Explorer Categories: Engineering

Sukanya is a PhD candidate in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) at UC Berkeley. Her research lies at the intersection of microeconomics and operations research, focusing on the design of incentives and equilibrium analysis to align the actions and decisions of both people and algorithms with societal welfare. She aims to ensure that these systems promote fairness, privacy, and efficiency in real-world contexts. Additionally, she has developed optimization algorithms to address challenging NP-Hard problems. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys reading, spending time in parks, and exploring the city on foot.

I am a PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering studying Computational Mechanics for modeling Advanced IC Microchip Manufacturing. Before starting graduate school at UC Berkeley, I worked as an R&D engineer in the manufacturing industry for several companies for a handful of years to develop hardware and novel Metal Additive Manufacturing processes. My primary job focus was to design and optimize intricate custom-designed parts and fabricate them in mass. Outside of research, I like to stay active by exercising, surfing, and snowboarding. I also socialize by travelling frequently to meet my dear friends who are scattered around the globe to create fun memories together.

I’m a second year PhD student at Berkeley School of Information. My research focuses on developing human-centered technologies that not only push the boundaries of engineering but also examine their societal impact.  I am passionate about using storytelling and playfulness to demystify complex technological challenges and make them more approachable to diverse communities. My work examines the societal impact of technology, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable future through human-centered design and scientific innovation.

Lucas Rojas Mendoza is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley. He holds a Master’s in Mining Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor’s in Mining and Metallurgy from the National University of Colombia. Before starting his Ph.D., he spent six years working in the mining sector in technical and consulting roles. At Berkeley, he is part of Professor Apte’s group, which studies human exposure to air pollution in the built environment. Lucas’s current research focuses on developing reduced-complexity air quality models for India and California to help identify effective, region- and sector-specific policy interventions. In his free time, he enjoys running and learning new languages.

I’m Gabriela Paredes, a Ph.D. student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley, with a focus on geosystems and flood risk. Originally from Chile and a first-generation college student, I’m passionate about designing infrastructure that reflects the social and environmental needs of vulnerable communities. My current research explores how natural hazards like earthquakes and floods affect levees and how to better communicate risk to residents. Beyond academics, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and engaging with multicultural and community-driven initiatives. I’m excited to be part of H2H8 and connect with others who are driven to make a difference.

I am a graduate student in mechanical engineering at Berkeley. I grew up in Toronto, Canada and previously lived in Montreal, where I completed my undergraduate degree at McGill University. I am a member of the Multiphase Thermofluidics and Surface Nanoengineering laboratory, where I study interfacial phenomena and how we can engineer these interfaces to optimize heat and mass transfer in the pursuit of more efficient processes. This work is applicable to a wide variety of areas, including energy generation and storage, and thermal management. I am a huge hockey fan and cheer for my hometown Toronto Maple Leafs!

I hold a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT and am currently a second-year PhD student at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in biomaterials. My research is centered on engineering a hyaluronic acid hydrogel system with potent antioxidant properties, specifically for the field of tissue regeneration. The primary goal of my work is to develop innovative treatments for patients suffering from cardiac disease and volumetric muscle loss, aiming to improve recovery and quality of life. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with my cats and playing tennis.

I am pursuing my Ph.D. in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at UC Berkeley in the Berkeley Biomechanics Group under Professor O’Connell. Prior to attending Cal, I attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying Materials Science and Engineering with a focus in biomaterial and polymer engineering. In my undergraduate research I looked at self-assembling materials and polymer synthesis. Now at UC Berkeley, I hope to use my soft matter expertise to design materials and implants that restore, support, and enhance biological functions. Through my Ph.D., I will be conducting tissue engineering research to help treat osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. In my free time, I like to rock climb, play tennis, and cook.

Abrar Amin Khan is a third-year PhD student in the mechanical engineering department in the Design for Nanoscale Manufacturing Lab under the supervision of Professor Hayden Taylor. His research focuses on volumetric 3D printing, with a particular emphasis on medical devices and structural electronics. Additionally, he is deeply engaged in advancing Direct Air Capture technology using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). His work includes investigating the mechanical properties of MOFs to facilitate their large-scale application with reduced energy consumption. Abrar completed both his undergraduate and master’s studies at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Outside of academia, he enjoys socializing, organizing community events, playing soccer, singing, and has recently developed a passion for cooking Bangladeshi cuisine.