Jae Yong Suk Appointed Director of CLTC
The California Lighting Technology Center has appointed Jae Yong Suk, associate professor of design, as its new director. Suk previously served as CLTC’s faculty co-director from 2022 to 2025. An accomplished researcher and internationally recognized lighting designer, he conducts research spanning human comfort, building energy efficiency and controls, indoor environmental quality, decarbonization, and light pollution. In his new role, he aims to honor CLTC’s legacy while evolving its research to meet future energy needs. Michael Siminovitch, who has served as director since the center’s founding, will continue his service to UC Davis as emeritus faculty.
EGG Students Earn Prestigious Opportunities Across the Globe ...and Beyond
Our Energy Graduate Group students continue to distinguish themselves through academic excellence, leadership, and hands-on engagement in high-profile programs. This summer, four students earned recognition and invitations to participate in exceptional opportunities at the international, national, and UC system levels.
Collaborating on Climate Solutions in Korea
Ryan Callahan and Ofelia Viloche-Pulido were selected to represent UC Davis at the Korea University Climate Corps Initiative and Summer School in July. The week-long program brought together participants from 35 universities to learn about the latest research in climate technology, business, and policy in South Korea and around the world. Learn more about the program.
Launching to New Heights at NASA
Andrea Lopez Arguello was invited to join the UC Davis First Nations Launch (FNL) team for a tour and conference at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in August, gaining insight into aerospace innovation and research. Under Andrea’s mentorship, the UC Davis FNL rocketry team secured first place in all judged categories at the 2025 national competition. Learn more about First Nations Launch.
Leading at the UC System Level
Incoming EGG student Miguel Craven has been selected to serve as the UC Student Regent-designate for the 2025–26 academic year, representing student perspectives at the highest levels of university governance. Learn more about this important role.
These accomplishments showcase the breadth of opportunities available to EGG students, from international climate action to space exploration to statewide leadership, and reflect our commitment to preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact in California, across the nation, and around the world.
Back to School Reminder: Healthy Air Supports Learning
As students head back to the classroom, it’s the perfect time to focus on the air they breathe every day. Children spend much of their time indoors while at school, where pollutants can come from both inside and outside the classroom. Without proper ventilation and filtration, these pollutants can build up, increasing the risk of respiratory illness, reducing cognitive performance, and even affecting attendance.
Research from the Western Cooling Efficiency Center highlights simple, effective steps schools can take to keep classrooms healthy. Regularly testing and adjusting HVAC systems, running ventilation fans before and during the school day, and monitoring CO₂ levels are all practical ways to maintain safe indoor air. When paired with high-efficiency filtration, and portable air cleaners when needed, these steps can help reduce exposure to pollutants and support healthier environments for students and teachers.
EEI Delegation Strengthens Japan Partnerships
EEI leadership, including Faculty Director Kelly Kissock, Executive Director Benjamin Finkelor, Professor Alan Meier, and CLTC Director Jae Yong Suk, joined Valley Clean Energy CEO Mitch Sears on a recent delegation to Japan. The team connected with organizations such as Panasonic, Daikin, Honda, NEDO, and AIST, and engaged peers at the Institute of Science Tokyo, the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, and Osaka University to exchange information and explore collaboration on building energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and other innovation priorities.
Missed a Seminar? Watch It Now
If you couldn’t join us for our recent Materials Decarbonization, Demand Flex or Energy Bites Seminar Series events, you can now watch them online! Catch up on this and other recent seminars anytime!
