Alumni

Chemical and biological engineering alumnus gives back by mentoring the next generation

Anonymous — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:41:29 +0000

Chemical and biological engineering alumnus gives back by mentoring the next generation Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 05/01/2024 - 14:41

Susan Glairon

Throughout college and in the eight years since graduation, Ben Mousseau (ChemBio’16) has felt grateful for the mentors who guided him. Now a global supply manager at Tesla, Mousseau gives back to CU �鶹ӰԺ's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering by mentoring students through the department’s Alumni Student Mentor Program.

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2023 Engineering Homecoming Tailgate

Anonymous — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 23:06:14 +0000

2023 Engineering Homecoming Tailgate Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/13/2023 - 16:06

The 2023 Engineering Homecoming Tailgate was a huge success bringing together over 460 alumni, donors, and friends for a memorable evening of food, drinks, lawn games, camaraderie and live music from the band High Street Revival.

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Aerospace grad has leading role on OSIRIS-REx asteroid mission

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:53:38 +0000

Aerospace grad has leading role on OSIRIS-REx asteroid mission Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/21/2023 - 10:53

Jeff Zehnder

Mike Moreau (AeroEngr MS’97, PhD’01) is NASA’s Goddard’s sample recovery manager for the mission that has seen an Earth-built probe fly more than 600 million miles to the asteroid Bennu, scoop up a sample of rocks, dust, and regolith from the surface, and fly back home.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ engineering grad builds world-leading materials science company

Anonymous — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 22:42:21 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ engineering grad builds world-leading materials science company Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 07/31/2023 - 16:42

Susan Glairon

Paul Lichty’s journey from PhD student to running one of the world’s top atomic layer deposition (ALD) companies was shaped by his time at CU �鶹ӰԺ. Today, Lichty (MechEngr BS‘06, ChemEngr PhD‘11) is the CEO of Forge Nano, overseeing the development of the Thornton, Colorado-based company’s cutting-edge nano coating technology.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ adhesive research could boost medicine, electronics, and the environment

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:51:20 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ adhesive research could boost medicine, electronics, and the environment Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 06/29/2023 - 13:51

Josh Rhoten

Karan Dikshit

Karan Dikshit (PhDMatSci’22) is the first author on a paper in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces around new adhesive materials that not only allow for easy sticking and unsticking but could eventually contribute to sustainability efforts around the globe.

Dikshit studied polymer chemistry and mechanics with Assistant Professor Carson Bruns during his time at CU �鶹ӰԺ in the Material Science and Engineering Program. We asked him about the paper, his current job, and more.

Question: What was your area of study in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and how did you get to �鶹ӰԺ?
Answer: Prior to joining CU �鶹ӰԺ I had the incredible opportunity to gain research experience at the esteemed National Chemical Laboratory in India. It was during this time that my passion for scientific exploration and making a positive impact on the world through sustainable materials grew immensely. When I was considering my next academic step, CU �鶹ӰԺ stood out as a beacon of cutting-edge research and innovation – particularly in the fascinating intersection of sustainability and soft materials. It also boasted a stunning location nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Flatirons which also helped me decide to come here.

I got my PhD in Materials Science and Engineering in the summer of 2022. Currently, I have the privilege of working at FLO Materials, a company dedicated to tackling the pressing issue of industrial plastic waste, in Berkeley, California. FLO Materials aims to revolutionize the field by offering groundbreaking platform technology that enables the creation of infinitely recyclable polymers.

Q: How would you describe the work and results of this paper to a high school student?
A: Traditional adhesives are often derived from petroleum refinement and are difficult to dispose of in a way that isn’t harmful to the environment. New eco-friendly materials such as lipoic acid, cyclodextrin, and polyrotaxane – as we discuss in the paper – also stick together and have other advantageous properties like easy removal without leaving residue or harming the surfaces involved.

These materials are also made from molecules that can be bioderived. Cyclodextrin, for example, comes from plant starch. Utilizing renewable resources like that helps reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based options and the sustainable nature of the materials also opens the possibility of recycling them in other applications to further reduce waste generation.

Q: What are some of the other potential applications of this research?
A: The broad range of real-world applications for these pressure-sensitive supramolecular adhesives is incredibly promising. In the medical field, these adhesives have the potential to revolutionize wound care by providing gentle yet secure bonding in bandages and dressings. Their pressure-sensitive nature also allows for easy and painless removal, enhancing patient comfort during the healing process. And in the realm of electronics, they offer exciting opportunities for the development of flexible circuits.

Q: Anything else you want to say about your time at CU �鶹ӰԺ?
A: In addition to the lab work, my time at the �鶹ӰԺ brought significant personal growth and development. Engaging in research, attending conferences, and participating in seminars allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. Presenting my work to a wider scientific community also enhanced my communication skills and confidence in sharing my research findings with others.

These experiences not only deepened my knowledge but also sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Beyond the academic realm, I had the opportunity to collaborate with diverse individuals from various cultural backgrounds. These interactions enriched my perspective and fostered a greater appreciation for different approaches and ideas. Being part of a supportive and collaborative environment encouraged me to become a more effective team player, building strong relationships and learning from the expertise of my peers.

Other CU �鶹ӰԺ researchers involved in this research include Aseem Visal, Femke Janssen, Alexander Larsen, and Carson Bruns. This work was supported by the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Rady Mechanical Engineering Department, ATLAS Institute, and the National Science Foundation.

Karan Dikshit (PhDMatSci’22) is the first author on a paper in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces around new adhesive materials that not only allow for easy sticking and unsticking but could eventually contribute to sustainability efforts around the globe.

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Faculty set to host seminar on education, research practices, and ethics of ChatGPT

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:42:01 +0000

Faculty set to host seminar on education, research practices, and ethics of ChatGPT Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 03/30/2023 - 09:42

This session will provide a chance to hear from and have conversations with leading experts on the technical areas underlying ChatGPT and other generative AI, the uses of generative AI in university and K-12 education, and the ethical and societal issues associated with generative AI tools.

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Civil engineering alumna advancing disaster risk reduction

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 17:16:09 +0000

Civil engineering alumna advancing disaster risk reduction Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/21/2023 - 11:16

Josh Rhoten

Casie Venable

Graduate school was not always part of Casie Venable’s (PhDCivEngr’20) plan.

Growing up, she had family members in the construction industry and was surrounded by people who had both a passion and commitment to public service.

With her own interest in math and science, Venable always thought she would go into industry, move towards urban planning, or become a practicing civil engineer. Either way, she knew she wanted to work on large projects with a connection to policy and community issues that have a real-world impact.

That combination eventually led her to an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech in 2016. But pursuing a doctorate seemed unlikely, she said.

“I never expected to do a PhD,” Venable said. “In fact, CU �鶹ӰԺ was the only PhD program I applied to. I really doubted whether it was the right path for me at the time, but I am happy I made the decision to go there.”

Venable eventually came to �鶹ӰԺ to work with professors Amy Javernick-Will and Abbie Liel on community resilience through a Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need fellowship. These awards come from the U.S. Department of Education and provide assistance to students with excellent academic records who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue the highest degree available in key fields such as structural performance, risk perception and risk communication, for example.

Venable was co-advised by Javernick-Will and Liel, whose research groups often work closely together in the civil department and the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering and Resilience on campus around those topics. Her research project specifically focused on post-disaster reconstruction using examples from the Philippines to illustrate the complex interactions between humans, disasters and the built environment that must be addressed together to reduce vulnerability and improve resilience.

“Working with them was an overwhelmingly positive experience and through the GAANN I was able to create my own research topic,” she said. “My interests sit at the intersection of their expertise – Amy has a strong organizational knowledge and disaster recovery background, and Abbie has a strong focus on structural and risk mitigation. It was great to bounce ideas off them as well as other students working on similar problems in their groups.”

Venable currently works in San Francisco for Arup, a global collective of designers, engineers, and consultants, dedicated to sustainable development. As a consultant she works with clients to help them understand the potential risk they face from a variety of natural hazards such as seismic activity and wind as well as manmade disasters like train derailments. That work includes conducting high-level and detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of existing buildings, she said.

Venable encouraged both undergraduate and graduate students to take a variety of courses and participate in different research topics during their time at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

“When getting a PhD, we really love our niche thesis topic and develop this great domain knowledge,” she said. “But the skills you pick up along the way are what really translate in your career later. The big picture and your goals for what come next should be your north star, but it doesn’t have to be a straight path.”

Graduate school was not always part of Casie Venable’s (PhDCivEngr’20) plan.

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Certificate programs and research shaped civil engineering alumna’s time at CU �鶹ӰԺ

Anonymous — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 15:49:02 +0000

Certificate programs and research shaped civil engineering alumna’s time at CU �鶹ӰԺ Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 03/19/2023 - 09:49

Josh Rhoten

Katie Chambers

When Katie Chambers finished her environmental engineering undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2016, she was not entirely sure what she wanted to do next.

Most of the environmental engineering jobs she wanted around water and sanitation required higher degrees that would be expensive to complete. That was when she first heard about the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need program from the U.S. Department of Education. It provides fellowships to graduate students with excellent academic records who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue an advanced degree in a field designated as an area of national need in the United States.

In CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, the GAANN program trains future scientists and engineers in areas that relate to resilience in the face of natural or manmade disasters at home and abroad.

“The �鶹ӰԺ offered me a full ride through the GAANN program to do a PhD and it was hard to say no to that – especially with the beautiful location,” said Chambers. “But I would say the opportunity to learn and work with (Professor) Sherri Cook – who is so committed to her students – on topics related to resilience was a huge part of why I came here. It was a great opportunity I couldn’t pass on in so many ways.”

Chambers (PhDCivEngr’21) studied water, sanitation, and hygiene in low-income settings for her PhD. Her research eventually focused on sanitation reconstruction in Ethiopian communities that had suffered from regular flooding – seeking ways to better build resilience into the infrastructure in the area.

“I was a part of Engineers Without Borders as an undergrad, so this research was a sort of natural extension of that work, and I was able to travel there and work in the field as well,” she said. “I certainly had an interest in sanitation resilience and reconstruction in hazard-prone areas before coming to CU, but Sherri really helped me put together a great PhD thesis from that during my time with her.”

Today, Chambers works for the U.S. Government Accountability Office as part of the Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics Team. As a part of the legislative branch, the Government Accountability Office provides Congress, the heads of executive agencies, and the public with timely, fact-based, non-partisan information that can be used to improve government and save taxpayers billions of dollars.

Katie Chambers at the U.S. Capitol building. She finished her PhD through the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need program.

Chambers’ team focuses specifically on scientific advancements and she is based out of the Denver field office.

“My team provides Congress with foresight, oversight, and insight on challenging science and technology topics, as well as the policies governing them – everything from carbon capture to artificial intelligence, quantum computing and vaccine development," she said. “It’s our job as the experts to provide reports for Congress about the current and potential effects of these topics, as well as provide context and key policy questions lawmakers should consider around them.”

Chambers also earned graduate certificates in science and technology policy and in global engineering during her time at CU �鶹ӰԺ. She said both have helped in this role immensely.

"Our audience is largely non-scientists, but our technical knowledge is important for helping us understand these complex topics. So, I would say having the added experience from both of those certificates allows me to talk at several levels about why these scientific advances matter and communicate well when it comes to the policy implications,” she said.

Chambers said younger engineers considering graduate school or joining the workforce should try to take courses outside their core disciplines if possible.

“All of the professors I worked with were wonderful and were always happy to talk with me, which was incredible,” she said. “I recommend exploring outside your home department in terms of classes or certificates to build your network and see how your interests and expertise can be used in different career paths.”

Chambers (PhDCivEngr’21) studied water, sanitation, and hygiene in low-income settings for her PhD.

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Alumni Spotlight: ShoeSense is off and running, with help from CU �鶹ӰԺ entrepreneurial ecosystem

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 22:28:33 +0000

Alumni Spotlight: ShoeSense is off and running, with help from CU �鶹ӰԺ entrepreneurial ecosystem Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 03/14/2023 - 16:28

Michael Lock Swingen

When Connor Winter (MechEngr’16) decided to pursue a Certificate in Engineering Management in conjunction with his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, it put him on a path that would lead to the founding of his own startup company, ShoeSense.

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Alumnus and CEO to give keynote at first-ever student-led Leadership Summit

Anonymous — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:13:25 +0000

Alumnus and CEO to give keynote at first-ever student-led Leadership Summit Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 03/13/2023 - 09:13

Ellen Fike

If you go

What: CU Engineering Student Leadership Summit
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 18
Where: Engineering Center

Student registration

In 1985, not long after obtaining his bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the �鶹ӰԺ, Chris Sherry was scanning the classified ads and found a structural engineering job that sounded right up his alley.

He never expected to stay at Merrick & Company for decades. He definitely never expected to become its president, chairman of the board and fifth-ever CEO, either.

“I knew I had a voice in this company, even all the way back in ‘85, when I first started,” Sherry said. “That’s why I’ve been with Merrick for so long. I knew I could chart a course for my career here and, with a little bit of luck, chart a course for the company.”

Sherry’s dedication to hard work, ethical business practices and leadership were just a few of the reasons the student leadership in the College of Engineering and Applied Science invited him back to campus to act as the keynote speaker at the first-ever Student Leadership Summit this weekend.

Besides Sherry’s keynote speech, the summit will feature three hourlong workshops on topics like imposter syndrome, authentic adaption and creating a better future driven by better leaders.

Sherry was blown away and honored when he was asked to be the keynote speaker at the summit.

“I want the students to walk away with the knowledge that there is a place in the world for them, as engineers and leaders. The world needs them as leaders. If we had more engineers leading the country today, we’d be in a hell of a lot better place,” Sherry said.

In his keynote speech, he will touch on ethics and sustainability, both of which are important for any engineer entering the workforce.

As someone who creates for a living, Sherry knows how important sustainability is.

“Every natural resource we consume is limited. I don’t care whether it’s water, clean air or the ground we build buildings on,” he said. “You’ve got to look through that lens with everything you do. Whether we’re building a new office building or research laboratory, we always consider the finite natural resources that that facility is going to consume.”

Structural engineers — Sherry included — need to find ways to minimize the use of raw materials when creating, whether it’s through reducing, reusing or recycling.

The Merrick CEO credits his time in the engineering department at CU �鶹ӰԺ for setting him up for success once he graduated and entered the “real world.”

“I always got the impression that there was never a limit placed on what I could do when I was a student there,” he said. “My instructors never told me that I was going to be a structural engineer my whole life, so I better be happy working with a No. 2 pencil and a calculator, doing design. They always encouraged me that I could do whatever I wanted, as long as I had a solid engineering degree that was rooted in the fundamentals.”

Being a leader is an important topic he wants to drive home to the students in attendance at the summit.

Sherry knows better than most that while engineers are talented, intelligent and driven, they are not always the best at talking to others.

“Leadership is about influencing others, whether it’s an individual, a group or an entire organization,” he said. “It’s fundamental to influence others to achieve a goal, that’s what leadership is all about.”

Chris Sherry’s dedication to hard work, ethical business practices and leadership led students to invite him back to campus to act as the keynote speaker at the first-ever CU Engineering Student Leadership Summit this weekend.

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