Social ecologists seek solutions for most pressing societal problems
As the first and only School of Social Ecology in the nation, our researchers bring real change, in real time, to real people’s lives. Combining the scientific with the practical, we turn hope for change into real solutions that can leave all of us better off. Our research plays a pivotal role in helping solve society’s most pressing problems. Here, we present some examples of our researchers’ work and the impact being made. (This page is being updated weekly so check back often for new videos and stories)
THE ROLE OF THE POLL — Dean Jon B. Gould explains the role the School of Social Ecology plays in providing policymakers, activists and the public reliable information via its UCI-OC Poll on the thoughts, feelings and actions of Orange County residents.
Igniting solutions
Challenges exposed during January's wildfires in Los Angeles County and ways to meet those challenges during future Southern California disasters were hashed out at a recent UC Irvine seminar. The School of Social Ecology and Climate & Urban Sustainability Program presented "Igniting Solutions: What OC Can Learn from the LA Wildfires" with experts, talking about important wildfire research.
The power of positive emotions
Happiness is among the many positive emotions that people can use to counter stress, which affects thoughts, feelings, behaviors and physical health. Unchecked stress can lead to myriad health problems like hypertension, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes. Sarah Pressman, professor of psychological science, studies the health benefits of positive emotions and her findings suggest steps people can take to improve their own happiness.
Young Adult Court graduates lose felony, gain healthy mindset
Young Adult Court, an innovative collaborative court for first-time felony offenders offers a second chance while serving justice. "Young Adult Court didn't just offer me a second chance. YAC also gave me the guidance, and the support to turn my life around and build a future that I once thought was out of reach." — 46th YAC graduate Sam Solorio
Maryland calls for investigation
A landmark audit, conducted by William C. Thompson, emeritus professor of criminology, law & society and psychological science, has revealed that 36 deaths in police custody in Maryland were misidentified and should have been called homicides. As a result, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order to enhance accountability and transparency in the investigation of in-custody restraint-related deaths.
Cultivating character in the digital age
“This research squarely fits—trying to help kids, help youth be the best kids that they can be and really use these online environments as ways to bring out their best, to their best potential.” — Stephen Schueller, professor of psychological science
Breaking down barriers to affordable housing
Research conducted by Ajay Garde, associate professor of urban planning and public policy, finds significant challenges to including affordable housing in transit-oriented developments (TODs) in Southern California despite state policies encouraging such integration. Garde recommends local governments update plans to require affordable housing in TODs and that a regional authority be established to strengthen the housing-transportation connection.
Research finds affordable housing decreases crime, increases property values
When affordable housing opens in Orange County, crime goes down and surrounding property values go up, according to a study on the effects of affordable housing in Orange County conducted by UCI’s Livable Cities Lab (LCL). In fact, the city with the most affordable housing units in the entire county — Irvine — is the safest in the nation, based on FBI statistics.
Addressing language access challenges in U.S. justice system
More and better interpreters, more bilingual personnel and opportunities to improve English language proficiency would enhance communication for people who mostly or completely speak Spanish and are entangled in the U.S. criminal justice system, concludes research by UC Irvine criminologists, including Professor Nancy Rodriguez.