The MAE Industry Advisory Board (IAB) provides an opportunity for senior-level industry and government representatives to support the MAE Department and interact with each other in furthering the department mission of education, research, and service.

The MAE IAB provides valuable advice regarding the changing needs of industry and the engineering profession. It also provides suggestions for strengthening ties with industry to promote industry-academia interaction, collaboration and research, and technology transfer.

By invitation from the MAE Chair, corporate partners are invited to participate, based on a prior or anticipated relationship with the department, and ability and willingness to provide thought leadership and expertise. This opportunity for professional development and civic engagement is integral to shaping and advancing mutually beneficial partnerships between academia and industry. The board leverages the department’s strengths and assets, helping to create relationships between industry and government and MAE faculty, students, alumni, research centers and institutes.

The IAB meets once a year in-person on campus, where members receive updates on MAE research and educational programs, current trends, strategic plans, projected directions, and schoolwide issues. The IAB members provide constructive advice and engage with faculty and students at a variety of levels. IAB members may also interact with each other and department faculty occasionally throughout the year.

IAB member companies are encouraged to support the MAE department through corporate or personal financial and in-kind contributions, which go toward supporting the department’s educational mission, including student group and club activities, projects, and events. Current MAE student groups include American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Bruin Racing, 3D Printing for Everyone (3D4E), Rocket Project, and others. Activities include annual career fairs, national design competitions, and hosting company infosessions. Member companies are also invited to support senior capstone design projects and student scholarships and fellowships.

Please contact MAE Chair Xiaolin Zhong to discuss the various ways that your company can give to the UCLA MAE Department and how your gift will be used to support the highest quality of teaching and research.

Industry Advisory Board Members