People

Shantal is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the TEA Lab. Her research focuses on tuning the thermal conductivity of materials through mechanical strain, with the goal of reducing energy loss as heat in electronic devices. She’s passionate about creating a more connected and supportive graduate community through outreach, events, and peer mentorship. Outside the lab, Shantal enjoys biking, running, bird watching, painting, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen!

Anna is a fifth year Ph.D student in the Hawkes Lab. Her research focuses on soft robotics and latch-mediated spring-actuated mechanisms. She looks forward to including more industry panels and resource workshops to ME GSA events during her time on the board. In her free time, Anna enjoys making her own 2D animations and swing dancing.

James is a second year Ph.D. student in the Hawkes Lab. His research interests are in robotic mechanism design, including fast-moving systems and bio-inspired design. He is excited to help strengthen the graduate community and run fun events. He enjoys playing the viola, camping, and yo-yoing.

Ashlynn is a second-year PhD student in Professor Liao’s TEALab. Her research interests include thermal and energy transport in materials and how they contribute to renewable energy resources and sustainable practices. She was inspired by strong sense of community amongst the cohorts at UCSB and wanted to be involved in the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association to bring everyone together and build a strong and welcoming community for all. Outside of her education, Ashlynn enjoys playing volleyball, rock climbing, hiking, bird watching, reading, and baking.

Josh is a Mechanical Engineering PhD students in TEA lab learning different crystal growth techniques to synthesizing BAs and EuB6. He is the events coordinator for ME GSA and enjoys playing sports and Fortnite outside of the lab.

Emily is a fourth year Mechanical Engineering PhD student in the Thermofluid Energy Research Lab. Her research interests are in the intersection of desalination and sustainable energy solutions. As the marketing chair she sends out monthly newsletters and maintains the calendar and website.