For the last five years, university students around the world have brought their innovative climate solutions to the United Nations in New York, competing for prestige, mentorship, a $10,000 prize and, of course, the opportunity to help save the world. This year, for the first time, Universities for Goal 13 is open to students at UC Davis. 

What does it take to climb more than 23,000 feet? UC Davis chemistry professor and mountaineer Davide Donadio spent a month in Tajikistan, summiting Ismoil Somoni Peak and Korzhenevskaya Peak in the Pamir Mountains.

Alum Deborah Austin has built a career as a healthcare executive while remaining deeply involved with UC Davis. She has served on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Letters and Science, worked with the African and African American Alumni Association and is now serving a two-year term as president of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association.

This month’s Face to Face with Chancellor May features two guests from the California History-Social Science Project, a UC Davis entity that provides professional development, curriculum resources and support for teachers across the state: Executive Director Dawniell Black and Deputy Director Beth Slutsky.

Welcome to Books of the Month, where once a month, L&S staff select works from our Bookshelf of authors within the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis. This month, we’re focusing on the study of language; its structure, function, usage, history and changes.