The UC Irvine School of Social Ecology launched a new tradition on October 26 by hosting its inaugural faculty awards ceremony. Dean Jon Gould, hosting the event for a room full of colleagues, students, staff, and friends, declared the school "full of stars," echoing a nominator's sentiment. The evening celebrated faculty members who have significantly impacted minds, laws, and lives through their work.
The event commenced with two Faculty Awards for Research. Chancellor’s Professor Charis Kubrin received the first award. Dean Gould noted the internationally renowned criminologist’s research addresses some of the most consequential questions of our time. Kubrin has authored six books, 59 peer-reviewed articles, and accumulated over 12,000 citations. Her research on immigration and crime, which demonstrates that immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans, has influenced national debates and policy. Her legal advocacy includes a guide for attorneys facing prosecution involving rap lyrics, highlighting her commitment to fairness. A nominator described Dr. Kubrin as the foremost scholar nationally on multiple topics. Kubrin has stated she values UCI’s mission that “Science should serve society,” a mission Dean Gould affirmed she has lived well.
Due to the school’s abundance of talented researchers, a second Faculty Award for Research was presented to Professor Jason Schiffman. Schiffman also serves as the school’s associate dean for research and faculty welfare and the Department of Psychology’s director of clinical training. His work focuses on identifying young people at risk for psychosis. In his five years at UCI, Schiffman has published more than 100 journal articles and secured nearly $20 million in funding. He is recognized as a central architect of multi-site science nationally and a lead diagnostician in major studies, prompting his field to address health disparities. Schiffman noted that social ecology emphasizes knowledge translating into tangible benefits for others, and Dean Gould praised his research for lifting up young people.
Associate Professor Carolina Valdivia received the Early-Career Faculty Award for Research. Her book, *Sanctuary Making: Immigrant Families Reshaping Geographies of Deportability*, based on 103 interviews, introduces concepts that are already reshaping immigration scholarship. The criminology, law, and society scholar’s high-risk fieldwork and her blog, “My Undocumented Life,” have provided practical resources to vulnerable communities. Dean Gould acknowledged that recognizing someone at the beginning of their journey who has already achieved extraordinary things is significant. A nominator referred to Valdivia as an "academic star." Valdivia described her award as a collective effort, recognizing her colleagues, students, and community supporters. Dean Gould remarked that her generosity of spirit reflects her character as a scholar and a person.
Associate Professor of Teaching Brandon Golob, in criminology, law, and society, was honored for his transformative classroom instruction. Voted the School of Social Ecology’s Professor of the Year four consecutive years, Golob’s influence extends beyond his lectures. He has initiated programs for underrepresented STEM students, mentored hundreds, and pioneered creative coursework where students produce podcasts, edit Wikipedia entries, and develop “know your rights” materials. Golob stated the award is significant because his colleagues understand the critical mission of what happens in the classroom, to which Dean Gould expressed gratitude for his presence.
Jessica Debats Garrison, an associate professor of teaching in urban planning and public policy, received the Early-Career Faculty Award for Teaching. She achieved notable student effectiveness scores across 14 courses, redesigned UCI’s GIS specialization, and integrated basic needs resources into her syllabi. Her partnerships have transformed student projects into real-world impacts, leading to students winning awards and internships. A nominator described her scores as the highest sustained average in the department that could be recalled. Garrison remarked that her students provide her with hope for a more sustainable and equitable future, a sentiment Dean Gould reciprocated on behalf of the students.
Associate Professor of Teaching Jenny Rinehart was recognized for her extraordinary service. Her roles have included vice chair and chair of Social Ecology, as well as director of the undergraduate major and core Ph.D. programs. A nominator observed that Dr. Rinehart consistently seeks new ways to contribute even after concluding service roles. Rinehart views service as an "extension of being in the classroom—another way of showing up." Dean Gould acknowledged her consistent dedication and expressed gratitude.
Distinguished Professor Elizabeth Cauffman received the evening's highest honor: The Better World Award, which acknowledges work making real-world impact. Cauffman’s research informed landmark Supreme Court decisions and led to the creation of the Young Adult Court, which offers young people with a first felony conviction a second chance. One nominator wrote that "These young men’s lives were literally transformed." Cauffman attributed the recognition to the numerous students, colleagues, and community partners who helped translate ideas and evidence into action. Dean Gould concluded by stating that the world should also recognize the award belongs to her.
Dean Gould concluded the ceremony by reflecting on the honorees. He noted that when the seven honorees accepted their recognition, they consistently pointed to someone else—their students, colleagues, or community partners. Dean Gould stated this action reveals everything necessary to know about the character of the people in the school.
