Understanding Fear to Rob it of its Strength

Psychology Ph.D. student Zachary Oakland, a military veteran, is development a new understanding of social anxiety. What drives him, he said, is a need to understand post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition that many veterans bring home.

Research Matters: How Our Labs Are Enriching Lives

UC Davis is a powerhouse for breakthroughs and impact. Our interdisciplinary research plays a vital role in building the region’s economy. Our L&S researchers describe the impact of their work, and the consequences if federal support for this cutting-edge research were reduced or eliminated.

It’s What We Focus on and Remember that Lasts

Across his career, Distinguished Professor of Psychology Steven Luck has shifted his own focus multiple times, from mainly research to an intense focus on teaching and mentoring students who make the most out of every opportunity. For this work, Luck has just received the 2025 UC Davis Prize for Undergraduate Teaching and Scholarly Achievement.

The Roots of Fear: Understanding the Amygdala

Scientists at UC Davis have identified new clusters of cells with differing patterns of gene expression in the amygdala of humans and non-human primates. The work could lead to more targeted treatments for disorders such as anxiety that affect tens of millions of people.