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College of Engineering News

A fluorescence microscopy image of the diamond optomechanical resonator.

A fluorescence image of the diamond optomechanical resonator. The bright spot (right) is extra fluorescence from a single NV center. Image courtesy of the Bleszynski Jayich lab.

Mar 24, 2026
Using Mechanical Inputs to Enhance Quantum States in Sensors

Researchers employ a mechanical resonator to increase entanglement for potentially powerful new sensors.

Image of Shuji Najamura seated in chair next to light bulbs

Photo credit: Matt Perko

Mar 24, 2026
Nobel laureate Shuji Nakamura to receive honorary doctorate from University of Oxford

Inventor of the blue LED and winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics, Nakamura will receive Oxford's most prestigious award.

Source: The Current
Image of Chris Van de Walle

Chris Van de Walle has modeled another phenomenon that can degrade semiconductor performance.

Mar 23, 2026
New Model Explains How Single Electrons Cause Damage Inside Silicon Chips

Insights from Chris Van de Walle’s group open the door to longer-lasting devices.

The 1st place prize winners, from left to right: Nathan So, Quinn Godfredsen, Joshua Lee

1st place grand prize winners (L to R): Nathan So, Quinn Godfredsen, Joshua Lee

Mar 20, 2026
Inside SB Hacks XII: 342 Hackers, One Transformational Weekend

Students from across the nation compete in a high-energy 24-hour build sprint.

Steven DenBaars

Steven DenBaars, winner of two different 2026 Holonyak prizes.

Mar 19, 2026
One Man, Two Prestigious Awards of the Same Name in 2026

Steven DenBaars receives one Nick Holonyak Award from Optica, and another from IEEE.

James Buckwalter, new NAI senior member.

James Buckwalter, new NAI senior member.

Mar 19, 2026
A Professional Honor for James Buckwalter

The ECE professor and entrepreneur becomes a member of the National Academy of Inventors.

Mar 12, 2026
Michelle O'Malley Elected Fellow of American Academy of Microbiology

UCSB professor is one of sixty-three scholars recognized for excellence, originality, service, and leadership in the microbial sciences.

An interior view of three students working in the UCSB OASIS facility.

PhD students work in the spacious commons area of the UCSB OASIS facility, host of Techtopia 2026.

Mar 10, 2026
UCSB OASIS Facility to Host South Coast Techtopia for 2026

The March 18 event highlights the region's dynamic tech and start-up environment.

Che-Hang Yu stands in white lab coat in front of Pacific Optica technology

Study lead author Che-Hang Yu in his lab.

Mar 09, 2026
New Optical Technology Boosts Laser Scanners’ Reach

UCSB-designed invention may expand what neuroscientists can learn about the brain.

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.  

 

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
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
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.

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