Here are a few recent profiles of people I found intriguing:

Role model: UCI drama alumnus Jeff Greenberg (right) has found big success behind the scenes as one of television's most influential casting directors. He's helped populate sitcoms with some of their most memorable characters, from the snooty Niles to the effusive Cam

No mere flight of fancy: Though he's already made great contributions to aeronautics, UCI engineering professor Robert Liebeck won't give up on two things: teaching and an experimental plane that could transform air travel.

Brilliant disguise: Al Valdez has gone from undercover cop who infiltrated dangerous street gangs to college instructor. The UCI alumnus and lecturer shares his often-harrowing experiences with students, giving them an education in real-world criminal behavior. Shown: The many faces of Valdez during his undercover days.