Caroline Reilly received the UC Santa Barbara's University Award of Distinction
Awards of Distinction
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Six students from the College of Engineering have been recognized for their outstanding contributions by UC Santa Barbara’s Academic Senate and Chancellor Henry Yang. Graduate students Caroline Reilly, George Degen, and Marcela Areyano, as well as graduating seniors Abel Semma, Balfred Carrillo Martinez, and Dawit Aboye received the University Award of Distinction in recognition of unselfish and dedicated service to the university, its students, and the community.
Reilly, a fourth-year materials PhD student who is advised by Professor Steven DenBaars, helped launch the department’s Materials Student Association (MSA) in the middle of the pandemic. The MSA proved instrumental in planning the department’s first all-virtual visit weekend for admitted students and organizing an outreach seminar series for undergraduate students.
“Forming the MSA was really about bringing a sense of belonging, improving department culture, and increasing the voice of graduate students,” said Reilly, whose research focuses on making semiconductors that can be used for LED, laser, and electronics applications. “The MSA has given the students a more cohesive voice to speak up on everything from recruitment of prospective students to social aspects and communication pathways among faculty, students, and staff. I hope that more materials students continue to get involved and support one another going forward.”
Reilly also served as president of the Photonics Society, a student group that served to unite the local photonics, optics, and lighting communities. During the pandemic, she led the group’s efforts to test, assemble, and deliver STEM activity kits to local children and the families, hoping to make the days of the children and their families a little brighter.