Welcome to the online home of Convergence, the magazine of engineering and the sciences at UC Santa Barbara. Sponsored by the College of Engineering, the Division of Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences in the College of Letters and Science, and the California NanoSystems Institute, Convergence was begun in early 2005 as a three-times-a-year print publication, with the goal of bringing stories of interest from engineering and the sciences to the desks and coffee tables of a wide range of alumni, friends, partners, funding agencies, corporations, donors and potential supporters.

The magazine’s name, Convergence, is clearly reflected in the stories we carry. UC Santa Barbara has a strong culture of interdisciplinary research, in which multiple “traditional” fields of knowledge converge in the development of an answer for a specific question or a solution for a specific problem, and nowhere on campus is that interdisciplinarity stronger than between engineering and the sciences. Our print edition has won praise from its readers and numerous awards for its content and design. In adding an online addition, we’re now able to reach a far wider audience than we can with the print edition. We’re also able to keep our “news” newer, and you’ll be able to browse and search our content using a number of access pathways, including our “Tag Cloud.”

We welcome your suggestions about how we can make Convergence Online even more useful for you.

The Magazine of Engineering and the Sciences at UC Santa Barbara

Editor: Tony Rairden

Creative Director: Peter Allen

Writers:

Copy Editor: Marie Howell

Editorial Board:

Matthew Tirrell, Dean, College of Engineering

Steven Gaines, Acting Dean of Mathematical, Life and Physical Sciences, College of Letters and Science

Evelyn Hu, Scientific Director, California NanoSystems Institute

Kevin Almeroth, Associate Dean for Advancement, College of Engineering

George Thurlow, Executive Director and Assistant Vice Chancellor, Alumni Association

Kristi Newton, Assistant Dean of Development, Engineering and the Sciences

Tony Rairden, Communications Manager, College of Engineering

Peter Allen, Marketing Director, Engineering and the Sciences

Joy Williams, Assistant Dean for Budget and Administration, Engineering

Michelle Keuper, Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Letters and Science

Convergence is a publication of Engineering and the Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5130.

Material in Convergence can be reproduced or reported upon. Credit to Engineering and the Sciences at UC Santa Barbara would be appreciated.

The University of California, in accordance with applicable federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. The University also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access and treatment in University programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the University’s student-related non-discrimination policies may be directed to: Office of Affirmation Action Coordinator, University of California, Santa Barbara, 805.893.3105.

If you need Convergence in another format because of a disability, please contact Whitney Wegener: 805.893.5496.