Daybreak Dialogues

MINDING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

February 22, 2023

Jason Schiffman, professor and director of UCI’s Clinical Psychology Program, and Marshall Moncrief (’03, BA psychology and social behavior), CEO of Mind OC, discuss the importance of the collaboration between the Be Well Orange County initiative and the UCI Clinical Psychology program to improve the mental health of some of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors, and how such partnerships can serve as a model for the nation and beyond.

A HOUSE, A HOME, A HOPE

November 9, 2022

George Tita, director of the Livable Cities Lab, and Laura Archuleta, CEO of Jamboree Housing, outline results from an important and timely study showing the real effect of the siting of affordable housing and its effect on property values and crime. They also illuminate the concerns of local businesses as they seek to retain a younger work force — products of world-class educational institutions — who are never-the-less leaving the county in search of careers in places they can afford to live. 

BORDERED CITY BOUNDED MIND

October 15, 2019

Politically contested cities in Israel, Palestine, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Spain, former Yugoslavia, and Cyprus represent a complex and emotional kaleidoscope of hostility and competition among groups defined by ethnic, religious, and nationalistic identity. Based on 25 years of research, fieldwork, and more than 350 interviews, Professor Scott Bollens engages Social Ecology ChangeMakers with stories of intimate and provocative encounters of people living in cities of enduring political conflict and violence.

Reclaiming Humanity in Our Prisons

April 16, 2019

What motivated the recent solitary confinement reforms, what do they actually mean for people in prison, and, most importantly, how will they affect us as citizens, neighbors, and taxpayers? On April 16, join the Social Ecology ChangeMakers and Professor Keramet Reiter as she discusses prison reform in the United States, and California especially.

California Drought

January 22, 2019

Many experts believe California will likely experience more frequent and severe drought in the future due to climate variability and growing water demands. Is this the new normal? Water UCI Director David Feldman discussed the research on this critical topic and how drought lessons from around the world could help solve California’s issues.

Mind the Widening Gap

October 18, 2018

Professor Peter Ditto discussed the latest psychological research examining the causes and consequences of political polarization in an age of “alternative facts” and “fake news” – and shared how we can foster a more civil, responsive and productive political culture.

Immigration and Crime

April 17, 2018

When it comes to immigration and crime, the current political zeitgeist and public sentiment suggest immigrants are far more likely to engage in illegal acts than those who are American born. But is this narrative based in fact or is it merely fiction? Professor Charis Kubrin revealed her compelling research on this topic.

The 7 Biggest iFears!

January 25, 2018

Adults worry that smart phones are driving adolescents to distraction and making them lonely and depressed. Today’s teens are constantly connected, spending an average of 9 hours per day in front of their screens. But are their online lives placing them at risk? Professor Candice Odgers presented on what parents, teens, and educators can do to promote positive development in the digital age.

When Robots Take the Wheel

October 24, 2017

Despite the bright promise that autonomous vehicles offer in terms of convenience and safety, people are often unaware of the complex moral decisions that need to be programmed into self-driving cars. Who determines the ethics of these algorithms and how will they be received by the public? Associate Professor Azim Shariff presented on the on this dilemma.