Graduating seniors in each undergraduate degree program in UC Santa Barbara’s College of Engineering select one Outstanding Faculty Award recipient every spring. The Outstanding Faculty for the Class of 2025 are Michael Gordon (chemical engineering), Yoga Isukapalli (computer engineering), Ziad Matni (computer science), Andrew Teel (electrical engineering), and Matthew Begley (mechanical engineering). Two of the five awardees — Begley and Matni — are first-time recipients of the accolade. Here is what the recipients had to say about being recognized.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Graduating seniors selected Matthew R. Begley, a professor of mechanical engineering and materials, as the recipient of the 2024’-25 Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Faculty Award.

“I am very honored to win this award, particularly since we have so many phenomenal teachers and mentors in the College of Engineering,” said Begley, a first-time recipient of the award. 

As a researcher, Begley uses modeling and advanced simulations to guide materials development, systems design, and manufacturing. As an instructor, Begley has taught various undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering courses at UCSB, including a senior design class earlier this year. 

“I was deeply impressed with the dedication and intellectual depth of this class. On top of that, they were a highly personable, enthusiastic group that made it downright fun to be in the classroom,” said Begley, who added a few words of wisdom to the class of 2025. “Celebrate the moment, keep up the hard work, and circle back to UCSB every few years so we get to learn from your experiences.”