News

Personal crises reduce voter turnout-but can spur other political action, study suggests

May 2, 2025

“Political scientists have long studied the political consequences of personal crises, such as widowhood, unemployment, and home foreclosure. Typically, researchers examine one crisis at a time; however, growing up in a poor home, I knew that personal crises often co-occurred. So, I was...

Bobcat Comics: The Politics Of Pain

May 2, 2025

This comic illustrates how individual health can shape political thought and action. It examines how a chance decline in health can shape an individual’s perception of the world around them and in turn shape their political attitudes and behaviors. See the full comic HERE. It is...

Sociology Graduate Program Debuts Strongly in U.S. News Rankings

April 30, 2025

Only 10 years after it began, the Ph.D. program in UC Merced’s Department of Sociology made an impressive debut in U.S. News & World Report’s latest rankings of graduate-level offerings. The Sociology graduate program tied for No. 64 nationally, sharing the position with UC Riverside, Temple...

Chemistry Ph.D. Student Wins Campus Grad Slam Top Prize, Advances to UC-wide Final

April 28, 2025

Adekunle “Kunle” Adewole isn’t a stranger to the spotlight, having grown up singing at family functions and performing in theater productions. He also has fervently watched “The Voice,” a singing reality competition television series, envisioning himself performing on stage. “’The Voice’ is part of...

UC Merced to Welcome Future Bobcats at Bobcat Day Celebration

April 16, 2025

UC Merced is excited to welcome admitted students, their families and friends for another unforgettable Bobcat Day. Set for Saturday, April 19, this annual open house promises a full day of engaging presentations, activities and a firsthand look at life as a Bobcat. Throughout the event, faculty,...

Climate Regulation’s Effects on Businesses and Public Support for Climate Action

April 14, 2025

Congratulations to UC Merced Political Science Assistant Professor Anil Menon and coauthors Iain Osgood and Katie Niseenon on their publication "Climate regulation’s effects on businesses and public support for climate action" in the Political Science Research...

Social Sciences Graduate Programs Shine in U.S. News Rankings

April 10, 2025

UC Merced’s School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts made a splash in the latest rankings of university graduate programs compiled by U.S. News and World Report. The university’s Political Science program ranked 52nd in the nation, tied with UC Riverside, Purdue University-West Lafayette...

The Impact of Experiences with COVID-19 on the 2020 Presidential Election and Support for Health Reform

March 12, 2025

Congratulations to UC Merced Political Science Assistant Professor Anil Menon and coauthor Nolan Kavanagh on their publication "The Impact of Experiences with COVID-19 on the 2020 Presidential Election and Support for Health Reform" in the Public Opinion...

At UC Merced, Shannon Lee Talks About Expanding Legacy of Her Martial Arts Hero Father

March 11, 2025

Shannon Lee – whose extensive resume includes roles as author, producer and legacy-keeper of her father, martial arts icon Bruce Lee -- visited UC Merced on March 6 as a special guest speaker. The event, held in recognition of Women’s History Month, spotlighted her career highlights, not only as...

Finalists Vie for Campus Grad Slam Champion Title During Research Week

March 10, 2025

Each spring, master’s and doctoral students across UC Merced’s 18 graduate groups are invited to contend in the campus’s Grad Slam Finals. They are given three minutes and one visual slide to present their research to a panel of non-specialist judges. This year’s competition will take place during...