This edition of Org Chart has news on a number of centers around campus, as well as a new endowed chair, a key financial position and more. 

Dateline UC Davis welcomes news of appointments of various kinds for faculty and staff, for publication in Org Chart (formerly titled Transitions). Send information to dateline@ucdavis.edu.

Kellogg Endowed Chair

Geophysicist Amanda Thomas has been named the inaugural Louise H. Kellogg Endowed Chair in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. She will advance scientific excellence in geophysics through visionary leadership at UC Davis and expand the reach of geosciences by teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the EPS community, being inspired by them, and learning their needs and how I can support them,” said Thomas.

— David Arias

AI Center in Engineering co-director

The AI Center in Engineering has appointed Chen-Nee Chuah, professor of electrical and computer engineering and Child Family Professor in Engineering, as co-director. Chuah will lead the center’s efforts to advance human health through artificial intelligence research and build strategic partnerships with UC Davis Health’s School of Medicine and School of Nursing.

“I am excited about the opportunity to help facilitate interdisciplinary research in AI and computational health between our talented faculty and domain experts in UC Davis Health’s School of Medicine and School of Nursing,” Chuah said.

Founded in 2024 by the College of Engineering, the center leverages AI for the betterment of humanity and the planet through advancements in foundational research, translational applications and educational efforts.

— College of Engineering

CITRIS director

Sam King, an associate professor of computer science, has been appointed as the new director of the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute, or CITRIS, the Office of Research announced.

King has a track record of translating academic research into successful commercial ventures with societal impact. His industry experience includes key roles with technology leaders like Lyft, Twitter and Stripe.

Center for Watershed Sciences director

Karrigan Börk has been named the director of the Center for Watershed Sciences. Börk is a professor of law and co-director of the California Environmental Law and Policy Center, and he has served as interim director of the Center for Watershed Sciences since 2024.

Börk brings a wealth of knowledge on environmental law and policy to this role. Börk's publications run the gamut from the definitive text on the history and application of California minimum streamflow requirements to a hatchery and genetic management plan for the reintroduction of spring-run Chinook salmon in the San Joaquin River. He works on legal and ethical issues in ecological restoration, especially problems that involve both science and law. Much of his current research focuses on western water law.

—  Elena Peters

School of Law appointments

The School of Law made several recent announcements:

• Professor Kevin Johnson, former dean, will become the director of the Aoki Center for Critical Race and Nation Studies.
• Professor Chimène Keitner will become the director of the re-named Center for International Law and Policy.
• Dean Jessica Berg announced the addition of a Center for Business Law and Society. Professor Afra Afsharipour will serve as the inaugural center director.
• The California Environmental Law and Policy Center will welcome Tracy Winsor '96, former Senior Assistant California Attorney General in the Natural Resources Law Section, to co-direct the center with Professor Albert Lin.

Director of Contracts and Grants Accounting

After a nationwide search, UC Davis recently welcomed Nicole Tardiff as the new director of Contracts and Grants Accounting, in Finance, Operations and Administration. In this role, she oversees the proper management, expenditure and reporting of research funds while ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations and university policies.

With extensive experience in research funding administration and regulatory compliance, Nicole brings valuable expertise to the campus. Her leadership will be instrumental as UC Davis addresses current challenges and enhances Aggie Enterprise to make the post-award process smoother and more effective for everyone.

“We’re pleased to welcome Nicole to the UC Davis team,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and Controller Matt Okamoto. “Her extensive experience in pre- and post-award management, along with her leadership roles at private and public universities across the country, will be an asset as we work to strengthen our contracts and grants processes.”  

— Jennifer Eting