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Message from the Dean, 2026

Hanna Nordwall — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:48:58 +0000

Message from the Dean, 2026 Hanna Nordwall Fri, 05/22/2026 - 10:48

Dear CU Engineering alumni and friends,

The upside to facing a challenging year as an organization is learning what can be accomplished when you hold firm to your mission and values. Over the past year, the College of Engineering and Applied Science has continued to make strides in student retention and belonging, as well as in our research and innovation endeavors. I can’t wait to share them with you in this edition of CU Engineering magazine.

Many of the strides we’ve made wouldn’t be possible without the support of our alumni community. I appreciate each and every one of you who engaged with the college this year, whether it was through volunteering your time, attending an event or providing financial support. If receiving this magazine is your annual touchpoint with us, I hope you see something in this edition that inspires you to renew or take the next step in your engagement.

Inclusion: Thanks to a very generous gift from the Campos Foundation, the BOLD Center – now the Campos Student Center – is even better positioned to build community and provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

Education: We launched a new master’s degree in sustainable engineering to meet worldwide demand for engineers who can lead the transition to resilient energy and water systems, sustainable infrastructure and climate solutions. The degree is a joint venture with the Leeds School of Business and the College of Arts & Sciences — one we hope will build momentum for the joint undergraduate degree we’re developing. Read one alumna’s story of how business education contributed to her engineering career success.

Research and Innovation: Our research continues to have a major impact on Colorado and the nation. Learn about our efforts in sustainable battery technology, flood prediction and more throughout this edition. Our research expenditures have remained strong, and our faculty and students continue to commercialize their innovations for even greater impact. Read now about one of those commercialization success stories.

We also got a chance to showcase our research strengths this spring when we hosted a National Academy of Engineering Regional Meeting and Symposium, which focused on the exciting convergence of quantum technologies and space applications. We welcomed attendees from across academia and industry, and it was fantastic to watch our leaders step into a national spotlight.

All of our hard work this year is reflected in our national rankings. In the latest U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate School rankings, we were recognized as a top 10 public engineering college, and nearly all of our graduate degrees were ranked in the top 20. I hope that makes you even more proud to be a CU Engineering alum. Thank you for being a valued member of our community – ‘sko Buffs!

Keith Molenaar
Dean

Dean Keith Molenaar reflects on the year and the strides made at ��ñ��.

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News & Noteworthy

Hanna Nordwall — Fri, 15 May 2026 20:44:46 +0000

News & Noteworthy Hanna Nordwall Fri, 05/15/2026 - 14:44

CU Engineering hosts NAE Quantum & Space Symposium

��ñ��’s College of Engineering and Applied Science hosted the National Academy of Engineering’s Regional Meeting & Symposium, which focused on the convergence of quantum technologies and space applications. Participants discussed technical pathways for space deployment, implications for satellite architectures and national security applications and shared insights on accelerating the transition from laboratory prototypes to mission-ready systems. The program leveraged Colorado’s interconnected ecosystem of academic quantum and aerospace research, national laboratories, and commercial quantum, space and technology partners to facilitate technical exchange across academia, government and industry on this emerging frontier.

Clockwise from top: NAE Symposium hosts and special guests, from left, Hanspeter Schaub, Scott Diddams, Dana Anderson, Tsu-Jae Liu and Keith Molenaar; ��ñ�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz greets an attendee; aerospace PhD student Zack Funke explains his research during the poster session.

Scott Diddams

Diddams, Schaub elected to NAE

Hanspeter Schaub

Two CU Engineering faculty members were elected to the 2025 class of the National Academy of Engineering.

Scott Diddams is a professor and Robert H. Davis Endowed Chair in Discovery Learning in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering. He is also affiliated with the Department of Physics and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions in optical frequency combs and their applications.

Hanspeter Schaub is a distinguished professor and chair of the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. A leader in the field of astrodynamics and spacecraft control, his research has advanced theoretical and practical understanding of spacecraft operations.

Diddams and Schaub were among 128 new U.S. members and 21 international members in the class of 2025.

Degrees launched in AI, sustainable engineering

CU Engineering has launched two master’s programs designed to meet industry demand in key areas of national importance.

A Master of Science in artificial intelligence is now available both online and in-person (starting fall 2027), making ��ñ�� one of only a handful of universities offering a master’s degree in AI. The core curriculum addresses a breadth of areas central to AI engineering expertise, including machine learning, statistical learning, natural language processing and ethics.

The Master of Science in sustainable engineering represents a new model of cross-college collaboration at ��ñ��, uniting expertise from business, engineering and the natural sciences to prepare students for the global demand for sustainability jobs. The nine-month program features an integrated 15-credit core with students from ��ñ��’s MS in Sustainable Business, as well as engineering-focused electives and a capstone project with real-world partners in industry or government.

Astronaut Candidate and U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Erin Overcash. Photo credit: NASA

Alum tapped as NASA astronaut candidate

In September, Erin Overcash (AeroEngr'14, MS'17) reported for duty as part of NASA's 2025 astronaut candidate class. In addition to her ��ñ�� degrees, she attended U.S. Navy flight school and has logged more than 1,300 hours of flight in a variety of aircraft, according to her astronaut profile.

During her time at ��ñ��, Overcash competed in track and field in the pentathlon, hurdles and high jump, among other events. She went on to train with the USA Rugby Women's National Team and has also competed in Ironman Triathlon events.

Marcus Holzinger
Hatfield Endowed Professor

Professorship established in space policy & law

��ñ�� donors Dale and Patricia Hatfield have given $2.5 million to establish the Hatfield Endowed Professorship in Space Policy & Law.

Underscoring the university’s commitment to leadership in this fast-evolving field, the professorship will drive teaching and research on space policy and law, with broad implications for national security, global communications, navigation, weather forecasting and international collaboration.

This interdisciplinary position will rotate every two years between the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the Leeds School of Business and Silicon Flatirons, supporting faculty whose teaching and research advance this work. Professor Marcus J. Holzinger of the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences is the inaugural Hatfield Endowed Professor, bringing expertise in space policy, domain awareness, development and strategy.

New book addresses engineering student wellness

As Counseling and Psychiatric Services therapists embedded in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Audrey Gilfillan and Alison West have more than eight years of combined experience supporting engineering students.

They recently harnessed that experience to co-author Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer’s Guide to Thoughts and Emotions, which tackles common challenges faced by engineering students, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, self-criticism, loneliness, emotional suppression, rumination and uncertainty.

“Engineers have inspired us to rethink how we approach mental health — but the content itself offers value to many people, not just engineers,” West said. “Anyone who sees the world through an analytical, logical lens can gain value from this book.”

Jay Arehart
Assistant Teaching Professor

Symposium tackles embodied carbon reduction practices and materials

��ñ��’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the Structural Engineering Institute co-hosted a summer symposium focused on advancing the structural engineering profession toward zero carbon.

The event, which drew 166 participants from 65 companies, marked an industry-wide step toward cutting emissions tied to building materials like steel and concrete, said faculty member and event organizer Jay Arehart.

The event explored design practices and materials that reduce embodied carbon — the greenhouse gases emitted during the production, transport and disposal of building materials. Arehart said he believed it was the largest gathering to date of structural engineers focused on embodied carbon reductions.

CU President Todd Saliman, left, with Amy Moreno-Sherwood

Inclusivity champion wins CU System award

Amy Moreno-Sherwood, senior director of the Campos Student Center (formerly the BOLD Center), was the recipient of the 2025 President’s Inclusive Excellence Award. The award is one of the university’s highest honors for individuals who go above and beyond to build inclusive and empowering communities.

Dean Keith Molenaar said Moreno-Sherwood’s unwavering commitment has profoundly impacted the college community. “Amy’s leadership of the Campos Student Center has elevated efforts to support engineering students of all backgrounds,” Molenaar said.

“Amy’s dedication and innovative approach are truly inspiring. Her recognition with the President’s Inclusive Excellence Award is a testament to her exceptional contributions.”

Learn what events and innovations have been taking place in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

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Discovery could lead to longer-lasting EV batteries, hasten energy transition

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:10:46 +0000

Discovery could lead to longer-lasting EV batteries, hasten energy transition Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:10

Batteries degrade over time, which is why older phones lose power faster. An international team led by Professor Mike Toney has uncovered the cause of this degradation, paving the way for improved batteries that could extend the range of electric vehicles and advance clean energy storage.

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High-energy laser weapons: How they work, what they are used for

Anonymous — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 19:58:40 +0000

High-energy laser weapons: How they work, what they are used for Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/08/2024 - 12:58

Militaries around the world are rapidly developing science fiction-like laser weapons, motivated in part by the growing threat from swarms of drones. Read from CU defense expert Iain Boyd on the Conversation.

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Scientists develop faster, cheaper way to count microbes, discover new antibiotics

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 22:27:54 +0000

Scientists develop faster, cheaper way to count microbes, discover new antibiotics Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/09/2023 - 15:27

Researchers from ��ñ��'s Chemical and Biological Engineering have introduced a groundbreaking method for rapidly counting microorganisms, reducing plastic waste, costs, and carbon footprint in biomedical research. This innovation, detailed in the journal Nature Microbiology, promises to expedite microbiology experiments, facilitating quicker infection diagnoses and antibiotic testing, especially crucial amid global concerns over antibiotic resistance.

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Integrated Teaching & Learning Program offers first college micro-credential

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Integrated Teaching & Learning Program offers first college micro-credential Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 04/29/2022 - 00:00

Elsiana Kaelika Cruz

��ñ�� students can now expand their skillset with the latest Arduino knowledge – something in high demand in today’s job market.

The Integrated Teaching & Learning Program (ITLP) at the College of Engineering and Applied Science has launched the first micro-credential that focuses on technical content. Their goal with the new Arduino micro-credential program is to serve students looking to improve their proficiency with Arduino microcontrollers.

The Arduino micro-credential consists of six workshops, which include Arduino introduction, motion, communication, miniaturization, electronics introduction, and soldering. The program provides a way to recognize and document the acquisition of specific skills and competencies students will gain from all Arduino and electronics skill-building workshops. Linking the content of all six workshops together allows the student to explore innovative design paths and justify their design decisions.

“In order to become and stay ProReady in the engineering and applied science job market, students with an earned degree must seek continuing education and training to stay technically relevant,” said Ben Weihrauch, senior director of student professional development. “Earning micro-credentials through CU Engineering, such as Arduino, is a great way to be technically current and augment your degree to be more appealing to an employer.”

Upon successful completion of the Arduino micro-credential program, students will receive a digital badge with achievements of the program's requirements and learning objectives. This endorsement will display the student’s capability of combining and applying knowledge of Arduino, micro-controller, circuits, and electro-mechanical systems. The micro-credential will also serve as evidence that the student is able to optimize the implementation of an Arduino into robust, robotic systems.

Josh Miller is a mechanical engineering student and the first to enroll in the ITLP Arduino micro-credential. “The program has supplemented my academic journey. Being able to build circuits and understand resistor code has made me a valuable teammate in my subsequent circuits class in mechanical engineering. It was a great feeling to be the one in class helping others because of the knowledge I had acquired through the Micro-credential program,” said Miller.

The ITLP’s mission is to provide curriculum and support for hands-on engineering education across all engineering disciplines. They offer project consultation and engineering learning to all students. The team is prepared to support up to 10 students for the Arduino micro-credential program’s premiere semester.

For more information about the Arduino micro-credential, please contact ITLP Senior Engineering Project Consultant Lauren Darling via email or schedule an appointment. Visit the ITLP website for additional skill-building workshops and to check out their facilities.

The Integrated Teaching & Learning Program launched the first micro-credential that focuses on technical content. The new Arduino micro-credential program will serve students looking to improve their proficiency with Arduino microcontrollers.

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Engineering residential community coming to Williams Village in 2023

Anonymous — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 17:52:47 +0000

Engineering residential community coming to Williams Village in 2023 Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/13/2021 - 10:52

The engineering residential community will be a holistic residential academic experience for all of our first-year students, in partnership with Student Affairs and other campus partners.

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First Generation Stories: Keith Molenaar

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 20:46:45 +0000

First Generation Stories: Keith Molenaar Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/25/2021 - 14:46

Bella Colosimo

[video:https://youtu.be/043L6uBva9o]

Keith Molenaar is a first-generation college graduate, meaning he was the first in his family to complete a four-year degree. He is also the K. Stanton Lewis Professor of Construction Engineering and Management in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the acting dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Keith Molenaar

Molenaar was always a scholar, and his family encouraged him to pursue his studies past high school. However, the weight of being the first in his family to attend college added extra pressure to his experience.

“My family truly inspired me,” he said, “but it felt a little overwhelming at times.”

Molenaar’s path through the university didn’t start in a traditional way.

“I didn’t just end up here at CU as an undergraduate. Actually, I had a little bit of uncertainty and didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do,” he said. “With that pressure from my family, I did pursue school but went to junior colleges to start.”

Through junior college, Molenaar got the opportunity to explore his other interests, including photography and soccer.

“I needed that space. I needed to work through the different things I was exploring,” he reminisced. “If it wasn’t for that, I would’ve never found my path to Boulder or found my way to architectural engineering.”

When Molenaar made the decision to move to Boulder on his 21st birthday, it was the first time he had lived away from his family in Chicago. Eager to find his place at CU, Molenaar joined the club soccer team, participated in group study sessions, and found a part-time job at a restaurant, where he also met his future wife.

The support he found in his friends and colleagues played a major role in his success in college, which is something he wishes all first-generation students find at CU.

“I hope that first-generation students know they have something to offer and can learn to make offers,” he said. “Everybody has something to give, more than you probably realize.”

There are many communities on campus that foster belonging, among them the Broadening Opportunity through Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Center.

“The BOLD Center is a place to be, a place to become,” Molenaar said. “And I think the students that participate here make an impact on all the college.”

Molenaar said he wanted to let students know that lacking confidence in the journey through college is a common struggle in first-generation students “To overcome is being resilient, he said. “You aren’t alone.”

Bella Colosimo is a second-year graduate student in Creative Technology and Design who assists with first-generation student inclusion efforts in the college.

Keith Molenaar is a first-generation college graduate and the acting dean of the College of Engineering and Applied science. His journey through college relied on the encouragement of his parents and the friends who supported him.

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It takes a hive: community volunteers in honey bee research

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:58:33 +0000

It takes a hive: community volunteers in honey bee research Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 07/08/2021 - 12:58

Grace Wilson

Two high school students, Charlotte Gorgemans, who just graduated from Boulder High School and April Tong, now a senior at Fairview High School, have both been volunteering at the Peleg lab, an intersection of the Department of Computer Science and the BioFrontiers Institute at the ��ñ�� regularly for over two years.

Led by Orit Peleg, an assistant professor in the computer science department, the team seeks to understand the behavior of disordered living systems, including honeybees and fireflies, by merging tools from physics, biology, engineering and computer science.

The students' work with the lab has led them to submit projects to several science fairs to great success, and benefit the lab's research through their involvement and curiosity.

A Collaborative Process

Golnar Gharooni Fard is a PhD student and member of the Peleg lab co-advised by Peleg and Elizabeth Bradley, a professor with joint appointments in computer science and electrical and computer engineering. She also serves as a mentor for community volunteers.

Thinking about Fard, Bradley and Peleg appreciate her deeply. "she a remarkable young scientist — driven, perceptive, smart, broadly trained, and a deep thinker. Her character is reflected in her mentoring and dedication to training the next generation of scientists." Peleg said.

Fard sees the research process as a collaborative one between the researchers and the hives.

"There is a feedback loop between researchers at one end and then these living organisms at the other end. We really owe a lot of our lives and our food to these small creatures," she said.

This spirit of mutual give and take is also apparent in the lab's inclusion of community researchers.

Experimental Curiosity

Charlotte Gorgemans decided to connect with the Biofrontiers institute two years ago. She was fascinated by the work they were doing, and wanted to understand what a path to research at the undergraduate and graduate level would actually look like.

"I am very grateful for the guidance I've received, as this mentorship from CU helped me find my path in computer science," Gorgemans said.

She started attending lab meetings regularly, and asked questions she gathered from the lab's experiments.

Gorgemans, according to Fard, is always curious and active, asking great questions and trying to learn more. With Fard's mentorship, she began to focus on how food is shared in a colony.

Bees need to share food, but if the food is unhealthy, there is research that suggests the hive will take steps to reduce the number of other bees they interact with. Fard saw that Gorgemans was interested in how models could be used to explain the experimental data she was seeing.

For her experiment – titled Modeling and Analysis of the Impact of Unhealthy Food on the Honeybee Colony Health – Gorgemans won second place in the BVSD Regional Science Fair' Behavioral Sciences track and received the Ralph Desch Memorial Technical Writing Award from the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair.

In the fall, she starts her Computer Science degree at ��ñ��.

Building Model Behavior

April Tong, now a Senior at Fairview High School, started her journey with the BioFrontiers institute through the CU Science Discovery program, which pairs high school students with researchers.

"I thought it was so cool that, as the lab, we could watch the bees go around and then use computer science to analyze their paths, like what turn angles they use, which normally you wouldn't think of," Tong said.

When the program was over, she asked if there was any way she could continue volunteering. Fard agreed to mentor her. Through her continued involvement with the lab, Tong became interested in the process of modeling itself and its applications across disciplines, including swarm robotics.

Tong "focused on the modeling side. She started learning the agent-based programming language that we actually use, which is not easy,” Fard said. “She started taking classes and ended up writing parts of our code for us."

Tong's experiment – titled Exploring the Clustering Function in the Western Honey Bee for Enhancing the Rate of Liquid Food Exchange and its Applications in Swarm Robotics – received third place in the BVSD Regional Science Fair, and a special award from the Society for In Vitro Biology.

Fresh Perspectives

Fard believes in the power of community volunteers both for the lab and for the students.

"What I really like about working with high school students is that they look at the problem with a very fresh perspective. The moment they think of something to ask, that's what I want to hear." Fard said.

Because the students are not yet subject-area experts, they can think through a question without immediately jumping to the tools or existing research. This openness can lead to a fresh question outside of the sometimes intensely entangled world of academia.

Both Gorgemans and Tong were deeply grateful to Fard, Peleg and Bradley for their time and respect. They felt their involvement in the lab mattered and appreciated the skills the Peleg lab helped them acquire.

Fard also appreciates seeing those skills building.

"After working with these volunteers for two years, I can see the impacts of their involvement with the lab in the way they think. It's a small amount of time for the mentor, but I see a huge impact on the students."

Two high school students have both been volunteering at the Peleg lab regularly for over two years. The students' work with the lab has led them to submit projects to several science fairs to great success, and benefit the lab's research through their involvement and curiosity.

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