Social Sciences

UCI student's empathy-based AI project is among finalists in NSF 'big idea' competition

Karishma Muthukumar’s “Promoting Empathy-Based AI” project has been chosen as one of 33 finalists in the National Science Foundation’s 2026 Idea Machine competition. The entry from the cognitive sciences major, who just completed her freshman year, was one of 800 nationwide. If selected as one of the four winners, her “big idea” will help guide […]

If asked the right way, toddlers will choose broccoli over cake, UCI-led study finds

Young children tend to respond to questions of choice with option presented last

Anthropologist awarded two-year NSF grant to study typographers, cultural use of fonts

Keith Murphy, UCI associate professor of anthropology, has received a two-year, $210,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study typographers – the people who design the fonts we see daily all around us, on everything from product packaging to websites, cellphone messages and signage. His interviews will provide insights into the creators’ practices and […]

‘Sticks and stones . . .' but words can indeed hurt you, UCI study finds

Negative, positive political rhetoric about immigration affects well-being of targets

Vicki Ruiz gets distinguished service award from the Organization of American Historians

Vicki Ruiz, Distinguished Professor Emerita of history and Chicano/Latino studies, has received the 2019 Roy Rosenzweig Distinguished Service Award from the Organization of American Historians. The annual award recognizes those who have significantly enriched the understanding and appreciation of American history. Ruiz led the way in making Chicano/Latino history fully part of U.S. history, highlighting […]

Catalysts for change

Local high school students participating in UCI’s new Diversity, Inclusion & Racial Healing Ambassador Program are countering stereotypes

People who watch beheading videos are motivated by fear of terrorism, UCI study finds

Unfortunately, viewing them exacerbates anxiety, according to first-of-its-kind research

Social sciences dean Bill Maurer is awarded grant to study use of AI in financial services

Bill Maurer, dean of UCI’s School of Social Sciences and professor of anthropology and law, has been awarded a grant from Capital One to investigate the human implications of how artificial intelligence and machine learning are employed in the financial services industry. Using case studies in applications of AI/ML that may increasingly affect people’s financial […]

Black History Month

Deadly diseases, mathematical riddles and a grandma’s piano. Below, these and other elements play a role in the stories of four Anteaters of color. Meet UCI administrator Douglas M. Haynes, who grew up glued to British costume dramas as the youngest of nine children; UCI alumnus Jermaine Griggs, an online music entrepreneur and world traveler; […]

Anneeth Kaur Hundle appointed to UCI endowed chair in Sikh studies

Faculty position established with $1.5 million gift from Drs. Harvinder and Asha Sahota