News & Events

Interacting with animals can make people feel calmer and less lonely and anxious. A new study from the University of California, Davis, shows that animals play an active role in shaping these interactions and their outcomes. 

The University of California, Davis, raised more than $676 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2025–26, more than doubling the university's previous giving record and marking the strongest fundraising year in its history.

Donors’ unprecedented level of investment in UC Davis will expand opportunities for students, strengthen faculty excellence, accelerate discoveries that improve lives, and support new facilities and programs that elevate the university’s impact across California and beyond.

Plant biology is the study of how plants grow, function and respond to their environments. Plant biologists address challenges like food security, climate change and sustainable agriculture. It’s no exaggeration to say that all life relies on plants. 

“Plants feed the world,” says Danielle Levi, my labmate in the Zerbe Lab and a third-year plant biology major. “Climate change is threatening global food security, and we need to find more sustainable ways to feed our growing population while minimizing environmental impacts.” 

As I begin my tenure as Dean of the College of Biological Sciences, I want to start by saying how honored I am to have the opportunity to serve this remarkable community.

I also want to express my deep gratitude to Mark Winey for his stewardship over the past decade. The college is stronger because of Mark’s leadership and because of the extraordinary dedication and resilience of our faculty, staff, students, and supporters. I am grateful for all that has been accomplished thus far, and excited about the opportunities ahead.

I am writing for the first time as the former dean of our college. The last decade of collaboration in support of our faculty, staff and students has shown me time and again that our college is made up of an extraordinary community. Whether you are a member of our esteemed faculty or one of our outstanding staff, you have my thanks for your ongoing support of our college.