The Hot Seat Club has no rules or obligations besides confidentiality, a condition Angelo Pacumio said is key to its success. Every week, members of the Hot Seat Club gather in Franz Hall and sit in a circle of chairs until someone steps forward to be in the “hot seat.” After someone volunteers, all other members focus their attention on the individual and ask any questions they wish, although no answers are required. Read more...

Photo: (left to right) Robert Valencia, a third-year neuroscience student, Angelo Pacumio, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student, and Jason Gong, a third-year psychobiology student, discuss ways in which to involve a greater amount of the student body in hot seat conversations. Utilizing pointed questions directed toward a single volunteer, the Hot Seat Club seeks to promote empathy and understanding among the individuals present. (Rachel Hefner/Daily Bruin)

Johanna Drucker said a dream about squirrels feverishly knitting with pine needles and rats fashioning disco outfits inspired her newly released novel. Drucker, the Breslauer Professor of Bibliographical Studies in the department of information studies, released her latest novel “Downdrift” on Tuesday and will participate in the “Exploring the Eco-fiction Genre in Writing” panel discussion for the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series on April 26. Read more...

Photo: Professor Johanna Drucker released her new novel, “Downdrift,” on Tuesday. “Downdrift” chronicles the changes animals may have to experience to adapt to a shifting environment, causing them to take on more human qualities such as feelings of shame and jealousy. (Courtesy of Johanna Drucker)