Science fiction is a sandbox for the imagination, one that’s tethered to our greatest hopes and fears, for the future, for technology, for our destiny as a species. We asked a few Department of Science and Technology Studies faculty for their top science fiction recommendations for the eager reader.
While so much of the ocean is still a mystery to us, the beauty and life within it are being affected by our choices as a species. In some ways, its' changing faster than we can study them. In the book “At Every Depth,” UC Davis scientist Tessa Hill and writer Eric Simons chronicle those changes through the eyes of the community members closest to the shores. But the book is not a passive volume. Instead, it’s a call to action.
You don't have to be a student at UC Davis to learn from these professors. Their knowledge about Earth and its environment is woven throughout these new books, including two from College of Letters and Science faculty, that came out in 2023 or are about to be published.
For decades, Geerat Vermeij has forged an illustrious career in the sciences by studying the intricacies of ancient seashell fossils. The findings he’s gleaned from his meticulous work have yielded broader insights about evolution, humanity, biology, economics and now, the role of power. In his new book, Vermeij explores how “the history of life on Earth can be meaningfully and informatively interpreted as a history of power” with the human species representing the current apex.
UC Davis historian Charles Walker, an expert at searching for clues to Peru’s past, was surprised to discover recently that he was a clue himself — in a crossword puzzle in a Peruvian newspaper.
Tom Lin, who came to UC Davis in 2019 to study literature, joined Chancellor Gary S. May on this month’s installment of "Face to Face With Chancellor May" to talk about his debut novel, "The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu."
Ken White (B.A., history and English '72, Cred. '73) has written a new book, "Brighter Day." Set in Davis in 1969, the fictional memoir is a sequel to his first novel, "Getaway Day."
Published in 1969, the Slant Step Book celebrated a thrift store find that became, and remains, a part of UC Davis art department lore. The Slant Step is a green linoleum-covered plywood stool with a slanted – and seemingly nonfunctional – step that has inspired artists for decades.
During the past few years, Jack De Golia (Theatre and Dance, ’74) has narrated 90 audiobooks for Audible.com, done e-learning narration for major companies, and provided voices for video games and commercials. His favorite project has been the dark detective series Dirty Deeds by Armand Rosamilia, for which he recently won an Earphone Award from Audio File Magazine.
Shelly Mateer (B.A., international relations, ’97) has written three books influenced by her experiences as a CIA officer—Single in the CIA and two volumes in her Mingling in the CIA series—with another series installment on its way. Learn more about her books and follow her blog at her website.