Skip to content

Our Members

What is an engineering professional organization?

Student engineering professional organizations are more than clubs. These organizations aim to further the profession of engineering and the interests of individuals engaged in that field.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

Connect. Achieve. Inspire. AIAA is a project-based organization focused on expanding education and career opportunities to UC Merced students in the aerospace field. AIAA UC Merced focuses on hands-on experience and providing strategic opportunities for development to its members. It is our mission to prepare our members to reach their fullest potential and help launch their next journey. "One Team, One Dream"

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Student Branch offers student members the opportunity to interact and 'network' with members of the local ASHRAE Chapter, participate in technical tours, learn from guest speakers, present technical papers, and interact with other students with the same career interests. ASHRAE is the American professional association seeking to advance heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems design and construction. ASHRAE has more than 57,000 members in more than 132 countries worldwide.

Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)

BMES promotes the education and diversity of the next generation of biomedical engineers and bioengineers, providing guidance and transmitting opportunities for bioengineering students to launch their careers.

  • President: 
  • Faculty Advisor:

Civil Engineering Student Association 

The purpose of CESA shall be to provide resources and general information regarding a degree/career in civil engineering. The goal is to develop a support network for students within the civil engineering program or interested in the major. We aim to create a welcoming community and allow opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and special guests. We will provide resources and workshops for students to improve their academic and professional careers.

Robotics Society

Robotics Society is a community that creates a hands-on learning environment for students interested in robotics, circuits, programming, design, and more. The goal of the Robotics Society is to produce and develop student-driven projects in robotics, providing hands-on experience and application of our studies: electrical, mechanical, computer science, and project management. To further that goal, the group aims to become a multi-disciplinary and cohesive organization composed of students from various majors.

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

UC Merced SAE is a project-based organization that works together to bring automotive-related projects to support engineers on campus. Our organization has an ongoing project (Bobcat Racing EV) that consists of 25 UC Merced students whose goal is to design and construct our first formula-style race car to compete in the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers Electric (FSAE) competitions. Through this main project, our goal is to expose our members to the automotive industry.

SHPE @ UC Merced

SHPE is dedicated to the advancement of Hispanics in STEM. Its mission is to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. To further that goal, SHPE aims to provide members with academic support, professional development, and access to a global network of Hispanic engineers, scientists, and mathematicians.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

SWE provides support and connections for women studying engineering and those already in the engineering field. Its mission is to provide encouragement for women to achieve their full potential as engineers and influential members of society.

Vanguard

Vanguard is composed of the officers of each of the engineering professional organizations. Vanguard is the "umbrella" organization of the School of Engineering at UC Merced. Its goal is to create a professional environment around student learning and career development.

Current President: David Millet 

Current Advisor: Karla Gonzalez, Director of Undergraduate Student Services, School of Engineering