I’m honored to complete my first quarter as chair of the Materials Engineering Department and to share this newsletter with you. As I step into this role, I’m inspired by the many ways our students, alumni and faculty carry forward Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing tradition.
One feature highlights Madeline Everson (MATE, ’24), whose perseverance motivated a cross-disciplinary senior project team to design a prosthetic lifting aid. Their effort shows how creativity, persistence and collaboration can directly improve lives.
We also profile Robin Draper (MATE, ’80), whose career spans from Alaska’s oil fields to the Amazon rainforest. His leadership in pipeline construction set new benchmarks for environmental responsibility, demonstrating how MATE graduates continue to shape global industry practices.
On the faculty side, you’ll get to know Professor Nicole Johnson-Glauch, who is advancing inclusive teaching practices while directing the General Engineering program. We are also proud that one of our own, Professor Seamus Jones, was among the College of Engineering faculty selected for a Teacher-Scholar Mini Grant this year, further affirming the important role MATE plays in research and teaching at Cal Poly.
In addition, we are pleased to welcome two new lecturers to the MATE Department, Federica Boscaro and Nahmoon Kim, who bring unique expertise that will strengthen our course offerings and enhance student training.
As this new academic year continues, I’m excited to build on the department’s strong foundation and to champion the people who make MATE such a vibrant community. There are many ways you can contribute, whether by telling your story, mentoring students, sponsoring projects or supporting us financially. However you choose to connect, your involvement strengthens our Learn by Doing culture and ensures our students are ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Thank you for your continued encouragement and partnership.
