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CU Â鶹ӰԺ’s Abbie Liel and Notre Dame’s Susan Ostermann are leading a collaborative NSF-funded study on resilient housing in disaster-prone areas lincluding Maui, Alaska and Puerto Rico. Their research combines Liel’s expertise in structural engineering with Ostermann’s background in political science and law, aiming to find solutions for safer, more resilient housing.

Hari Rajaram, a beloved former faculty member in CU Â鶹ӰԺ’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (CEAE) who was globally recognized as a prominent figure in the field of environmental and Earth systems, died unexpectedly on July 4 at his home in Baltimore. He was 59 years old.

The Materials Science and Engineering Program at the Â鶹ӰԺ received a $1M grant to fund interdisciplinary doctoral research training in biofabrication, a rapidly developing field which enables more precise and effective ways to study and treat various medical conditions, such as growing new organs for transplants or repairing damaged tissues.

Professor Amy Javernick-Will recently received the Pathfinder award, the highest honor of the Engineering Project Organization Society. Javernick-Will's research aims to improve how communities, especially those lacking resources, can better handle disasters and sustain their infrastructure, such as housing, water and sanitation.

Professor Ryan Hayward has witnessed the continued advancement of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering since he joined CU Â鶹ӰԺ four years ago. Now he’s looking forward to stepping into his new role as department chair.

The Â鶹ӰԺ has earned a major grant to boost drought monitoring and prediction on the Colorado River.

Prometheus Materials, founded by CU Â鶹ӰԺ professors, has developed eco-friendly cement to combat the significant carbon footprint of traditional cement production. Their technology, supported by a Department of Defense project, minimizes carbon emissions and recycles water. Transitioning from research to commercialization, the Colorado-based company now produces bio-concrete using blue-green algae, akin to natural processes forming sea shells and coral reefs.

Professor Ron Helms joined CU Â鶹ӰԺ’s architectural engineering faculty in 1965 and taught lighting courses in the architectural engineering program. During his tenure, he advocated for the importance of the illuminating engineering program, establishing a benchmark for advanced lighting education.

"Early AI models demonstrate improved skill in forecasting events like hurricanes, winter storms and heat waves," said Professor Amir Behzadan. "These models are potentially valuable tools for alerting residents earlier, ultimately saving lives and property."

For the first time ever, CU Â鶹ӰԺ's American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter is heading to the ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championships.