Alumni
Welcome to the Jacobs School of Engineering alumni page
WELCOME
As a graduate of UC San Diego's Irwin and Joan Jacobs School of Engineering, ranked #10 in the top engineering schools nationally, you are a part of our vast network of visionaries, problem solvers, and trailblazers, shaping industries and driving progress worldwide. Our engineering alumni community, now over 50,000 and continuously growing, remains closely knit no matter where life takes you.
If it's been a while since you last connected, this is an ideal place to start. The alumni office at the Jacobs School is here as your gateway to get involved. Whether you are looking to reunite with fellow Tritons, contribute your time and expertise, or access resources, there's a team ready to support you.
NETWORK AND GROW
Tritons Connect: Worldwide Network
Tritons Connect is an online community of UC San Diego alumni, students, staff and faculty. It's a Triton exclusive network where you can be matched with a mentor, post and apply for job opportunities, join a community group, access a directory of Triton community members, and so much more!
UC San Diego Alumni Email Service
Unlock your exclusive @ucsd.edu inbox as UC San Diego alumni! Take advantage of this special benefit with a professional email address tied to your alma mater.
Contact the Alumni office for additional information.
Corporate Affiliates Job & Internship Portal
The Corporate Affiliates Program provides our engineers and computer scientists access to career opportunities brought by our Corporate Partners. Create a profile on the Jacobs School Job & Internship Portal, and explore current job openings.
Master of Advanced Studies
Offering three highly critical engineering master's programs tailored to the needs of working, engineering professionals and industry needs, the Master of Advanced Studies degree program allows for students to continue working while earning their master's in an in-class academic environment.
GET INVOLVED
All across the globe, Tritons are networking at one of our signature events, or staying involved in our vibrant alumni community through a regional alumni club or an affinity group. Check out our current line-up of events below.
APRIL | Campus & Regional Events
Electrical and Computer Engineering 60th Anniversary Celebration
- Description: UC San Diego Electrical and Computer Engineering is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and we have so much to be proud of! Whether you're an alumnus, or an industry partner, we invite you to join us as we write the next chapter in electrical and computer engineering innovation!
- Date: Friday, April 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute Auditorium & Courtyard
- More Details and Registration
44th Annual Research Expo
- Description: More than 150 graduate students from all six Jacobs School departments will showcase their research and workforce-ready engineering and computer science skills to industry judges and guests from all across our region's many innovation and industry clusters.
- Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Location: UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute Auditorium & Courtyard
- More Details and Registration
Illustrious Alumni Awards in San Francisco
- Description: We invite you to join campus leadership in the Bay Area as we celebrate our 2026 Illustrious Alumni Award honorees — an inspiring group of extraordinary visionaries whose significant achievements reflect the pride and excellence of the Triton community.
- Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Location: The Hibernia (1 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94102)
- More Details and Registration
Illustrious Alumni Awards in New York
- Description: We invite you to join campus leadership in New York City as we celebrate our 2026 Illustrious Alumni Award honorees — an inspiring group of extraordinary visionaries whose significant achievements reflect the pride and excellence of the Triton community.
- Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 6 to 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Tribeca 360° (10 Desbrosses Street, New York, NY 10013)
- More Details and Registration
MAY | Campus & Regional Events
Triton Wave Makers - Washington, D.C.
- Description: Connect with your UC San Diego community in DC, and learn about local alumni working in policy and global affairs. Meet fellow Tritons making an impact in their industries, engage with campus leaders and build connections with alumni to expand your network.
- Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2026 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Station DC (1323 4th St NE Suite 200, Washington, DC 20002)
- More Details and Registration
Jacobs School Alumni and Friends in Seattle
- Description: Meet Dean Al P. Pisano and network with local engineering and computer science in Seattle. Immediately after, join the Triton Wave Makers event down the street to connect with the greater UC San Diego community.
- Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
- Location: TBD
- More Details and Registration
Triton Wave Makers - Seattle
- Description: Connect with your UC San Diego community in Seattle, and learn about local alumni working in videogame development. Meet fellow Tritons making an impact in their industries, engage with campus leaders and build connections with alumni to expand your network.
- Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Museum of Pop Culture
- More Details and Registration
Bioengineering 60th Anniversary Celebration
- Description: The Shu Chien - Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering at UC San Diego is gathering to commemorate 60 years of pioneering research, education, and impact on human health.
- Date: Friday, May 22, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute Auditorium & Courtyard
- More Details and Registration
JUNE | Local Events
Triton Wave Makers - San Diego
- Description: Connect with your UC San Diego community in San Diego. Meet fellow Tritons making an impact in their industries, engage with campus leaders and build connections with alumni to expand your network.
- Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Location: TBD
- More Details - COMING SOON
SAVE THE DATE! Homecoming and Triton Center Grand Opening Fall 2026
Save the date for Homecoming 2026! Taking place the first weekend of November (11/6-8), this year's Homecoming will include key events, including the grand opening of the Triton Welcome and Alumni Center, the Jacobs School Alumni and Friends picnic, and so much more! More information to come soon at alumni.ucsd.edu/events.
ALUMNI STORIES
Triton engineers are everywhere, and so is their impact. Read stories from fellow alumni, learn what they do and how they are making the world a better place. Read more on the Jacobs School Alumni Stories page.
Shraddha Chaplot ‘08, a UC San Diego alumna and former electrical engineer, has become a transformative leader in education through her innovative approach to learning.
After transitioning from a technology career, electrical engineering alumna Shraddha Chaplot founded Playful Ponderies and has led partnerships with several California schools. Her educational philosophy centers on creating real-world, experiential learning opportunities that empower students to discover their potential and purpose.
Chaplot’s notable achievements include expanding Drew’s engineering enrollment fourfold, establishing the Innovation @ Saint Francis program, now known as Lancers LEAP, with numerous multidisciplinary projects. Her impact is evident through the testimonials of her former students and partners, who describe her as an inspirational educator who instills confidence, curiosity and passion for problem-solving.
Her current mission is to scale her educational model across more high schools, emphasizing that every individual can contribute to society. Chaplot continues to champion her vision of empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators through purposeful, hands-on education.
Read more of Shraddha's story
Allan Sun '23, a UC San Diego alumnus and engineer, shares about his passion for mentoring others and staying connected to the UC San Diego community in this Q&A.
Allan Sun graduated from UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering in 2023 with a degree in computer engineering. In this Q&A, Sun reflects on what brought him to UC San Diego, his undergraduate research experience in Professor Vikash Gilja's Translational Neural Engineering Lab, and how mentorship shaped his journey from student to industry engineer.
He shares advice on navigating challenges, the importance of theoretical foundations, and why he continues to give back through mentoring students and supporting engineering clubs, ensuring the next generation receives the same guidance that helped him succeed.
Read more of Allan's story
Silvia De Dea, MS '04, PhD '08, a chemical engineering alumna with a storied journey, is leading efforts to bring clean energy for the betterment of humankind and the future.
Silvia De Dea's path from a curious middle schooler in northern Italy to Head of Materials and Process Engineering at Xcimer Energy illustrates how passion and persistence can drive scientific breakthroughs.
Throughout her career, De Dea has remained connected to UC San Diego, mentoring students and exploring partnerships with the university's new Fusion Engineering Institute. Her advice to aspiring engineers: find the intersection between passion and global needs, challenge those who say something is impossible, and embrace failure as learning.
Read more of Silvia's story
IN THE KNOW
Keep up with Dean Al P. Pisano and the latest research breakthroughs, recognitions and other great stories at the Jacobs School.
See what the campus and fellow Tritons are up to. You'll find stories, accomplishments and more in the UC San Diego Magazine.
GET IN TOUCH
Tritons and friends,
Extending warm greetings to you. It is a privilege to serve UC San Diego and our computer science and engineering alumni in my role as director of alumni relations.
I'm focused on strengthening the bond amongst alumni and UC San Diego long after graduation. Whether its by finding ways to connect alumni to their cherished programs, providing information and news, recognizing their accomplishments, or involving them in our community through events and more.
Along with engagement, I want to build and sustain a spirit of giving with our alumni community, with the goal of connecting them to crucial needs with opportunities that support the Jacobs School of Engineering in ways that are meaningful to our alumni and their families.
Please contact me by email, LinkedIn or Tritons Connect to share your story.
Warmly,
Jesse De La Trinidad
Director of Alumni Relations
UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
GIVING
A little goes a long way. The donations we receive from our alumni, regardless of size, have an immediate impact on our people. Your contribution can provide students with incredible educational experiences, accelerate crucial research, and reach the programs you care about most. Philanthropy makes a real difference, and you can be a part of it.
By making a gift to the Jacobs School of Engineering, you can support the department, program or initiative of your choice.
Support scholarships and fellowships for students
Alumni continue to have a lifelong impact and influence on the university. Support students, both undergraduate and graduate, by making a donation to the Dean's Scholars of Excellence Fund. Students who have demonstrated excellent academic merit from all backgrounds, including underserved communities, will be empowered to excel in their pursuit of education.
Support our top-ranked programs
CONTACT US
We are here to help you create a legacy of support. Get in touch with our team to discuss your giving options, including one-time or recurring gifts, estate gifts, and gifts of stock and other assets.
NEWS
Company Based on UC San Diego Technology Gets Infusion of Capital
December 15, 2017
Tortuga Logic, a hardware security company co-founded by computer science professor and Qualcomm Institute academic participant Ryan Kastner and two computer science alumni, is now positioned for new growth thanks to $2 million in seed funding from a venture-capital firm. Tortuga Logic offers a suite of hardware design tools to identify security vulnerabilities throughout the process of designing a semiconductor, including Prospect and Unison (used in the semiconductor, aerospace and defense industries). With its new funding, Tortuga Logic will develop new products and increase the feature sets of existing products. Full Story
Smart earplug company developed by UC San Diego undergrads acquired by Bose
December 7, 2017
Hush, a noise-cancelling smart earplug startup that was conceptualized by UC San Diego engineering undergraduates in professor Nate Delson’s Product Design and Entrepreneurship class has been acquired by audio giant Bose. Full Story
Franklin Antonio, UC San Diego alumnus and Qualcomm co-founder, gives $30M toward new campus engineering building
November 17, 2017
University of California San Diego alumnus and Qualcomm co-founder Franklin Antonio is donating $30 million to the university in support of programmatic expansion of the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. In recognition of the generous gift, UC San Diego will name a planned building for engineering research and education Franklin Antonio Hall. Full Story
Alan Turing Memorial Scholarship Celebrates Diversity in Computer Science
September 28, 2017
The Center for Networked Systems (CNS) at UC San Diego established the Alan Turing Memorial Scholarship in 2015 to encourage a more diverse community in computer science education and research. The award honors the memory of Alan Turing, the mathematician and cryptanalyst who founded the field of computer science. During World War II, he devised the techniques that led to breaking codes produced by Germany’s Enigma machine—a breakthrough credited with accelerating the Allied victory by more than a year. After the war, he was persecuted for being gay. He died by his own hand in 1954. Full Story
When Artificial Intelligence is Funny
September 15, 2017
What do you do if you’re an animal shelter and have to name a big litter of guinea pigs that suddenly become available for adoption and need to be named? Why, contact Janelle Shane, who earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at UC San Diego, of course. Shane works on lasers in her day job, but her hobby is using neural networks to create paint color names, band names and much more.Her efforts have received an onslaught of media coverage, from Gizmodo, to Wired, to The Atlantic Online. When the Morris Animal Refuge in Portland, Ore., came to her, Shane agreed. Full Story
A $100K gift from Cognex to UC San Diego Supports Research at Intersection of Deep Learning and 3-D Image Reconstruction
August 18, 2017
The University of California San Diego has received a $100K gift from Cognex Corporation, a leader in machine vision. The gift will allow teams of professors and graduate students at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering to explore research at the intersection of deep learning and 3-D image reconstruction. Full Story
Engineers talk VR, AI and nanotechnology at San Diego Comic-Con
July 20, 2017
It’s not every day that engineers get to speak side by side with the people behind hit movies and TV series. But that is exactly what two engineering faculty members are doing this week at Comic-Con in San Diego. Full Story
Engineer's Lifelong Dream of Becoming an Astronaut Comes True
June 7, 2017
An alumnus of the University of California San Diego is part of the new class of astronauts NASA announced June 7, 2017. Robb Kulin earned his master’s and PhD degrees in materials science from UC San Diego. He made nearly every decision in his career with an eye toward going to space, according to his Ph.D. advisor, nanoengineering professor Kenneth Vecchio from the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. Full Story
Triton Entrepreneur Night: Pitch Perfect
May 10, 2017
Sensors that tell you if Chinese food from last weekend is still safe to eat. An app to let your professor know you have no idea what he’s talking about. A grocery store guide to find the exact aisle and shelf location of your favorite cereal. These aren’t just crazy ideas — they’re actual startups currently in development in The Basement, UC San Diego’s two-year-old incubator and accelerator program managed by the UC San Diego Alumni Office. Full Story
Nanoparticles for treating bacterial infections take top prize at Research Expo 2017
April 24, 2017
B.J. (Byungji) Kim, a materials science and engineering graduate student at the University of California San Diego, won the grand prize at Research Expo 2017 for her work on nanoparticles that help the body’s immune system fight infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria—without the use of antibiotics. Kim received the Lee Rudee Outstanding Poster Award and a $1,000 cash prize, as well as the Katie Osterday Best Poster in mechanical engineering, which came with a $500 cash prize. Full Story
Family honors legacy of Jacobs School alumnus Sho Funai with an endowed prize
April 11, 2017
By the age of 23, Sho Funai had already embarked on a promising engineering career. His research contributed to aspects of safely using composite materials such as those found on the newest Boeing aircraft. After graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in structural engineering at the University of California San Diego, he went on to earn a master’s at the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego and started working full time at Goodrich Aerostructures. He was weeks away from submitting his master’s thesis on impact damage to composite materials when his life, full of promise was cut short in a hit and run collision in March 2012. Full Story
UC San Diego Designated as a Changemaker Campus
April 6, 2017
The University of California San Diego has been designated as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U for its role as a leader in social innovation education. Only 40 universities around the world have received this designation and UC San Diego is the first University of California campus to be recognized. Full Story
Alumnus Taner Halicioglu Kicks off Campaign for UC San Diego with $75 Million Gift
March 27, 2017
As a child, Taner Halicioglu discovered how things worked by dissecting electronic equipment—it could be a radio or walkie talkie, and even a TV at one point. At UC San Diego, the self-described nerd didn’t mind that the campus lacked a football team—access to the Supercomputer Center was just as exciting. And today, he is a visionary: with a $75 million gift, Halicioglu will ensure that his alma mater represents the future of data science. Full Story
Reinventing the Wheel: Former Triton Racing members invent novel public health device
January 11, 2017
What do race cars, aerospace engineering and HIV/AIDS have in common? They all played a part in the making of FluxErgy, a medical diagnostics company started by two UC San Diego aerospace engineering alumni. Full Story
Software system labels coral reef images in record time
January 10, 2017
Computer scientists at the University of California San Diego have released a new version of a software system that processes images from the world’s coral reefs anywhere between 10 to 100 times faster than processing the data by hand.This is possible because the new version of the system, dubbed CoralNet Beta, includes deep learning technology, which uses vast networks of artificial neurons to learn to interpret image content and to process data.CoralNet Beta cuts down the time needed to go through a typical 1200-image diver survey of the ocean’s floor from 10 weeks to just one week—with the same amount of accuracy. Coral ecologists and government organizations, such as the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, also use CoralNet to automatically process images from autonomous underwater vehicles. The system allows researchers to label different types of coral and whether they’ve been bleached, different types of invertebrates, different types of algae—and more. In all, over 2200 labels are available on the site. Full Story