T. Nguyen: Outstanding CE Senior
Every spring, the College of Engineering recognizes seniors in their graduating cohort with the highest GPA and also for having pursued other meaningful academic and extracurricular activities — this year’s Outstanding Senior in Computer Engineering is Tien Nguyen
Tien Nguyen will graduate with highest honors and a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering (CE). Selected to serve as a banner carrier, he will lead the class of 2025 into commencement as the CE representative.
“This recognition is honestly unexpected, but I am humbled to be acknowledged for four years of hard, challenging, and rewarding work,” said Nguyen, who will return to UCSB in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering as part of the department’s BS/MS program. “UCSB has provided me with a strong foundation in both hardware and software, and I feel well-prepared to take on the complex problems that lie ahead in the next chapter of my career. During my time here, I’ve grown in both technical ability and soft skills, and I’m excited to apply what I've learned in new and meaningful ways.”
As part of his senior capstone project, Nguyen and his team built an acoustic monitoring system to identify and track bird and bat species using their audible and ultrasonic calls. He credited the project with strengthening his critical thinking skills, adding that he enjoyed the opportunity to work on solving a real-world problem.
Looking back on his time at UCSB, Nguyen says that the single most formative and rewarding experience has been his involvement with Gaucho Racing, the university’s Formula SAE Electric team, which competes in student-design competitions organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International. He has served as the electronics team lead for the past three years, overseeing the design and manufacturing of the low-voltage electrical systems that run an electric formula race car.
“Designing, building, and competing with an electric formula race car at Michigan International Speedway—not just once, but three times—has shaped me profoundly as an engineering student,” said Nguyen. “I’ve gained incomparable technical expertise and a deep understanding of the engineering design process. Working with a large, multidisciplinary team of over sixty members has taught me how to collaborate effectively, while also sharpening my skills in leadership, communication, and project management. I owe much of what I know today to FSAE, and it continues to influence the way I approach engineering challenges.”
Nguyen thanked Yoga Isukapalli, a teaching professor who runs the CE Senior Capstone Projects Program, for his support.
“From writing letters of recommendation and advising independent research projects to providing thorough feedback during my senior capstone project, he has offered invaluable guidance and mentorship,” said Nguyen.
