Nikolas Chupkin: Outstanding Senior in Biological Systems Engineering

With an initial interest in genetic engineering and biotechnology, Nikolas Chupkin started at UC Davis in biomedical engineering. Once he began his coursework, however, he realized he loved the math, physics and problem-solving side of bioengineering, but wasn’t interested in its medical applications.  

Instead, he found himself increasingly drawn toward questions involving land, agriculture and the environment.  

“So, I switched my major to biological systems engineering,” he said. “Since then, I haven’t looked back.” 

That shift ultimately led Chupkin toward work centered on sustainability and circular economy research — interests that came together during his senior capstone project. 

Chupkin and his team designed a bioreactor for converting cheese waste byproducts into biodegradable plastics. The project challenged him to apply technical and analytical skills to a real-world environmental problem while balancing the demands of large-scale teamwork. 

“Not only was I able to contribute to meaningful research in sustainable bioprocessing, but I also improved my skills in teamwork, project management, critical thinking and innovation,” he said. 

His team’s design was a meaningful contribution to sustainable bioprocessing research at UC Davis. For Chupkin, the process improved his applied engineering skills, as well as, perhaps most importantly, his ability to collaborate more effectively. 

“Working in a big team, I gradually learned how to relinquish control to make way for mutual responsibility,” he said. 

Research also became a defining part of Chupkin’s experience at UC Davis through two years of undergraduate work with Juliana de Moura Bell, an associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering. Bell made Chupkin feel supported as both a researcher and an individual, showing him and his classmates patience and care, even bringing coffee and bagels to the final.  

“I grew as a scientist under her mentorship while building a personal relationship with her,” Chupkin said. “I see Professor Bell as a formative figure in my career as a researcher and will always consider her a friend.” 

Looking back, Chupkin wishes he had focused less on academics. Not “slacked off,” but that he had made time and space for growing more personal relationships. It was something he made time for later, during his senior year, when he grew close with classmates in the biological systems engineering program through study sessions, trips and spontaneous outings. 

“Those are some of the best memories from my college experience,” he said. “Sometimes, the way to make the most of your academic experience is to dial it down. 

Chupkin also encourages incoming engineering students to remain open to unexpected paths — advice shaped by his own experience changing disciplines. 

“You may find you’re interested in a field you haven’t considered,” he said. 

Chupkin will continue his academic journey at Purdue University, where he will pursue a Ph.D. in agricultural and biological engineering focused on sustainable bioprocessing and circular economy research. 

For Chupkin, engineering was never a perfectly mapped-out destination. It was something discovered gradually — through curiosity, experimentation and finding the place where his interests truly aligned. 

Generative AI tools were used to assist in organizing and drafting this Outstanding Senior Spotlight using responses from a student-submitted questionnaire. In alignment with the University of California Responsible AI Principles, human members of UC Davis College of Engineering communications staff reviewed, revised, fact-checked and approved the final story to ensure accuracy and authentically reflect the student’s experiences and achievements.