I3@USD-Fall 2025

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A Human Endeavor W elcome, Toreros, alumni and friends to the latest edition of the Shiley

Contents

I 3 @ USD

and this year’s issue captures what that means for our engineering and computing community. We celebrate the transformative generosity of benefactress Darlene Marcos Shiley, whose support of the Shiley STEM Initiative and our new, future-forward building is shaping an unprecedented environment for collaboration. This integration of engineering, computing and other disciplines will have a lasting impact on how we learn, innovate and serve. Thank you, Darlene, for being such an extraordinary Changemaker at the University of San Diego. We also honor our remarkable donors whose generosity has revitalized facilities and strengthened our programs — investments that nurture the next generation of ethical and compassionate leaders. In this issue, you will also explore an example, among the many, of how our students are embodying USD’s global commitment through projects that make a difference. Their inspiring work on water filtration in Uganda demonstrates how community-driven engineering solutions rely on cross-cultural collaboration and a deep understanding of human need. The stories shared throughout this issue affirm a truth at the heart of engineering — it is a deeply human endeavor. It’s about using ingenuity and skill to improve lives and build a better future for all. I am incredibly proud of the innovative work our students, faculty, alumni and partners do every day to advance this vision. I hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as I have enjoyed seeing these stories of innovation, compassion and impact come together. Chell Roberts, Founding Dean Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering

FEATURE STORIES HONORING THE SHILEY LEGACY

SHILEY-MARCOS SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING Imagine. Innovate. Inspire. I 3 @ USD | Fall 2025

Marcos School of Engineering I3@ USD magazine. As the founding dean, I have the immense privilege of witnessing our community’s creativity and commitment firsthand. I am continually inspired by the faculty, staff and students who bring to life a powerful, human-centered approach to engineering and computing. Our mission is rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition — uniting knowledge, ethics and purpose —

An historic gift from Darlene Marcos Shiley will help fund a new STEM building designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and the natural sciences. TOREROS WHO BROKE THE MOLD Meet three inspirational alumni who applied their technical skills to sports, healthcare and music and found success through authenticity and passion. A COLLECTIVE EFFORT USD engineering researchers address the pressing need for a scalable water filtration system in rural Uganda by using local, organic materials.

Our new and updated facilities are an investment in the future of the Shiley Marcos School of Engineering, ensuring that it remains a top‑ranked destination for students seeking an innovative and high-quality engineering education.

Executive Editor Michelle Sztupkay michelles@sandiego.edu Art Director Tricia Caparas tcaparas@sandiego.edu Contributing Writers

Karen Gross Elisa Lurkis Allyson Meyer Julene Snyder

Michelle Sztupkay Cover Photography Photos by Rebekah Mauk ’25 (ME) Contact University of San Diego Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering 5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 260-4627 Email Alumni Notes to: Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations Elisa Lurkis elurkis@sandieg.edu Website: sandiego.edu/engineering

Instagram: @usdengineering Facebook: @usdEngineering LinkedIn: @usd-engineering

— Chell Roberts, PhD

ON THE COVER Purpose-driven Research Engineered for impact in Uganda and beyond, USD is transforming unsafe water into a source for life.

ENGINEERING USD

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