July 14, 2025

Walkway planters erupt with yellow blooms. (Photo by Steve Zylius / UC Irvine)

UC IRVINE NEWS

UC Irvine Police Department achieves 30×30 Initiative goals

Group of female UC Irvine officers standing on a stage

The UC Irvine Police Department has achieved the goals outlined in the 30×30 Initiative – for instance, 30 percent of the department’s sworn officers are women, including the police chief. The initiative is part of a national effort aimed at increasing representation and improving the experiences of women in policing. By achieving this goal ahead of the 2030 target, UCIPD reaffirms its commitment to inclusive excellence in law enforcement.

UCI Health marks historic milestone in spine surgery

Dr. Don Y. Park performing world's first endoscopic lumbar fusion with fully integrated augmented-reality technology

UCI Health spine surgeon Dr. Don Y. Park has performed the world's first endoscopic lumbar fusion with fully integrated augmented-reality technology. During the ultra-minimally invasive procedure, he wore an AR headset with high-definition endoscopic video displaying alongside the patient’s MRI images and electronic medical record directly in his field of vision, allowing him to focus on the surgical field without the need to view multiple monitors or step away from the operating table. “With the ability to overlay critical information in real time, AR enhances the surgeon’s situational awareness and workflow,” Park said. “We expect its integration in spine surgery to become more common, especially in endoscopic procedures to decompress delicate spinal nerves, where detailed visualization and ergonomics are crucial.”

UC NEWS

A fresh look for UCPath Online

Graphic shows UCPath website on desktop and on a mobile to highlight a New UCPath experience

The UCPath portal has a new, user-friendly look. This new interface is designed for easier use of tools and information, such as checking pay or leave balances, reviewing benefits, and updating personal information. Discover what’s new.

HireUC Alumni Career Summit

On Aug. 21, the HireUC Alumni Career Summit, in partnership with Hire Talent, will host a hiring event for University of California alumni who are looking for early-and mid-level career opportunities. The event will be held at the Fresno Convention Center and offers a special chance for alumni to connect with employers from diverse fields and industries.

#UCIconnected

Eight UC Irvine faculty members named Hellman Fellows

Top row L to R: Coleman Collins, Paola Guerrero Rosada, Evgeny Kvon, Evangelina Macias. Bottom row L to R: Xizheng Wang, Pim Oomen, Carolina Valdivia, Henri Drake.

(Top row L to R: Coleman Collins, Paola Guerrero Rosada, Evgeny Kvon, Evangelina Macias. Bottom row L to R: Xizheng Wang, Pim Oomen, Carolina Valdivia, Henri Drake)

Eight UC Irvine assistant professors will receive Hellman Fellowships, which are bestowed annually to support research by junior faculty. They join an elite group of 95 UCI Society of Hellman Fellows since 2013, when the Hellman Fellows Fund was established at UC Irvine through the generosity of Chris and Warren Hellman.

#IamUCI

Optometrist Annabelle Storch receives Young Optometrist Award

Optometrist Annabelle Storch

UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute optometrist Annabelle Storch has been recognized with the American Optometric Association’s Young Optometrist Award. Storch received the honor for her dedication to pediatric eye care advocacy and education, including aboard the UCI Health Eye Mobile for Children.

#UCIconnected spotlights interesting updates from the UC Irvine community. #IamUCI spotlights profiles of students, faculty, staff and alumni. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected or #IamUCI hashtags.

UC IRVINE NEWSMAKERS

Note: Some news sites require subscriptions to read articles. UC Irvine Libraries offers free subscriptions to The New York Times, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Orange County Register and The Washington Post for students, faculty and staff.