Strategic Research Vision Update
The Next Level research vision is making great strides. Last spring, the College of Engineering announced four impact areas, identified in consultation with faculty, with the aim to be national leaders: Revolutionizing Energy Systems, Strengthening Climate Resilience, Advancing Human Health and Transforming Mobility. Strategic actions to advance work in these areas are in motion. Raissa D’Souza, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and computer science, was recently named associate dean for research, and is now leading these efforts.
Next Level Research Seed Funding
In March the college launched a program to provide seed funds for early-stage research and interdisciplinary forums in these areas, and invited all faculty to apply. Nine projects were awarded funding, representing an exciting range of projects involving faculty in each of our departments. Funded projects range from 3D-printing earthen houses and making sustainable windmill blades from bamboo and mycelium to engineering the body’s own nanoparticles to deliver
drugs directly to the brain. One group of engineers is working to develop and demonstrate storage solutions for alternative energy sources – read more in this issue, and view the projects on the college's website. Seed funding also enabled an Accessible Smart Health Technologies Forum which was held in September at the UC Davis Health campus.
The forum brought together engineers and clinicians to share research, advance collaborations, and delve into issues of equity and access as sensors, artificial intelligence and other smart technologies transform the ways we can diagnose and deliver medical care.
A series of meet and greets for strategic research initiatives, including those that span multiple colleges, and a second round of seed funding is planned for 2023.
Faculty Hires and Open Positions
Transit expert Kari Watkins has joined the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as an associate professor. Her work targets expanding mobility options by improving public transportation, walking, cycling, and other alternatives to driving. The college is currently recruiting two tenure-track assistant professors to advance our vision with respect to strengthening climate resilience and revolutionizing energy systems, and expect to bring the new hires onboard in fall 2023.
Learn more about our Strategic Research Vision
This story was featured in the Fall 2022 issue of Engineering Progress.
