As 2021 comes to an end, we reflect on the most popular stories from the past year — decided by the number of online readers. Some include: UC Davis selling its wine, the environment’s current state and inspiring alumni stories. This year was filled with topical and diverse narratives.
10. “Cellars to Sellers”
UC Davis is now able to legally sell wine made by its students to the public and use the profits to further fund the viticulture and enology program on campus. The wine is planned to be sold in bulk to producers and individuals that are involved with the UC Davis community.
9. “Alumni Awards: Honoring 4 UC Davis Stars”
The Cal Aggie Alumni Association recognized notable alumni for their impactful achievements at the 48th Annual Alumni Awards. Their journeys from their post-graduation years to their current career successes are highlighted.
8. “6 Common Cat Behaviors Explained”
We looked into cats’ psyches and attempted to understand them for their cute but also odd behaviors. Emma Grigg, an animal behaviorist at UC Davis, gave an inside scoop to some of the most-asked questions about cats.
7. “Take Two”
We profiled alumna Richa Moorjani and highlighted her work in the hit Netflix series “Never Have I Ever.” She discussed the struggles she faced upon landing her big break and talked about the impact she’d like to have in her Indian American community — as well as the way that UC Davis helped her reach her goals.
6. “UC Davis at the Tokyo Olympics”
UC Davis went to the Tokyo Olympic Games this summer. Physician Marcia “Marcy” Faustin served as the co-head team physician for the U.S. women’s gymnastics Olympic team, and alumni Ty Kelly and Hugh Hogland competed.
5. “Standing Strong”
Megan Bull recalled traumatic experiences being in a car accident that injured her spine and surviving a tragic shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting. Upon her road to recovery, she was able to make something positive from a negative by establishing a foundation for trauma survivors.
4. “An Education Game-Changer”
UC Davis Magazine previewed a new program for students with intellectual disabilities. The Redwood SEED Scholars started this past fall with a goal of building future employment success.
3. “Why Are Natural Disasters Intensifying?”
As our climate seems to be worsening, from constant fires and floods, UC Davis Magazine sought information from Paul Ullrich, an associate professor of regional climate modeling. He explained the ecological practices that have contributed to these major changes in climate.
2. “Out of This World”
UC Davis Magazine featured alumna Sara Langberg who helped design NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter for the latest Mars mission. Langberg, an aerospace science and engineering major at UC Davis, is now an engineer at AeroVironment, which is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems with a long history of breakthrough innovation.
1. “Who Is to Blame for California’s Drought?”
The crisis of droughts in California is increasing. UC Davis Magazine went to the experts to answer common questions about how we got here and offer solutions for conserving water in the future.