UCSB’s College of Creative Studies (CCS) has received a $400,000 gift for interdisciplinary undergraduate research from CCS alumnus David Watson and his wife, Vinitha Menon Watson, also a UCSB graduate. It is one of the largest gifts ever received by the college.

The endowment will enable two or more CCS students from different disciplines to pursue advanced collaborative research that builds upon their individual expertise and may lead to original contributions in their fields.

“David and Vinitha Watson’s gift mirrors the very spirit of CCS—a college dedicated to the concept that young, able minds can achieve world-altering wonders when allowed direct access to the intellectual and physical resources of a major research university and invited to interact over the greatest breadth of intellectual subjects,” said Bruce Tiffney, dean of the college. “I have no idea what insights will arise from this prescient gift, but I imagine looking back in 20 years time to a string of notable accomplishments that will bring pride and honor to UCSB and CCS.”

David Watson earned a computer science degree from CCS in 1999. Vinitha Menon Watson earned a sociology degree from UCSB the same year. The Watsons reside in Menlo Park and are employed by Google.

The College of Creative Studies is the only one of its kind in the UC system.