Gregory Washington joined The Henry Samueli School of Engineering as Dean in August 2011. He instituted a popular freshman experiential learning program that gives engineering students a taste of real-world product development. In 2015, he chaired UCI’s Task Force on Ensuring a Positive Climate for the Campus’s African American Community. A professor of mechanical engineering, he investigates smart material systems, smart electromagnetic systems and hybrid electric vehicles. Washington holds his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University.