A team of students and professors is using data science to uncover the erased history of African Californios by analyzing late 18th and 19th-century Spanish records. Through data visualization and computational methods, they aim to map the population dynamics and historical footprint of this community, highlighting their significant yet overlooked contributions to California’s history. This project seeks to restore and honor the legacy of African Californios, bringing their stories to light as a vital part of our shared heritage.
Cal Poly is leading the charge in innovative tree mapping and canopy cover analysis through a groundbreaking interdisciplinary collaboration across colleges. This project exemplifies how next-level teamwork, spanning multiple disciplines, can have a tangible real-world impact. By harnessing data science, the initiative has positioned Cal Poly at the forefront of environmental research in California, guiding the creation of a strategic plan for tree management and conservation statewide.
This project will bring a mobile biomechanics lab to local schools, using smartphones and smartwatches to conduct research and provide hands-on lessons in biomechanics for children, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented groups. This initiative will not only engage students in understanding biomechanics but will also support research on the impact of body mass index on children’s balance and gait, while fostering inclusive practices in wearable device design.
Highlighting the power of engineering for good.
Aria Aerospace – First year ME student created a business that sells aerospace parts nationwide.
A Santa Maria father of five, Esteban Perez returned to school after more than a decade away, transferring from Allan Hancock College to pursue electrical engineering at Cal Poly. Now in a master’s program, he commutes 10 hours a week while raising a family — all with the goal of using engineering to make a meaningful impact, including through his work in amateur radio and Cal Poly research projects.
Cal Poly’s HVAC&R concentration, housed in the Mechanical Engineering Department, has long set the standard for hands-on education in the field. ASHRAE, one of the most diverse student clubs on campus, connects students to a legacy of leadership and engineering excellence.
MATE travel feature with a focus on Cindy Shurtleff travel to Four Stans, Bob Adams travel to South America, Trevor Harding travel to Mexico (worked with wife Sarah, ME, to start a SWE chapter) and Nicole Johnson-Glauch in Birmingham, UK for new study abroad program.
Everest Medical builds on Cal Poly’s strong track record in maternal health, with guidance from alumni-led ventures like Alydia Health and Novocuff. Together, they’re advancing safer, more modern solutions for childbirth care.
For more than 30 years, Professor Liz Thompson has redefined engineering education at Cal Poly — championing equity, mentoring students, and creating lasting change. Now, she’s giving back to ensure her impact continues.
With the graduation of its first cohort, Cal Poly’s Granite Heavy Civil Minor is already shaping infrastructure-ready engineers. Civil alumna Sarah Scherzinger shares how the program helped launch her career in big-impact construction.
Two ME students are working with a small local business to create sustainable packaging for the products. Problem Solved: Shipping waste/creating sustainable packaging.
Cal Poly Sailing, the university’s official club sports team, competes across the country with a student-run crew that includes several engineering majors. Known for its size, spirit and skill, the team is a top West Coast contender — even without a coach.
Cal Poly engineering students partnered with the Central California Adaptive Sports Center to redesign a paddleboard for wheelchair users — expanding access to recreation and helping more people experience the freedom of the water.
