Step 1: Find the Problem

a letter from Dean Carol Padden

Social scientists at UC San Diego are working on finding solutions to social problems. First, though, we must look for the problems. It may seem obvious, yet it’s also critical. We need both basic and applied research, theorists and experimenters, working hand in hand with each other and with the community as well. To answer a question, we have to ask it. To fill a need, we must see it clearly and take its full measure. Read More

Race to save threatened cultural heritage sites: Known as “Indiana Jones with a laptop instead of a bullwhip,” Thomas Levy of Anthropology is the director of the Center for Cyber-Archaeology and Sustainability. His work, mixing archaeology with engineering and computer and natural sciences, is focusing on the Middle East, currently the most critical area for historical sites. The work was featured in The Atlantic, too.

Mica Pollock of Education Studies and CREATE writes about engaging a diverse group of K-12 teachers to “identify uses of technology in schools that promote learning, development and success for all students versus uses that don’t.”

Meet Dejanay Wayne, ’17. The undergraduate majoring in Communication and Ethnic Studies has ideas on how to make the university more welcoming to students of color, one voice at a time.

Psychologist Jean Mandler, co-founder of Cognitive Science, is featured for her commitment to UC San Diego for more than 50 years. Responding to her interviewer, Mandler said, "Why stay at this institution? Well, it's the best."

Who hasn’t pushed a door when they should have pulled? Cognitive scientist Don Norman – director of the Design Lab at UC San Diego and a longtime leader of human-centered design – is changing the world, one poorly designed door at a time. Vox video: It’s not you. Bad doors are everywhere.

When it comes to accurately identifying a criminal suspect, it makes a difference how sure an eyewitness is, finds a field study by memory expert John Wixted of Psychology and alumna Laura Mickes.

Political scientist Claire Adida explores discrimination against Muslims in her new book “Why Muslim Integration Fails in Christian-Heritage Societies,” featured in a Research on Religion podcast and in the Washington Post.

On course to score big wins and losses: San Diego’s new “college prep” requirement for graduating high school students may produce more college-eligible students but may also leave many without a diploma, according to a report by the San Diego Education Research Alliance at UC San Diego, co-authored by Julian Betts of Economics.

David Peterson of Linguistics is this year’s UC San Diego Emerging Alumni winner. Peterson – best known for creating the languages for the HBO series “Game of Thrones” – was recently on The Daily Show to talk Dothraki.

Find us on Facebook! Connect with Social Sciences and stay up to date on news from the division.

Socially Speaking, March 30: Addressing Inequality
A panel of faculty experts – Lane Kenworthy of Sociology, Thad Kousser of Political Science and Associate Dean Amanda Datnow of Education Studies – will provide insight on which issues Americans should prioritize as they work to keep the upward-mobility dream alive. Moderated by Voice of San Diego CEO Scott Lewis. Tapas, wine and dessert will be served. Event begins at 5 p.m. Contact Maryann Lapthorn for tickets.

Grab some friends and join TEAM SOC SCI!
On Sunday, April 10, the campus will rally together to raise funds for student scholarships with the Triton 5K. Since 1996, the annual event has raised more than $3.5 million, benefiting more than 1,000 students. TEAM SOC SCI is a Triton 5K team comprised of Social Sciences students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends. See you on race day.
Register today. Questions? Contact Marlene Lacson or Carlos Martinez 

2016 National Cognitive Science Conference
Sunday, April 10, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
UC San Diego Price Center Ballroom
Hosted by the Cognitive Science Student Association, the event is open to all alumni, and CSSA is seeking alumni panelists representing HCI/design, computation, clinical aspects, linguistics or neuroscience. Contact: Jenelle Dean.

UC San Diego & You
We’re bringing UC San Diego to your doorstep. Hear about how our researchers and faculty are making a global impact. Network with university leadership. Open to all alumni, join fellow Tritons from your area for an inside, inspiring look at how UC San Diego shines.
          - New York City, May 18
          - San Diego, June 2

Public Opinion Expert Daniel Yankelovich Endows Multimillion Dollar Fund at UC San Diego

In a career spanning 50 years, renowned social researcher and public opinion analyst Daniel Yankelovich cared what people thought. Now his focus is on improving how people live.

To further that interest, he has established, through a bequest, a multimillion dollar endowed fund to support the UC San Diego Yankelovich Center for Social Science Research. The problem-driven research center in the university’s Division of Social Sciences is proceeding along two related paths. It is originating a research agenda and mobilizing multidisciplinary teams of scholars on key issues, beginning with upward mobility.

Related: Lane Kenworthy of Sociology, holder of the Daniel Yankelovich Endowed Chair on Social Thought, discusses the direct policy implications of his research.

Paola Avila, Roosevelt ’06 (Economics), Karolina Ericsson, Marshall ’94 (Management Science), and Chanelle Hawken, Marshall ’01 (Political Science): The San Diego Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Awards recognize dynamic women business leaders and role models who have contributed significantly to San Diego’s economy, culture and social network. The 2015 finalists included three Social Sciences alumnae; Chanelle Hawken was the final winner of the award.

Julianna Barnes, Revelle ’90 (Sociology, Teacher Education minor): On October 5, 2015, Julianna Barnes began her tenure as the new president of Cuyamaca College in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. She was selected following a nationwide search. As published in The San Diego Union-Tribune, District Chancellor Cindy Miles said Julianna’s passion and leadership skills stood out in her qualifications to lead Cuyamaca College, which has about 9,000 students.

Harry Helling, Revelle ’80 (Anthropology): Harry Helling was recently named the new executive director of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. He began his career more than 30 years ago as an associate curator at the  T. Wayland Vaughan Aquarium (a precursor to the Birch Aquarium), and is a passionate leader with extensive experience communicating and interpreting science for the public.