Consistency, visibility, and encouragement became core parts of Peyton Bursin’s approach to teaching mechanical engineering students this year.

A first-year graduate student in UCSB’s BS/MS mechanical engineering program, Bursin served as a TA for ME 156A, ME 156B, and ME 104 while balancing graduate research and competitive swimming and water polo. He was thrilled to learn that he had received the 2026 Outstanding TA Award for Mechanical Engineering.

“This accomplishment is incredibly fulfilling on both a personal and professional end,” Bursin said. “I truly believed I could improve the process of learning. I didn’t just want to boost grades or give out answers; I wanted every student to believe that I’m invested in their growth inside and outside of the classroom.”

Bursin’s graduate research with professor Francesco Bullo focuses on machine learning algorithms for robotics and navigation systems, including approaches that could one day help autonomous systems efficiently explore unfamiliar environments such as underwater terrain or other planets.

He said that the award reinforced his passion for mentorship and teaching, which he hopes to continue throughout his career.

Read full article here: Class of 2026 Honors Outstanding Teaching Assistants