News | Department of Mechanical Engineering

2025 Department of Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

The 2025 Department of Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Venkat Rapaka.

Image Caption

(Pictured left to right) Sukhan Kang, Maryam Majedi, and Ousmane Kodio received awards in support of their research projects

Supporting New Ideas in Innovation, Design, and Ethics

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Three junior faculty receive campus awards supporting projects that expand how innovation is measured, technologies are designed, and ethics are taught.

Three UCSB Teams Receive IEE Seed Funding for Energy Efficiency Research

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Researchers will work toward improving efficiency in electric motors, quantum computing, and large language models with IEE support.

NSF Funds Research to Advance Understanding of Fragility and Resilience in Complex Networks

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Bassam Bamieh seeks to model the dynamics of small disruptions that can trigger big failures in complex systems.

Image Caption

Photo Credit: iStock / rightdx
Radiographic image of breast cancer tumor cells in the mammary ducts.

Novel membrane gel from UCSB offers new tool for breast cancer research

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Researchers created an algae-based gel for studying mammary epithelial cells, which form milk-producing ducts and glands in healthy breast tissue and can transform into cancer cells.

UCSB Researchers Develop Novel Membrane Gel to Study Mammary Cells

Friday, September 26, 2025

A seaweed-derived gel that helps scientists understand how cells grow in their environment could be used for breast cancer research.

Image Caption

The Cadense shoe lets those suffering from foot drop hit their stride again.

Professor’s Startup Nominated for Innovation Award

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Tyler Susko’s shoe to address foot drop receives recognition alongside major companies.

Eckart Meiburg Receives NSF Award for Sediment Research

Monday, September 15, 2025

UCSB distinguished professor Eckart Meiburg has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) award to study these processes in collaboration with former UCSB mechanical engineering associate professor Alban Sauret.

UCSB-designed Soft Robot Intubation Device Could Save Lives

Thursday, September 11, 2025

The innovative tool, designed specifically for non-expert users, improves airway access and raises survival odds in critical medical emergencies.

Image Caption

Graduate Student speakers at the T32 Symposium (left to right) Jane Baude, Ella Evensen, and Ahmed Al Kindi

The 2nd Annual NIH T32 Symposium at UCSB

Monday, August 11, 2025

Keynote speakers, faculty researchers, and scholars in bioengineering presented their cutting-edge research addressing real-world health issues.