On a warm Friday afternoon, surrounded by walls of CDs and colorful lights strung around a DJ booth, Jade S. Sasser puts on her headphones and begins her radio show at UC Riverside’s KUCR. When the “On Air” sign lights up, she introduces herself as DJ Sunara – a choice she made to separate her professional life from her hobby. 

This anonymity means there’s little crossover between teaching and deejaying. As an associate professor in the Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies, Sasser focuses on gathering facts and engaging in discussions with her students. When she’s deejaying, she views it as a creative outlet.  

“Here, I don’t have to be as organized about how I get a message across or try to inspire critical thinking,” Sasser said. “It’s more of what kind of vibe I’m creating for the show.”

That’s how she chose the name “Vibe Check” for her show. 

For today’s set, she chooses a summertime theme. As the melodies of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Smokey Robinson fill the room, Sasser reflects on her childhood memories. 

"I think any child of the ’70s or ’80s who spent their summers eating barbecue, running through the sprinklers, and flinging themselves across the yard on a slip ’n slide with family who had the R&B going nonstop in the background will really feel where I’m coming from,” she said between songs. 

Sasser reads from her script with such calmness and ease that it’s hard to believe she’s been deejaying for only two years.  

“Vibe Check” started in 2023, but she was first presented with the opportunity in 2019 when a student interviewed her for a special series at KUCR. Sasser created a playlist to go along with the interview, and the episode was so popular that several listeners called in requesting it to be re-aired.  

When Sasser was asked if she’d like to be a radio DJ, she initially turned down the offer. 

“I’ve always loved music,” she said. “I’m the DJ for all the family gatherings, but this option had never entered my mind.  But I thought about it further and was intrigued. So I came in for an interview.” 

Shortly after Sasser started training, the pandemic put a pause on campus life. A few years later, she reconnected with KUCR’s station directors at The Barn. By the end of their chat, they had scheduled a time for her to come back in. 

As a radio DJ playing R&B, soul, and funk, Sasser enjoys building her playlists around specific emotions and creating a space that takes listeners on a sentimental journey. 

“Sometimes I want people to feel relaxed. Sometimes I want people to feel fired up and passionate. And sometimes I want people to reminisce on their childhood and family. Often, I want people to think about love,” Sasser said. “When I thought about creating a show, I wanted to do something nostalgic that would be able to tell the stories of not just me, but of a lot of people for whom R&B and hip-hop are not just music genres, but meaningful parts of our lives, our families, and how we grew up.” 

Sasser’s family played a large role in shaping her love of music. Both of her parents grew up in Detroit and had close connections to Motown music. 

“They were teenagers at the height of Motown, so music really formed the backdrop for their coming of age,” she said. “They both personally knew Motown recording artists. And they went to school with some of them. So that’s the soundtrack of my family.” 

During her teenage years, Sasser and her friends listened to ’90s R&B and hip-hop. On the surface, the songs sounded romantic, but they also carried powerful messages. 

“A love song is never just a love song,” she said. “If you listen further, there’s social commentary on the issues at the time. R&B artists have talked about environmental injustice, pollution, toxic dumping, and destroying the Earth. They’ve talked about politics, civil rights, social injustice, and seeking better conditions for people of color. They’re singing about love, but what they’re actually talking about are these broader social issues.” 

Sasser occasionally uses her show to bring awareness to environmental events. 

“Whenever there have been environmental disasters like the wildfires in Hawaii and California or hurricanes in North Carolina, I’ve done environmental shows,” she said. “A lot of people don’t necessarily think of R&B outside of entertainment, but there’s a lot of educational value to be found in it.” 

Sasser’s interest in environmental issues comes from her work as a professor and researcher. She joined UCR in 2014, teaching reproductive politics through the lens of climate change. Last year, she expanded her role by joining a team of faculty to create the Department of Society, Environment, and Health Equity, where she also serves as an associate professor. Sasser’s doctorate in environmental science, policy, and management is from UC Berkeley. 

Sasser has authored two books. In 2018, she published “On Infertile Ground: Population Control and Women’s Rights in the Era of Climate Change.” The book examines how population control policies target women in poorer countries for having children instead of addressing larger global issues.  

Her second book, “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,” was published in 2024 and explores the impact of climate anxiety on younger generations and their future parenting plans. Through dozens of interviews, Sasser discovered varying perspectives and encouraged open conversations about climate change among peers. 

“I think people should talk to each other. Not for the purpose of changing their minds but rather, it becomes important to share your experiences and feelings openly,” she said. “You can join groups who are talking about climate anxiety, or groups with climate-aware therapists and psychologists who can support you.” 

Sasser is writing a third book exploring how climate change is reshaping health outcomes for women, especially mothers. 

 “Climate change doesn’t just affect how we think – it has direct impacts on the body, and it affects different bodies differently,” Sasser said. 

 To close out her show, Sasser cues up a dance funk track that is “perfect for ballrooming – my Detroit and Chicago listeners will know what I’m talking about,” she said. As the final song plays, she shares how the different rhythms of being a professor, author, and DJ have shaped who she is.  

 “I’ve learned how the soundscapes we take for granted are so much more important than we realize,” she said. “My life has been enriched in a lot of ways through the opportunities that UCR makes possible. It’s wonderful to come here and spend time with other music lovers. I think UCR is a really special place, and I feel lucky to be here.” 

 Listen to Sasser’s radio show, “Vibe Check,” every Friday at 2 p.m. on KUCR 88.3 FM.