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Adam Engler, Ph.D.

As winter is in full swing, I’m pleased to share several exciting milestones for the Shu Chien–Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering at UC San Diego, including important new investments in the educational spaces that support our students every day. Earlier this winter (with highlights below), we celebrated the dedication of two new facilities within  our instructional labs, the Chih-Tang and Linda Sah Bioengineering Instructional Lab and the Dr. Kuang-Chung Chien Tissue Culture Room. 

These investments expand our ability to provide cutting-edge biotechnology training and reflect the extraordinary commitment of our alumni and supporters to the next generation of bioengineers.
Alongside these exciting investments, our faculty and students continue to push boundaries, receiving funding and awards to match the amazing engineering research performed in the department. Brief highlights of our fall research include:
    - Newly discovered crosstalk between the heart, brain and immune system that guides heart remodeling after a heart attack.
    - Using new digital twins of bacterial cells for practical use in combating drug-resistant bacteria.

Ludmil Alexandrov, Ph.D., professor of bioengineering and molecular medicine. 

With $25 million from Cancer Grand Challenges, Ludmil Alexandrov, professor of bioengineering and molecular medicine, will lead a multinational team of researchers to study DNA's "fingerprints."

Kiana Aran Ph.D., associate professor of bioengineering. 

University of California San Diego bioengineering professor Kiana Aran has been selected to join the NSF Center for Pandemic Insights (NSF CPI), which is housed at UC Davis. Professor Aran has been brought into the project in order to leverage her expertise in microelectronics-integrated biosensing. 

Kevin King, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of bioengineering and medicine. 

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have discovered an unexpected communication circuit between the heart, brain and immune system that shapes how the heart responds after a heart attack. The study was led by senior authors Dr. Kevin R. King, a cardiologist and associate professor of bioengineering and medicine, and Vineet Augustine, assistant professor in neurobiology at UC San Diego, along with their research groups.

Illustration of the diverse biological data and computational inputs used to build comprehensive whole cells model of E. coli. These models will enable researchers to better understand bacterial behavior; engineer microbes for biomanufacturing; and gain insights into combating drug-resistant infections. Credit: Edward Catoiu

UC San Diego bioengineers are taking computational biology to the next level: creating comprehensive digital twins of bacterial cells and putting them to practical use. These virtual microbes will be used to understand more about how to engineer strains that can sustainably produce valuable chemicals, as well as understand the effects of antibiotics in order to combat drug-resistant bacteria.

Bernhard Palsson Ph.D., distinguished professor of bioengineering. 

Bernhard Palsson, Y.C. Fung Endowed Professor of Bioengineering at the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering and faculty member of the recently launched UC San Diego Future Biomanufacturing Center, is a leader in systems biology and genome engineering. He studies how cells like E. coli function and can be reprogrammed as tiny chemical factories for large‑scale biomanufacturing of high‑value biochemicals.

The Siebel Scholars program recognizes the most talented students in the world’s leading graduate schools of business, computer science, bioengineering and energy science. Each scholar receives a $35,000 award toward their final year of study.

The University of California San Diego has announced its distinguished lineup of honorees for the 2026 Illustrious Alumni Awards — one of the university’s highest honors for alumni, celebrating extraordinary leadership, innovation, and impact by Tritons around the world.

Bioengineering Alumni Board members at inaugural in-person meeting last Fall.

The Alumni Board is announcing a generous 1:1 match up to $10,000 to the Bioengineering Instructional Endowed Fund to ensure that hands-on-learning continues to be a core pillar of the UCSD Bioengineering curriculum. Make your gift here today and don't miss your chance to double your impact!

The Alumni Board will also be attending the 60th Anniversary celebration on May 22nd! We invite students and alumni to stop by our table to connect on where a UCSD Bioengineering degree can take you. Join the Alumni LinkedIn group to stay informed as new details are announced.