Social Sciences

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Grad Student Researches Biology Behind Political Views
October 18, 2017
If you’ve ever wondered why people stand where they do on the political spectrum, science might have at least part of the answer: People can be biologically predisposed to certain feelings toward politics and society. A new paper lead-... Read More
Publishing Research a Rite of Passage for Grad Students
October 3, 2017
Like anyone starting a Ph.D. program, Anna Ankirskaia had her doubts. But, like anyone who ultimately completes their Ph.D., Ankirskaia had to conduct her own research and get it published. With support from Professor Patricia LiWang in... Read More
Campus Voices: To Reach Potential, Students Need a Personal Touch
October 3, 2017
It’s not easy to be a college student these days. Rising tuition has made obtaining a degree feel like more of a dream than reality for many students. Yet, now more than ever, a college degree is a prerequisite for even entry-level jobs —... Read More
Water Documentary Featuring SNRI Researchers to Premiere in Merced
September 11, 2017
A full-length documentary highlighting the relationship between water, food security and, ultimately, global security, features UC Merced researchers and is scheduled to premiere Sept. 14 in downtown Merced. “Beyond the Brink,” a new film... Read More
Critical Race and Ethnic Studies is Campus’s Newest Major
August 18, 2017
Starting this semester, students in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA) will have a new major option: Critical Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES). Led by professors Ma Vang and Kit Myers, the new major dovetails with UC... Read More
Political Scientists, Students to Examine United Nations’ Inner Workings
August 16, 2017
Considering that the United States spends about $3.3 billion on United Nations-related activity each year, including peacekeeping — and President Donald Trump has proposed a 40 percent cut in that spending — this seems like a good time for... Read More
Genetic Diversity in High Schools a Predictor of Economic Success
August 8, 2017
Does diversity have a positive effect on economic outcomes? According to a new study co-authored by UC Merced economics Professor Justin Cook, the answer is yes, even when the diversity is imperceptible to the casual observer. Cook and his... Read More
Pioneering Alumna Embraces Career in Immigration Law
July 27, 2017
Linda Barreto
UC Merced alumna Linda Barreto always wanted to become a lawyer, but an experience in college helped reinforce her career path. While driving, Barreto was pulled over and cited for failing to stop before making a left turn. She decided to... Read More
Study: Distracted Voters More Likely to Vote for White Candidates
July 19, 2017
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Distracted or mentally taxed voters across America are less likely to vote for candidates of color, a new paper indicates. Through a series of mock election experiments, UC Merced Professor Jessica Trounstine, graduate student Kau Vue and... Read More
Eager to Make a Difference, Student Focuses on Human Rights
July 17, 2017
Adriana Diaz Mireles
Adriana Diaz Mireles is on a mission. Inspired by coursework on human rights, the UC Merced senior is intent on pursuing a career in humanitarian advocacy. But first, she’s working to make a name for herself before graduating. This... Read More