Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, visited UC Berkeley's California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences yesterday to learn more about green technology programs being researched by the interdisciplinary department.

Boxer toured two of the institute's laboratories in Stanley Hall, where she was briefed on campus developments in biofuel research before speaking to a peace and conflict studies class about energy issues and the economy.

"We try and showcase the research, service and students at this public university for our elected representatives," said Michelle Moskowitz, campus director of government affairs advocacy, who organized the event. "This is the first time Barbara Boxer has visited the campus in over a decade."

Moskowitz said she had met with members of Boxer's staff a week prior and given them a list of activities from which Boxer chose to tour the laboratories and speak to the class.

"One (purpose of the tour) was to show the senator how we (are) working on the problems of energy and environment and health by bringing all the life sciences together in one building," said Graham Fleming, the director for the institute and the tour's host. "I like to call this interconnected science instead of interdisciplinary science."

Boxer applied a similar theme of interconnectedness to the speech she delivered to a classroom filled with roughly 250 students and local press. She stressed that the environment, particularly global warming, energy and the failing economy were all closely related.

"If ever there was a time to engage in this idea of a green revolution, it is now because we are in an economic downturn, simply because there is cheaper energy and it's going to create more jobs," Boxer said.

Boxer said she had voted for the $700 billion bailout program with oversight, hoping that the money could be used both as a direct line of credit for state governments and small business. Additionally, she said an investment from the bailout into sustainable alternative energy would create more jobs.

Boxer's speech generated mixed responses from the audience.

"I learned a lot about what is possible for people to do in the near future, instead of just all the idealistic views of stopping global warming," said freshman Madalyn Simpson.

Freshman Nevin Rao said he didn't agree with all of Boxer's speech and felt it could have had more substance.

"I don't know if the bailout is going to go into funding for alternative energy like she said, but she had an interesting take on it," Rao said.

Despite the trying economic times, Boxer told UC Berkeley students to remain optimistic.

"Don't give up hope on what's happening in America," she said. "It's all about confidence."