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 #9 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 at alumni.ucsd.edu.
REGIONAL EVENTS
CSE Alumni Picnic: Seattle, WA
- Description: Join fellow CSE alumni, faculty, students, and friends of the department for a series of gatherings designed to reconnect, network, and celebrate our CSE community.
- Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026 11:30am - 2:00pm
- Location: Kelsey Creek Farm (410 130th PL SE, Bellevue, WA 98005)
- More Details and Registration
Department of Structural Engineering Alumni Happy Hour: Scottsdale, AZ
- Description: Taking place during the 2026 Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC) Convention, this event is a great opportunity to expand your alumni network and connect with structural engineering professionals. Whether you live in Scottsdale or are there to attend the convention, we hope you'll take this opportunity to connect with us at this hour-long gathering.
- Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
- Location: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
- More Details and Registration
CSE Alumni Picnic: Bay Area
- Description: Join fellow CSE alumni, faculty, students, and friends of the department for a series of gatherings designed to reconnect, network, and celebrate our CSE community.
- Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026 12:30pm - 3:30pm
- Location: Quinlan Community Center (10185 N Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014)
- More Details and Registration
HOMECOMING
Engineering Reunions: Jacobs School Homecoming Picnic
- Description: Mark your calendars — Homecoming Week is coming back to UC San Diego, and this year it's bigger than ever. Whether you graduated last spring or decades ago, this is your invitation to reconnect with the engineering and computer science community that shaped your path. On Saturday, November 7, join the Jacobs School of Engineering Picnic, our community's signature homecoming tradition. Enjoy good food, good company, and a chance to catch up with students, faculty, staff, and fellow alumni.
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 2:00pm to 4:00pm PST
- Location: Warren Mall, UC San Diego
- More Details and Registration
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.
STAY CONNECTED
Our staff at Jacobs School of Engineering is committed to building and sustaining a spirit of community among our alumni. If you want to give back, volunteer, mentor, or simply connect, we are here to help.
What's New?
Tell us your story, submit a class note, or update your contact information. We are a few clicks away from including you in timely notifications so you stay up-to-date on all things UC San Diego.
Get in Touch
Jesse De La Trinidad
Director of Alumni Relations
Irwin and Joan Jacobs School of Engineering
Email: jdelatrinidad@ucsd.edu
Commitment to Service
Giving back with your time and experience is one of the most extraordinary ways you can support the Jacobs School community. By committing to service, you have the opportunity to shape future generations and contribute to the ongoing success of your alma mater. Whether you choose to mentor current students, share your insights as a speaker, or volunteer your resources and workspaces, your dedication fosters a culture of collaboration and growth within our community.
GIVING
The gifts we receive from our alumni, regardless of size, have an immediate impact on an area in need. 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.
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.
Support the next generation of engineers and computer scientists
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 and research
NEWS
Behind the Scenes with National Geographic Explorer Albert Lin
December 21, 2023
Mika Elizabeth Ono of UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute (QI) caught up with National Geographic Explorer Albert Lin, a QI associate research scientist and Jacobs School Ph.D. alumnus. on the occasion of his new show, “Lost Cities Revealed.” Episodes of the six-part series are premiering on National Geographic, Hulu and Disney+ channels this fall before airing worldwide. (This interview has been edited for length and clarity.) Full Story
New Insights on Pelvic Floor Damage after Vaginal Birth, and New Directions for Treatment
August 2, 2023
UC San Diego bioengineers are leading a team reporting new insights in Science Translational Medicine on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction and new directions for treatment and prevention. Full Story
UC San Diego Startup Wins $2.4 Million Defense Department Contract to Improve Battery Performance
May 23, 2023
Ateios Systems, a battery materials innovation company started by two UC San Diego alumni, announced recently that it has been awarded $2.4 million by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to help improve battery material performance and production. This effort will support a variety of critical military applications. Full Story
Commercial-scale Biomanufactured Melatonin is Here
April 11, 2023
For the first time, large amounts of melatonin are being made by bacteria. Engineered E. coli are feeding on glucose and churning out melatonin, the hormone that controls circadian rhythms. This mode of manufacturing is growing thanks in part to bioengineering advances made at UC San Diego. Full Story
Team of UC San Diego Entrepreneurs Pushes Biomedicine Forward with Virtual Reality
March 27, 2023
If you were looking for a poster child for the strength of UC San Diego’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the company Nanome would be a strong contender. Founded by Steven McCloskey ’15, Keita Funakawa ’16, Edgardo Leija ’14 and Samuel Hessenauer ’16 in 2016, Nanome offers software that brings molecular interactions to vivid, three-dimensional life in virtual, augmented and mixed reality. The interface has proven successful in accelerating drug discovery and has attracted clients that include over half of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical firms. Nanome’s educational software has been downloaded by more than 250 universities. Full Story
Alumni-led startup makes 3D printers for rugged environments
January 25, 2023
For Eric Shnell, his innovation journey began right here at UC San Diego in 2018 when he founded his startup Craitor, which develops highly capable, resilient and intuitive 3D printers for those who work far outside the sterile controls of a lab or shop. Full Story