Nobel Prizes:
- Walter Kohn (Chemistry, 1998): Kohn received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his development of the density functional theory, a method used to study the electronic structure of atoms, molecules, and solids.
- Herbert Kroemer (Physics, 2000): Kroemer shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on semiconductor heterostructures, which led to the development of high-speed transistors and lasers.
MacArthur Fellowships (Genius Grants):
- James C. Liao (2002): Liao received the MacArthur Fellowship for his work in metabolic engineering, which involves redesigning cellular pathways to produce desired chemicals and fuels.
- Suzanne Simard (2018): Simard received the MacArthur Fellowship for her research on the underground communication and resource sharing among trees in forest ecosystems.
National Medal of Science:
- Shu Chien (2002): Chien received the National Medal of Science for his contributions to the field of bioengineering, particularly his studies on blood flow and cardiovascular disease.
- Craig Hawker (2021): Hawker received the National Medal of Science for his contributions to the field of polymer chemistry, particularly his development of new materials for drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Pritzker Architecture Prize:
- Thom Mayne (2005): Mayne, a professor of architecture at UCSB, received the Pritzker Architecture Prize for his work on innovative and sustainable building designs, including the San Francisco Federal Building and the University of Toronto's Student Union.
Pulitzer Prizes:
- James Carroll (History, 2002): Carroll received the Pulitzer Prize in History for his book "Constantine's Sword," which explores the role of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
- Jeffrey Eugenides (Fiction, 2003): Eugenides, a professor of English at UCSB, received the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction for his novel "Middlesex," which tells the story of a Greek-American family in Detroit.
Academy Awards (Oscars):
- "The Present" (Best Live Action Short Film, 2021): The short film, co-produced by UCSB alumni Farah Nabulsi and Ossama Bawardi, tells the story of a young Palestinian boy who encounters an Israeli soldier at a military checkpoint.
These awards and prizes reflect UCSB's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and creative endeavors across various disciplines. The university continues to foster an environment that encourages innovation, discovery, and societal impact.