I am proud to share that we have launched a new fusion institute at UC San Diego focused specifically on fusion engineering. It’s all about tackling the remaining engineering and computer science challenges that stand in the way of commercially attractive clean energy from nuclear fusion. Our launch story and institute website provide details, context and some great photos.

Right now, I’d like to take a step back and share a few thoughts on why we launched this institute with a focus on fusion engineering now.

Engineering has always been central to fusion research. The incredible theoretical and experimental advances, the simulation work, the materials science and so much more – none of it would be possible without breathtaking engineering and computer science advances being made every step of the way.

That said, the nation and the world are now on the cusp of a new phase in the fusion energy journey. This new phase requires an additional layer of strategy and activity. Engineering schools with leading fusion programs like ours have an obligation to step up and collaborate across all sectors on a prioritized set of engineering-focused challenges that build on the fusion advances that have already been made.

Together, we must now address the most important engineering bottlenecks holding back the practical use of fusion energy. At the same time, we must educate and inspire the graduate and undergraduate students who will go on to become the fusion engineering workforce of tomorrow.

This institute represents a concrete step in our efforts at our Jacobs School of Engineering and UC San Diego overall to step up to these engineering research and workforce development challenges.

We have absolutely no intention of trying to go it alone. In fact, we already have collaborations with many UC campuses, national laboratories, startups, long-established companies and a variety of local, national and global partners in terms of both research and workforce development. In order to move the needle on the most important fusion engineering challenges, we need to strengthen and deepen these collaborations and bring in new partners and supporters.

As part of the launch of this institute, we have opened the search for two mechanical and aerospace engineering faculty positions in fusion engineering. These faculty lines will expand our capacity to train graduate students who will go on to become the fusion engineers our country desperately needs.

We also need to find ways to educate and inform the general public, policymakers and other stakeholders about this new phase in the fusion energy journey.

In closing, I see this institute launch as a collective call to action. It highlights research and workforce development efforts that we must prioritize, right now, to ensure the US emerges as first to market in the global marketplace of fusion energy. Together we make bold possible.

Sincerely,

UC San Diego has once again been named the sixth best public university in the country, according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings focused on undergraduate programs. The Jacobs School of Engineering’s undergraduate program was ranked No. 11 among public universities. Additionally, several Jacobs School specialty areas were recognized in the top 10 nationwide: biocomputing / bioinformatics / biotechnology (No. 4), mobile / web applications (No. 5) and bioengineering / biomedical (No. 8).

Computer science professor Rose Yu was recognized by the prestigious MIT Tech Review for applying the rules of physics to make AI systems more practical. She is a leader in the field of physics-guided deep learning, which aims to incorporate real-world rules to AI models and systems. Yu is working with General Atomics, a leader in the field of fusion, and others, to better understand how plasma interacts with the components and materials inside a fusion reactor. “It’s very important for us as engineers to understand what problems are important to the scientific field so that we’re developing tools that are actually useful for them," Yu told the Tech Review.  

Engineering Graduate Students Named Siebel Scholars

This year’s UC San Diego Siebel Scholars, all from the Jacobs School of Engineering, are developing nanoscale bioelectronic devices for advanced sensing and targeted delivery; developing methods to explore ancestral genome diversity and its impact on human traits; leveraging cell membrane coating technology to engineer therapeutic formulations against cancer; developing new patient-tailored immunoregulatory therapies for autoimmune arthritis flares; and delivering drug-loaded nanoparticles to inhibit lung metastasis progression. The Siebel Scholars are all part of the Institute of Engineering in Medicine, which brings together researchers from UC San Diego’s School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, and the Jacobs School of Engineering.

Yuhwa Lo’s California DREAMS

UC San Diego electrical and computer engineering professor Yuhwa Lo has played a key role in advancing various technologies, from transitioning traffic and automotive lights to LEDs to advancing gene-sequencing technology at Illumina. Now, he is leading efforts at UC San Diego to accelerate U.S. microelectronics development and manufacturing as part of California DREAMS (California Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices Superhub), a coalition funded by a $27 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense under the Microelectronics Commons program, part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. California DREAMS is focused on 5G/6G technologies and advancing hardware for communications networks.

Inspired Parents Support Jacobs School Students

We are honored to highlight two new gifts that will enhance the educational experience of undergraduates here at the Jacobs School of Engineering. The parents of a mechanical engineering undergraduate created a fund that provides support for a wide range of student activities in the department. Meanwhile, the parents of a computer science undergraduate created an endowed scholarship for Jacobs School undergraduates in honor of the student’s paternal grandfather. Gifts like these, which provide direct support to undergraduates, often improve career outcomes and transform lives.

Blood Pressure Readings at Your Fingertips

A smartphone app developed by Billion Labs, a UC San Diego spinoff founded by electrical engineers at the Jacobs School, could enable users to measure their blood pressure at home without a cuff. The app uses a phone's camera, vibration motor and motion sensor to assess blood pressure. When the user presses a finger on the vibrating screen, the phone detects changes in vibration and blood flow to calculate the reading. Recent improvements to the app include real-time guides, step-by-step tutorials and improved usability for older adults. The team, led by professor Edward Wang, will receive the Don Norman Design Special Recognition Award on Nov. 15 at the Don Norman Design Award Summit.

Expanding Early Access to Engineering Course

UC San Diego’s award-winning electrical engineering curriculum is now being offered at a Chula Vista high school. About 50 students built a remote controlled LED light; an audio amplifier; 3D printed a design of their own creation; and developed a line-following robot. ECE5: Making, Breaking and Hacking Stuff is designed for first-year engineering students at UC San Diego and has been offered in Chula Vista for two years. It’s the first in a series of award-winning electrical engineering courses centered on hands-on, team-based projects offered at the Jacobs School of Engineering. 

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