Education

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 С�� 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 С�� 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 С�� 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 С�� Boulder.

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Engineering an AI-ready future

Hanna Nordwall — Thu, 21 May 2026 17:51:26 +0000

Engineering an AI-ready future Hanna Nordwall Thu, 05/21/2026 - 11:51

Caitlin Rockett

С�� Engineering strives for an intentional approach to incorporating AI in its research and teaching mission

When it comes to engaging with artificial intelligence in education, С�� Engineering is “unique,” said Sriram Sankaranarayanan, associate dean and professor of computer science. His Office of Digital Education places “a lot of focus” on how his colleagues incorporate AI into curricula.

“If the future requires students to be good at using AI and also good engineers,” he said, “then we train students to be strong in both.”

Across the college, PhD students use AI to build interactive diagrams from static textbooks, researchers study its biases and costs, and students are enrolling in a new professional master’s program focused on AI. Faculty have created space to help one another learn about AI, while others encourage students to use it to refine papers and iterate ideas.

Illustration by Hanna Nordwall

The why of AI in the classroom

Diane Sieber, an associate professor in the Herbst Program for Engineering, Ethics and Society, runs the Generative Futures Lab, an informal space where faculty, staff and students can explore AI. She developed a framework to help instructors decide what level of AI use is appropriate for different assignments.

“We even made icons for syllabi, ranging from ‘full AI use encouraged’ to ‘AI use restricted,’ with explanations for each,” Sieber said.

Alvaro Velasquez, assistant professor of computer science, has already seen the benefits of AI in graduate-student writing. “They write the paper, and by iterating with AI, they refine it to a point where it’s actually very, very well written,” he said.

For students with AI anxiety, Sankaranarayanan asks they “treat this as a challenge.”

“Try to gain expertise beyond what AI can replace,” he says. “Think broadly about opportunities and the skills you need to thrive, so you don’t feel victimized by a changing technological landscape.”

Making STEM accessible through AI

“I have a very bullish idea of what AI can do and how it can help us. I understand why people are cautious, but universities are supposed to look at the long arc of history.”

— Daniel Acuña

Many faculty see AI as a tool for broadening access to STEM education. Velasquez believes AI could eventually help close gender and socioeconomic gaps by functioning as a personalized tutor.

To that end, ATLAS Institute Assistant Professor Ryo Suzuki is developing tools such as Augmented Physics, which uses AI alongside augmented and virtual reality to turn static textbook diagrams into interactive simulations.

“Now, imagine if AI could not only respond in text but also generate animated explanations in real time, going beyond text to make learning engaging, visual and playful,” Suzuki said.

Thomas Breideband, associate director of the NSF National AI Institute for Student- AI Teaming, works with an interdisciplinary community of researchers to study how AI can support collaboration in learning environments — particularly in middle and high school, where STEM participation gaps often emerge.

“Collaboration is a critical 21st-century skill, but it is very rarely explicitly practiced,” Breideband said. He and his colleagues are currently working with schools to integrate AI-enhanced curriculum units in classrooms.

AI in the lab

Researchers also interrogate AI. In Associate Professor Daniel Acuña’s lab, his team uses AI techniques to study how large language models absorb “prestige bias” from language used to describe scientific research.

“Instead of saying, ‘scientists found X,’ journalists say, ‘Harvard scientists found X,’” Acuña said. Because LLMs learn from that same data, Acuña hopes his work can help highlight — and eventually correct — those patterns.

Velasquez is tackling another challenge: AI’s immense computational cost. His research on neurosymbolic AI seeks to end “gatekeeping” and "monopolization" in AI.

“When it comes to natural language generation, it comes at a tremendous cost,” Velasquez said. “The neurosymbolic AI community has seen cases where we can use 100,000 to a million times less data.”

New AI degree program

The newly launched Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence merges technical skills with ethical considerations.

“If one of our graduates is hired by a company like Walmart, they should be able to analyze consumer data to decide what products to buy and how to manage inventory,” Sankaranarayanan said. “But they should also be able to say, ‘This approach preserves privacy, complies with regulations and is ethically sound.’”

The online degree option through Coursera is up and running, while the on-campus version begins in fall 2026.

Educators agree that they must be intentional in their approach to teaching AI.

“Technology has a very mixed record,” said Sankaranarayanan. “People fear losing jobs, and that is a valid fear, but it doesn’t have to go that way. That’s where education becomes extremely important.”

С�� Engineering strives for an intentional approach to incorporating AI in its research and teaching missions

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С�� Boulder to host International Workshop on Biodesign Automation this June

Charles Ferrer — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:34:11 +0000

С�� Boulder to host International Workshop on Biodesign Automation this June Charles Ferrer Tue, 04/07/2026 - 12:34

С�� Boulder will host the 18th International Workshop on Biodesign Automation (IWBDA), June 18–20, following the SEED Conference in Denver. The workshop brings together researchers and industry leaders advancing biodesign automation in synthetic biology.

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ME outreach program brings big engineering dreams to small rural towns

Alexander Servantez — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:56:29 +0000

ME outreach program brings big engineering dreams to small rural towns Alexander Servantez Wed, 04/01/2026 - 15:56

Associate Research Professor Daniel Knight and Professor Michael Hannigan are leading an outreach program that connects С�� Boulder students with rural high schools to introduce hands-on engineering experiences in the classroom. The initiative, known as the Science and Engineering Inquiry Collaborative (SCENIC), serves 12 schools and nearly 700 high school students across rural Colorado each year, turning local questions about air and soil quality into real-world research projects.

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How С�� Boulder built a biomedical engineering powerhouse

Alexander Servantez — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:01:58 +0000

How С�� Boulder built a biomedical engineering powerhouse Alexander Servantez Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:01

When the first biomedical engineering class graduated from С�� Boulder in 2023, about a dozen students walked across the stage. Today, that once-small start has evolved into a powerful engine for biomedical innovation and education. But how does a program go from modest beginnings to powerhouse in such a short time?

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ME senior project turns waste heat into clean energy savings

Alexander Servantez — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:53:21 +0000

ME senior project turns waste heat into clean energy savings Alexander Servantez Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:53

Many industrial facilities rely on cryogenic gases for processes such as cooling, materials testing or energy transport. But before those gases can be used, they must be vaporized with electricity-intensive equipment that can cost companies tens of thousands of dollars each year. A team of seniors are working to address that problem by developing a heat-exchange device for their senior capstone project that captures waste heat circulating through refrigeration systems.

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Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program extends impact through 2032

emad5542 — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:21:53 +0000

Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program extends impact through 2032 emad5542 Mon, 03/02/2026 - 12:21

April Driver

The 2024-25 Kiewit Scholars cohort

A renewed commitment from Kiewit Corporation will empower engineering students at the University of Colorado Boulder to lead in the infrastructure and construction industries for years to come.

The Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program at С�� Boulder bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world engineering, offering students hands-on experiences to prepare them to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. Through mentorship, site tours, internships, professional development and a vibrant community network, the program combines academic excellence with industry engagement. Scholars gain the technical skills, confidence and professional connections they need to shape the future of infrastructure and construction.

С�� Boulder recently received a generous $2.5 million pledge from Kiewit Corporation to continue the program through 2032, expanding opportunities for students and strengthening a partnership that has become a model for industry and academic collaboration.

"Kiewit Corporation's continuing investment will empower our students with unmatched opportunities to innovate, lead and shape the future of engineering and construction," said Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science. “The Kiewit Design‑Build Scholars Program is a model for how industry–university collaboration translates student potential into impact. This partnership doesn’t just benefit our students; it amplifies the collective economic impact that С�� Boulder and Kiewit make across Colorado.”

Preparing students to lead from day one

The Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program ensures С�� Boulder engineering students graduate ready to make an immediate impact. Scholars benefit from professional development sessions, mentorship from experienced engineers and guaranteed summer internships—experiences that set them apart in the job market.

“At the Engineering Career Hub, our mission is to help students chart their career path, gain professional experience and build professional networks,” said Ben Weihrauch, EdD, senior director of student professional development at С�� Engineering. “This is exactly what the Kiewit Design-Build Scholars program does. Kiewit Scholars graduate from С�� Engineering ready to make an impact on society. The program is second-to-none.”

Students agree. One scholar shared that the most beneficial aspect of Kiewit’s program is the ability to prepare for careers after school through valuable experiential opportunities and inside looks at the design and construction industry.

Expanding access to engineering education

Along with the expanded commitment through 2032, Kiewit’s contribution will increase scholarship funding to $8,000 annually for each of the program’s 26 scholars, helping relieve financial stress and making an engineering education more accessible.

This gift reflects Kiewit’s dedication to supporting higher education through workforce development. As one of North America’s largest and most respected construction and engineering organizations, Kiewit designs and builds projects across power, transportation, water, oil, gas and chemical, marine, building, industrial and mining markets.

With Kiewit’s continued support, С�� Boulder is setting the standard for industry and academic partnerships that prepare students to tackle the infrastructure challenges of tomorrow. Together, Kiewit and С�� Boulder are shaping future leaders who transform the built environment and strengthen communities across the globe.

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Brewing engineers: Inside С�� Boulder’s new food engineering program

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:25:43 +0000

Brewing engineers: Inside С�� Boulder’s new food engineering program Alexander Jame… Wed, 12/03/2025 - 15:25

Faculty member Carmen Pacheco is the architect behind the Food Engineering Graduate Certificate, one of С�� Boulder's most innovative academic ventures. Launched in 2024, the program was designed to introduce engineering students to the science behind their favorite foods and career opportunities in the food industry, but it can also reinforce scientific concepts that students can apply to any engineering discipline.

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Skydiving into a PhD

Jeff Zehnder — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:07:56 +0000

Skydiving into a PhD Jeff Zehnder Thu, 10/16/2025 - 13:07

Jeff Zehnder

Adam Harris is advancing the frontiers of aerodynamics as a non-traditional student, finishing up a doctoral program in which he never expected to enroll.

“I’m writing computational fluid dynamics and finite element codes to study flow control by phononic materials and structures. A phonon is the quantum of vibrational energy, a quasi-particle that could give birth to a whole new species of technology,” Harris said.

A PhD student in the materials science and engineering program, Harris began his college journey in 2012 as a psychology major, but his time at С�� Boulder did not last long.

“I didn’t show up to classes and just really didn't care. I was placed on academic probation my first semester and academic suspension my second,” Harris said.

A native of Miami, he elected to stay in Boulder, working in construction and landscaping. In 2014, Harris enrolled at Front Range Community College for an associate’s degree in business.

Skydiving Hobby

Harris also started skydiving as a hobby, hanging out at Vance Brand Airport in Longmont, making up to 10 jumps a day. Eventually, he was hired there for a paid ground crew position.

“I was surrounded by people who were monitoring weather, maintaining aircraft, and discussing flight mechanics. I started teaching myself basic aerodynamics, watching TED talks and physics documentaries online. It all became more and more interesting to me,” he said.

After finishing at Front Range, Harris decided to continue onto a four-year business degree at С�� Boulder. Because of his past suspension, enrolling required an appointment with an admissions advisor. The meeting would change the direction of his life.

Changing Gears

“I told her about all the science, engineering, and physics I was being exposed to. She looked at me suspiciously and said, ‘Are you sure you want to study business?’ Nope, put me down for physics,” Harris said.

He steamrolled through his courses, earning As and Bs in subjects where he had previously shown little interest. In the five years since his first stint at С�� Boulder, Harris had grown significantly.

“Turns out I really love math. I think my success was a product of motivation and how much I enjoyed where I was, the people around me, what I was learning, and relevance to my passions. I have a GPS in my skydiving helmet and I would always try to connect course concepts to data acquired from wingsuit flights,” he said.

As he was completing his bachelor’s, a connection with Mahmoud Hussein, a professor in the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, opened the door to graduate school.

Graduate School

“I was still enjoying classes but I paid for undergrad myself, so I didn’t want to continue accumulating debt. I started talking to Mahmoud, and when I learned engineering PhD programs cover tuition and living expenses, there was no question. What an opportunity,” Harris said.

Hussein became his graduate advisor as Harris earned two master’s degrees – in aerospace and materials science. He expects to finish his PhD in materials science next spring.

His dissertation is centered on phononic subsurfaces (PSubs), which could lead to radical increases in fuel economy for jet aircraft and hypersonic vehicles. It has been a focus of Hussein’s lab for 15 years, beginning at the theoretical level and now approaching the applied stage, thanks in part to a major Office of Naval Research grant awarded last year.

“This started with purely computational work and now we’re 3D printing PSubs. We can validate the PSub’s tuned frequency response with a laser vibrometer, and we have candidate prototypes that yield the response we expect. We’re going to begin the first wind tunnel tests in collaboration with the Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory at С�� Boulder very soon,” Harris said.

What's Next?

As he writes his dissertation, Harris’s research background offers a wealth of career opportunities, but he is hoping for a particular dream job that would combine fluid dynamics and computational modeling with his love of skydiving.

It may sound like a fantasy. It is not.

“There’s a company in California that builds parachutes used for space craft atmospheric re-entry,” Harris said. “The job description is everything I’m doing at С�� Boulder, plus a requirement of parachute rigging experience, which I have.”

Wherever Harris lands, he is a long way from his beginnings in Boulder as an 18-year-old psych major.

“I think this is where I was supposed to be all along,” Harris said. “I just wasn’t aware of it back then. The synchronicity is really cool.”

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С�� Engineering ranked No. 15 among public peers

Emily Adams — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:54:14 +0000

С�� Engineering ranked No. 15 among public peers Emily Adams Tue, 09/23/2025 - 07:54

Aerospace, environmental and civil lead the way with top 10 specialty rankings.

Learn more

С�� Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Science is the No. 15 best undergraduate engineering program in the U.S. when compared to its public peers, U.S. News and World Report announced today.

Our engineering program was ranked No. 28 overall when compared to 210 other public and private universities that also offer PhD programs. С�� Engineering was tied with Ohio State University, the University of Minnesota and the University of Southern California.

“С�� Engineering’s rise to No. 15 among public institutions is a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our faculty, staff, students and alumni,” Dean Keith Molenaar said. “It reflects our commitment to innovation and the transformative impact of engineering education and research. While we focus on our mission and not our rankings, it is good to be recognized in such high regard by our peers.”

In the engineering and computing specialty rankings, five С�� Boulder engineering degrees were also ranked in the top 15 amongst publics:

The rankings were released on the U.S. News and World Report website on Sept. 23. Undergraduate rankings are based solely on the judgments of deans and senior faculty at peer institutions who participated in a peer assessment survey. Read more about the methodology.

Our engineering program was ranked No. 28 overall when compared to 210 other public and private universities that also offer PhD programs.

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Education

Message from the Dean, 2026

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Engineering an AI-ready future

The why of AI in the classroom

Making STEM accessible through AI

AI in the lab

New AI degree program

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С���� Boulder to host International Workshop on Biodesign Automation this June

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ME outreach program brings big engineering dreams to small rural towns

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How С���� Boulder built a biomedical engineering powerhouse

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ME senior project turns waste heat into clean energy savings

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Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program extends impact through 2032

Preparing students to lead from day one

Expanding access to engineering education

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Brewing engineers: Inside С���� Boulder’s new food engineering program

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Skydiving into a PhD

Skydiving Hobby

Changing Gears

Graduate School

What's Next?

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С���� Engineering ranked No. 15 among public peers

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С�� Boulder to host International Workshop on Biodesign Automation this June

How С�� Boulder built a biomedical engineering powerhouse

Brewing engineers: Inside С�� Boulder’s new food engineering program

С�� Engineering ranked No. 15 among public peers