Social Sciences (Faculty & Staff)

Ethnic Studies Continuing Lecturer Pablo Gonzalez talks about Chicano history and children’s books

June 5, 2024
By Lilah Klein

UC Berkeley Ethnic Studies Continuing Lecturer Pablo Gonzalez is a first-generation Chicano scholar-activist and anthropologist, and the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Teaching Award. His research is focused on the political and cultural impact of indigenous social movements, particularly their resonance with Chicanxs and communities of color in the United States. Gonzalez teaches courses on Chicanx history, culture, ethnography, migration and criminality.

During the Fall 2023 semester, students in his Chicano Studies history course...

Berkeley Social Sciences Dean Raka Ray reappointed for second five-year term

June 4, 2024
By Chancellor Carol T. Christ and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Benjamin E. Hermalin

Raka Ray

We are delighted to announce that Raka Ray has been reappointed as dean of the Social Sciences Division for a second five-year term, beginning July 1, 2024.

Dean Ray is an accomplished sociologist and award-winning mentor. She is widely...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnQgVOzzwbs

Seven UC Berkeley scientists elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

April 24, 2024

Seven UC Berkeley scientists — including a chemist, a psychologist, an engineer, two biologists and two physicists — are among 250 new members elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences today.

The Academy recognizes excellence and convenes leaders from every field of human endeavor to examine new ideas, address issues of importance to the nation and the world, and to work together to cultivate art and science.

“We honor these artists, scholars, scientists, and leaders in the public,...

https://news.berkeley.edu/2024/04/24/seven-uc-berkeley-scientists-elected-to-the…

“This program is truly a gift:” CogSci Career Catalyst offers professional opportunities for students

September 6, 2023
by Alexander Rony

"This program created a real impact in my career trajectory." - Angel Xu '23

Students from around the world have returned to UC Berkeley to start the fall semester, and many are bringing lessons from summer internships with them. These valuable...

Berkeley Letters & Science announces 2nd annual L&S Faculty Award winners

May 8, 2024

The College of Letters & Science Advisory Board has announced the recipients of the second annual L&S Faculty Awards, which recognizes and celebrates exceptional faculty in the College of Letters & Science. Awardees were selected for their exceptional scholarship, service to the College and community, and transformational teaching. These extraordinary individuals not only embody the excellence of the College of Letters & Science, but they...

For new professor, psychedelics and octopuses may hold keys to the human mind

February 13, 2024
Jason Pohl, Berkeley News

Octopus graphic

Gül Dölen became a scientist because she loved solving puzzles that drew on neuroscience, medicine, biology and philosophy. But a decade ago, her spirits were waning, and a string of funding rejections brought her lab to the brink of folding.

Then came the octopuses, all seven of them, and a curiosity-driven experiment.

Before then,...

https://news.berkeley.edu/2024/02/12/for-new-professor-psychedelics-and-octopuse…

Anthropology Professor Kent Lightfoot receives the Society for American Archaeology’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

May 28, 2024
By Berkeley Anthropology Staff

UC Berkeley Anthropology Professor Kent G. Lightfoot received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for American Archaeology for his innovative approach to combining archaeology with contemporary social justice issues which contributes new understandings of the Anthropocene era.

Professor Lightfoot’s research explores the interactions between Indigenous peoples and European settlers, highlighting the history and effects of settler colonialism. He works closely with Native Californian tribes, helping to develop new ways to...

History Professor Dzovinar Derderian talks about her students, Armenian history and mentorship

May 20, 2024
By Emily Yang

History Professor Dzovinar Derderian began on her journey to become an academic because of her strong desire for an American education (having grown up in Armenia) and her interest in the social sciences and humanities through the conversation with her family and friends. Sharing her Armenian heritage and history has become a focal point in her research, teaching, and relationship with her students....

35th Annual Excellence in Management Awards Celebrate Four L&S Staff Members

May 4, 2023

At the annual Excellence in Management awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 2, the Berkeley Staff Assembly recognized outstanding university staff employees from across campus. The 2023 theme, "Everyday Heroes: Leading the Path to Excellence," paid homage to individuals whose leadership demonstrated and encouraged mentorship, dignity, respect, and belonging. Nominees were selected and evaluated based on three main criteria:

Intentionality: Manager/supervisor clearly defines...

L&S faculty and staff honored with 2023 Excellence in Advising & Student Services awards

November 13, 2023

UC Berkeley’s Council on Advising and Student Services and awards planning committee recently announced the recipients of the 2023 Excellence in Advising & Student Services Awards, which recognize the recipients' positive and innovative impacts on student learning, engagement, and belonging on the Berkeley campus.

The a...