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College of Engineering News

A PhD student works on the continuous-flow system at OASIS. Photograph by Jeff Liang

A PhD student works on the continuous-flow system at OASIS, where flexible tubes replace glass reaction vessels. Photograph by Jeff Liang

Mar 06, 2026
OASIS: from Grams to Kilograms

A bold move relocates UCSB’s BioPACIFIC MIP to a new spacious off-campus location.  

 

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.

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
UCSB Awarded Major Funding to Study Links Between Early-Life Gut Microbiome and Neurodevelopment

Researchers join the Wellcome Leap’s international effort to better understand early biological influences on neurodevelopment.

Image of Roark Chao in the lab.

Roark Chao in the lab at UCSB. Photograph by Matt Perko.

Feb 23, 2026
Developing Hair-width LEDs Could Replace Lasers

A UCSB doctoral student advised by Stephen DenBaars and Joh Schuller is helping to make it happen.

Source: The Current
Illustration of two locks surrounded by a glowing infinity sign.

What if quantum computers could help protect privacy and security? Prabhanjan Ananth is using his new NSF award to find out. Credit: Brian Long, UCSB

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

Study lead author Asish Ninan Chacko (PhD '26) used the Materials Research Laboratory's MRI machine to develop a new sensor for understanding disease at the molecular level.

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.

AI-generated image depicting the advantage of the the carbon- and nitrogen-stable, telecom-ready CN center defect in silicon (right) over 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.

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

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

UC Santa Barbara ranks #1 among U.S. public universities for scientific impact in the latest Leiden Rankings, reflecting research that shapes fields, fuels innovation, and advances society worldwide.

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). 

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

The ProFoldBio team at the 2024 New Venture Competition finals. From left: Samuel Lobo, Devon Callan, Erica Keane Rivera, Ventura Rivera, Austin Dubose.

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.

Poster for Agentic AI Summit at UCSB

Jan 22, 2026
Shaping the Next Frontier of AI: UCSB Hosts Inaugural Agentic AI Summit

Leading voices from industry and academia will address the future of agentic AI.

Jan 15, 2026
AI Powers New Research on Covert Attention

William Wang and colleagues find new neuron types tied to driving and other activities that involve shifting attention without shifting gaze. 

Source: The Current
Axel Palmstrom, a UC Santa Barbara graduate

Axel Palmstrom, a UC Santa Barbara graduate, has been named as one of the world’s most cited researchers by Clarivate.

Dec 11, 2025
UCSB Graduate Named One of the World’s Most Cited Researchers

Axel Palmstrom is among those recognized for important contributions in their fields of research.

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