Welcome to NUCLEUS, the official prospective student newsletter of the UC Riverside College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (CNAS)!
The College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to world-renowned scholars pursuing research that deepens our knowledge of the universe we live in and improves the quality of life for inhabitants of the state, the nation, and the world.
We invite you to use this newsletter to learn more about our academic programs, research opportunities and community members. We think you'll find there's a lot to love about CNAS!
May 2024
Check out UC Riverside's most bold and brilliant moments of 2023!
From introducing a new avocado variety to the world marketplace to joining the ranks of 71 leading research universities in the Association of American Universities (AAU), UCR has continued to grow and emerge as a leader in pioneering research and transformative opportunities.
We can't wait to see what innovations and breakthroughs 2024 will bring!
It's not easy to stand out...but UC Riverside was never meant to fit in.
As a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), UC Riverside joins the ranks of other top research universities in North America. We're also recognized for excellence in diversity as a Fulbright HSI leader, a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institution (AANAPISI).
Lastly, UC Riverside is certified with the Seal of Excelencia, and is one of 25 universities to have more than one faculty member that has won a Nobel Prize.
The best part? UC Riverside is the ONLY institution to represent all of these accomplishments. At UC Riverside, we come together to continuously reach new milestones and challenge the standards for what a public research university can achieve.
Chancellor's Welcome - Fall 2023
Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox is always excited to welcome students back to UC Riverside for the start of the Fall Quarter! In the past, he parodied Mr. Rogers and Some Good News in his fall welcome videos.
This time, as he thinks through possible parody ideas, he reminds students of the adventure and opportunities that await them at UC Riverside!
CNAS In The News
Time Magazine has named the Luna UCR avocado one of its 200 Best Inventions of 2023!
The Luna variety is a great-grandchild of the Hass avocado. It turns black when it ripens and stays fresh long enough to transport.
Luna avocados also grow on tall, narrow trees that allow growers to plan more and enjoy more yield per acre. Since the trees are smaller than Hass avocado trees, they are easier to harvest and require less land, and potentially less water and electricity.
UCR Physicist Awarded National Medal of Science
Nobel laureate and physicist Barry C. Barish, a distinguished professor of physics and astronomy at UC Riverside, was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Joe Biden at a ceremony held at the White House last month. Established in 1959 by the U.S. Congress, the National Medal of Science is the highest recognition the nation can bestow on scientists and engineers.
Barish was recognized for “exemplary service to science, including groundbreaking research on sub-atomic particles. His leadership of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory led to the first detection of gravitational waves from merging black holes, confirming a key part of Einstein's Theory of Relativity. He has broadened our understanding of the universe and our Nation's sense of wonder and discovery."
We Have Lift-Off! CNAS Prospective Student Webpage
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new CNAS prospective student webpage!
Your one-stop-shop for all things CNAS, the webpage contains helpful information about: CNAS' mission & goals, academic departments, research programs, upcoming events, important dates & deadlines, submitting your UCR application, CNAS videos...and much, much more!
Check out the webpage for the most up-to-date information about CNAS. We hope you enjoy learning more about the College!
Check out CNAS!
Join Jocelyn from Life at UCR and Maeve-Darly Domond '23, Biology major, for a 90-second tour of CNAS!
Check out the Entomology and Geology buildings, a research lab, and learn more about undergraduate academic and research opportunities
Tour UC Riverside's Beautiful Campus...Online!
At UC Riverside, you won't just take classes - you'll take action! Powered by a great education, world-leading research, and knowledge-driven impact, our students are transforming the nation and the world.
Join a group of students as they lead you on a video tour of UC Riverside. Enjoy a quick visit to several campus landmarks and an overview of some of UC Riverside's academic programs, student organizations, facilities, and campus life.
How To Join A UC Riverside Club...
With over 350 options, UC Riverside has a vibrant community of student organizations! UC Riverside encourages students to start their own groups and share their passions with other like-minded people. The UC Riverside Student Life team walks our students through the registration process, fills out forms with them, and advises on event planning and fundraising. Workshops and retreats are just some of the ways Student Life is with students every step of the way as they plan and grow student organizations!
Watch The Video
Cell biology professor Frances Sladek is an expert on the microbiome gut-brain axis and the regulation of gene expression in mammals
Research in her lab focuses on liver and intestine physiology as well as environmental toxicology. Working on the impact of dietary oils on health, her lab has shown that soybean oil affects neurological conditions like autism, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and depression. Her research group has found that high consumption of soybean oil can lead to ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.
Professor Francesca Hopkins pursues cool research on gases that head the planet
A professor of climate change and sustainability at UC Riverside, Professor Hopkins studies where the gases are coming from, where they're landing, and the effectiveness of technologies meant to test for and reduce them. Watch the video to learn how Professor Hopkins studies climate change in a variety of locations, from dairy farms to landfills to wildfires...and more!
Watch The Video
Particle physicist Flip Tanedo sheds light on dark matter
Particle physicist Flip Tanedo, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at UC Riverside, is an expert on dark matter, a hypothetical substance thought to account for about 85% of matter in the universe. Tanedo’s research explores ways to understand and search for the particle(s) responsible for most of the mass in our galaxy.
Interested in checking out UC Riverside's student housing options?
Great! In this short video, student tour guides lead viewers through UC Riverside's student housing communities, including our state-of-the-art residence halls.
Watch The Video
Are you hungry? We've got you covered! :)
Join current UC Riverside students for a tour of the best places to dine on campus.
The tour includes stops at some of the newest student dining facilities along with a visit to the iconic, recently renovated Barn.
Explore UCR's Student Recreation Center
Embark on an exciting First Person View (FPV) drone tour of UC Riverside’s state-of-the-art Student Recreation Center (SRC)!
Glide above our spacious tennis courts and refreshing outdoor pool as Scotty welcomes you into the SRC. Inside, you’re greeted with our rock-climbing wall, indoor track, and plenty of exercise equipment for your fitness needs. Show your school spirit by cheering on our basketball and volleyball teams at the Arena and take on our outdoor challenge course whenever you need a study break!
Check Out Riverside, CA!
From the Mission Inn to Mount Rubidoux Park to the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, there's A LOT to do in Riverside!
This historical city consists of arts and innovation, culture, entertainment, outdoor life, family fun, festivals, sports, nightlife and plenty of special events throughout the year.
UCR On The Silver Screen
Many UCR faculty members and alumni have made their mark in film and television, both on screen and behind the scenes!
UCR Botanic Gardens Director Jodie Holt served as a consultant on the film Avatar, and entomologist Mark Hoddle served as a consultant on The Tomorrow War.
Watch the video and read the UCR Magazine article to meet trailblazing director Patricia Cardoso, Reservation Dogs star Kimberly Guerrero, The Land Before Time screenwriter Stu Krieger, and more of the Hollywood stars of UCR!
Want to get to know UCR?
We asked CNAS community members some random icebreaker questions. Tune in to the video series to hear what they had to say and to learn more about our students, faculty and staff!
Ask a CNAS Transfer Student
Got questions? Our current transfer students have the answers! Check out the videos below to meet some of our students and learn more about the wonderful opportunities available at UC Riverside.
Got Questions?
We've got answers!
Do you require SAT/ACT exams?
UC Riverside will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll. Details regarding UC’s testing policy can be found online.
Am I required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo examination?
If either of the following is true, then you need to take and pass either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) , International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination, or Duolingo English Test (DET):
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If your native language is not English and your education in secondary/high school or college/university has been in a country where English is not the native language.
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If you are a first-year applicant, and you have less than three years of high school in the U.S., and your native language is not English.
For UC Riverside, the minimum scores are as follows:
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TOEFL Internet Based – 80
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IELTS – 6.5
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Duolingo English Test (DET) - 115
I have applied for UC Riverside, when will I get notified of my admission decision?
Admission decisions for Fall Quarter begin posting on MyUCR in early March, and will continue to post daily thereafter. Do not be discouraged if you do not see your admission decision by March, this is just the date that these decisions begin posting.
What is an application ID number and how do I get mine?
Your application ID number is a 7-digit number that can be found on the receipt you received when you submitted your application for submission.
I have some changes to my original application. Where/how do I submit those changes?
Please submit your changes on the Application Update Form and it will be forwarded to your admissions counselor.
I have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), when can I expect an offer of financial aid?
You can get an estimate of aid via MyUCR once we get your FAFSA. Beginning in March, new student awards become available. Once your award is ready, you will be notified via MyUCR through “Alerts” and “Spotlights”. However, if your application is selected for verification of reported information, you will be notified on MyUCR of any additional documents or information needed to complete your financial aid application. If additional documents are required, they must be submitted to the UCR Financial Aid Office by May 1 in order to maintain on-time financial aid consideration.
What are the AH & I requirements?
AH&I stands for, American History & Institutions Requirement: This refers to the U.S. History requirement all new students must fulfill, either by:
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Completing a high school U.S. History course with grade of C or better or an appropriate college level U.S. History/U.S. Government course with a grade of C or better.
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Receiving a score of 550 or higher on the SAT Subject examination in US History.
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Receiving a 3, 4 or 5 score on the AP US History Examination.
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Receiving a 5, 6 or 7 score on the IB History of the Americas Higher Level Examination
How do I connect with the admissions office?
We are hosting virtual events, webinars, and chats. Please visit admissions.ucr.edu/visit to register for an upcoming event or to view our archives.
How do I take a campus tour?
Registration for campus tours can be made on the Campus Tours site along with options for a virtual tour. You have the option of registering for a general tour or a CNAS-specific tour.
