2017 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Medal (DEAM) ceremony

Alumni Spotlights

Since its founding in 1962, over 28,000 students — and counting! — have graduated from the UC Davis College of Engineering. Our alumni have pursued careers in a wide variety of technical fields in industry, public service and academia, occupying positions of leadership and making a global difference.

Alumni Spotlights

Our alumni have become pioneers in their respective fields with achievements that have been far-reaching. Here are some outstanding examples of how our graduates are changing the world:

Graduate Student Spotlight: Janis Eneida Patiño Higuita

I have always been a curious person, and I enjoy understanding how things work. This curiosity led me to pursue engineering. I love chemistry, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors. Therefore, environmental engineering seemed like the perfect field to combine my passions and skills.

College of Engineering Alumnus Michael Hurlston among 2023 CAAA Awardees

Michael Hurlston, B.S. '88, M.S. '91 in electrical and computer engineering, received the Cal Aggie Alumni Association Outstanding Alumnus Award the organization announced on March 2. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association, or CAAA, honoring the achievements and impact of outstanding alumni and friends of UC Davis. 

Alumni Spotlight: Tyler Barzee, M.S. '16, Ph.D. '20

Tyler Barzee, M. S. '16, Ph.D. '20, is expanding the possibilities of engineering renewable food and fuel sources. Some of his recent research focuses on the development of edible gourmet mushrooms growing from recycled grains in bourbon distilleries and developing future foods from fungi.  

Building a well in Africa propels alumnus’ path of kindness and generosity

Chidubem Nnaji’s undergraduate project to install a solar-powered well in his village in Nigeria was just the beginning of his life’s calling to serve the public. The 2022 civil and environmental engineering grad is now at UC Berkeley earning his master’s degree in engineering and project management.