UC Santa Barbara Science

Two research teams led by UC Santa Barbara faculty have been selected for award negotiations under the U.S. Department of Energy's Genesis Mission.

Michelle O’Malley of The Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering leads a project combining AI with microbiome engineering, while Justin Wilson, with Yang Yang leading protein design, leads a project focused on critical-mineral separation.

Read the full story below.
https://news.ucsb.edu/2026/022708/two-ucsb-led-projects-selected-does-genesis-mission

Two UCSB-led projects selected for DOE’s Genesis Mission Projects helmed by bioengineer Michelle O’Malley and biochemist Justin Wilson will use AI to speed scientific discovery

As a child growing up in Vietnam without electricity, Thuc-Quyen Nguyen dreamed of capturing sunlight so she could study at night.

Today, the distinguished UC Santa Barbara materials chemist leads research on organic semiconductors that can absorb light, conduct electricity and create new possibilities for flexible solar cells, sensors and electronics.

Now named UC Santa Barbara’s next Faculty Research Lecturer, the highest honor the UCSB faculty can bestow, Nguyen reflects on the science, mentorship and hard-won resilience behind her career.

“I’m working toward a childhood dream, and it turned into reality.”

Read her story: https://science.ucsb.edu/news/pursuit-captured-sunlight

Photo: Matt Perko/UC Santa Barbara

Out of 487 institutions across North America, the UC Santa Barbara Mathematics team has ranked 14th overall at the 86th Annual Putnam Math Competition!

Massive congratulations to our top scorers who led the team: Xiaohan Zhang (Creative Studies, Mathematics) who placed 15th out of over 4,300 students nationwide, alongside Victor Bernal Ramirez (Letters & Science, Economics & Accounting) and David Qiao (Letters & Science, Mathematics & Engineering, Computer Science).

The Putnam is a rigorous 6-hour exam that tests ultimate mathematical endurance. Congratulations to all our brilliant undergrads across the Sciences, College of Creative Studies, and the College of Engineering who represented our campus on the national stage.

Read the full story: https://science.ucsb.edu/news/mathematics-team-ranks-14th-north-america-86th-putnam-competition

Meet the molecular grappling hook. The bacteria behind whooping cough and kennel cough are incredibly good at sticking to our airways. Our researchers, including postdoctoral researcher Michael Costello and undergraduate Mia Raimondi in Christopher Hayes' lab, discovered exactly how they bypass our body's defenses. The bacteria secrete a protein that latches directly onto the internal skeleton of our airway cells. This discovery gives us a clear target to stop the bacteria before they colonize. Read the full study in Science: https://news.ucsb.edu/2026/022406/new-look-old-protein-may-yield-therapy-contagious-respiratory-disease

Photo Credit: Matt Perko

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