An endowed chair is one of the most enduring investments that philanthropic foundations and individuals can make to enhance the impact of a research university. Endowed chairs provide faculty with the long-term support to pursue ambitious research, mentor young scientists, and explore bold new ideas while helping universities recruit and retain exceptional scholars.
On May 15, the UCLA Division of Physical Sciences celebrated that enduring commitment during an endowed chair installation ceremony at the UCLA University Club, recognizing eight appointments made possible through the generosity of alumni, emeritus faculty, families and longtime friends of the Division. Many of the endowments were established by members of the UCLA community seeking to honor mentors, celebrate loved ones or give back to the departments that shaped their own lives and careers.
“Research universities have always depended on people who are willing to invest in knowledge long before the results are known,” said Miguel García-Garibay, dean of UCLA Physical Sciences and senior dean of UCLA College. “Endowed chairs give our researchers the confidence to pursue ambitious ideas over the long term while strengthening the departments that educate the next generation of scientists. At a time when higher education faces significant uncertainty, these gifts are more important than ever.”
The faculty members recognized during the ceremony reflect the extraordinary breadth of scholarship across UCLA Physical Sciences. Together, their work explores everything from Earth’s climate system and planetary interiors to the near-space environment surrounding our planet and the mathematical foundations of modern data science.
Those recognized included:
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
- Jacob Bortnik — Michio and Yoko Yanai Endowed Department Chair
Whose research focuses on Earth’s near-space environment, using satellite observations, computational modeling and artificial intelligence to better understand space weather. - Andrew Stewart — Lawrence Harding Endowed Chair in Oceanography
Whose research focuses on the circulation of the Southern Ocean and its role in Earth’s climate system. - David Neelin — Richard P. and Linda S. Turco Term Chair
Whose research focuses on climate dynamics, including precipitation extremes, climate variability and global climate change.
Read more about the AOS endowed chairs here
Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences
- Lars Stixrude — Leon and Joanne V.C. Knopoff Chair in Geophysics and Physics
Whose research focuses on the interiors and evolution of Earth and other planets through the study of planetary materials. - Carolina Lithgow-Bertelloni — Louis B. and Martha B. Slichter Endowed Chair in Geosciences
Whose research focuses on the forces within Earth’s interior that shape the planet’s surface over millions of years. - John He — An Yin Endowed Chair in Geology
Whose research focuses on mountain building, continental tectonics and the geological processes that reshape Earth’s crust.
Read more about the EPSS endowed chairs here
Statistics and Data Science
- Mark Handcock — Dunn Family Endowed Chair in Data Theory
Whose research focuses on statistical modeling, social networks and population science, helping advance the mathematical foundations of modern data science.
Read more about the Statistics and Data Science endowed chair here
Although the research represented during the celebration spans disciplines as diverse as climate science, geology, oceanography, space physics and data science, each appointment reflects the same underlying principle: that transformative discoveries begin with talented people who are given the time, resources and freedom to pursue ambitious ideas. Endowed chairs help make that possible.
“Endowed chairs are ultimately an investment in people,” García-Garibay said. “Each one of these gifts reflects a belief that extraordinary discoveries begin with extraordinary people. We are deeply grateful to the donors whose vision and generosity make that possible.”