Building the Next Chapter: IEE 3.0 Strengthens Leadership for an Ambitious Future
The Institute for Energy Efficiency (IEE) at UC Santa Barbara is building its next chapter.
Under the direction of Director Steven DenBaars, IEE is moving forward with IEE 3.0—an expanded vision for how the institute can bring people, ideas, and expertise together to tackle some of the most pressing energy challenges ahead.
Over the past year, that vision has taken shape in important ways. The integration of the Solid State Lighting and Energy Electronics Center (SSLEEC) has expanded IEE’s community, while the growth of IEE’s research portfolio from three areas to six is creating new opportunities to connect work across engineering, the physical sciences, computing, policy, and other disciplines.
Now, IEE is strengthening its leadership team to support that growth.
Professor Galan Moody has been appointed Associate Director for Research. Bringing expertise in quantum photonics and interdisciplinary research, Moody will help shape IEE’s research agenda, foster collaboration across its research themes, and create new opportunities for faculty through programs such as the IEE Research Seed and Software Impact Seed programs.
Jenna Craig has been promoted to Managing Director, reflecting her expanded role in leading the operations and infrastructure behind IEE’s growing programs. Craig has helped build the systems and partnerships that support IEE faculty, research initiatives, industry engagement, events, and day-to-day operations. In her new role, she will work closely with DenBaars and the leadership team to turn IEE’s vision into action.
IEE is also welcoming Debra Herrick as Associate Director for Corporate & Public Affairs. Herrick joins IEE from UC Santa Barbara’s Office of Public Affairs & Communications, where she served as associate editorial director. With a background in strategic communications, storytelling, media relations, and public engagement, she will help IEE build stronger connections with industry, government, campus partners, alumni, and the broader community—and share the stories behind the research and people driving IEE forward.
“We have an opportunity to think bigger about what an institute like IEE can do,” DenBaars said. “Our goal is to create an environment where researchers from different disciplines can collaborate, where industry can engage with the university in meaningful ways, and where promising technologies can move more quickly toward impact.”
That collaborative approach will be at the heart of IEE’s work this new fiscal year, and the years ahead. Artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced electronics, energy storage, photonics, and energy policy are increasingly connected—and addressing these challenges will require bringing those perspectives together.
For IEE, the next chapter is about building on what is already working, creating new connections, and giving great ideas more opportunities to grow.