As I reflect on this past academic year, I take great pride in the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and faculty. I am particularly proud of our 81 graduating seniors who displayed tremendous drive and resilience in completing their engineering studies with their entire experience as upper classman occurring amidst the pandemic.
It is also a time to say thanks and bid farewell to three pillars of our CBE@UCI community who announced their retirement this past year. Professor Frank Shi, who joined the faculty in 1992 departs after 30 years of service. He was the first “non-bio” hire on our faculty and was elected an IEEE Fellow in 2011 for his contributions to chemical materials processing, in particular for semiconductor and optoelectronic devices. Professor Albert Yee joined the faculty in 2004 and served as chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science from 2009-2014. He shepherded the department through challenging times in the aftermath of the economic downturn and through three engineering deans. Albert is an elected fellow of both American Physical and American Chemical Societies and is well-known for his contributions to physical and mechanical properties of polymers and soft materials, particularly their impact on nanotechnology.
Lastly, we say goodbye to our department lab manager, Mr. Steve Weinstock who joined us in 2011. He has left an indelible mark on the department for his extreme, dare I say irrational, enthusiasm for our educational mission. In his engagement with students in our senior-level unit operations laboratory, his practical approach provided a perfect counterbalance to the academic approach offered by our faculty. His unofficial mentorship of our undergraduates has, in tough times, enabled students to rediscover and re-energize their passion for engineering and recommit themselves to their studies. His legend lives on through the naming of all our AIChE ChemE Car models, many of which have won prizes at both regional and national levels, and his numerous winning entries to our Annual Christmas Baking Contest. Frank, Albert and Steve, thank you for your service and your friendship. We have been enriched and inspired by your contributions to CBE@UCI!
In the meantime, I wish you all an enjoyable summer. Alumni and friends, I look forward to receiving your feedback and sharing your stories. Do not hesitate to reach out to me at vvenugop@uci.edu.
Zot! Zot! Zot!
Vasan Venugopalan
Professor & Chair
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
