Xiao earns prestigious membership in the National Academy of Inventors

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:03:49 +0000

Xiao earns prestigious membership in the National Academy of Inventors Alexander Jame… Fri, 03/14/2025 - 11:03

Associate Professor Jianliang Xiao is a “mechanics of materials” expert launching innovations in soft materials and flexible electronics who has been selected as a senior member in the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The program recognizes rising innovators who have had success securing patents, licensing and commercialization for developed technologies that showcase real impact on the welfare of society.

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New technology turns waste heat into electricity, defies physical limit

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:46:47 +0000

New technology turns waste heat into electricity, defies physical limit Alexander Jame… Tue, 02/18/2025 - 11:46

Assistant Professor Longji Cui and his team in the Cui Research Group have developed a new technology to turn thermal radiation into electricity in a way that literally teases the basic law of thermal physics. The group says their research has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing industries by increasing power generation without the need for high temperature heat sources or expensive materials.

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5 CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� startups to watch in 2025

Michelle Wiese — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:12:41 +0000

5 CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� startups to watch in 2025 Michelle Wiese Mon, 02/03/2025 - 10:12

From July 2023 to June 2024, CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� helped to launch 35 new companies based on research at the university. The new businesses are embracing technologies from the worlds of healthcare, agriculture, clean energy and more. Here’s a look at how engineers and scientists, with the help of the university’s commercialization arm Venture Partners, seek to use discoveries from the lab to make a difference in peoples’ lives.

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CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� among top colleges for Indigenous students

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:34:04 +0000

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� among top colleges for Indigenous students Charles Ferrer Wed, 11/13/2024 - 13:34

Charles Ferrer

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) has recognized CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� as one of the top 200 colleges for Indigenous students in its 2024-2025 national rankings.

CU ��Vlog�ƽ��'s AISES chapter attends the 2024 national AISES Conference in San Antonio.

AISES, a national organization dedicated to increasing Indigenous representation in STEM fields, evaluated schools based on the strength of their support programs for Native students, as well as undergraduate enrollment and graduation rates.

The AISES chapter at CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� serves as a community for Indigenous students in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and across campus, connecting those interested in STEM and supporting them academically and professionally. This recognition reflects CU ��Vlog�ƽ��’s commitment to fostering an environment where Indigenous students can thrive in STEM—a commitment embodied by the leaders of its AISES chapter.

Noelle Bagola, the chapter’s treasurer, said her journey with AISES has empowered her professionally and personally.

“Being part of AISES allowed me to grow as a leader,” she said.

Through her involvement, Bagola developed skills in areas she once found challenging, like connecting with professionals at conferences and building strong peer relationships.

“Now, I feel confident communicating with people and stepping up to help others. Becoming a leader has been my biggest accomplishment with AISES.”

For Shellene Redhorse, AISES chapter president and a third-year aerospace engineering student, the chapter’s impact extends beyond CU ��Vlog�ƽ��’s campus.

“A lot of what AISES does is about supporting our members and the Indigenous community,” she said. “The Indigenous community at CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� may be small, and the STEM students within that community are even more rare, but we are here.”

One of her proudest achievements was taking students to this year’s national AISES conference in San Antonio, where they connected with other Native scientists. Redhorse also highlighted the chapter’s outreach to Indigenous students in Denver, where they host hands-on STEM activities, including rocketry demonstrations at Lake Middle School.

“We’re hoping to inspire middle-schoolers by showing them what a future in STEM could look like,” she said.

“When I was in school, I didn’t think a STEM career was possible for me until I got to work on hands-on projects. I know many Native students don’t have those opportunities, so we’re working to change that.”

Looking forward, AISES aims to establish a more permanent support network for Native students in Denver, opening more pathways into STEM fields.

Indigenous Knowledge and STEM

AISES participated in the 2023 First Nations Launch as the ‘CU Trailblazers’, sweeping first place in all their categories and a grand prize trip to the Kennedy Space Center.

Both Bagola and Redhorse draw from Indigenous knowledge to inform their approach to STEM.

Redhorse, who is of Navajo (Diné) and Chickasaw descent, described how her cultural heritage shapes her engineering perspective.

“In our culture, we observe nature closely—how animals act, how weather patterns shift, even how the stars guide us. Our ancestors used this knowledge for everything from growing crops to building structures,” she said.

Inspired by these traditions, she incorporates Indigenous wisdom into school projects.

“I remember building a small rover in sixth grade based on how a beetle moved away from light. It’s that respect for nature and deep observation that really inspires me.”

Redhorse often reflects on Navajo understandings of stars and space, which she sees as especially relevant to her studies in aerospace. She also appreciates Indigenous approaches to sustainability, noting how Native architecture adapts to harsh climates in environmentally mindful ways.

“Whether it’s the way water moves around structures or how a hogan—a traditional dwelling and ceremonial structure—retains heat, these hold incredible value in my engineering work.”

Bagola, an integrative physiology student and a member of the Navajo (Diné) and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes, finds similar connections in her field.

“For us, health is not just physical—it’s about mind, spirit, and experience,” she explained.

“Indigenous medicine, like using sweat lodges, plays an important role in healing. Staying connected with your spirit is essential to being truly healthy.”

Community and Advice for Indigenous STEM Students

“AISES is a really welcoming community for Native students here at CU,” Redhorse said. “It’s a safe space where we can connect, share and rejuvenate. Our meetings are open to anyone, you don’t have to be Native. We welcome anyone who wants to learn about our culture and support us.”

Campus Organizations and Community Resources

Like Bagola, Redhorse also said her involvement with AISES has helped her grow as a leader. Recently, she was invited to welcome the keynote speakers at CU ��Vlog�ƽ��’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day plenary event—a role she could not have imagined for herself as a first-year student.

Chantal Baca, academic services manager for the BOLD Center, has served as the AISES faculty advisor for the past academic year. She noted the inclusive community for Indigenous students and credits AISES’ executive student board and members over the last five years.

“The AISES chapter is a remarkable group of student leaders who embody the vision, achievement and STEM student success,” said Baca. “Their membership has made a significant impact in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.”

Student leaders offer heartfelt advice to Indigenous students interested in STEM.

“It’s OK to feel alone sometimes, but find your community, and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” said Bagola. “Joining AISES helped me step out of my comfort zone, gain confidence and start reaching out to my professors and others in my field.”

“In engineering, there were five women in a room of 50 students—and being Native added another layer,” said Redhorse. “But, I’d tell anyone in that position: keep going.”

“Our people are resilient, and if you push through and find your community, you’ll thrive.”

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society has recognized CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� as a top college for Indigenous students in its 2024-2025 national rankings.

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Architectural engineering receives DOE Zero Energy Design Designation

Anonymous — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:00:58 +0000

Architectural engineering receives DOE Zero Energy Design Designation Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 10/03/2022 - 11:00

The new DOE designation, awarded to 17 educational programs nationwide, honors post-secondary academic programs that require students to apply the best practices of zero energy design in their projects.

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Sustainability

Xiao earns prestigious membership in the National Academy of Inventors

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​New technology turns waste heat into electricity, defies physical limit

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5 CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� startups to watch in 2025

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CU ����Vlog�ƽ�� among top colleges for Indigenous students

Indigenous Knowledge and STEM

Community and Advice for Indigenous STEM Students

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Architectural engineering receives DOE Zero Energy Design Designation

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New technology turns waste heat into electricity, defies physical limit

5 CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� startups to watch in 2025

CU ��Vlog�ƽ�� among top colleges for Indigenous students