College of Engineering Announces Recipients of 2023 Next Level Research Awards
With a focus on funding bold, interdisciplinary research in support of the college’s Next Level strategic vision, the College of Engineering has unveiled the recipients of the 2023 Next Level Research Awards.
“We are investing in interdepartmental and multi-investigator research teams pursuing groundbreaking research,” said Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science Raissa D’Souza. “The funding from the Next Level Research Awards will provide opportunities for our faculty to work collaboratively to make next level advancements in our strategic impact areas.”
In total, eight projects received funding. Funded projects cover visionary concepts from applying the morphing of bird wings to uncrewed aerial vehicles to pushing the current capabilities of solar cells.
- Merging Engineering, Biology, and Animation to Transform the Design of Morphing Aircraft
- Breaking the 50% Efficiency Barrier with a Thermophotovoltaic Device
- Engineering Bionic Prostheses for All: Accessible Artificial Limbs and Improved Quality of Life
- High-Performance, Zero-Emission, and Ultra-Quiet Aircraft Design and Operation with Over-the-Wing Distributed Propellers
- UC Davis as a Living-Learning Lab in Sustainable Transportation Engineering
- Microfabricated Platforms for Building and Studying the Gut-Brain Axis
- QuIST – Quantum Information Science and Technology Initiative
- Smart, Sustainable and Human-Centered Factories
The Next Level Research Awards were launched in 2022 to fund near-term research, conferences, symposia and planning for bold ideas that align with impact areas identified in the college’s strategic research vision: Advancing Human Health, Revolutionizing Energy Systems, Strengthening Climate Resilience and Transforming Mobility. Funded projects must be interdisciplinary, have the potential to advance national leadership and secure extramural funding, and articulate clear near-, mid- and long-term goals.
“I’m thrilled to see the Next Level Research Awards continuing to grow in their second year,” said Dean Richard Corsi. “Our faculty are pursuing bold and revolutionary projects and we are proud to support them in their efforts to engineer a better world for all.”