Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi is sending letters of congratulation to four alumni who recently took up positions with the California Legislature — as California Science and Technology Policy Fellows.

The fellows with UC Davis ties are:

• Neela Babu — Bachelor of Science, civil and environmental engineering, 2007; Master of Science and doctorate in the same field, Cornell University. In her research, she studied reservoir design in the face of climate uncertainty. Working in the office of Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, D-Oakland.

• Annabelle Kleist — doctorate, plant biology, 2012; Bachelor of Arts with honors, biology, Carroll College. Her area of expertise is molecular ecology, and her most recent research used genetic tools to study the evolution of invasive weeds in California. Working in the office of Assemblyman Brian Nestande, R-Yucaipa (San Bernardino County).

• Laura Feinstein — doctoral candidate in ecology (program completed, fall 2012). Her dissertation focuses on the genetics and ecology of an invasive plant in San Francisco Bay wetlands. She worked as a science and technology educator before enrolling in graduate school. Working with the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

• Gregory Gambetta — doctorate, 2011, and Bachelor of Science, 1996, plant biology, with a master’s degree in between from California State University, Sacramento. He has been a Fulbright-Garcia Robles Scholar, private sector researcher and UC Davis laboratory manager. Most recently, his research has focused on fruit ripening, root physiology and how plants manage their most precious resource: water. Working with the Senate Office of Research.

The fellowship program, offered by the California Council on Science and Technology, places professional scientists and engineers in the Legislature for one-year appointments for the purpose of providing sound and unbiased scientific advice. “The fellowships are ideal for qualified applicants who are interested in improving the interface between science and legislative decision-making, and who want to learn the public policy decision-making process,” the fellowship program website states.

A reception and dinner honoring the newest class of fellows — 10 in all — is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 11, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento.

Campus responds to concerns about anti-Jewish behavior

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter and the campus counsel’s office have each responded to allegations of anti-Jewish behavior on campus last November, and of concerns raised about those incidents by members of the Jewish community.

In Hexter’s email to Leila Beckwith, a professor emeritus at UCLA, and Tammi Rossman-Benjamin, a lecturer at UC Santa Cruz, the provost reaffirmed that UC Davis “is committed to providing a safe environment for all students to learn freely and to practice their civil rights of freedom of speech and expression.

In an accompanying letter to Kenneth L. Marcus, president and general counsel of the Louis D. Brandeis Center, UC Davis’ senior campus counsel, Michael Sweeney, wrote that UC Davis takes “very seriously” the allegations of anti-Jewish behavior related to the events of Nov. 19, 2012, on campus. Sweeney added that UC Davis officials “have already begun to follow up with students who were potentially affected by the event.”

Read the Hexter and Sweeney responses.

Tree Campus USA, of course!

Since first being named a Tree Campus USA in 2008, UC Davis has only grown to love its trees more — so it only stands to reason that the Arbor Day Foundation recently declared UC Davis a Tree Campus USA for the fifth year in a row.

That’s every year since the foundation began the program, honoring colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

To be a Tree Campus USA, UC Davis meets five core standards for sustainable campus forestry: establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects.

“Your entire campus community should be proud of this sustained commitment to environmental stewardship,” wrote Mary Widhelm, program manager with theArbor Day Foundation.

Related story: "Campus tree canopy continues to grow" (UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden)

Save the date: NSF workshop April 25

First word is coming out about a National Science Foundation workshop to be held at UC Davis, with a request for people to “save the date”: Thursday, April 25.

Sponsoring the one-day workshop are the Office of Research, and University Outreach and International Programs. The organizers said a UC Davis research showcase and networking session will follow the workshop.

A flier states: “This workshop is primarily designed for researchers and educators less experienced in proposing to the NSF; however, more experienced proposers and NSF grantees may well find the workshop useful and informative.”

The agenda includes an overview of the foundation, its mission, priorities and budget; the proposal and merit review process; cross-disciplinary and special interest programs; international programs.

The program also includes presentations by representatives of the seven NSF directorates, the Office of International Science and Engineering, and the Office of Integrative Activities. In addition, the representatives will be available informally and in breakout sessions for discussions of potential research proposals.

The National Science Foundation is charged with keeping the country’s science and engineering enterprise healthy, dynamic and relevant, and with advancing science, mathematics, engineering and technology education at all levels from pre-kindergarten through postdoctoral.

The workshop is set to run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Conference Center. Registration fee $35; breakfast, lunch and snack provided. Registration information will be provided in the coming weeks.

Check the map and grab a nap

The official UC Davis Nap Map got a mention this week in the Huffington Post’s College section this week. A nap map?

Yep, the map and napping tips are from Health Education and Promotion, part of Student Health and Counseling Services, and come with this endorsement: “Did you know that taking a 20-30 minute nap could improve your academic performance? Follow the tips below and you will be on your way to success!”

The Google-based map shows 23 prime napping locations, topped by the CAPS Mind Spa (at the Student Health and Wellness Center) and gives brief descriptions of each. “Here at Health Education and Promotion, we've done the research for you!” the website declares. “Here are the best places to nap on campus, as chosen by YOU!”

The Mind Spa, provided by Counseling and Psychological Services, “features two massage chairs, biofeedback software to help track your stress management, guided imagery and relaxation audio, and a relaxing, nap-friendly environment!”

Other locations include the Wellman Lounge and Griffin Lounge; the Science Lab Building’s study lounges and outside benches; and the lobbies of the Student Community Center, Kemper Hall and Bainer Hall. The map shows two red-bed logos at Shields Library: for its window seats and the couches in the new books section.

And no nap map would be complete without the Coffee House, the Quad and the arboretum.

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