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College of Engineering News

UC Santa Barbara collaborators (left to right) Michelle O’Malley, Ty Vernon, Jean Carlson, and Elaine Kirschke stand in the NSF ExFAB Biofoundry, a state-of-the-art facility central to the university’s newly awarded project.

Feb 23, 2026
Major Award to Study Links Between Early-Life Gut Microbiome and Neurodevelopment

Researchers join international effort to better understand how the two may be connected.

From left: Umesh Mishra, Frank Koenig, B.S. Manjunath, Luke Theogarajan. Photo by Mia Nie.

Feb 20, 2026
B.S. Manjunath Appointed First Frank Koenig Distinguished Chair

ECE professor known for computer vision and neural networks research is honored as one of four endowed chairs in the department.

Illustration of two locks surrounded by a glowing infinity sign.

Feb 18, 2026
Researcher Receives NSF Award to Study Quantum Cryptography

Computer science associate professor Prabhanjan Ananth will study the foundations of quantum computing as a cryptographic tool.

Image of researcher Asish Ninan Chacko standing in front of MRI in the Materials Research Laboratory at UC Santa Barbara

Feb 13, 2026
Giving MRIs the Power of Microscopes

UCSB researchers develop a genetic sensor that could allow MRIs to image molecular-level changes.

Image depicting the advantage of the carbon- and nitrogen-stable, telecom-ready CN Center (right) vs the "hydrogen fragile" T Center.

Feb 12, 2026
A Robust New Telecom Qubit in Silicon

Researchers in Chris Van de Walle’s group discover a more durable defect for quantum applications.

Degree Designers (from left): Divy Agrawal, Diba Mirza, Tevfik Bultan. Photograph by James Badham

Feb 09, 2026
Computer Science Department to Offer Undergraduate Major in AI

The program will prepare UCSB graduates to compete and contribute in this broad and rapidly growing field.

Ryan Berry (left) and Norleakvisoth Lim are presented with their awards by Manabu Ihara, director of the Institute of Science Tokyo's Academy of Energy and Informatics

Feb 05, 2026
UCSB PhD Students Earn Top Honors at International Energy And Informatics Forum
The chemical engineering PhD students were recognized for their presentations on catalysis and energy-efficient chemical processes. 
Alan Heeger (center) with his wife, Ruth (right) and UCSB chemistry professor and polymer expert Thuc-Quyen Nguyen

Feb 05, 2026
Nobel Laureate Alan Heeger Turns 90; Celebrates with a Symposium

A science-based birthday bash for the materials-chemistry giant who gave us conductive polymers.

Source: UCSB Current
Image showing students and researchers working inside UCSB's Quantum Foundry.

Feb 02, 2026
Making an Impact: UCSB Remains Among the World’s Most Influential Research Universities

UCSB ranks among the top two U.S. public universities for scientific impact for a 15th consecutive year in The Leiden Rankings (Open Edition). 

Photo of Erez Berg

Jan 30, 2026
New Materials Professor Erez Berg Pursues Topological Superconductors

The Mehrabian Endowed Presidential Chair studies materials that he describes as “rare in the wild.”

An image of the ProFoldBio team after the New Venture Competition finals, standing on a deck next to the UC Santa Barbara lagoon

Jan 28, 2026
UCSB Startup Builds Software to Speed Drug Discovery

The platform enables a quicker path to viable treatments for Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

Engineers Without Borders UCSB Team with Solar Table

Jan 23, 2026
Student Engineers Build and Install Solar-Powered Table

The Engineers Without Borders project gives students real-world experience. 

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