Ecologist Leander Anderegg receives an award for research on the interplay between plant physiology and ecosystem dynamics.
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Sum of Its Plants’ and more news, events
Category: Technology
Bilingual commentary — Artificial Intelligence and Robots: Advising Our Children
I wrote recently about the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI). This revolutionary advancement is no longer something far off in the distant future. Nor is it a nascent technology that is just now making an appearance. It has been creeping into our lives for decades.
Closely related to the field of AI is the science of robots, which are likewise invading our lives. For example, we are dependent on ATMs, installed at our banks and scattered around our cities. The check-in kiosks at medical offices and airports have replaced myriad jobs.
We order meals from some of our restaurant tables using digital devices. In more technologically advanced restaurants, robots are beginning to deliver those meals to our tables.
Bilingual commentary — Will Artificial Intelligence Doom Us?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the quintessential double-edged sword. It has the ability to rescue humanity from some of its most intractable problems. On the other hand, if we are not careful, it could end up subjecting us to its whims, ravaging societies, and, ultimately, destroying us.
Some scientists and social engineers are giddy with the possibilities of AI. They see it as a means toward achieving things such as advances in medicine, more effective education, better tools for fighting climate change, and stronger and more durable materials. Employers are salivating with the potential of AI to help them trim costs—enormously, in some cases.
Aera Energy and Ventura College Foundation establish endowment to award scholarships to students studying STEM and pursuing energy careers
Aera Energy, a longtime leader in the California energy industry, and the Ventura College Foundation (VCF) are excited to support young adults interested in pursuing future careers in energy, through a new endowment that provides STEM scholarships.
The Aera Energy STEM Scholarship Fund will award annual scholarships to students studying and seeking a degree in STEM disciplines and interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector. The endowment was launched through an initial $25,000 donation from Aera in December. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student every April.
“The future of reliable, safe and affordable energy for this and future generations of Californians relies, in part, on investment in our future workforce. These students are tomorrow’s engineers, teachers and geologists. That’s why Aera supports education in the communities where we operate,” said Amy Fonzo, external affairs advisor at Aera-Ventura. “We’re proud to help the VCF support young adults who are pursuing STEM education. These energy workers of the future will help power our state while innovating new technologies to meet the state’s climate goals.”
CSUCI Computer Science faculty member with connections to nuclear fusion lab’s groundbreaking discovery explains what it means
When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Computer Science Scott Feister, Ph.D., heard that Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) had achieved “fusion ignition” — a significant step toward clean energy —he sent congratulatory emails to the scientists, many of whom he has known and worked with for years.
“I know the people involved,” Feister said. “I’ve been involved in the wide net of all these people around the world working on these kinds of projects. I think it’s cool that the groups I am associated with are the ones that crossed the threshold.”
Feister has been visiting LLNL in Northern California for years, either to conduct academic research or to observe. And for the last two years, he has led a group of CSUCI undergraduates in a research project funded by one of the major figures at Livermore’s National Ignition Facility (NIF).
UCSB — The Current — ‘Ethical Tech, Museums of Memory’ and more news, events
A collaborative, cross-disciplinary study on socially responsible augmented reality for human rights museums receives a National Science Foundation grant.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Extending the Spectrum’ and more news, events
Researchers create visible-to-near-infrared-light lasers on silicon chips, paving the way for scientific and consumer applications.
Historic $10.4 Million to Electrify Auto Terminal Will Make the Port of Hueneme the First West Coast Port to Offer All-Electric Plug-in Capable Wharfs
The Port of Hueneme received $10.4 million in funding from Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) to help build shoreside power plug-in infrastructure on its North Terminal. The Port also recently received state and federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust to implement innovative technologies to increase electrification efforts, track air quality progress, and further reduce particulate matter. These environmental wins benefit the Port and its surrounding community.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Legacy of Research’ and more news, events
As Sedgwick Reserve marks 25 years of groundbreaking science, an upcoming art show will benefit the UCSB Natural Reserve System.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura Announces New Environmental Grant Program
As part of its ongoing commitment to addressing climate change impacts and enhancing wildlife habitat, the County of Ventura is pleased to announce its new Environmental Grant Program. Schools, nonprofits, and community organizations can apply for funding to implement shovel-ready projects or activities that support wildlife habitat restoration, species conservation, environmental education and stewardship, and/or address climate change impacts. Eligible grant awards will receive up to $15,000.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Audiovisual Avant-Garde’ and more news, events
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Healing Space’ and more news, events
A Santa Barbara Foundation grant underscores the community need for racially-informed therapy services.
UCSB — The Current — ‘When Every Drop Counts’ and more news
Competing in the national Collegiate Inventors Competition, undergraduate student Visala Tallavarjula tackles water scarcity with her innovative irrigation solution.
A $471,862 National Science Foundation grant will enable CSUCI students to research mysterious evolutionary phenomenon in frogs
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students will learn molecular genetic techniques on campus, use sophisticated research equipment at Utah State University, and later travel to Peru on a quest to find out why frogs living at high elevations lose their ears and their “croak.”
“Probably because there are fewer species in the highlands, so there is not a lot of competition in terms of sound,” said Assistant Professor of Biology Rudolf von May, Ph.D., who wrote the grant with Associate Professor of Biology Allison Alvarado, Ph.D. “But we want to know how they communicate. Maybe it’s chemical.”
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has granted $471,862 to von May and Alvarado for the project, entitled “Phenotypic convergence and trait loss in high-elevation Andean frogs.” The ideas were based on previous research von May has published about the unique characteristics of this group of animals.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The internet has become an invaluable tool for small businesses, opening the door to a wide range of previously unheard-of possibilities. Unfortunately, as e-commerce continues to grow, so does the number of bad actors looking to exploit hard working entrepreneurs. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, check out the Small Business Administration’s best practices and upcoming events where you can learn how to keep your small business cyber secure.
Cybersecurity Best Practices
Bilingual report — Ventura County Advances Progress Toward Climate Goals with New 5.8-Megawatt Solar Project
The County of Ventura’s General Services Agency has executed an agreement with ForeFront Power to expand solar panels at the Government Center by an additional 5.8-Megawatts, furthering progress toward the County’s climate action goals. The 20-year agreement will result in $10.8 million in savings.
“The County continues to make significant progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting climate action goals,” said County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “We are grateful to our General Services Agency for identifying this opportunity to expand our renewable energy use and lead by example to reduce emissions in our government operations significantly.”
Adopted in 2020, the County’s Climate Action Plan calls for a 41% reduction in communitywide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with additional goals identified for 2040 and 2050.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura News for Sept. 22, 2022
September 22, 2022 Good Afternoon, Thank you for continuing to stay informed with the County of Ventura! Going forward, our email newsletter will be sent monthly. For the latest COVID-19 information and data, please visit our website at www.vcrecovers.org. In…
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) — Statewide Battery Recycling Programs Created Under New Law
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Responsible Battery Recycling Act today as part of a larger climate action package. Together, SB 1215 and AB 2440 will create a statewide collection and recycling program for consumer batteries and products that contain batteries. The signing of these bills mark the culmination of many years of effort to address battery waste.
California classifies batteries as hazardous waste and bans them from solid waste landfills because of the hazardous metals and corrosive materials that batteries contain. When improperly discarded, batteries pose serious fire, health and safety hazards that disrupt the state’s waste stream and poison the environment. …
“Few people know that batteries are actually hazardous waste and those of us who do have containers of used batteries we don’t know what to do with. This means the majority of batteries end up in curbside waste bins, causing damage to our recycling facilities which ultimately requires rate payers to pay more on our utility bills,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), author of AB 2440.
Community Environmental Council, Electric Drive 805, and Community Advocates Invite Public to Explore the Rapidly Growing Electric Vehicle Landscape
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and their Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free, in-person, and virtual events leading up to and during National Drive Electric Week, scheduled for September 23 to October 2, 2022. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget—and provide independence from fossil fuels.
National Drive Electric Week is a nationwide celebration aimed at helping the United States transition rapidly and equitably to cleaner transportation in order to protect communities from pollution and worsening climate change impacts. Transportation is the largest source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in California. To prevent further climate impacts and protect our air, the California Air Resources Board issued a rule last month that fully bans the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035.
FATHOMWERX Summit Highlights Innovation & Collaboration
PORT HUENEME — Opening day of the 2022 FATHOMWERX Summit on Sept. 14, 2022 was a success with hundreds of people representing partner organizations gathered to explore the intersection between technology and the Department of the Navy. The two-day event was held at the FATHOMWERX Lab located at the Port of Hueneme.
UCSB — The Current — ‘On a Rankings Roll’ and more news
The campus again lands in U.S. News & World Report’s Top 10, ranking No. 7 among the country’s top public universities.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Romeo and Juliet, Our Contemporaries’ and more news
UCSB — The Current — ‘A New Kind of Chemo’ and more news
Researchers identify a new class of drugs that offer a safer, more targeted treatment for leukemia patients.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Energizing Africa’ and more news
UCSB — The Current — ‘Outstanding Performance’
Psychology professor Daniel Conroy-Beam has been named the recipient of the 2022-23 Plous Award.
UCSB — The Current — ‘The Many Versions of a Female Scientist’ and more news
Aiming to undo stereotypes, Women Doing Science profiles female scientists all over the world in their elements, be they labs, lecture halls or the field.
Clean Power Alliance Announces Applications Now Being Accepted for 2022-2023 Community Benefits Grant Program
Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2022-2023 Community Benefits Grant Program. Now in its second year, the program is an innovative partnership between CPA and Calpine Energy Solutions that provides funding for nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy in the 30 communities that CPA serves in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the unincorporated areas within both counties. The program’s application period opens today and runs through Sept. 16.
“Investing in our local communities is a key goal of CPA and this grant program is an important part of creating long-lasting partnerships with organizations that support our clean energy mission,” said Ted Bardacke, CEO of Clean Power Alliance. “We appreciate Calpine’s ongoing commitment to reinvesting with us in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.”
Bilingual report — County Of Ventura Ranked a Top Ten Digital County in the Nation by Center for Digital Government and National Association of Counties
The County of Ventura has ranked eighth among digital counties nationwide by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Ventura County’s Information Technology Services (ITS) Department was awarded in the 20th annual Digital Counties Survey for being an information technology leader amongst counties with populations of 500,000 – 999,999, after Gwinnett County, Georgia, followed by Polk County, Florida, and County of Chester, Pennsylvania.
“We are proud that our County continues to be a leader in technology and innovation and are grateful for this special recognition,” said Interim County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “It reflects the dedication of our ITS Department and entire county team in finding new and efficient ways to serve our community. Looking ahead, we remain committed to leveraging technology and key collaborations to help close the digital divide so that all community members have equitable access to digital services.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Climate and Conflict’ and more news
New research demonstrates the connections between climate change and civil unrest among the ancient Maya.
More than $1 Million in Incentives Remain Available for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Ventura County
As growing numbers of us drive electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for accessible charging stations in safe well-lit locations is increasing throughout our local communities. The CALeVIP South Central Coast Incentive Project promotes easy access to such zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, by providing incentives for the purchase and installation of eligible electric vehicle (EV) chargers here in Ventura County.
UCSB — The Current — ‘New Plays Promise Laughs and Substance’ and more news
Highlighting four works in progress, LAUNCH PAD’s 2022 Summer Reading Series features both comedy and drama.
UCSB — The Current ‘First-Gen Resilience’ and more news
Ventura County Grand Jury Announces Release of the Cybersecurity of Water Providers in Ventura County Report
Cyber-attacks are a serious threat to the public drinking water supply. Recent cyber-attacks around the United States have resulted in community water supplies being poisoned or their suppliers’ business operations being held hostage by ransomware. In recognition of this critical threat, the 2021-2022 Ventura County Grand Jury investigated the cybersecurity of Ventura County public water providers.
The Grand Jury investigated two primary areas of cyber vulnerability in the water sector: the information technology used to bill consumers and record usage, and the operational technology used to control and monitor treatment and delivery of the water supply. Malicious actors can take advantage of network vulnerabilities and/or weak user access controls in either information or operational technology to disrupt the business and the water service, and potentially degrade public safety.
Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom
Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $16,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education will present 11 IMPACT II grants to 16 teachers. The grants are funded by local businesses and organizations that wish to promote unique and creative teaching practices.
The winning entries cover a variety of subject matters, including history, language arts and social sciences. Detailed lesson plans prepared by each of the grant winners are available at this link for use by other teachers in Ventura County and beyond.
UCSB — The Current — ‘An Underwater Frontier’ and more news
Earth scientist Zach Eilon receives a National Science Foundation Early CAREER Award to peer through the seafloor to find out how tectonic plates are made.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Hitting New Heights’ and more news
A device developed in the Hawkes Lab achieves the tallest height of any known jumper, engineered or biological.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Bigger Good Boy’ and more news
LaunchPoint Returns to the World’s Leading International Technical Event on Vertical Flight Technology
LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce its return to the Vertical Flight Society’s (VFS) 78th Annual Forum and Technology Display, being held in Fort Worth, Texas, USA from May 10 to 12, 2022. The LaunchPoint Team is co-presenting two technical papers in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Technical Session I on Tuesday morning, May 10. Michael Ricci, LaunchPoint’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder is also co-instructing the VFS’s signature Short Course on Electric VTOL Technology.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Sustainability; and more news
The campus marks two decades of focused sustainability efforts by highlighting some of its major achievements.
LaunchPoint™ Announces Hybrid Power System for Aircraft and Drone Industries
LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc., an aerospace power generation and electric propulsion design company in Goleta, announced (on April 12) the commercialization of its patent-pending, hybrid electric power system for aircraft.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Clot Buster’ and more news
A new test predicts sepsis before blood clots cause permanent organ damage, markedly increasing survival.
Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. Collaborates with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles to Provide Clean Solar Energy to Local Senior Community
Cabrillo EDC was honored to work with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GRID GLA), a nonprofit organization that installs solar power systems and provides job training for economic and environmental justice communities. During a week-long project in early March 2022, GRID GLA installed 64 solar panels on a ten-car carport at the Cabrillo EDC’s Camino Esperanza property in Simi Valley.
Camino Esperanza is a rental community serving seniors aged 62 years and older with 30 one-bedroom units. Eleven units are for Seniors with developmental disabilities at 25 percent of the area median income. The remaining 19 units are available for seniors earning up to 50 percent of the area median income. Two units are ADA compliant and 28 are fully adaptable.
Ventura County Science Fair Winners Announced
Do tortoises have a favorite color? Is car exhaust damaging to plants? Do insects get lonely? These are some of the intriguing questions explored by students who entered the 67thannual Ventura County Science Fair.
The Science Fair was held virtually last Friday, with 230 students from 17 local middle and high schools presenting their projects to volunteer judges via online video. The 35 projects that received the highest scores will go on to represent Ventura County in the California Science & Engineering Fair on April 12. A list of the winners with links to their display boards and written reports is provided below.
VCCCD Associate Vice Chancellor Receives Statewide Information Technology Award
The state’s 116 community colleges are accomplishing dynamic work that deserves recognition. When the Chief Information Systems Officer Association (CISOA) and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office determined that the award nomination and selection process could be improved, members Dan Watkins, Associate Vice Chancellor, Information Technology, Ventura County Community College District; Chelsy Pham, San Joaquin Delta College; and Fredrick Rocha, Coast Community College District, rose to the challenge. The streamlined, standardized award process their workgroup created earned the three a California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Technology Focus Award from CISOA, a nonprofit supporting technology leadership in the state’s community college system.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Model Scientist’ and more news
Ecologist Anna Trugman has received an award for her work modeling how forests respond to change.
SBCC computer science team takes first place at Southern California programming competition
At the Southern California International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) held Feb. 25-26, Santa Barbara City College won the top honor for two-year colleges for the second year in a row.
The ICPC is a programming challenge for college students to solve real-world problems, fostering collaboration, creativity, innovation and the ability to perform under pressure.
Held in Riverside, California, 48 teams from 15 Southern California institutions competed to solve a set of 10 programming problems in five hours. The problem set was particularly difficult this year, with no team solving all of the problems.
Calling all citizen scientists to the CSUCI BioBlitz!
Download iNaturalist on your smartphone, grab your sneakers and come on down to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) on Saturday, Feb. 19 to join in the annual BioBlitz.
CSUCI students of all majors and members of the community are invited to wander around campus anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Saturday and take photos of any plants, flowers, fungi, insects, birds, or trees that catch your eye. The iNaturalist app will identify what you’ve just seen and upload it to their global citizen science database of plants, flowers, fungi, trees, insects and animals found on and around the CSUCI campus – and the world.
No scientific background is required, just a smartphone, the app and a healthy sense of curiosity about the world around you.
UCSB — The Current — ‘A Hopeful Monster’ and more news
State Sen. Newman and Assemblymember Irwin Introduce Legislation to Ensure Safe and Accessible Battery Disposal
In an effort to ensure access to safe battery disposal and reduce fire risk, Senator Josh Newman and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin introduced SB 1215 and AB 2440 today. These two mirrored bills, also known as The Responsible Battery Recycling Act, create a statewide collection and recycling program for consumer batteries and battery-embedded products.
Because of the hazardous metals and corrosive materials that batteries contain, California classifies batteries as hazardous waste and bans them from solid waste landfills. When improperly discarded, batteries pose serious fire, health and safety hazards that disrupt our waste stream and poison our environment.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Giving Rise to Hope’ and more news
Social entrepreneur Amanda Nguyen talks “Hopeanomics” in a virtual, free event for Arts & Lectures.