Awards

Engineer nabs prestigious grants to design insect-inspired, shapeshifting robots

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:52:07 +0000

Engineer nabs prestigious grants to design insect-inspired, shapeshifting robots Alexander Jame… Wed, 04/30/2025 - 15:52

Assistant Professor Kaushik Jayaram of the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering is the recipient of a $650,000 CAREER award from the U.S. National Science Foundation. The funding will help Jayaram make advancements in robots by drawing from what might seem to be an unlikely source: insects and other small creatures.

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Amy Moreno-Sherwood receives prestigious President’s Inclusive Excellence award

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:40:44 +0000

Amy Moreno-Sherwood receives prestigious President’s Inclusive Excellence award Charles Ferrer Wed, 04/30/2025 - 14:40

Charles Ferrer

When Amy Moreno-Sherwood stepped into her role as Director of the Broadening Opportunity through Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Center in 2022, she brought with her not only a strong variety of experiences in higher education, but a personal understanding of what it means to navigate college as a first-generation student in STEM.

Now, she’s being recognized across the entire University of Colorado system for her unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion.

Moreno-Sherwood is the recipient of the 2025 President’s Inclusive Excellence Award, one of the university’s highest honors for individuals that go above and beyond to build inclusive and empowering communities. The annual awards celebrate those who have made significant contributions to removing barriers and embedding inclusivity into the С�� community.

Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science said Moreno-Sherwood’s unwavering commitment has profoundly impacted the college community.

“Amy’s leadership of the BOLD 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.”

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Moreno-Sherwood has called С�� Boulder home since 2010, holding a variety of student-facing and leadership roles across campus before joining the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2019.

She earned degrees in Animal Science and Cultural Anthropology from Iowa State University, along with a master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and also holds a graduate certificate in Engineering Leadership and Management from С�� Boulder.

As the С�� Boulder campus honoree, Moreno-Sherwood’s leadership of the BOLD Center has elevated efforts to support engineering students from historically marginalized backgrounds. Through scholarships, mentoring, academic services and student societies, the BOLD Center supports С�� Engineering students to thrive personally and academically while preparing them to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.

Now, in a full-circle moment, she leads the kind of program that helped shape her own journey in STEM.

We sat down with Amy to talk about how her personal journey informs her leadership, what drives her work and why inclusion is more than a goal, it’s a daily practice.

What first drew you to this kind of work in higher education?

Growing up, we didn’t have much. My parents were working class and childcare wasn’t always accessible, but we were given the space to explore the world around us. I was always curious about science, nature and how things worked and I carried that with me.

I was also the first in my immediate family to go to college. My mom got her GED and I remember being inspired by the teachers who believed in me. I always knew education could be life-changing. That belief never left me.

I ended up going to a research university not far from home, though I’d never set foot on the campus before. I was part of a multicultural scholars program and paired with a mentor I’m still in touch with today. Being in that program and studying science, just soaking up everything I could about the natural world, opened my eyes to how education could transform not only my life, but the lives of others.

Eventually, one of my professors asked me, “have you thought about working with students?” And that was the spark. I originally thought I’d become a secondary education teacher, but I kept coming back to higher education. It was a space where I could make an impact, helping others navigate access and gain opportunities.

What do people often misunderstand about leadership work in higher education?

It’s ongoing, it impacts people and never feels complete. This work isn’t something you turn on

Amy’s willingness to share and support colleagues in inclusive excellence is so impactful to our collective growth in this area. I personally have learned much from her.”

Mary Steiner, associate dean for students, College of Engineering & Applied Science

just from 9 to 5. It’s about constantly asking yourself, “how can I improve the places and communities I’m a part of?” It takes intention, care and self-reflection every day.

The work is also challenging. There are moments where you have to decenter yourself, really consider others’ perspectives and experiences, and that’s not always easy with the volume of work that there is to do. Sometimes the right or supportive thing is also the most uncomfortable or difficult thing. You need courage to keep showing up. That’s why it’s so important to stay rooted in your values and keep going.

You’ve been doing this kind of work for over two decades. What keeps you grounded and inspired?

Being in higher ed for 25 years now, I’ve had the privilege of working with many students, many of whom come from all backgrounds. What keeps me going is that connection to their stories and dreams.

When I reflect on my own college experience, I didn’t know I was first-generation until someone told me. I didn’t know I was navigating systems that weren’t built for me until I was in them. So now, when I see students who show up at the BOLD Center with all the potential in the world, I want to make sure we’re creating an environment where they can thrive, be seen and lead.

What advice would you offer to leaders working to bring inclusivity in spaces and places around them?

Amy’s ability to foster community and create pathways for underrepresented voices to thrive is remarkable. Her contributions have not only enriched the С�� Boulder community but have also inspired others to take actionable steps toward building a more inclusive environment.”

Dr. Patricia Gonzalez, assistant dean for access & community Engagement, College of Arts & Sciences

Know your community. Find it. Cultivate it.

Leadership can be lonely, especially in a polarized environment. It’s easy to retreat or second-guess yourself when you’re navigating difficult decisions. But, we can’t do this work alone. I’ve found so much strength in community, in having people I can be authentic with, process challenges with and stay rooted with.

That’s part of why, over three years ago, I partnered with Dr. Patricia Gonzalez over at the College of Arts & Sciences to launch our Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Leaders Community of Practice. We wanted a space where people leading this work could come together and feel supported. Even now, our tagline remains: “you’ll always have a seat at our table.” Because there are times when you won’t be invited into certain spaces, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong.

And finally, reignite your passion. Know your purpose. Be able to communicate your values clearly and consistently, especially during challenging times. That becomes your compass.

Why is representation in leadership critical?

Validate experiences, inspire authenticity and foster greater understanding.

I am very grateful for the community in the BOLD Center and the college for validating the impacts and importance of our staff and faculty representing our students. Every day that I walk into our Center, I am cognizant of my background and positionality as a leader in our college. My hope is to inspire our students and staff to see themselves in leadership positions and work to achieve even greater success.

Positive representation can also shift public opinion, foster greater understanding between different cultures and communities and affect resources. I want to ensure that the needs and perspectives of our community are reflected so that we can have more effective services, programs and policies.

What does inclusive excellence in engineering look like and why does it matter?

It matters because it’s about people.

So many of our students are driven by a desire to solve problems they’ve experienced firsthand—lack of access, systemic barriers, local or global challenges. They want to be part of the solution. And for them to thrive in engineering, they need an environment that recognizes their experiences, removes barriers and fosters growth.

Engineering impacts every corner of our world. And the best solutions are built when diverse voices and perspectives are at the table. But diversity alone isn’t enough, you need spaces where people feel like they matter, where their ideas are welcomed and where they can develop the skills to collaborate across differences. As we continue our work, it is critical to understand that it is not truly excellent unless it is inclusive.

How has your experience as director of the BOLD Center shaped your perspective?

It’s been just over three years in this role and five with the college—it’s a joy.

Every time I meet a student, I think back to my own journey: setting foot on campus for the first time, not fully knowing what a major consisted of or what careers were even possible. Our students are coming in with different backgrounds, identities and challenges. Being able to support them with our staff, as they figure it all out, is a privilege.

At BOLD, we’re focused on helping students feel seen, supported and celebrated. That means building real relationships, removing barriers and making sure people know they matter. We want students to graduate not just with degrees, but with a strong sense of self and community. It’s been so rewarding to see how the Center has grown into a place of connection and innovation. The work our students are doing: it’s going to change lives and impact the world.

What do you hope students take away from their experience at the BOLD Center?

I can’t imagine my time at С�� being the same without Amy’s guidance, positivity and support. She helped me navigate some difficult times in life and I want to thank her for being a huge part of that."

Bruno Armas, BOLD alum

I want them to leave knowing: This place saw me. This place supported me. This place helped me grow. I hope they feel a stronger sense of who they are and what they’re capable of.

And I hope they know they’re not alone. That there’s a community behind them—cheering them on, celebrating their wins and showing up in tough times. That sense of belonging can make all the difference.

And for me, that’s why I keep doing this work. Because when our students succeed, they go on to shape the world in amazing ways. And I’m honored to be even a small part of that journey.

What are you most grateful for at this moment?

So much. I want to start with our staff and students at the BOLD Center who show up every day with authenticity, curiosity and courage. They generate hope and that hope is essential for this work.

Our students are phenomenal. Whether they’re leading programs, supporting peers or sharing their stories with industry partners, they’re showing what inclusive excellence looks like in action. And our staff! You could name any one of them for their dedication to students, the relationships they build and the collaborations they spark. They are the heart of this work.

I’m also incredibly grateful to our college leadership for being willing to innovate and invest in this important work. It takes people in key places to say yes to new ideas and push for change.

What does this recognition mean to you?

This award isn’t just about me, it’s a reflection of our entire community. Students, staff, mentors and college partners, we’ve all worked hard to build something meaningful, even through change and uncertainty.

Innovation and impact speak directly to the work we’ve been doing. And the recognition tells us we’re on the right track. It reminds us that inclusive excellence isn’t just a value statement. It’s about recognizing that people come in with different circumstances and that we have a responsibility to make sure everyone has a fair chance to thrive and succeed.

What are you most looking forward to for the BOLD Center?

As we think of the future, we want to make sure that our organization and students are really set up for success by having all the resources we need to be sustainable. We are constantly enhancing our programming, scholarships and services that we’re offering for our students. I’m really excited knowing that we are a pivotal piece of student success not only for our college, but campus-wide and even nationally. So, I expect some big things to come in the future!

Amy Moreno-Sherwood was honored as the 2025 Presidential Inclusive Excellence recipient representing staff across all four of С��'s campuses. Moreno-Sherwood is the director of the Broadening Opportunity through Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Center within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

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How Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos built opportunity from adversity

Susan Glairon — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:27:27 +0000

How Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos built opportunity from adversity Susan Glairon Wed, 04/30/2025 - 09:27

Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos faced challenges with housing, medical and food insecurity, yet overcame them to earn the College of Engineering and Applied Science Perseverance Award as well as the college’s Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

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Six engineering students earn prestigious National Science Foundation fellowships

Jeff Zehnder — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:37:47 +0000

Six engineering students earn prestigious National Science Foundation fellowships Jeff Zehnder Thu, 04/24/2025 - 09:37

The National Science Foundation has bestowed six prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program awards to University of Colorado Boulder engineering students.

The national awards recognize and support outstanding grad students from across the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.

Awardees receive a $37,000 annual stipend and cost of education allowance for the next three years as well as professional development opportunities.

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BOLD students shine with spring 2025 undergraduate awards

Charles Ferrer — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:09:13 +0000

BOLD students shine with spring 2025 undergraduate awards Charles Ferrer Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:09

Congratulations to our BOLD community members who have earned spring 2025 graduating awards through the college!

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Engineering student lands prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Susan Glairon — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:42:22 +0000

Engineering student lands prestigious Goldwater Scholarship Susan Glairon Mon, 04/21/2025 - 09:42

Arianna McCarty, a chemical and biological engineering student, received a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for her research on how Prevotella bacteria may help reduce infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of pneumonia.

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Chemical & biological engineering faculty earn Air Force Young Investigator Award

Susan Glairon — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:26:30 +0000

Chemical & biological engineering faculty earn Air Force Young Investigator Award Susan Glairon Thu, 03/27/2025 - 16:26

Susan Glairon

Assistant Professors Kōnane Bay and Ankur Gupta from С�� Boulder’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering each received a $450,000, three-year grant to advance research relevant to the U.S. Air Force.

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Professor receives ASCE Peurifoy Construction Research Award

Susan Glairon — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 22:36:27 +0000

Professor receives ASCE Peurifoy Construction Research Award Susan Glairon Wed, 03/26/2025 - 16:36

Susan Glairon

Amy Javernick-Will, a professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, received the highest academic honor in construction engineering and management from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

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AWWA honors Professor Karl Linden with 2025 A.P. Black Research Award

Susan Glairon — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:20:06 +0000

AWWA honors Professor Karl Linden with 2025 A.P. Black Research Award Susan Glairon Tue, 03/25/2025 - 12:20

Professor Karl Linden, chair of С�� Boulder's Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, has been awarded the 2025 A.P. Black Research Award by AWWA for his pioneering contributions to UV water treatment technology.

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Aircrafts of the future: Boosting aerodynamic performance by engineered surface vibrations

Jeff Zehnder — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:34:49 +0000

Aircrafts of the future: Boosting aerodynamic performance by engineered surface vibrations Jeff Zehnder Mon, 03/24/2025 - 10:34

Jeff Zehnder

“This is probably the most radical conceptual advancement for airplanes since the replacement of propellers with jets.” – M.I. Hussein

Mahmoud Hussein is not pulling punches about the potential impact of a major aerospace materials research project.

As the principal investigator of a $7.5 million, five-year Department of Defense Office of Naval Research (ONR) Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI), Hussein is leading an effort to reshape the fundamental character of fluid-structure interactions to reduce drag on high-speed aerospace vehicles—the focus of the project.

“Since the dawn of aviation, aircraft design has been based on the premise of shaping the surface of the vehicle to create lift and minimize drag. Our team is pursuing a new paradigm where the phononic properties, or intrinsic vibrations, of a surface or subsurface provide an additional pathway to interact with the airflow, to enhance the vehicle performance in an unprecedented manner,” said Hussein, the Alvah and Harriet Hovlid Professor in the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Hussein also has a courtesy appointment in the Department of Physics and an affiliation with the Materials Science and Engineering Program.

MURI Partners

University of Colorado Boulder

Mahmoud I. Hussein
Professor & Principal Investigator
Armin Kianfar
Post-Doctoral Associate
Adam Harris
PhD Student

University of Maryland

Christoph Brehm
Associate Professor

Johns Hopkins University

Kevin Hemker
Professor

Purdue University

Joseph Jewell
Associate Professor

Applied Physics Laboratory

Keith Caruso
Principal Staff Engineer
Ken Kane
Researcher

University of Kentucky

Alexandre Martin
Professor

Case Western Reserve University

Bryan Schmidt
Assistant Professor

Office of Naval Research (Program Directors)

Eric Marineau
Eric Wuchina

Phononic Subsurfaces

Turbulent airflow is detrimental to the fuel economy and the surface temperature of aircrafts as they soar through the atmosphere. This research aims to mitigate the transition to turbulence using phononic subsurfaces (PSubs) – synthetic designed materials affixed beneath the surface of a wing or vehicle body that passively manipulate small-amplitude vibrations, and by extension flow fluctuations, point-by-point along the surface.

Turbulence and Fuel Economy

Passenger planes consume over 10,000 gallons of jet fuel on a single cross-country trip, so improvements in fuel economy could lead to big savings for airlines. The potential in hypersonic crafts is even more dramatic.

Hypersonic vehicles travel at velocities at least five times the speed of sound. The turbulence that results from such speeds causes the surface of the vehicles to heat up to thousands of degrees, requiring they be constructed of exotic, expensive materials.

“By introducing a phononic subsurface to precisely shape the vibrations along the surface, we can alter the way the air interacts with the vehicle such that we ultimately don’t need to come up with exceedingly high-temperature-resistant materials,” Hussein said. “We’re passively manipulating instabilities in air flow in a manner that is favorable in the boundary layer where the vehicle meets the surrounding air.”

2015 to Today

The concept of PSubs was discovered by Hussein. The work began from a collaboration over 15 years ago between Hussein and then С�� Boulder Professor Sedat Biringen, who died in 2020. As leaders in the newly-born research area of phononics and the longstanding field of fluid dynamics, respectively, they worked together to theoretically demonstrate–for the first time–a way to manipulate phonons to improve the efficiency of flight, with tremendous potential for the aerospace industry and prospects for application to water vessels as well.

Recently Hussein gathered a team of experts from across the country to take the concept of PSubs to the next level with this hypersonics MURI grant. Over the duration of the project, the group will develop high-fidelity models and fabricate functional prototypes to effectively characterize and demonstrate the technology in high-speed wind tunnels.

“We’re most confident about this endeavor, because the idea is rooted in fundamental science marrying–in quite a sophisticated fashion–fluid dynamics with condensed matter physics as well as with the emerging field of elastic metamaterials,” Hussein said.

“This is probably the most radical conceptual advancement for airplanes since the replacement of propellers with jets.” – Mahmoud Hussein is not pulling punches about the potential impact of a major aerospace materials research project.

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