Sandia and UC Davis celebrate innovation in engineering
Partnerships with leading universities are vital for Sandia to foster innovation, accelerate technology advancement and support workforce development.
One key collaboration is Sandia’s sponsorship of the Engineering Design Award at the University of California, Davis. The award recognizes exceptional undergraduate senior projects in engineering design that contribute to national security, including innovation in defense, natural resources and economic security.
“This award was established in 2012 by (now-retired) Sandian Chris Moen as part of the strategic plan developed with the UC Davis College of Engineering when retiree Mike Hardwick was the Sandia Campus Executive for Davis,” mechanical engineer and UC Davis alum Melissa Ng said.
Led by Hemant Choudhary in recent years, the UC Davis College of Engineering and Sandia jointly host the award annually with Sandia California employees serving as judges alongside university faculty.
Judges evaluate student entries based on written technical reports and oral presentations during the College of Engineering Design Showcase, providing Sandians direct engagement with emerging talent.
The award is highly competitive, attracting more than 40 teams from diverse disciplines such as aerospace, biomedical and mechanical engineering. Sponsored by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, the first-place team receives $800 and the second-place team is awarded $250.
“Each year, the student teams demonstrate impressive technical skill, creativity and problem-solving ability,” mechanical engineer and UC Davis alum Vincente Pericoli said. “Seeing the thought and energy they bring gives me a great deal of optimism about the future of engineering.”
Beyond the award, Sandia supports broader educational pathways, such as Las Positas College’s partnership with UC Davis through the Transfer Admission Guarantee program, which secures admission in engineering and other qualifying majors for community college students. Las Positas is also part of the Tri-Valley Educational Collaborative, which includes partnerships with organizations like Sandia to facilitate student work-based learning and create technical opportunities.
Through these partnerships, Sandia continues to invest in the future workforce and advance innovations vital to national security and economic prosperity.
Sandians are invited to volunteer as judges for future awards by contacting Hemant or Melissa at designaward@sandia.gov.