Professor Spent $400K of CA State Funds on Cameras for Instagram Posts | Tech Reddy

An investigation by a University of California professor found that he spent $404,000 in federal funds over several years to buy camera equipment that he used to create posts on Instagram and sell articles on his personal website.

A report by the Los Angeles Times explains that in 2014, a research scientist named Yi-hong Zhou received a “strange” question from the University of California at Irvine’s equipment managers: did his lab use a $53,000 camera?

Zhou had never seen a camera like this before and couldn’t understand why his neurological surgery lab needed one. Five years later, another member of the department showed him a receipt showing the purchase of more than $400,000 of photographic equipment using federal funds, which included 14 cameras and 46 lenses. All equipment was purchased by the chairman of the department, Frank PK Hsu.

Zhou blew the whistle, whether it seemed to be moving or not. The University seems to have managed the situation internally and quietly. In fact, the audit report ordered by the University in response to the allegations was sealed until Los Angeles Times asked to join him, when Zhou saw it for the first time.

That auditor’s report found that Hsu, whose annual salary was $1.2 million, purchased equipment using government funds in an “unauthorized” manner. Cameras were sold for what was designated as a “media lab,” but no such space was designated in the office.

The audit report says the first complaint was made to UC Irvine in 2014, but “no one at UCI did anything to address the allegations.”

It was also discovered that Hsu posted hundreds of photos to Instagram between 2015 and 2019 showing him using camera equipment. Hsu’s Instagram is now private. A photo was obtained The Timebelow, Hsu poses outside Notre Dame Cathedral in 2015 with a Part One camera strap visible over his shoulder.

In addition, more than $100,000 in equipment and lenses purchased with University funds were sent directly to Hsu’s home and invoices referenced in his business email account. Hsu initially did not have an explanation for the move but later said he feared the expensive equipment would be unsafe if it were sent to the school.

Page 8 of the auditor’s report shows photos of most of Hsu’s inventory of camera equipment which includes a Phase One camera, a Canon camera, a Leica medium-format camera, and wide range of lenses from various manufacturers. and Profoto lighting equipment.

Investigators also discovered that Hsu ran a personal website where he posted hundreds of photos for sale, shot with props. That website has been deleted.

A University spokesman said The Time Hsu paid the university $404,000 and the school made “appropriate adjustments.” Hsu still works at UC Irvine.

The Los Angeles Times According to the report, several groups, directly connected in some cases and those familiar with the situation, believe that Hsu was not affected by his actions.

“He used government funds as a piggy bank,” Zhou said. “He’s setting a bad example for these future doctors.”

It’s full Los Angeles Times The report is a very good read.

Description: Header photo by Magnus Andersson