Campus Science News

The following news items are from various campus, college and department sources.

Youjin Chung honored with AAG book award
A composite image of a woman's headshot and cover of a book April 21, 2025

The ESPM and ERG assistant professor’s latest book, Sweet Deal, Bitter Landscape, was honored by the American Association for Geographers.
College of Natural Resources
Electric trains are quieter, more reliable—and healthier—than diesel
Electric Caltrain on railroad. April 17, 2025

A study co-authored by UC Berkeley professors Allen Goldstein and Joshua Apte, PhD '13 Energy and Resources, found that electrifying the Caltrain commuter line reduced riders’ exposure to carcinogenic black carbon by an average of 89%.
College of Natural Resources
Olzmann receives Beatriz Manz Award

Olzmann receives Beatriz Manz AwardProfessor of Molecular Therapeutics James Olzmann has received a 2025 L&S Faculty Award, the Beatriz Manz Award, from Berkeley's College of Letters & Science. This award recognizes exceptional scholarship, service to the College and community, and transformational teaching. Read more about Olzmann and the other L&S Faculty Award recipients here. 
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
Applications cycle open for new National Geographic Society Initiative on American Keystones
Student conducting research in grassland area. April 16, 2025

Researchers, conservation practitioners, Tribal leaders, and others leading conservation efforts focused on keystone species in the United States and territories are encouraged to apply by May 23rd.
College of Natural Resources
Understanding gaps in electricity access across Kampala
An informal settlement in Kampala, Uganda. Photo by Jess Kersey. April 14, 2025

A new study led by Energy and Resources Group researchers reveals the challenges of energy access in Uganda, as grid connections still leave many residents vulnerable to energy poverty.
College of Natural Resources
Congratulations NSF Fellows!
Congratulations to our new NSF Graduate Research Fellows! Among the winners are current PhD students Ashley Qin; incoming PhD students Erin Ahern, Daniel Antov, Marvin Collins, Lauren Iskander, Zachary Lee, Steven Robles Blasini; graduating undergraduates Monica Mendoza and Safaa Mouline; and undergraduate alumni Jacob Bryan, Emily Huynh, and Elaine Tong. Well done!
Department of Bioengineering