connections using the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension LinkedIn Alumni Tool. In this interactive session, you’ll discover smart strategies for expanding your network, reaching out with confidence, and asking for informational interviews that lead to real insights—and real opportunities. This session is open exclusively to UCSC and UCSC Extension students. […]
Master Data with Instructor Partha Padmanabhan Join us for a conversation with Partha Padmanabhan, Chair of our Data Science and Data Analytics programs, and discover how our DSDA certificate is built to help professionals translate data into smart, strategic business decisions. Get an inside look at the tools, techniques, and real-world AI applications shaping today's […]
Welcome to our immersive AI technology workshop series. During these sessions you will be introduced to new and established AI tools that will help you create and manipulate content in new and powerful ways. Each session is led by an industry expert who will guide you through the material and share its real-world implications. Learning […]
Join us for a workshop focused on successfully growing avocados in the greater Santa Cruz area. We'll cover the particulars of avocado care, with an emphasis on variety selection for the Central Coast, A-B flowering types, pollination demystification, soils and site selection, irrigation, fertilizers, pruning, and seasonal care. There will also be a troubleshooting / […]