Three engineering students stand outside for a portrait

Student Spotlights

Students at the UC Davis College of Engineering impact a wide-ranging field of areas in energy, aerospace, transportation, computer science, medicine and more. Through leadership and involvement in hands-on engineering experiences, our outstanding Aggie Engineers are changing the world.

Meet some of the students, clubs and teams that make up our diverse community. Learn more about their current projects, achievements and aspirations.

Student Spotlights

A large group of Chem-E-Car members stand together outdoors near a sculpture, one person in the middle holds the car

Chem-E-Car Gains Momentum

  • by Jessica Heath
After a pandemic pause, UC Davis students are catalyzing a rebuild of Chem-E-Car from the ground up — gel-powered engines, team chemistry and all. With lessons learned and eyes on next year's prize, they are engineering progress, one chemical reaction at a time.
Calum Shelden wears PPR and works in a lab with a large microscope

Controlling the (Casimir) Force

  • by Grace Call
As researchers continue to shrink the size of mechanical devices, controlling the Casimir force has become the first priority. At UC Davis, Calum Shelden, a Ph.D. candidate in electrical and computer engineering, is beginning groundbreaking experimentation to test the theories.
A view of the sunset over the ocean

Sailing Across STEMSEAS

  • by Matt Marcure
Computer science and engineering student Siena Marois wants to advance ocean conservation with next-level robotics. In pursuit of that goal, she recently participated in STEAMSEAS, an exclusive opportunity for undergraduates to gain practical knowledge during a six-day cruise on an offshore research vessel.
A young man with red hair wears an apron and stands in a welding studio

Where Art Meets Alloy

  • by Grace Call
At UC Davis, a new bladesmithing club is forging more than knives. Led by materials science and engineering major Aaron Diamond, the team is (literally) sharpening hands-on skills and crafting connections.
Kaia Wolfe crouching with a tennis racket

Playing Doubles

  • by Lesly Contreras
Kaia Wolfe, a third-year mechanical engineering student aces the balance between her passions for outer space and being a Division I tennis player.
A girl hanging from thin string attached to a beam

The Magicians Behind the MASC

  • by Lesly Contreras
Meet the Materials Science Advantage Chapter, the UC Davis engineering club responsible for Picnic Day’s famous Materials Magic Show — and for bringing attention to the amazing things materials science makes possible.
Five people posing for a photo

Bringing an Engineering Mindset to the 111th Picnic Day

  • by Grace Call
Meet the five Aggie Engineers on the 111th Picnic Day board who are bringing their skills, ingenuity and engineering acumen to the (picnic) table to ensure everything from the Doxie Derby to the Chemistry Show is a success at this annual event.
Many people standing in front of a screen that says "Aggie Resilience Colloquium"

A Conversation Between the Office of Diversity, Equity and Doreen Joseph

  • by Graciela Tiu, UC Davis Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
From game nights to university committees, Doreen Joseph, a computer science Ph.D. candidate, fosters belonging and support for underrepresented students, shaping a more inclusive academic experience. Learn how she’s driving change at UC Davis.
Four students in lab coats hold a cube structure in front of a building with windows

Thinking Inside of the Box

  • by Grace Call
As climate change becomes an evermore concerning issue, researchers are working to make carbon capture and storage technologies more accessible, stable and environmentally friendly. See how a team of students is taking on the challenge one cubic foot at a time.