Mechanical Engineering

Student from Modesto Ready to Make an Impact at UC Merced

July 6, 2026

Depicted is student Anthony Savala Alvarez, in a red cap and gown at his high school graduation, with a blue and gold graphic reading "Bobcat Bound"

This is part of a series of profiles of new UC Merced Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2026 semester. Anthony Savala Alvarez comes to UC Merced this fall with several accomplishments under his belt: He graduated high school with a grade point average of 4.1, earned the California Seal of...

Depicted are groups of people sitting at tabled and talking at UC Merced's Merced 2 Market event.

Projects to Make the World Better Promoted at Merced 2 Market

An artificial intelligence-powered system to ensure the safety of the elderly while still providing privacy. Wearable muscle monitoring to speed recovery from injury. A chemical-free method of...

Microscope on lab bench with researcher in background.

W.M. Keck Foundation Expands Investment in UC Merced’s Bold Scientific Research

The W.M. Keck Foundation has awarded UC Merced nearly $1.8 million in new grants that fuel ambitious research and give early-career scientists a crucial boost at a pivotal stage of their careers....

Collage of three headshots of Commencement keynote speakers

UC Merced Alumni to Take the Stage as Commencement Speakers

UC Merced will celebrate the Class of 2026 with three inspiring alumni returning to campus as keynote speakers for commencement ceremonies May 15-17. Emily Reed, ’07, ’13, a tenured...

Leah Stokes, a political scientist, energy expert and climate communicator from UC Santa Barbara, speaks from the stage at UC Merced.

Turning A Carbon Footprint into a Carbon Wave

It's time to think bigger about mitigating climate change. Measures such as recycling, turning off lights and reducing energy use are great, but making a real impact is going to take systemic...

Depicted is a poster describing solar-over-canal Project Nexus in front of the actual structure.

State's First Solar Canal Project Moves from UC Merced Lab to Real World

What started as a premise in a UC Merced lab culminated with a commemoration of Project Nexus, California's first solar canal project. On Wednesday, state leaders gathered at the Project Nexus...

Depicted are postdoctoral researcher Sourabh Kumar and Professor Ashlie Martini in their lab.

UC Merced Researchers Explain How Mechanical Force Can Trigger Chemical Reactions

Mechanical force can do more than just push things around - it can also trigger chemical reactions. A new review by researchers at UC Merced and Penn State brings together decades of work to explain...

Top 100 Best Graduate Schools ranking, two students in a lab

UC Merced Sees Strong Gains in U.S. News Grad School Rankings

UC Merced saw broad gains in the U.S. News and World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings with graduate programs rising in national standing, reflecting the campus’s growing academic and...

UC Merced Receives $1 Million Award to Support Postdoctoral Fellows

UC Merced has received a $1 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to strengthen postdoctoral fellowships and expand research in the natural sciences. Awarded through...

Group of individuals attending event with grads student presenting on stage

Ready, Set, Slam: 10 UC Merced Scholars Battle for Champion Title

Ten UC Merced graduate researchers are gearing up to deliver the most intense three minutes of their academic careers. Each spring, master’s and Ph.D. students across the campus’s...