Baskin School of Engineering
Inspiring engineering breakthroughs to create positive societal impact
At Baskin Engineering, bold ideas meet real-world impact. From developing novel energy sources to growing brain organoids that transform disease diagnostics and treatment, the UC Santa Cruz Baskin School of Engineering is addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Our researchers, inventors, and educators are united by a solutions-driven mission—advancing breakthroughs in climate, health, and next-generation technologies to improve lives and create lasting societal change.
Founded in 1997 at the edge of Silicon Valley, we are a genuine 21st century engineering school fueled by diversity of thought, collaboration, and innovation. Our strategic location enables an exchange of talent and ideas so that today, Baskin Engineering is internationally recognized for pioneering work in artificial intelligence, genomics, cybersecurity, climate solutions, cyber-physical and autonomous systems, computational media, and more. Our faculty and students bring a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives, along with a shared drive to lead, positioning us as a pipeline for engineering change-makers and a research catalyst for the world’s most transformative industries and institutions.
“AI, robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies are redefining engineering practice. The next generation of engineers must combine strategy and creativity to turn these technologies into solutions for the world’s toughest challenges. At Baskin Engineering, we are ready for this: We open doors to engineering careers for a wide range of students who can thrive in this environment. Our students and faculty engage with industry partners to solve novel problems and pursue research that will have powerful and positive societal impact.”
— Alexander L. Wolf, Dean of the Baskin School of Engineering
With your support we will:
Drive breakthroughs in responsible technology. At the forefront of AI, robotics, and computational innovation, our faculty push the boundaries of brain-inspired, sustainable AI—drawing from neuroscience, computer science, and microelectronics. With leading-edge master’s and Ph.D. programs and a strong Silicon Valley presence, Baskin Engineering is shaping the future of technology. We’re building research and education funds to fuel the AI revolution—one grounded in human flourishing and social equity.
Make hands-on learning a cornerstone of every student’s experience. We believe real-world problem solving, mentorship, and industry collaboration should be embedded into every Baskin Engineering education. Through Pathways to Research, Tech4Good, Senior Capstone, the Slugworks Creatorspace, and dedicated career support, we are building leaders for diverse, cross-disciplinary teams. Your support will expand access to paid internships, research participation, and community-based projects that mirror today’s engineering challenges.
Accelerate solutions in health and climate. With resources to seed bold ideas, Baskin Engineering will respond faster to urgent challenges. We’re developing tools for personalized medicine and early detection of cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases. We’re advancing breakthroughs in genomics, RNA-based therapeutics, and stem cell biology. In parallel, we’re engineering real-world climate solutions through research and cross-sector partnerships that drive measurable impact.
Support Baskin Engineering
Gifts to Baskin Engineering empower faculty and students to drive innovation and impact.
Faculty support helps the division attract and retain scientific talent to lead research discoveries, build resources, and work closely with students. We are seeking funding for chairs, professorships, center directorships, and postdoctoral fellowships.
Student support makes it affordable for talented students to study at Baskin Engineering and prepare for successful careers in technology and engineering. We seek funding for scholarships, graduate fellowships, and transformative learning experiences.
Programmatic support includes seed funding for innovative research in any department; support for lab or field equipment and technologies, and curriculum innovation. We seek funding for such high-impact fields as responsible artificial intelligence, engineering solutions to the climate crisis, sustainable agricultural technologies, robotics and autonomous vehicles, bioelectronic diagnostics and devices, and genomics-enabled personalized healthcare.
The Dean’s Innovation Fund gives academic leadership resources to respond to emerging opportunities and student- and faculty-led initiatives.
Baskin Engineering Programs
- APPLIED MATHEMATICS
- BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING
- COMPUTATIONAL MEDIA
- COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
- ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
- STATISTICS
- TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT