Active Project Teams, Societies, & Organizations at UCI

Anteater Combat Engineering (ACE) is an undergraduate combat robotics team, dedicated to designing and competing in competitive robotics from 1lb to 30lb weight classes. Comprised of passionate students from various engineering disciplines, ACE aims to push the boundaries of robotic engineering through hands-on experience, teamwork, and participation in competitions.

Anteater Racing is a student-led engineering senior design project at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). The program welcomes students of all majors and experience levels, and has a strong core of mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineers. We build, design, and test cars for the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) collegiate design competition series annually.

Anteater Racing is made of up three teams:

• Formula Racing
• Electric Racing
• Baja Racing

You can find descriptions of these three below in this list.

Anteater Formula Racing builds an open-wheel, internal-combustion race car inspired by Formula 1 and IndyCar racing to compete at Formula SAE California. Forty-five engineering students participate in the design, manufacturing and testing phases to gain the engineering skills needed for industry in a highly-technical, fast-paced and competitive environment. The team collectively spends over 10,000 man-hours each year developing the car and its subsystems alongside engineering coursework.

Founded in 2011, the UC Irvine Electric Racing Team is a part of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering. This project trains more than engineering skills—it helps students grow as effective communicators, team players, and future innovators. The final goal for this project, along with allowing the students to build an electric race car from scratch, is to compete in the student FSAE competition.

The goal of Anteater Baja Racing is to research, design, build, and test a competitive, reliable off-road vehicle to compete at the Baja SAE West Competition. The yearly competition, hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), challenges 100 collegiate teams from all over the world to compete in a series of static and dynamic events. These events consider a range of aspects such as costs, design, efficiency, acceleration, endurance, and marketing.

zotAV aims to expose undergraduate students to both technical and project management experience through autonomous vehicle research, especially into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). By emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, students will have the team-building experience from both a technical and project management point of view to be better prepared to apply for on-campus engineering projects and succeed in upper-division project-based courses. We aim to promote undergraduate degree paths in STEM and business management for tech enterprises by developing design and manufacturing projects that will enable students to be more competitive applicants for STEM career paths. We cater to all undergraduate students at UCI and encourage underrepresented minorities in engineering and business disciplines to join.

Concrete Canoe is an annual competition held by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). It is a team project dedicated to designing and building a canoe made out of concrete, in accordance with an aesthetic theme of each school’s choosing. Students integrate engineering concepts that are acquired academically and apply it through a hands-on approach. Not only do students put their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills to the test, but they also get to enjoy racing their canoes head-to-head at the Pacific Southwest Symposium (PSWS).

UCI CanSat competes in the International CanSat competition. This annual student design-build-launch event, spearheaded by the American Astronautical Society (AAS), provides an opportunity for us to experience the entire development cycle of a complex engineering project – from conceptual design through integration and testing, to real-world operation and post-mission summary. 

Cargo Plane is a senior competition project based on the SAE Aero Design West rules and regulations. The goal of the project was to design a lightweight airplane using wood and metal, allowing high lift generation with low velocities. The plane design parameters were to minimize weight, maximize passengers and cargo capacity while still following all the SAE competition rules.

Chem-E Car is a student project where a team designs and builds a car that is powered and stopped entirely through chemical reactions. The car is autonomous and is set to travel a certain amount of distance; the car that stops closest to the finish line wins. The project is separated into three teams, chemical, mechanical, or controls, in which members are given the option to join whichever team they are interested in.

ChemE Cube is an annual student project hosted by AIChE nationally, where students design a one cubic foot plant to address a current global issue. The team designs the process, builds the cube, and performs market analysis to sell the cube to a panel of mock investors.

The UCI CubeSat team is an undergraduate senior design project team working towards launching a 2U nanosatellite, AntSat 01, into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Their mission is to design, develop, test, and launch our satellite carrying a Variable Emissivity Device (VED) provided by UCI’s Spacecraft Thermal Management Systems team (STMS) with hopes of furthering thermal control over spacecrafts. 

Introducing DermaVision, an upcoming portable multispectral imaging device that overcomes racial disparities in forensic imaging by detecting bruising and approximating the time of injury regardless of skin tone. This is achieved by highlighting the chemical signature or “fingerprint” of chromophores present in bruises with single wavelength light excitation. Real time images are compared to a data-driven algorithm generated from real bruise images captured in clinical studies. High probability bruised regions are presented to the user alongside an approximate time of injury. All of these features are delivered as a portable phone accessory that may be directly interfaced with in an intuitive phone app.

Design, Build, Fly is an annual international competition hosted by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) where the goal is to design and build a plane that completes the current year’s missions while achieving the best score possible.  The UCI Design, Build, Fly project team is also credited towards the capstone (senior design) project.

In the last century, engineers have deconstructed and reconstructed the principles of flight through decades of observation and experimentation. As far as advancements in flight have come, we are still being put to shame by the overwhelming complexity of flight in nature. UC Irvine’s FWMAV Project aims to utilize these flapping wing mechanisms to explore the viability of a flapping-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). To fully utilize flight characteristics observed in nature, whether through insect or bird flight, this UAV must scale down to the scale of micro air vehicle.

The National Fluid Power Association is a trade association with the goal of furthering fluid power technology and the accompanying industry. As part of their mission, the NFPA hosts an annual competition called the “Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge.” The purpose of this competition is to design and construct a vehicle that runs on hydraulic and pneumatic power via human input. To facilitate this, teams of engineering students are partnered with industry professionals with years of experience in the field of hydraulics, machining, and engineering practices to learn about fluid power. The teams are encouraged to be as creative as they can be whilst also following a comprehensive list of safety standards put forth by the NFPA. This year marks UCI’s first-ever entry into the competition under the name Zotdraulics.

HyperXite is a student-led team that participates in the Hyperloop competition. Through researching and developing prototypes, we aim to revolutionize the transportation industry at a low cost, while ensuring the safety, health and welfare of the public. Our team is engaged in comprehensive design testing and construction of a half-scale Hyperloop pod. The student led project, with the assistance of top university professors, is focused on specific technologies that will accelerate the development of this unique and innovative transportation system.

The Irvine Hacker Fab is an interdisciplinary team dedicated to creating open-source solutions for microchip fabrication. As part of a broader network that includes CMU, OSU, UW, and MIT, we aim to democratize semiconductor manufacturing by developing innovative, cost-effective tools and materials.

As stated in our name, Legacy Robotics, our goal is to leave a legacy. As the first competitive University Rover Challenge team at the University of California Irvine, along with being one of the first robotics clubs at UCI, we hope to leave a legacy not only within the URC competition but within UCI as well. We hope to leave a legacy that defines our team as not only a team that fully encapsulates what it means to be innovative, but a team that is able to inspire innovation among fellow students and engineers. We are united by a culture that not only pushes the boundaries of engineering excellence, but also strives to further build the engineering community. As a team, we are defined as a crucible of research, strategic planning, intellectual activity, learning, and creativity. Our team members are all unified by the common goal of engineering excellence and innovation, but each member encompasses a variety of different skills that allow our team to positively impact the engineering community.

Micromouse is a robotics competition hosted by IEEE in which students design, develop, and program a robotic mouse to autonomously navigate a maze. Though it may sound simple, this challenge demands exceptional problem-solving skills as you put your classroom knowledge to the test in a real-world scenario

The UCI Rocket Project is an engineering team enabling students to work on complex propulsion, aerodynamic, and ejection systems. These systems follow stages of professional modeling and simulation software, innovative manufacturing, fabrication solutions, and strict validation procedures.

The UCI Rocket Project contains two teams: the Liquids Team & the Solids Team.

The UCI RoboSub team represents the pilot program for a senior design project that hopes to become a competition team in the international Robosub competition. Our mission is to design, build, and program an innovative Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capable of completing tasks in a challenging underwater environment. This hands-on project allows students to develop skills in systems engineering, software development, and teamwork while pushing the boundaries of underwater robotics.

We are the UCI Solar Car Project (ZotSun), a student-run interdisciplinary team of 60 undergraduates from the University of California, Irvine with a passion for innovative engineering and sustainability. Our mission is to revolutionize zero-emission transportation. Currently, we are building a solar car to compete in the Formula Sun Grand Prix of 2025, a race designed to determine the most efficient and aerodynamic solar-powered vehicles.

Steel Bridge is a structural engineering project focused on teaching students how to design, fabricate, and construct a full-scale bridge made of steel. Our project offers workshops on structural analysis, software (SAP 2000), bridge design, bridge construction, lab safety, and fabrication. Through this project, students can get first hand experience of what real-life structural engineering projects are like in the industry in both the design and construction aspects.

Timber Strong Design Build is a project that provides unique insight and hands-on experience for the next generation of structural engineers involved in a sustainable design and construction. The Timber project enables students to gain experience in performing crucial aspects of real world structural engineering practices such as design, analysis, planning, construction, and 3D modeling. Students design and build a two-story wood playhouse that will withstand gravity and seismic loads during the Pacific Southwest Symposium. 

UAV Forge is a multidisciplinary engineering senior design project with a focus on designing, building, and programming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in order to complete the flight missions under a time limit. Through research and hands-on experience, students are able to work towards creating an autonomous aircraft. This project, UAV Forge, aims to allow students to gain technical skills and learn more about the engineering process.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at UCI is a club dedicated to designing, building and flying new and experimental model aircraft and drones.

ZotBins is an innovative smart waste bin system designed to optimize waste management efficiency and promote sustainable practices. By collecting and analyzing data on waste diversion rates—specifically, the proportion of incorrectly placed trash items relative to the total waste volume (e.g. glass bottle in the trash bin instead of recycle bin)—ZotBins aims to enhance campus-wide waste management practices.

Zotbotics is a club dedicated to exploring the field of robotics as well as building interesting and creative robots. As a club we are open to all majors and experience levels. We aim to provide a community where students interested in the field of robotics can work on fully functional robots and develop their skills through practical projects and workshops.

ZOTBotics is also home to the groups below:

• Anteater Combat Engineering (ACE)
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

You can find these groups in this list of Project Teams.

The mission of zotCAMS is to foster undergraduate and graduate involvement in atmospheric and climate science… We strive to expand the image of atmospheric and climate science by enhancing diversity, especially by encouraging participation from underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

Alpha Eta Mu Beta is the National Biomedical Engineering Honor Society. Established in 1979, Alpha Eta Mu Beta was formed to recognize and encourage excellence in the field of Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering. The purpose of Alpha Eta Mu Beta is to bring these individuals into closer union so as to promote an understanding of the profession.

The UCI Student Chapter for the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES at UCI) is dedicated to providing all students interested in environmental science and engineering with opportunities for academic, professional, and personal growth. Our goal is to create a dynamic community at UCI that enables students to network with professionals, learn more about their field, and build strong connections with their peers.

The AIAA is a technical society of 40,000 professional and student members devoted to science and engineering in the field of aerospace. The local chapter’s primary activities include seminars, tours of industries, and mentoring for students by professional members.

The mission of the AIChE student chapter at UCI is to promote excellence in the Chemical Engineering Department of the UCI School of Engineering by providing resources and support to the undergraduate students so that they can succeed academically and advance professionally.

One of the larger engineering clubs, ASCE at UCI is a student chapter of the national organization. The ASCE focuses its efforts on interactions with professional engineers, sponsorship of Engineering Week activities, and participation in the annual ASCE Southwest Conference.

The student chapter of ASME at UCI provides the opportunity for Mechanical Engineering majors to meet with professors, organize social events, and participate in events and competitions supported by the ASME national organization.

A student chapter of the national organization, ACG at UCI is an academic engineering club for students interested in the construction field.

Our mission as the Biomedical Engineering Society at UC Irvine is to foster an inclusive community for students interested in biomedical engineering through mentorship, career building, project experience, and outreach events for professional development and education.

Chi Epsilon is a national engineering honor society which is dedicated to the purpose of promoting and maintaining the status of civil engineering as an ideal profession. Chi Epsilon was organized to recognize the characteristics of the individual that are fundamental to the successful pursuit of an engineering career.

The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) is the leading organization dedicated to reducing earthquake risk by advancing the science and understanding of earthquake engineering. The EERI UC Irvine Student Chapter has been established to engage students and provide context to earthquake engineering research and education, as well as afford students networking opportunities with earthquake engineering professionals. Members of the chapter gain valuable experience in the field of earthquake engineering through design opportunities and professional networking, as well as unparalleled education and exposure to the science of earthquake risk.

Engineering Student Council (ESC) is the official student government and umbrella organization of the school of engineering. We communicate directly with the Dean’s Office, faculty, Undergraduate Student Affairs, and other staff in order to properly represent all students and engineering student organizations. Additionally, each of our committees – Student Involvement, Faculty Engagement, Corporate Affairs, Community Outreach – as well as our mentorship program and freshman committee, have the purpose of enhancing students’ college experience and providing them with resources they need to be successful. We emphasize personal development in leadership skills, confidence in communication, and a desire to serve the engineering community.

Engineers Without Borders – USA is a volunteer based non-profit organization committed to partnering with developing communities to help meet their basics needs. Engineers Without Borders at UC Irvine is a unique multidisciplinary chapter committed to empowering these communities through leadership, sustainable engineering, public health and various other disciplines.

Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW) is a non-profit organization where undergraduate students can join or start their own hands on project that provides sustainable solutions to the issue of climate change. ESW also hosts professional development events where students can meet alumni, industry professionals and other members that share a common interest in a greener earth. Come out to ESW to learn more about our environment and how we can help make it better!

IEEE Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN) is the international honor society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Our mission is to recognize and prepare future leaders in fields such as electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science and engineering, and computer science. Members consist of students, alumni, and professionals who have demonstrated exceptional academic and professional accomplishments, and are selected on the basis of scholastic standing, character, and leadership.

FUSION exists to provide a community that fosters the personal and professional growth of members through the facets of the field of engineering and Filipino culture. Every year, we organize an engineering project competition to give our members an opportunity to develop a variety of technical and leadership skills. Moreover, we are defined by our workshops, mentorships, internships, fitness, and family programs as they help our members thrive academically and expand their professional and social network.

Global Engineering Brigades is a nonprofit organization that works with undeveloped community members in Honduras to design and build clean and potable water systems. During the school year, GEnB hosts a variety of fundraising events for the annual trip as well as workshops for programs such as Matlab, Solidworks, and EpaNet. GEnB welcomes all backgrounds and majors,  and if you have an interest in underdeveloped communities please email engineeringbrigadesuci@gmail.com for more information!

H2Outreach is a graduate student‐led informal education group, organized and mentored by Water PIRE. These students are developing their own outreach projects under the guidance of Water PIRE. Students are learning about outreach, science education, developing learning and program objectives, group work, executing projects, seeking independent funding, and intra‐ and interdisciplinary collaboration. Though this will be led by Water PIRE graduate students, undergraduate students and students from other schools here at UCI (e.g. biology and education) are encouraged to join to ensure activities developed are well‐rounded and multidisciplinary. If you want to get involved with H2Outreach, please email us at h2outreach@uci.edu. New members are always welcome!

IEEE at UC Irvine is a student organization dedicated to providing students opportunities to gain hands-on experience with projects in preparation for the real-world. Through our organization, students will be able to explore the field of engineering and hone new skills that are fundamental to developing state-of-the-art technology. Our organization is dedicated to helping students become the successful engineer they envision themselves to be so that they can advance technology for humanity in their own passion.

ITE is a student chapter of a national group of transportation engineering professionals. Offering opportunities to meet both professionals and other students, ITE focuses its activities on an annual project with practical applications.

INCOSE‘s mission is to advance the discipline of Systems Engineering through education, networking, and career-building opportunities. As the field continues to grow, they aim to foster a global community and spark interest in Systems Engineering for all.

The Materials Advantage chapter at UCI is supported by ASM, AIST, ACerS, and TMS. MATSCI provides cutting-edge information and networking opportunities to students, faculty, and professionals who are working or interested in materials science engineering.

MAES is the foremost Latino organization for the development of STEM leaders in the academic, executive, and technical communities. We work daily to promote, cultivate, and honor excellence in education and leadership among Latino engineers and scientists.

The NSBE, with almost 6,000 members, is one of the largest student-managed organizations in the country. The Society is dedicated to the realization of a better tomorrow through the development of intensive programs to increase the recruitment, retention, and successful graduation of underrepresented students in engineering and other technical majors.

The student chapter of the National Chemical Engineering Honor Society aims to recognize and promote high scholarship, original investigation, and professional service in chemical engineering.

Phi Sigma Rho is a national social sorority for women in science and engineering/engineering technology. Phi Sigma Rho strives to be the foremost social sorority for women that could partner a rigorous science and/or engineering based curriculum. Our core values are friendship, scholarship, and encouragement, which are reflected in our motto: “Together we build the future.”

The mechanical engineering honor society, Pi Tau Sigma is committed to recognizing those of high achievement. The aim of the organization is to develop the complete engineering student through academic and social activities.

SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

The Society of Women Engineers is a national organization founded in 1950 to provide a safe and supportive community of women engineers. We strive to provide resources to empower women and allow them to achieve their full potential in their work as leaders. We hope to expand the image of the engineering and tech fields as a positive force in improving the quality of life by demonstrating the value of diversity and inclusion.

The UCI student chapter of SEAOSC introduces students to the field of structural engineering through tours, speakers, and SEAOSC dinners with professional members of the organization.

Tau Beta Pi is the oldest national engineering society and the second oldest collegiate honor society in the country. Our chapter focuses on developing well-rounded skills, preparing members for their careers, and giving back to the community. When eligible, candidates will receive an invitation during the beginning of fall or spring quarter. Come talk to us to get to know more!

Theta Tau, the only Co-Ed Professional Engineering Fraternity at UCI, our three pillars of excellence are: Professionalism, Service, and Brotherhood. The purpose of Theta Tau is to Develop and maintain a high standard of professional interest among its members, and to unite them in a strong bond of fraternal fellowship. We hope to see you at our rush events during the Fall and Spring quarters.

UCI Engineering Alumni Society is a fun and ambitious group that strives to bring professional, community, and social engagement to that betters the society and all those we affect. We have a wide array of events to involve the family or take a break from work.

UCI Triangle is a fraternity where analytically-minded men can bind together to foster honor, friendship, brotherhood, stability and character.