As I wrap up my first quarter as director of the General Engineering program, I’m grateful for the chance to reflect on the many ways our students, faculty and alumni are shaping this community. Stepping into this role has given me an even deeper appreciation for the way GENE students tackle hard problems and support one another along the way.
This issue highlights the many ways our students bring Learn by Doing to life. You’ll see how recent graduates applied their engineering skills in unexpected ways, including the team whose wind-driven steel poppy sculpture now stands as a striking centerpiece in the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Their work blends technical skill with imagination and reflects the interdisciplinary spirit that makes GENE so distinctive.
We’re also proud to feature our students directly. A Q&A with Meera Vimalaraj and Damien Butler shows how each has used the program’s flexibility to create an academic path that reflects their interests and goals. Their stories reflect what makes this program special: students have the space to explore their interests, tailor their studies and shape their own direction in engineering.
Across the college, General Engineering students are active in research, campus leadership and college events. Their achievements speak to the strong foundation they build here and the support they receive from our faculty and staff.
This year, several engineering faculty were honored with university awards and Teacher-Scholar Mini Grants for their teaching and research. Among them is former GENE director Liz Thompson, whose leadership and commitment to broadening participation in engineering continue to guide our program’s values and future. Their work enriches the learning environment for all of our students.
As we look ahead, I’m excited to continue strengthening community within GENE through events, industry connections and collaborative projects across San Luis Obispo County. In this issue, you’ll also find ways to support these efforts, from sponsoring community-based projects to helping students earn certifications that prepare them for their professional futures.
Thank you for being part of the General Engineering community. Your engagement, mentorship and generosity help our students see new possibilities and gain the skills to pursue them.
