December 2025: The UC Irvine Engineering+ Equation

December 2025

Message from Dean Egerstedt

As we look back at 2025, it has been another remarkable and successful year in the UCI Samueli School of Engineering. This spring, we graduated the largest class in the school's history and our research expenditures are at an all-time high. We continue to innovate in our labs and classrooms, and to do research that positively impacts the world and connects to surrounding communities, including new collaborations with the Crystal Cove Conservancy, the City of San Clemente, and Los Alamos National Lab. Select highlights from this past year include the launch of the multidisciplinary Institute for Engineering+ Society; a new Pratt & Whitney Center of Excellence; establishment of the Office for Experiential Learning; and several new, prestigious awards for our faculty, including our impressive junior faculty.

I wish you all a wonderful (and who knows, maybe even restful?) holiday season. I hope you get to spend it surrounded by your favorite people. Onward to 2026!

Best,

Magnus Egerstedt, Ph.D.

Stacey Nicholas Dean of Engineering

UCI Students Network with Peers, Industry at MESA Leadership Conference

The MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program guides diverse students from underrepresented backgrounds into STEM education and careers.

Celebration of Teaching Honors Three Engineers

Samueli School faculty and a graduate student were recognized for their excellence in teaching at UCI Teach Day/Celebration of Teaching held by the Division of Teaching Excellence and Innovation...

Engineer Upscales Scrap Metal for Cars and Aerospace

From developing aluminum for cars to recycling EV batteries, Diran Apelian, UC Irvine Distinguished Professor of materials science and engineering, is one of the world’s greenest and most impactful metallurgists.

Hypersonics Duo Bring Expertise to UC Irvine

Hypersonics experts Marco Panesi and Kelly Stephani have joined the UC Irvine Samueli School of Engineering, bringing with them globally recognized expertise in hypersonics, plasma physics and atmospheric entry systems.

First-of-its-Kind Water Polo Headgear Originated with Two Engineering Alumni

The mechanical engineering graduates have partnered with the U.S.’s largest water polo gear manufacturer to launch the first game-legal protective headgear for water polo players.

Jai Hakhu Receives UC Irvine Distinguished Alumni Award

Hakhu is the president of RC International, advisor to HORIBA Limited and the former chairman and CEO of HORIBA International Corporation.

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