Sun Shines on UC Merced as Campus Unveils New Solar Power System

Solar power has arrived at UC Merced. Campus officials announced today (Nov. 10) the completion of a 1 megawatt solar power system at dedication ceremony which celebrated the university's first effort to produce renewable power. “We are here today to celebrate a remarkable milestone,” said Mary Miller, vice chancellor for administration. “The solar array project exemplifies UC Merced’s founding vision to become an international model for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.” The system consists of more than 4,000 solar panels that follow the sun’s movement during the day. The system will supply two-thirds of the campus’ electricity on summer days and 20 percent of the campus’ annual electricity needs. The project was developed through a power purchase agreement with SunPower Corp., a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems. SunPower designed, installed and maintains the system. UC Merced owns the renewable energy credits. The solar array will provide UC Merced with an abundant source of clean, renewable power and save more than $5 million in electricity costs over the next 20 years. Read more.

Intern Dives into Role with Communications

Shavone Charles is the newest face in the UC Merced Office of Communications. The literature and cultures major is interning with the campus' centralized communications team this term. In her role, Charles writes for the university Web site, takes photos, works at special events and interacts with donors and dignitaries. “I never thought I would get hands-on experience so quickly,” she said. “I’m writing stories for the Web site and having dinner with donors and trustees. I never know what I’ll be doing next. Where else could a sophomore be in such a position?”

Sierra Nevada Research Institute Offers Hands-On Learning for Students

The Sierra Nevada Research Institute’s Environmental Analytical Laboratory (EAL) may be a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory, but it’s also a hands-on learning environment for Cyle Moon. The environmental engineering sophomore analyzes melted snow samples collected from Greenland to determine different types of ions, such as sodium and potassium, present in the water. “Measuring those ions can determine the level of contaminants and pollution found and whether they are high or low,” Moon explained. That, in turn, can give researchers insight into factors that affect water resources. Moon works with professor Roger Bales, director of SNRI and a professor in the School of Engineering. A lot of Bales’ research involves how climate change affects water resources. Moon started working in the lab last summer after taking one of Bales’ classes during his freshman year. “It’s been a great opportunity,” he said. “I get to do everything – lab work, data analysis and field work.”

MyAudit Helps Students See the Big Picture

For most college students, figuring out degree requirements, graduation date and grade-point average is often a dreaded chore. Thanks to a new online system, checking academic records just got a lot easier for UC Merced students.

"MyAudit (the campus’ new degree audit reporting system) is a fantastic tool that students can use to check progress in completing their chosen academic programs, and it prepares audits in seconds,” said University Registrar Laurie Herbrand. “Coupled with academic advising, MyAudit helps students create an effective roadmap to assist them in selecting courses to meet their degree-completion goals in a timely manner.”

By showing students a clear picture of how close they are to completing their chosen degree program, MyAudit gives students ownership and control over their academic progress. Although students can view audits at any time, there are key times when viewing an updated report is important: • before and after registering for classes each semester; • after filing a Declaration of Candidacy; • after registering for the final semester of courses. “MyAudit gave me a clear view of what I need to do next,” said junior psychology major Vinh Tran. “Usually you have to go to the catalog or Web site and compile the information yourself.”

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Future Engineer Merges Academic Passion with Community Service

Joshua Gonzales describes himself as a voracious reader. But with his list of activities and interests, the UC Merced sophomore could also be easily described as a voracious “doer.”

In addition to taking a full load of classes, the engineering major is involved in a number of pursuits. He’s an active member of one of the School of Engineering’s Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) teams, participates in the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship club and, recently, Gonzales helped establish a new robotics club on campus.

“My time at UC Merced has opened me up to a lot of experiences,” said Gonzales, 19.

Gonzales spends the majority of his time working with his EPICS team, which he’s been a part of since his freshman year. The team, called Get Science, Engineering and Technology (Get S.E.T.), works with the Merced County Office of Education to develop supplementary science curriculum for elementary school students.

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