Dear Friends of Engineering,

This spring is my last as Dean, and as I reflect on all we’ve accomplished together over the last six years, I’m also enthusiastic about what lies ahead. This is such an exciting time to be an engineer and a researcher. We have faculty and students shaping fields from data science to clean energy to robotics — growth that is evident in several recent collaborations that have resulted in significant investments by federal agencies and leading industry partners. And, our faculty are forging new frontiers with a quantum initiative called the Northwest Quantum Nexus. Quantum systems promise the next revolution and UW is poised to lead in the research, implementation, and education critical to our future economy and personal well-being.

This is the first issue of the redesigned Washington Engineer. We hope that this new format makes it easier to learn out about what's new in the College. In this issue, you’ll learn more about how our researchers are working with industry and government partners on projects like the Northwest Quantum Nexus and manufactured DNA data storage. In addition to the world-class research, these partnerships allow us to tailor our curriculum and training opportunities so that our students graduate with skills that match current workforce needs. This issue also highlights inspiring members of the UW Engineering community, including the winner of the 2018 ACM Prize in Computing and a chemical engineering professor who was recognized for her outstanding leadership in clean energy education.

I can’t mention our strong engineering community without acknowledging those who came together to support the new Bill & Melinda Gates Center for Computer Science & Engineering. Several companies and more than 500 individuals who share the College’s commitment to access, community and excellence made the building, which opened this winter, possible. I’ve always been impressed by our alumni’s dedication and ongoing connection to the UW. It inspires me to think of even more great things to come for the College and our students.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the exciting work at UW Engineering and for reading Washington Engineer.

Michael B. Bragg
Frank & Julie Jungers Dean of Engineering