2024 was a big year for tech, especially at the University of California. From the rapid advancements in AI to the evolving landscape of cyber risks and the innovative tools that advance education, research, public service and patient care, 2024 has been a year of excitement, challenges, inspiration and growth.
UC Tech News captured the moments along the way.
As you may know, UC Tech News connects around 11,000 UC tech employees across 30+ UC entities working closely with university technologies. Top topics include AI, privacy, cyber security, digital accessibility and user experience, among others, and how the people and their approaches to management make advances in these fields possible. Published by the UC Office of the President (UCOP), and with the invaluable contributions from the UC Tech community, UC Tech News shares news, events, and career resources that showcase achievements, fosters professional connections, and supports digital transformation.
In this blog, the UC Tech News team curated a group of stories from 2024, across six topics, representing UC Tech as a community and vehicle for connection.
1. Topic: Accessibility
Jenny Carrick, UC Davis marketing, on digital-native students and why accessibility matters
In an interview with UC Tech News, Jenny Carrick, marketing and communications director, Enrollment Management and Undergraduate Education at UC Davis, and hearing loss advocate, discussed her efforts to enhance digital accessibility and engagement for Gen Z students.
Carrick, who has a hearing impairment, leverages her unique perspective to integrate advanced technology into enrollment outreach and exceed accessibility standards. Her initiatives include virtual campus tours, chatbots, and user-generated content to meet the expectations of digital-native students. Carrick’s work underscores the importance of personalized and accessible digital tools in fostering student success and supporting diversity and inclusion at UC Davis.
Read more, and watch the interview on YouTube:
INTERVIEW: Jenny Carrick, UC Davis marketing, on digital-native students and why accessibility matters
2. Topic: AI
President Drake shares new UC Health guidelines for the responsible use of health data
On May 1, 2024, UC President Michael V. Drake, MD issued new health data governance guidelines as part of the 2024 UC Health Data Governance Task Force Report. The report, finalized in February 2024, offers recommendations for using data assets to advance science and clinical care while ensuring responsible stewardship. The Report’s two parts are summarized in the UC Tech article.
The Center for Data-driven Insights and Innovation (CDI2) is leading the implementation of these guidelines. The Task Force, established by President Drake and former UC President Janet Napolitano, included a diverse group of experts to address patient data governance comprehensively.
Learn more here:
NEWS: President Drake shares new UC Health guidelines for the responsible use of health data
Tina Austin, UCLA lecturer: classroom innovations using generative AI
Tina Austin, a lecturer in Regenerative Medicine and Ethics at UCLA, discussed her innovative use of generative AI in the classroom. She highlighted the rapid advancements in the field and shared examples of how AI enhances interactive science education. Austin leads a UC-wide community focused on AI in education, promoting individualized, efficient, and engaging learning while ensuring ethical AI use.
Recognized for her work, she co-founded the AI-Initiatives workgroup for UC instructors and emphasizes empowering students, bridging gaps between disciplines, and making tools equitable for all.
Read more and watch a short video:
INTERVIEW: Tina Austin, UCLA lecturer: classroom innovations using generative AI
Creating a smarter university: AI transformations in Administration workshop
During the “Creating a Smarter University: AI Transformations in Administration” workshop hosted at UCLA by the UC AI Council and UC Chief Information Officer Council from September 30 to October 1, 2024, 250 senior UC leaders explored how to leverage AI tools in administrative roles.
The event featured formal presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and a trade-show style fair. Participants gained a shared understanding of the importance of strategic thinking that integrates business principles and technical considerations. They also learned to apply the UC AI Principles, focusing on appropriateness, privacy and security, transparency, fairness and non-discrimination, and accountability.
See recap and images here:
NEWS: Creating a Smarter University: AI Transformations in Administration workshop – Visual Recap
3. Topic: Cybersecurity
A sobering look at how cyberattacks on healthcare systems affect patients
A fascinating Information Technology Policy and Security Community of Interest (ITPS) meeting presentation in 2024 was by Christian Dameff, MD, MS, FACEP, an emergency physician, assistant professor of emergency medical services, medical director of cybersecurity and co-director of UC San Diego Center for Healthcare Cybersecurity.
Dr. Dameff, a hacker and security researcher, presented Leeches, Mercury, and Bloodletting, OH MY: Improving Healthcare Cybersecurity Evidence by Following the Data, a look at how technology has revolutionized healthcare and how cyberattacks can affect patient care. Read the blog to see the five takeaways from Dr. Dameff’s presentation.
Read more:
NEWS: A sobering look at how cyberattacks on healthcare systems affect patients
UC Cyber Champions group gathers for the first time for SANS Institute “Managing Human Risk” training at UCLA
Cecelia Finney, Systemwide Cybersecurity Awareness, Training & Human Risk Management Strategy at UCOP, brought the SANS Managing Human Risk course to the UC Systemwide Cyber Champions Group to enhance cybersecurity efforts by focusing on human risk management.
The training, held at UCLA, emphasized the shift from traditional compliance-based programs to behavioral-focused approaches, aiming to mitigate threats targeting people. Finney’s initiative provided over 20 participants with the skills to align their programs with industry best practices, fostering a cohesive and proactive approach to cybersecurity across the UC system.
4. Topic: Diversity
UC community strengthens through DEI leadership gathering
The UC Office of the President hosted a UC Tech Awards DEI Leadership networking event on April 17, 2024, bringing together IT professionals from across the UC system to discuss Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The event honored four distinguished women for their contributions to DEI and facilitated meaningful networking opportunities. Panelists including Shohreh Bozorgmehri, Sarvani Chadalapaka, Leiyah Shan, and Lalitha Sankaran, shared their DEI priorities and experiences, emphasizing the importance of data-driven strategies, community building, and inclusive leadership.
Key takeaways highlighted the need for campus collaboration, actionable DEI practices, top-down support, and continuous dialogue to advance DEI efforts.
Read more:
NEWS: UC community strengthens through DEI leadership gathering
Creating a vibrant Black community at UC – key takeaways from Van Williams’ fireside chat with Charron Andrus, UC Berkeley
“We have moved ‘UC Tech’ from being a conference to being a community,” explains Van Williams, the vice president (VP) of information technology (IT) and chief information officer (CIO) for the University of California system and the leader of the UC Tech Community at the University of California.
During a fireside chat, Williams outlined his vision for the UC Tech community, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). He highlighted the importance of cybersecurity, AI governance, and creating an inclusive environment for underrepresented groups. Williams aims to ensure that UC Tech provides a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and recognition, fostering a supportive and diverse tech community across UC.
Read more, and watch the chat on YouTube:
INTERVIEW: Creating a vibrant Black at UC community – key takeaways from Van Williams’ fireside chat with Charron Andrus, UC Berkeley
5. Topic: User Experience (UX)/Design
Bruin Learn delivers usability training and insights at UCUX Usability Summit 2024
At the University of California User Experience (UCUX) Usability Summit on June 7, 2024, UCLA staff, UCLA Extension faculty, and alumni highlighted their collaborative efforts to enhance Bruin Learn, UCLA’s learning management system.
The event featured presentations on UCLA’s usability training program by Anna Ahearn, UCLA Extension’s UX IV Capstone Course by Dr. Iris Kern-Foster, and two LMS case studies by alumni Clyde Ewart and Angela Newman. The summit showcased the success of the Bruin Learn Center of Excellence, a team trained in UX methodologies, which significantly improved the digital experience for over 40,000 students and faculty. This initiative, driven by the BruinTech Human-Centered Design Subcommittee, culminated in a systemwide UX event promoting human-centered design across the UC system.
Learn more, and watch the presentation:
NEWS: Bruin Learn delivers usability training and insights at UCUX Usability Summit 2024
6. Topic: Management/Leadership and Career Development
Judy Thai, first generation college graduate and UC Berkeley alum, talks digital accessibility during her career at UC Office of the President
Judy Thai, director of Application Engineering at the UC Office of the President, recently shared her extensive 28-year career in IT and her dedication to digital accessibility during a meeting with the Information Technology Services (ITS) department. Thai has been instrumental in fostering an accessibility-minded culture within the UC Office of the President, overseeing the maintenance of over 300 websites, including the Apply UC site. Her journey began as a first-generation college student at UC Berkeley, leading to a passion for accessibility in web design.
Despite facing resistance, Thai has championed accessibility initiatives, emphasizing the importance of compliance and cultural change. She highlighted four key strategies for advancing digital accessibility: fostering a culture shift, increasing visibility through events like Global Accessibility Awareness Day, promoting professional development, and leveraging AI for compliance checks. Thai’s commitment to the UC mission and her team’s dedication underscores the significance of digital accessibility in supporting the university’s goals.
Read more:
NEWS: Judy Thai, first generation college graduate and UC Berkeley alum, talks digital accessibility during her career at UC Office of the President
Maggie Beers’ unique path to UCSF’s new role as associate chief information officer for education
Maggie Beers, Associate Chief Information Officer for Education at UCSF, shared insights from her extensive career, which spans language, culture, and emerging internet technologies. Starting as a language teacher in Spain, Mexico, and France, Beers pursued a PhD in Modern Language Education in Canada, focusing on the intersection of language and technology. Now at UCSF, she leverages her experience in applied research and faculty development to address the unique challenges of graduate biomedical and health professions education. Beers emphasizes a comprehensive approach to educational technology (EdTech), prioritizing learner success, equitable access, and social justice. Her vision includes seamless connectivity, diverse community focus, and purposeful career development, all aimed at creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Beers also highlights the importance of digital equity and the role of AI in enhancing educational platforms, ensuring they are accessible and secure for all students.
Read more:
INTERVIEW: Maggie Beers’ unique path to UCSF’s new role as associate chief information officer for education
Author
Communications and Events Manager
UC Office of the President