The Microfluidics Lab and Innovation Workshop are run primarily by the lab manager and the Workshop Wizards – undergraduate staff that assist with training, user-submitted jobs, lab maintenance, and more.

Bio: Brian Dincau graduated from UC Davis in 2012 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He then worked as an engineer in the semiconductor and kitchen HVAC industries for several years before returning to school. He completed his Master's at WSU Vancouver in 2018, and then his Ph.D. at UC Santa Barbara in 2022. His research was highly experimental, with an emphasis on using multiphase microfluidic platforms. He began managing the Innovation Workshop and Microfluidics Lab in July of 2022.

Hobbies & Interests Brian enjoys the tangible and creative aspects of cooking. When he finds time, he may be seen rollerblading around the UCSB campus on his lunch break around noon. In order to maintain his vision for small details and finger dexterity, he likes to occasionally build scale models, usually of Gundams or other mecha/sci-fi creations. He also maintains and drives a 1:24 scale RC rock crawler.

Brian is a firm believer that education is the most critical aspect in building an equitable, cohesive society. In particular, understanding how common everyday items function and learning to make/repair them is essential in fostering a community of creators (rather than consumers).

bdincau@ucsb.edu | (805) 724-0426‬ | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Yanis is a sophomore mechanical engineering student at UC Santa Barbara with a strong interest in robotics and aerospace. He started working as a workshop wizard in Summer 2023.

yanis@ucsb.edu | LinkedIn

Bio: Colin is a mechanical engineering undergraduate at UC Santa Barbara. Colin is proficient in SolidWorks, Fusion360, and SketchUp. He has experience with drill presses, bandsaws, table saws, Miter saws, Lathes 3D printers, and laser cutters. Colin maintained EV chargers as an intern at Shell Recharge solutions. He is a powertrain member of UCSB's FSAE electric team Gaucho Racing, where he uses CAD and Ansys to design and simulate a drivetrain system.

Hobbies & Interests Colin enjoys 3D printing, Video games, Legos, and Star Wars.

ckwok520@ucsb.edu | Design Portfolio | LinkedIn

Rachel is a third year mechanical engineering major with a music minor. She has some background with chassis and suspension design and with product design for factory lines.

At school, Rachel has participated in ASME and FSAE, and she has worked as a bike mechanic at the AS Bike Shop. Outside of work, she likes crocheting, baking, and tending to her small vegetable garden. She is also a Minesweeper enthusiast and is working towards beating the expert level world record.

rylin@ucsb.edu | Linkedin

Haley is our senior wizard. She will be graduating from UCSB with a BS in mechanical engineering this spring. She hopes to continue to work with submersibles in support of oceanographic research.

Outside of school, Haley enjoys scuba diving, hiking, camping, and reading.

haleyholcomb@ucsb.edu | Linkedin | Portfolio