I never had any hope of writing an opening remark that did the collaborative, interdisciplinary theme at the heart of this issue, and, truly, the college’s research enterprise at large, any justice. Because I would have, by design, been writing by myself, separated from the community of outstanding faculty members and students who call the College of Engineering home.
That’s why I have opted in favor of replacing my dean’s letter with a conversation, a practice I hope to continue moving forward. For this inaugural edition, I could think of no better person than Raissa D’Souza, our associate dean of research, who has been a champion of our Next Level strategic research vision. I hope you enjoy our discussion, and the amazing stories of discovery on the pages that follow.
Richard L. Corsi
Dean of Engineering
Inside This Issue
Breaking Down the Gut-Brain Divide
Researchers at UC Davis are taking the phrase “follow your gut” to a whole new level: They’re creating microfluidic technology that can map out and probe the neural pathways that form the gut-brain axis for the first time.
The Cleanroom Where It Happens
The Center for Nano-MicroManufacturing supports leading-edge scalable research and development in electronics, materials and life sciences.
It's Electric
Halfway through their four-year challenge to customize a next-generation electric vehicle, the student-led UC Davis EcoCAR team is at full throttle.
Horizon Lines
Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Kari Watkins leads a project to turn the UC Davis campus into the world’s premier living-learning lab for bike and bus infrastructure.
Technologies like ChatGPT have brought the potential of artificial intelligence into public awareness unlike ever before. In the College of Engineering, researchers show all that AI is and can be by pushing the boundaries of its foundational design and use in medicine and agriculture.
Beneath the Surface
Oceanographer-slash-computer-scientist Maike Sonnewald discusses using artificial intelligence to build a foundation of knowledge and insight into the ocean’s role in the climate system to better predict long-range weather and help society prepare for climate change.
Breaking Grounds
The UC Davis Coffee Center, a center of excellence of the College of Engineering and the first academic research and teaching facility in the U.S. entirely dedicated to the study of coffee, celebrated its grand opening on May 3, 2024.
Eclipsing the Limitations of Solar Energy
College of Engineering researchers aim to make around-the-clock solar energy a reality with a novel thermophotovoltaic device. Paired with an optical emitter, the device converts the sun’s heat into a concentrated light spectrum that can then be transformed into usable energy.
E-SEARCH Opens Doors to Higher Education
Initiated as part of the college's Next Level strategic vision for education, E-SEARCH pairs undergraduate students with graduate student mentors to get hands-on experience with research and equip them with the tools needed to succeed in graduate school or careers in industry.
Pillars of the Community
On the eve before Picnic Day this year, the UC Davis College of Engineering Class of 1969 witnessed the unveiling of a new pillar at the Engineering Student Design Center that symbolizes the group’s pivotal support to the college.
Concrete History
A College of Engineering tradition began when students stepped into their canoe floating on a lake in southern Sacramento County on a chilly March afternoon in 1975. It was the first time its students had competed in the Concrete Canoe Competition.
Going Digital
Starting in the 2024–25 academic year, Engineering Progress will become a digital-only magazine. We believe the virtual format will enable us to be more flexible while still keeping you informed about the amazing discoveries from our college.
We look forward to staying in touch with you through and beyond this transition.
Please ensure your contact information is up to date to stay current with the latest on the UC Davis College of Engineering.