KUCI: UCI Conversations

UCI Giving Day 2022 .........................................................................(broadcast LIVE 5-18-2022)

Special LIVE broadcast of 'UCI Conversations' show with Kevin and Giving Day co-hosts PhD marine researcher Joana Tavares and Humanities Undergrad Jose C. helping out with phone-in guests and additional insights of what makes UCI so special. Don't miss this action packed show with phone calls from Germany, Hollywood and Armenia,southern CA. CONGRATULATIONS to ALL for a GREAT GIVING DAY!

Gillian Hayes - Vice Provost/Dean Graduate Education.............................(first broadcast 5-11-2022)

Vice Provost of Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division Professor Gillian Hayes LOVES HER JOB! Her background with academics & in academics, growing up at Deloitte, and running a private sector company have all contributed to her fast rise in university administration. She came to UCI because of the amazing research programs & great colleagues, but she stays at UCI because “it is one of the very few places that refuses to accept that equity, diversity and inclusion cannot co-exist with quality education”. You put all that together and she is a DYNAMO on the run...listen in!

Jeff Kopstein-Political Science Professor..................................................(first broadcast 5-04-2022)

UCI Political Science Professor Jeff Kopstein shares Eastern European history, his personal experience and years of study in this truly informative interview about our current world crisis. It is sobering, unsettling and powerful. Insights that go far beyond what you see on TV every night...don’t miss this interview...

Melissa Brock & Joana Tavares-UCI Marine Researchers...........................(first broadcast 4-27-2022)

UCI PhD Marine Researchers Melissa Brock & Joana Tavares speak with passion, drive and commitment. In this interview, they recall jumping into action when an oil spill appeared in October and describe how the work still continues. They also speak from experience with first hand knowledge, love and humor for this GREAT PLANET THAT WE CALL HOME...AND they recommendations. Don’t miss this interview with two excellent science communicators who know their stuff!

Vy Dong - Organic Chemistry Professor..................................................(first broadcast 4-20-2022)

From her grandmother’s amazing escape from Vietnam...to Disneyland...to future Nobel Prize winners, UCI Chemistry Professor Vy Dong is always learning! From attaining her PhD, she learned great confidence, but also that there is so-o-o much that she doesn’t know...like, “we are all students throughout our life”. She also learned that “adversity is a part of life, no matter where you are... it never really goes away”. Professor Dong is strongly encouraging, supportive and dedicated. Listen in to this remarkably positive and revealing interview...

Roxane Cohen Silver-Social Psychologist & Vice Provost...........................(first broadcast 4-06-2022)

Although Professor “Roxy” Cohen Silver recently became the Vice Provost of Academic Planning & Institutional Research her stature in her field continues to be renowned. She is an internationally recognized expert on stress, trauma & coping. Her research has included 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombings, and the Orlando Nite Club shootings. She is a force of nature in her work habits and has strongly held beliefs, but she is also not afraid to admit she does not have all the answers. Don’t miss this very interesting and engaging interview with this long time campus leader. *
Also don’t miss revealing outtakes at the end of the show.

Kim Kanatani - Director of Langson IMCA...............................................(first broadcast 3-30-2022)

From Redlands to the 'Temple of Spirit' to Langson IMCA Kim Kanatani has come a long way... as the new Director of the Langson Institute and Museum of CA Art she will be leading the way to create a new cornerstone for UCI. This interview includes the BREAKING NEWS announcement for the new IMCA home and descriptions of the two major art collections. It's art like you have never seen it before...

Andrew Penner, Professor of Sociology...................................................(first broadcast 3-23-2022)

UCI Sociology Professor Andrew Penner’s interview initially covers growing up as a child of missionaries in Japan, being uncomfortable/comfortable as the ‘foreigner’ and his embrace of being a math nerd. He eventually finds financial aid at the University of Chicago and is astounded to actually get paid to go to UC Berkeley for his PhD. In 2008, he finds an academy, ‘collegial’ home at UCI. He specifically talks about ‘inclusive excellence’, equality and education. The heart and soul of Professor Penner is felt in his intimate share about his brother-Daniel...

Engineering Professor Iryna Zenyuk - UKRAINE,Chess, 9-11, & Fuel Cells....(first broadcast 3-16-2022)

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Professor Iryna Zenyuk talks about her homeland UKRAINE, being a chess champion, 9-11 and fuel cell research. It is all here for the listening. In this remarkable interview she lets us know how we can help! She is passionate, scared, dedicated and motivated! Donate to help UKRAINE at www.zotfunder.give.uci.edu It takes a village... let's band together!

Magnus Egerstedt, Engineering School Dean......................................... ..(first broadcast 3-09-2022)

UCI Dean of the School of Engineering Professor Magnus Egerstedt is an artist, working on his craft...engineering, leading, communicating and even dancing when called upon by students during Engineering Week. He is passionate about this work and loves to share (and laugh). Don’t miss this exploration of one of UCI’s most dynamic departments and how they search to make the world a better place...