College of Engineering Celebrates its 2025 Outstanding Seniors

Biological Systems Engineering

What initially inspired me to pursue engineering was my parents. My dad worked in construction and my mom was a math teacher. The exposure to the design and development of buildings alongside the mathematical theory sparked an interest in pursuing what felt like the perfect combination of the two: engineering. Throughout my time at UC Davis, that inspiration has evolved to focus on applying the engineering skills taught in my coursework to improving the lives of others.  

Computer Engineering

A decade ago, as a stay-at-home father, I was contemplating restarting my education once both of my children had reached elementary school. While building LEGO airplanes with my son, I realized how much I enjoyed finding creative solutions within the constraints of a limited brick selection. That moment sparked the idea that engineering might be the right path for me.  

Computer Engineering

When I first enrolled at UC Davis, I planned to major in design, since I already had an art portfolio from my work in art and animation during high school. However, after my first coding experience in ECS 32A — "Introduction to Programming," I discovered how much I enjoy programming and decided to switch to engineering. I appreciate how engineering lets me stay creative while solving real-world problems, and how my computer graphics and computer architecture courses have allowed me to continue exploring art and animation through the lens of computing.  

Biomedical Engineering

I pursued engineering to install the pedals that would propel my bike. UC Davis taught me that engineering is more about building a means to achieve your goal. I chose biomedical engineering specifically because I enjoyed biology and math, but didn't want to be a doctor. UC Davis showed me that biomedical engineering is more than that, since the integration of medical devices and human biology is a complicated endeavor. 

Environmental Engineering 

Working in Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Veronica Morales' lab during my senior year has been the most rewarding project for me. Professor Morales tries to have each of the undergraduates working under her in charge of their own project so that the topic can be one we're specifically interested in and to develop our independence. The project I worked on was designing 3D printed models that enable investigations of mixing dynamics in porous media, like soil or sand. Working on my own project has taught me a lot about time management and problem solving, since I was not being managed and instructed at every turn.  

Chemical Engineering

I had a great experience being on the first ChemE Cube team at UC Davis. ChemE Cube is a global student competition hosted by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers or AIChE, where students build a 1-cubic-foot power plant to achieve the goal of that year's competition. We designed a carbon capture system that utilized a zeolite adsorbent capable of adsorbing almost 100% of CO2 from passing air. Our group astonishingly placed seventh at the Annual AIChE Student Conference in San Diego last October in our first year participating in the competition.   

Computer Science

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at UC Davis has been supporting other students, whether as a student assistant, instructor or peer advisor. In [teaching ECS 98F — "The Missing CS Quarter"], I held office hours, helping students work through difficult concepts and debug their code. As a peer advisor, I met one-on-one with computer science students to guide them in planning their schedules and navigating the major. These experiences showed me that supporting others is not only deeply fulfilling, but that strong communication is just as essential as strong programming skills in the field of computer science.  

Electrical Engineering

One of the most rewarding projects I've worked on was a bike light set equipped with safety features that I designed during my sophomore year, inspired by the rise in biking accidents and thefts on campus. It features rear vehicle detection, theft detection, automatic tail and front lights for low visibility conditions and a location-specific weather-based bike safety assessment — all controllable via a mobile app. Working on this project helped me realize that some of the most meaningful engineering challenges stem from real-world problems you witness or hear about firsthand and feel motivated to address. Designing creative solutions to real problems is one of my favorite parts of engineering. 

Computer Science and Engineering

The professors who had the most pronounced impact on me [at UC Davis] are Professor Ian Davidson and Assistant Professor Slobodan Mitrović, both of computer science. I studied fundamental algorithms for artificial intelligence under Davidson, who led his class with interactive lessons and fun assignments that challenged my critical thinking. Mitrovic coached me throughout my two International Collegiate Programming Contest seasons with UC Davis. Those five-hour Saturday practices were tough and not always fun, but I gained good experience through tackling difficult problems with my team. Both professors were certainly not "easy," but I learned a lot.  

Materials Science and Engineering

It is impossible for me to choose a favorite professor because there have been so many who have helped me through my undergraduate career. That being said, I have to give a shout-out to my principal investigator, Professor of Chemical Engineering Adam Moulé. Since I joined his group during my second year, Professor Moule has been nothing but supportive of me and all of my academic endeavors. I can tell that he cares deeply about my growth as a researcher and that he wants to see me succeed. I would not have reached where I am today without the support of him and all of the graduate students in his group. 

Civil Engineering

Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they're basic. Engineering is hard, and it's okay not to know everything right away. Seek out mentors early and remember that struggling doesn't mean you're failing — it means you're growing.  

Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Science and Engineering

There is something interesting and useful in every single class you take here. Even if you know that class isn't in the field that you eventually want to work in, understanding the basics and being able to have a conversation in the language of that field are invaluable. Also, you never know what field will speak to you the most. For most of my time at Davis, I did not want to pursue graduate school. But after taking a few classes in the structures field, I fell in love with everything to do with the work.  

Biochemical Engineering

Looking back, I would say don't be shy about reaching out to professors early on to discuss your research interests. This will help you explore your true passions and gain hands-on experience over time. Also, remember to take advantage of being part of the College of Engineering. Join engineering clubs and get to know your classmates — collaboration is a huge part of success as an engineering student and a future engineer. The best thing about being here is that you are not alone; you have peers to work with, inspire you and grow together.