At an upcoming UC Davis commencement ceremony, biological systems engineering major Atmaja Patil will speak on what she takes away from her education: “The confidence to question the status quo. To look at a problem and ask, ‘Why does it have to be this way?’”
At UC Davis, graduating seniors in materials science and engineering spend their final year solving real problems for professional sponsors, emerging with the hands-on skills, mentorship and workplace-ready experience that traditional coursework rarely provides.
From GLP-1 treatment to upcycling coffee and legume waste streams, students tackled real food-related issues with an entrepreneurial mindset in Innovation for Impact: Food Systems, colloquially called “Hacking 4 Food.” Instructor and facilitator Alice Dien, a Ph.D. candidate in biological systems engineering, shares her reflections.
Benetta MacAuley didn't know materials science was a major when she applied to UC Davis. Now the senior investigates sustainable cement alternatives and leads the viola section of the Video Game Orchestra, proving that the best paths are often unplanned.
A tough sophomore year nearly derailed Yusuf Jeiroudi’s college experience. With mentorship from UC Davis chemical engineering faculty, renewed Muslim faith and intentional habits, he learned how setbacks can fuel growth, resilience and a clearer path toward graduation.
The Minnesota marshes Matthew Maciosek explored as a child are threatened by agricultural groundwater use. Now a UC Davis biological systems engineering student, he's researching sustainable irrigation practices in California's Central Valley to help protect wetlands for future generations.
Three College of Engineering undergraduate students recount their journeys majoring in CS, CE and CSE, detailing defining coursework, future career paths and plans.
UC Davis materials science and engineering student Micah Bob studies sustainable cement alternatives to reduce carbon emissions. As graduation approaches, he reflects on the transformative course, research experiences and campus life — including MASC and Video Game Orchestra — that shaped his journey.
Professor of Teaching Jason White is reimagining a chemical engineering course to create a classroom that is welcoming and accessible for neurodivergent learners. Discover how he is using Universal Design for Learning to make engineering education inclusive for all.
Aaleesha Doshi, a third-year undergraduate biomedical engineering student on the pre-medical track, reflects on how a clinical immersion experience at Aggie Square deepened her drive to become an engineer and a surgeon working to advance human health.
