Faculty News

Professor featured in Colorado Environmental Film Festival documentary

sugl6437 — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 20:53:09 +0000

Professor featured in Colorado Environmental Film Festival documentary sugl6437 Fri, 02/13/2026 - 13:53

Susan Glairon

“Women of Carbon,” a documentary featuring Mija Hubler, associate professor of structural engineering and structural mechanics, was selected as the opening night film for the Colorado Environmental Film Festival in Golden. The film highlights women transforming the construction industry through sustainable innovation, decarbonization and green technology.

Hubler’s research interests include aging of construction materials, concrete infrastructure design and construction methods and the design of alternative construction materials from biological elements and engineered waste materials. She is a co-founder of Prometheus Materials, a bio-cement start-up in Longmont, Colorado.

Tell us about “Women of Carbon.

The main three points the film addresses are decarbonization, human health and economic opportunity. The focus is on efforts to decarbonize the construction materials and the motivations behind that work. It explores why a number of women are leading efforts to address these challenges.

How did you become involved in this documentary?

The documentary was Director Basia (Myszynski)’s idea. She contacted me and asked to visit our labs. She interviewed me twice—once when she started the project and then a year later, after she interviewed others in the industry. The second time she interviewed me, we met in Longmont, and I showed her around our startup Prometheus so that she could see the technology we developed.

Tell us about the research you described in the film.

Portland cement is the most common type of cement used in construction. Its production requires a lot of energy and releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the environment.

"I never thought actually I would be a woman of carbon," said Associate Professor Mija Hubler. "I always dreamed of big bridges and towers, only to realize that in the future we're not going to be building any bigger bridges or towers, unless we embrace this challenge of carbon all around us."

In the documentary, I talk about two of my research efforts. The first is a new bio-based cement that we developed through Prometheus Materials. It’s a carbon-negative cement which combines microalgae with natural binders to create a sustainable alternative to standard concrete.

I also sketched out a second project that uses a different type of bacteria; this bacteria repairs concrete by sealing cracks. At the time the documentary was being made, the technology was just a vision. Since then, we won the С�� Boulder Embark Challenge for that product and are now launching a new company focused on bringing it to market.

What drives your passion for your research?

I've seen incremental evolutions in concrete technology and alternative cements. The biological approach is a significantly new step. It may be harder for industry to embrace, but it could have a much larger impact on this industry’s carbon footprint. And it can also maintain our existing infrastructure because it could be used to repair the cracks in old concrete.

Why did you participate in this documentary?

It’s an interesting idea to feature women decarbonizing construction materials. Structural engineering, which is what I study, historically was male-dominated. In some of my undergraduate courses, I was the only woman. But as the field included more materials research, it's become a more diverse field.

I also found this project interesting because the documentary format was completely different from the type of media I was used to. It wasn't a research paper. And it turned out to be a big deal! It's the centerpiece of this festival.

What was the most exciting part about being included in this documentary?

I flew to Portland, Oregon, with my family for the Aug. 14, 2025, opening night. At that point, I hadn't seen the film, and I was really impressed.

If you go

What: “Women of Carbon,” opening night film for the Colorado Environmental Film Festival, features Mija Hubler, associate professor of structural engineering and structural mechanics. Hubler will also participate in a post-film discussion.

When: Feb. 20, 7 p.m.

Where: Bunker Auditorium @ Green Center, Colorado School of Mines, Golden

Tickets: $15-$25, purchase tickets.

Watch the trailer
More information

Watching the documentary together was a way to share my research with my family in a way that I can't usually do. It was also exciting to sit in the audience. There were high schoolers around me chatting after the movie, saying, "Oh, maybe we could study this."

Your daughter was in the documentary. What did she think about it?

My daughter is now 9. When she saw it a year ago, she was very excited. She told all her friends she was going to be a movie star. The topics were a little bit over her head. But she loved being in it.

What do you hope viewers take away?

I hope high school students take with them the hope and passion for civil engineering. I hope that everyone sees that there's a lot of potential to advance the construction field. We can pursue new construction in a more sustainable way while maintaining existing structures.

I'm excited to show the film to my friends, family and the community because it feels like the first time I can share my research with them. The documentary gives me a new way to communicate with them about what I do.

“Women of Carbon,” featuring Associate Professor Mija Hubler, opens the Colorado Environmental Film Festival in Golden on Feb. 20. The documentary highlights women reshaping construction through sustainable innovation and decarbonization.

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Karl Linden recognized as Distinguished Professor at campus ceremony

sugl6437 — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:39:49 +0000

Karl Linden recognized as Distinguished Professor at campus ceremony sugl6437 Mon, 02/09/2026 - 04:39

Susan Glairon

Karl Linden, chair of С�� Boulder’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the Mortenson Professor in Sustainable Development, has been named a Distinguished Professor, the highest faculty honor awarded on the С�� system’s four campuses. The recognition was presented to Linden and five others by Chancellor Justin Schwartz at the University of Colorado Board of Regents meeting on Feb. 6.

“When I came to С�� Boulder 20 years ago, I was attracted by the collaborative spirit, focus on environmental sustainability and the amazing students this university was able to attract,” Linden said. “The colleagues I have been able to work with, the support from administrators and the creative and aspirational students that I have been able to mentor, have all enabled my successes. Being named a Distinguished Professor is a direct result of the incredible people I have been able to work with in Colorado.”

С�� Distinguished Professors are tenured faculty members who demonstrate exemplary performance in research or creative work; a record of excellence in promoting learning and student attainment of knowledge and skills; and outstanding service to the profession, the university and its affiliates. Including this year’s seven honorees, only 160 Distinguished Professors have been named since the title’s establishment in 1977.

Advancing the field

Linden’s career has focused on innovative ways to improve water quality and water treatment. He’s known as an expert in ultraviolet light disinfection systems, now used by many municipal water systems.

He currently serves on the World Health Organization (WHO) Water Quality Technical Advisory Group. As a faculty member, he has taught hundreds of students in water and wastewater treatment, water and sanitation in developing communities, and graduate courses in water reuse and advanced treatment. He has authored more than 260 technical papers and has been honored with many high profile awards, too numerous to mention them all.

In 2023, Linden was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International UV Association (IUVA) World Congress, hosted in Dubai. During the event, the IUVA president called upon those who have worked with Linden, been his student or read his papers to stand.

"It was one of the sweetest moments of my career," Linden said at the time. “Almost the whole room was standing. It was overwhelming and humbling."

Most recently, he received the American Water Works Association’s 2025 A.P. Black Research Award, which honors outstanding contributions to water science and supply, and appeared on the cover of the organization’s journal.

Linden has also been recognized as an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) “for distinguished contributions to the field of water treatment engineering, particularly for using ultraviolet light for pathogen disinfection and abatement of organic contaminants in water reuse.” During a Fulbright fellowship, he researched solutions to water pollution in rural and First Nations communities in Nova Scotia, focusing on the water quality challenges faced by those living in remote areas, including those without reliable access to safe running water or conventional sanitation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Linden and his researchers identified a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light that is effective at killing the virus and is safe for use in public places like concert halls and airports.

In 2020, he won the Borchardt-Glysson Water Treatment Innovation Prize and was named the Clarke Prize Laureate for outstanding achievement in water science and technology. In 2014, he was named the Water Reuse Foundation Person of the Year.

Early inspiration and education

Linden grew up in New York City. After being exposed to the environmental sciences in middle school, he decided to pursue a degree through Cornell University’s environmental engineering program in the College of Agriculture and Biological Engineering. While there, he learned how to drive a tractor and spread manure, which he said was “quite unique for a New York City kid.”

Linden left Cornell midway, not seeing the connection between his math and physics classes and his desire to protect the environment. Several years later, a serendipitous reading of a New York Times article about a Cornell professor, Bill Jewell, who purified water by growing plants in a constructed wetland, brought him back to Cornell. Inspired by Jewell’s class in biological waste management and a research position in his lab, Linden went on to work for one of the lab’s spinoff companies before pursuing a master’s degree and a PhD on UV disinfection at the University of California Davis. Before coming to Colorado, he was a professor at University of North Carolina Charlotte and Duke University.

“I think a lot about the people and places that have influenced my career and set me up for success and greatly honor my past mentors,” Linden said. “The greatest testament to my successes is not how many publications or projects I have been a part of but the extent to which I have enabled the success of others–my colleagues and students–and to set them up to do great things for protecting public health and the environment. “

Karl Linden was presented with the С�� system’s highest faculty honor, Distinguished Professor, on Feb. 6. A pioneer in ultraviolet water treatment and a dedicated educator and mentor, he has advanced both water quality innovation and student success.

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Cresten Mansfeldt, a SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education faculty fellow

sugl6437 — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:30:31 +0000

Cresten Mansfeldt, a SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education faculty fellow sugl6437 Fri, 01/30/2026 - 10:30

Assistant Professor Cresten Mansfeldt has been selected as an inaugural SPIKE Faculty Fellow, part of a new С�� Boulder initiative to expand and strengthen sustainability education across campus. The 13 fellows will help lead faculty training, contribute to university-wide sustainability efforts and advance teaching focused on environmental and climate justice.

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Meet our newest faculty

Susan Glairon — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 10:26:25 +0000

Meet our newest faculty Susan Glairon Sat, 08/16/2025 - 04:26

Susan Glairon

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering welcomes two new faculty members in Fall 2025. Meet Assistant Professors Laura Sunberg and Zhi Li—and see why we’re so excited to have these talented scholars on our team.

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Shideh Dashti named 2025 EERI Distinguished Lecturer

Susan Glairon — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:02:26 +0000

Shideh Dashti named 2025 EERI Distinguished Lecturer Susan Glairon Tue, 02/04/2025 - 11:02

Associate Professor Shideh Dashti received the 2025 EERI Distinguished Lecture Award for her groundbreaking work in geotechnical earthquake engineering.

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Rajagopalan Balaji joins elite group of honorary fellows in meteorology

Susan Glairon — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:51:05 +0000

Rajagopalan Balaji joins elite group of honorary fellows in meteorology Susan Glairon Mon, 02/03/2025 - 11:51

Susan Glairon

Professor Rajagopalan Balaji, a С�� Boulder professor of civil engineering and an expert in hydrology, climatology and water resources, was elected as an honorary fellow of the Indian Meteorological Society in December. The honor was received on his behalf at the inaugural ceremony of TROPMET 2024, India’s annual tropical meteorology conference.

Rajagopalan has dedicated more than 25 years researching Indian monsoon variability as a way to give back to his home country. His research aims to improve flood preparedness and explore the complex relationship between monsoonal climate and public health.

“Making significant advances in understanding Indian monsoon variability is a labor of love,” Rajagopalan says. “This honor is particularly meaningful and gratifying, especially being recognized as part of such a select group.”

Rajagopalan Is one of 21 honorary fellows, joining a distinguished group that includes the late A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, PhD, a former president of India. The honor recognizes those who have made significant contributions to meteorological research, education or practice, both in India and globally.

In 2023 Rajagopalan received a Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship. His Fulbright work in India centered around developing monsoon forecasting models to aid residents in flood preparedness; exploring the intricate interplay between monsoonal climate and public health; and unraveling the monsoon variability over a timeframe of 5,000 to 10,000 years, along with its role in the peopling of the Indian subcontinent.

India, in particular, remains highly vulnerable to the monsoon’s variability, and the impact extends beyond floods or droughts. The monsoons also affect water quality, public health, agricultural output and even the Indian stock market, he says.

Weaker rainfall directly impacts the country’s GDP, given that at least 50 percent of the population resides in villages heavily reliant on agriculture. Crop failures often drive rural residents to migrate to urban areas in search of employment, placing sudden strain on urban resources. This has an impact on nutrition, poverty and public health, he says.

Founded in 1956, the Indian Meteorological Society was established to promote the advancement of meteorology in India and to provide a platform for scientists, researchers and professionals in the field to collaborate and share knowledge.

Professor Rajagopalan Balaji was named an honorary fellow of the Indian Meteorological Society for his pioneering research on Indian monsoon variability and its impacts on public health and flood preparedness.

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С�� Boulder faculty recognized for advancing environmental engineering

Susan Glairon — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 23:20:01 +0000

С�� Boulder faculty recognized for advancing environmental engineering Susan Glairon Mon, 01/13/2025 - 16:20

Two professors from С�� Boulder’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering have been honored by The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists through its 40 Under 40 Recognition Program.

Associate Professor Sherri Cook and Assistant Professor Cresten Mansfeldt were recognized as “talented individuals who have, either personally or as part of a team, been responsible for helping to advance the fields of environmental science or environmental engineering in a demonstrable way within the last 12 months,” according to the academy’s website.

Cook received her BS from Virginia Tech and her MSE and PhD from the University of Michigan. At С�� Boulder, she pioneered three courses that teach sustainability principles to students across disciplines. Her research focuses on sustainable solutions to global drinking water and sanitation challenges, aiming to improve treatment systems while minimizing risks to human health, the environment, and financial stability. Her research has included innovative technologies such as biochar-based micropollutant removal from wastewater and advancing zero-carbon bio-cement through her co-founded company, Prometheus.

Mansfeldt earned his PhD at Cornell University, after completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota. He refined his expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship at Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology. Mansfeldt teaches courses on material flows, from microbial carbon cycling to urban waste management. His research focuses on the interplay between natural and built environments, emphasizing water reuse, the microbiome of built environments and the impacts of disasters, such as wildfires, on urban systems. Past projects include monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in campus wastewater, evaluating the risk of synthetic biology products and exploring the bioethics of biological innovations in environmental engineering. His current research examines contaminants from wildland-urban interfaces, tracking synthetic biology products in the environment and advancing water reuse.

Associate Professor Sherri Cook and Assistant Professor Cresten Mansfeldt have been honored by The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists through its 40 Under 40 Recognition Program.

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As Colorado schools get hotter, air conditioning is still out of reach for some

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:22:53 +0000

As Colorado schools get hotter, air conditioning is still out of reach for some Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/31/2022 - 09:22

Paul Chinowsky is interviewed in a new Colorado Sun feature on obstacles to air conditioning in schools.

The article discusses how schools are handling the growing need for cooler temperatures in K-12 buildings.

Chinowsky, an emeritus professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and director of the Environmental Design Program, is an expert on climate and infrastructure.

Read the full article at the Colorado Sun...

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Chinowsky discusses seawall barriers with RollCall

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 15:57:55 +0000

Chinowsky discusses seawall barriers with RollCall Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 08/29/2022 - 09:57

Professor Paul Chinowsky discusses a push to expand seawalls in an interview with Roll Call.

The piece highlights funding from the federal government to build barriers to hold back ocean surges in the face of climate challenges.

Chinowsky, an emeritus professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, is an expert on climate and infrastructure.

Read the full article at Roll Call...

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Welcoming two new faculty to С�� Boulder Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:14:41 +0000

Welcoming two new faculty to С�� Boulder Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/26/2022 - 11:14

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder is welcoming two new faculty members for the 2022-2023 academic year. Meet the team and see why we're excited about these talented new hires:

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Faculty News

Professor featured in Colorado Environmental Film Festival documentary

Tell us about “Women of Carbon.

How did you become involved in this documentary?

Tell us about the research you described in the film.

What drives your passion for your research?

Why did you participate in this documentary?

What was the most exciting part about being included in this documentary?

Your daughter was in the documentary. What did she think about it?

What do you hope viewers take away?

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Karl Linden recognized as Distinguished Professor at campus ceremony

Advancing the field

Early inspiration and education

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Cresten Mansfeldt, a SPIKE Center for Sustainability Education faculty fellow

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Meet our newest faculty

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Shideh Dashti named 2025 EERI Distinguished Lecturer

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Rajagopalan Balaji joins elite group of honorary fellows in meteorology

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С���� Boulder faculty recognized for advancing environmental engineering

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As Colorado schools get hotter, air conditioning is still out of reach for some

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Chinowsky discusses seawall barriers with RollCall

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Welcoming two new faculty to С���� Boulder Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering

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С�� Boulder faculty recognized for advancing environmental engineering

Welcoming two new faculty to С�� Boulder Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering