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
Moving forward, looking back
December 23, 2020
As we look back at 2020 and move forward in 2021, there are two high-level moves we are also making. These moves are designed to ensure the Jacobs School emerges more ready than ever to confront the challenges, injustices, and societal and innovation needs laid bare by the pandemic. Full Story
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Jacobs School alumni kickstart Dean's Scholars of Excellence program
December 15, 2020
Education is the great equalizer. Jacobs School of Engineering alumni Mary Bui-Pham and Dan Pham have seen this play out in their own lives, and have donated the funds to endow a scholarship supporting students with outstanding academic merit, including students who have made or show potential to contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion; first generation; and low-income engineering students. Their gift launched the larger Jacobs School of Engineering Dean’s Scholars of Excellence program, a school-wide scholarship program meant to advance equal access to a Jacobs School education. Full Story
Bioengineering alumnus named to Forbes 30 Under 30
December 15, 2020
UC San Diego bioengineering and biology alumnus Joshua Yang was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Healthcare. Yang, an MD-PhD student at Johns Hopkins, cofounded kidney diagnostics startup Nephrosant, and is active in healthcare venture capital due diligance. Full Story
Passing of Shao-chi Lin, Professor Emeritus of Engineering at UC San Diego
December 11, 2020
Shao-chi Lin, Professor Emeritus of Engineering at the University of California San Diego, died on October 8, 2020 at the age of 95. He is remembered by former students and colleagues as a talented and caring teacher, mentor and researcher; and an active member of the campus community. Full Story
ECE department launches virtual alumni mentorship program
November 19, 2020
In an effort to keep students and alumni engaged and connected to campus resources during months of remote school and work, the Jacobs School’s Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department’s Alumni Advisory Board launched an ECE Alumni Mentorship Program (AMP) in October. Full Story
Alumni-led Lucira Health earns 1st FDA authorization for at-home COVID test
November 18, 2020
On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration gave emergency use authorization to the first rapid at-home COVID-19 test, developed by Lucira Health. Erik Engelson, a UC San Diego bioengineering and microbiology alumnus, is president and CEO of Lucira Health Full Story
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Alumni bring advanced 3D printing to space
November 16, 2020
UC San Diego alumni here on Earth and in space were part of the team that brought a Turbine Ceramic Manufacturing Module to the International Space Station. Full Story
Alumni battery startup raises $1.25M
November 6, 2020
Flexible battery startup Ateios, founded by Jacobs School of Engineering alumni, has raised $1.25 million in seed funding to bring its paper-thin, customizable batteries to market. Full Story
Company founded by engineering alumni advances 1-hour COVID test
April 7, 2020
Medical diagnostic company Fluxergy, founded by UC San Diego engineering alumni, submitted an Emergency Use Authorization to the FDA for their quick, point-of-care COVID-19 test. Full Story
Passion drives True Tritons to service
January 30, 2020
From creating scholarships and providing leadership, to student mentoring and preserving the arts, four shining examples of Triton passion and commitment will be honored Feb. 7 at UC San Diego’s True Triton Celebration to be held in the Great Hall on campus. Full Story
UC San Diego startup selected as finalist in UC Pitch contest
January 30, 2020
A startup founded by a UC San Diego electrical and computer engineering graduate student is one of five finalists in the 2020 UC Pitch Startup Showcase held Jan. 29 and 30 in tandem with the Global Corporate Venturing and Innovation Summit in Monterey, Calif. Full Story
Ozgur Sinanoglu (PhD '05), Cybersecurity Trailblazer
January 28, 2020
In Ozgur Sinanoglu’s Design for Excellence lab at New York University’s Abu Dhabi campus, a major development in cybersecurity has emerged. The Electrical and Computer Engineering professor and his team of eight researchers have made news over the last couple of years with their strides to create a chip that can stand up to a variety of threats and attempts to violate its security. A first-of-its kind chip that would be unhackable. Sinanoglu is an alumnus of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at UC San Diego. Full Story
The Epic Lives of Albert Lin
January 9, 2020
UC San Diego engineering alumnus Albert Yu-Min Lin can be described in many ways: explorer, engineer, scientist, artist, surfer, humanist, traveler, philosopher, father. It’s a challenge to capture Lin, whether in a few words or just for a quick phone call. He seems to have an endless supply of momentum—an energy, curiosity and optimism as big as the world he is continually exploring. Full Story
Bianca Zadrozny (PhD '03): Developing Novel Approaches to Natural Resources Discovery and Exploration
January 8, 2020
Since earning her PhD in computer science in 2003, Bianca Zadrozny has pursued her computer science career, in both industry and academia, in two countries. Her path has led her to IBM Research in Brazil, where she oversees natural resources analytics research. Her group’s mission is to conduct research projects in data-driven and physically driven analytics, aiming to develop novel technologies that can help in smarter natural resources discovery and exploration. Full Story
Preserving Libraries in the Sand
January 7, 2020
Interdisciplinary partners at UC San Diego are using drones and 3D-modeling to save Puerto Rico’s indigenous history from the sea. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in late 2018, Eric Lo, a Jacobs School alumnus who now works at the Qualcomm Institute at UC San Diego, touched down in Puerto Rico with a single goal: find the ancient archaeological site he had helped monitor for more than a year and assess the damage. Full Story