Spring 2024

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Mechanical engineering alumnus Justin Huang '10 shares how his fraught relationship with insects inspired his Cup-a-Bug invention in which Shark Tank entrepreneur Mark Cuban invested. Watch Now 

Chair's Message

I am delighted to share recent highlights and achievements from our MAE Department. Our community continues to excel in research, innovation and academic endeavors.

 

Associate Professor Yoonjin Won has been selected for the prestigious Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI), leading a project to improve the efficiency of thermal energy technology. Professor Jack Brouwer remains a force at the forefront of clean energy research with the UCI Clean Energy Institute, aiming to make clean energy accessible for all.

 

Distinguished Professor William Sirignano received the Spirit of St. Louis Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, recognizing his exceptional contributions to aerospace and aeronautics. Assistant Professor Perry Johnson has been selected as a 2024 Young Investigator by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and awarded $450,000 over three years to advance his research on turbulent boundary layers, which could significantly improve aircraft performance and efficiency. On the research front, Associate Professor Haithem Taha has developed a novel theory of lift, with potential to fundamentally change our understanding of flight.

 

Our students and alumni also continue to shine. Third-year mechanical engineering student Ozzy Sanchez-Aldana is paving the way for a future career in space exploration, inspired by his childhood fascination with robotics. Alumna Amy Dunford, class of 2014, remains a trailblazer in mechanical engineering, breaking records racing the fastest gasoline-powered 350cc pushrod motorcycle in the world.

 

We are proud of the remarkable achievements of our faculty, students and alumni. These accomplishments underscore the innovative spirit and dedication that define our department. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.


Julián Rimoli, Professor and Chair

FUNDING

WON SELECTED FOR MURI


Yoonjin Won, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, leads a project that aims to improve efficiency of thermal energy technology.


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INNOVATION

CLEAN ENERGY FOR 'EVERYONE AND FOR EVERYTHING'


Jack Brouwer, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, discusses how the UCI Clean Energy Institute can help facilitate new forms of clean energy technologies.


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ACCOLADE

PRESTIGIOUS HONOR IN AEROSPACE AND AERONAUTICS AWARDED


The American Society of Mechanical Engineers will honor UCI Distinguished Professor William Sirignano with the Spirit of St. Louis Medal.


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RESEARCH

NEW THEORY OF LIFT EXTENDS TO FLUID MECHANICS


Haithem Taha, associate professor, and his group developed a theory based on the principle of least curvature that fundamentally changes how researchers understand flight.


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AWARD

2024 YOUNG INVESTIGATOR NAMED


Perry Johnson, assistant professor, will receive $450,000 over three years for his efforts to study turbulent boundary layers, which could help increase the performance, efficiency and maneuverability of aircraft.


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HIGHLIGHT

UNDERGRADUATE PAVES THE WAY FOR A FUTURE CAREER IN SPACE EXPLORATION


Third-year UCI mechanical engineering student Ozzy Sanchez-Aldana dreams of working in NASA’s space exploration and developed an interest in robotics while watching “Star Wars” as a child.


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ALUMNI

BREAKING RECORDS WITH THE RED BARON


In the sixth grade, Anteater engineer Amy

Dunford ’14 heard the exhaust of a newly released Lamborghini and knew she wanted to be a mechanical engineer to understand more.


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Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | (949) 824-5406 | Website