Mechanical and aerospace engineering

What Molting Hawks Can Teach Researchers About Resilient Flight

UC Davis researchers found that red-tailed hawks adjust their wing and tail movements during molt to maintain flight performance despite missing feathers. The findings could improve wildlife rehabilitation practices and inspire more resilient drones and uncrewed aerial vehicles.

Composites: Lillie Vehling Builds Community Through Water Polo and Engineering

Inspired by her father's life-changing spinal cord injury, student athlete Lillie Vehling is pursuing mechanical and aerospace engineering to help others. Whether she's designing solutions at the Engineering Student Design Center or competing in Division I water polo, community remains at the center of her world.

College of Engineering Honors its Outstanding Seniors of 2026

Each year, the UC Davis College of Engineering celebrates the graduating seniors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic achievement and service both in and out of the classroom. These outstanding Aggie Engineers share their most impactful moments and fondest memories from their time at UC Davis.

Center for Animal Locomotion and Innovation Opens

The Center for Animal Locomotion and Innovation hosted a grand opening ceremony at its UC Davis location in May. The afternoon event featured interactive research displays, technology demonstrations and meet-and-greets with experts (and their birds).