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CU �鶹ӰԺ's Masters of the Environment capstone recognized for innovation in sustainability education

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:39:39 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ's Masters of the Environment capstone recognized for innovation in sustainability education Megan M Rogers Thu, 08/20/2026 - 08:39

Alice Reznickova, Masters of the Environment capstone lead and associate teaching professor, speaks during the National Sustainability Society conference awards ceremony. To the right of the podium are Natalie Ooi, MENV director and teaching professor; Laura George, MENV career and professional development program manager; and Myles Maland, director of department administration in the Department of Environmental Studies.

CU �鶹ӰԺ's Masters of the Environment (MENV) capstone program has been named a recipient of the Innovations in Sustainability Education Award by the National Sustainability Society at their third annual conference. The national award recognizes outstanding innovations in degree programs that prepare and empower learners to be agents of transformative change through inclusive, systems-oriented and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

This year's conference theme—courage, credibility and collective action—reflects values that sit at the core of what the MENV capstone program instills in all students.

“We are so proud of receiving this award. It celebrates the impact of our team, our students and our partner organizations over the last decade. That impact is a product of investment. When you commit real resources and time into students and into reciprocal partnerships, you get work that matters, for our community and for the partners we serve,” capstone lead Alice Reznickova shared.

The recognition affirms the capstone program as a leading model of sustainability work. The MENV capstone places all graduate students in direct partnership with external organizations to tackle real sustainability and climate challenges. Since its inception, MENV students have completed nearly 250 projects, and with each one, the program's network of partners, alumni and real-world impact continues to grow.

Just this past year, 78 students invested more than 46,800 hours across 26 projects with nonprofits, municipalities, private companies and state agencies, producing deliverables that informed policy, advanced organizational strategy and created measurable outcomes for communities across Colorado and beyond. By functioning as graduate-level consultants rather than traditional interns, MENV students bring prior professional experience and sustainability expertise to every project.

The capstone program's approach is rooted in the belief that meaningful progress on sustainability requires more than technical expertise—it requires the courage to engage in complex, real-world problems; the credibility that comes from rigorous, applied work; and the ability to collaborate across sectors and communities.

Read the 2025 MENV Capstone Impact Report (PDF)

Under the guidance of their faculty advisor and capstone partner, students have a real impact on their communities and leave equipped to contribute to the kind of collective action the sustainability field demands. What further distinguishes the program is how intentionally it weaves career development into the capstone experience, so that applied project work and professional growth advance hand in hand.

“Partnering with Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) has given me exactly the combination of experiences I hoped to get out of MENV: deep learning, strong professional connections and the chance to see my work create tangible impact. As I look toward full-time opportunities after graduation, this experience has become a genuine stepping stone and proof of what I can contribute in professional settings,” Norman Kalen, a second-year MENV student, shared.

As MENV enters its 10th year, this national recognition affirms the program's role as a global model for how professional graduate education can drive lasting, meaningful change.

The National Sustainability Society has honored the graduate capstone program with its Innovations in Sustainability Education Award, recognizing a decade of student-led projects that pair real-world impact with professional growth.

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A new charge for leadership at CU �鶹ӰԺ

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:11:33 +0000

A new charge for leadership at CU �鶹ӰԺ Megan M Rogers Mon, 08/17/2026 - 09:11

As higher education prepares students for increasingly complex scientific, technological and societal challenges, CU �鶹ӰԺ is strengthening its commitment to leadership development by naming Chancellor Justin Schwartz the Quigg and Virginia S. Newton Endowed Chair in Leadership.

The appointment builds on a growing universitywide effort to make leadership development an integral part of the CU �鶹ӰԺ student experience—across disciplines, inside and outside the classroom, and throughout a student's time on campus.

"Leadership isn't reserved for people with a particular title. It's the ability to bring people together around difficult problems, ask better questions, make thoughtful decisions and help others succeed," Schwartz said. "That's a skill every student can develop, regardless of discipline."

At the center of the effort is CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Center for Leadership, which connects opportunities across the university and ensures students from every field of study can develop and practice the skills to lead.

Since its founding in 2020, the center has grown into a campuswide leadership ecosystem that now includes more than 55 affiliate programs across CU �鶹ӰԺ's colleges, schools and units. Together, these programs reach thousands of students through academic courses, mentoring, coaching, experiential learning, civic engagement and other leadership development opportunities.

The Center for Leadership is also expanding the depth of those experiences. The Newton Fellowship Program brings together students from leadership programs across campus for an intensive year of coaching, mentorship and leadership development. The new Wagner Civic Impact Initiative creates opportunities for students to put leadership into practice by addressing real-world challenges and contributing to their communities.

The center is also investing in the faculty and staff who develop student leaders, creating stronger connections among programs and building a common approach to evaluating the impact of leadership education across campus.

The work has helped CU �鶹ӰԺ gain national visibility for its approach to developing leaders. TIME Magazine has recognized CU �鶹ӰԺ among its best colleges for future leaders, reflecting the breadth of leadership opportunities available to students across the university.

For the Boettcher Foundation, which helped establish the Newton Chair, the appointment represents both a continuation of former CU President Quigg Newton's legacy and an investment in the leaders Colorado will need in the future.

"The Boettcher Foundation has long believed that developing strong leaders is one of the most powerful investments we can make in Colorado's future," said Katie Kramer, president and CEO of the Boettcher Foundation. "The Newton Chair carries forward Quigg Newton's extraordinary legacy of leadership and public service while creating opportunities for new generations of students to develop the skills and character they will need to make a difference in their communities, their professions and our state."

Schwartz's appointment as Newton Chair became effective July 1. The endowed position was established by the Newton family in partnership with the Boettcher Foundation and CU �鶹ӰԺ to honor Newton's commitment to leadership, education and public service.

As Newton Chair, Schwartz will work with the Center for Leadership and partners across the university to continue expanding leadership education and creating clearer pathways for students to move from learning about leadership to practicing it in consequential settings.

"Leadership development belongs alongside discovery, innovation and academic excellence," Schwartz said. "We want our students to leave here not only prepared to succeed in their fields but prepared to take responsibility for what comes next."

Chancellor Justin Schwartz has been named the Newton Chair to advance leadership development across the university.

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Lee Niswander awarded 2026 Edwin G. Conklin Medal

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:29:09 +0000

Lee Niswander awarded 2026 Edwin G. Conklin Medal Megan M Rogers Thu, 08/06/2026 - 08:29

The CU �鶹ӰԺ distinguished professor joins a group of researchers recognized for their exceptional contributions to developmental biology and dedication to training the next generation of scientists.

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3 aerospace grad students earn Amelia Earhart Fellowships

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:28:25 +0000

3 aerospace grad students earn Amelia Earhart Fellowships Megan M Rogers Wed, 07/22/2026 - 13:28

CU �鶹ӰԺ doctoral students Kristen Amarell, Nicole Rote and Amrita Singh have earned fellowships named for famed pilot Amelia Earhart.

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Professor takes next-generation battery research global with Fulbright award

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:42:47 +0000

Professor takes next-generation battery research global with Fulbright award Megan M Rogers Wed, 07/15/2026 - 14:42

Chunmei Ban, professor of mechanical engineering, has received a Fulbright Global Scholar award to explore the future of energy storage through next-generation battery technologies.

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2 CU �鶹ӰԺ education scholars earn prestigious early-career honors

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:04:54 +0000

2 CU �鶹ӰԺ education scholars earn prestigious early-career honors Megan M Rogers Wed, 07/01/2026 - 10:04

Doctoral candidate Danielle Aguilar and alum Christopher Saldaña have been selected for two of the National Academy of Education and Spencer Foundation’s most competitive honors for emerging education scholars.

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UROP celebrates undergraduate research grants, mentor awards, more

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:10:32 +0000

UROP celebrates undergraduate research grants, mentor awards, more Megan M Rogers Tue, 05/19/2026 - 13:10

Join the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in celebrating the 2026 Savit Scholars, the 2026 Mentor Award recipients, and the students and faculty who were awarded project grants.

Savit Scholars

UROP's Savit Scholars are recognized for projects that promise to push disciplinary boundaries and create space for creativity, expression and connection—celebrate these impressive students and read excerpts from their project proposals.

Mentor Award recipients

UROP's Mentor Award recognizes individuals supporting CU �鶹ӰԺ undergraduates on research and creative projects—celebrate these inspiring mentors and read excerpts from the students' nominations.

Team project grants

UROP Team Project Grants of $4,000 are awarded to inspiring faculty members who support teams of CU �鶹ӰԺ undergraduates on a wide range of research projects.

Summer grants
For the summer term, UROP awarded 19 projects—supporting 68 student researchers across 11 departments—for a total of $76,000 in funding.

Learn More

Academic year grants
For the 2026–27 academic year, UROP awarded 19 projects—supporting 135 students across 11 departments—for a total of $76,000 in funding.

Learn More

Get involved—open opportunities

CU �鶹ӰԺ undergraduates are invited to join these winning teams on a wide range of projects in many majors.

Explore Summer Opportunities

Explore 2026–27 Opportunities

Student project grants

UROP Student Project Grants are awarded to support undergraduate students' engagement with the research and creative life of the CU �鶹ӰԺ campus.

Summer grants
For the summer term, UROP awarded 22 assistantships and 48 individual grants, for a total of $188,000 in funding across 24 departments.

Learn More

Academic year grants
For the 2026–27 academic year, UROP awarded 20 assistantships and 50 individual grants, for a total of $94,500 in funding across 23 departments.

Learn More

Join the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in celebrating the 2026 Savit Scholars, the 2026 Mentor Award recipients, and the students and faculty who were awarded project grants.

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2 CU �鶹ӰԺ honorees receive President's Inclusive Excellence Awards

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:50:10 +0000

2 CU �鶹ӰԺ honorees receive President's Inclusive Excellence Awards Megan M Rogers Fri, 05/08/2026 - 10:50

CU �鶹ӰԺ graduate student Connor Antonio Diaz and Assistant Dean Patricia Gonzalez were among five systemwide recipients of the CU President’s Inclusive Excellence Awards this year. The annual awards honor individuals and units from across the University of Colorado who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to building an environment where everyone can thrive.

Connor Antonio Diaz

A fourth-year graduate student in the Department of Geological Sciences, Diaz is striving to increase accessibility in STEM, improve pathways for underrepresented students and integrate inclusivity across educational, research and civic settings. By taking part in community and civic activities, he has learned strategies that inform his teaching and mentoring.

Diaz volunteers for the Denver Special Education Advisory Committee, a Denver Public Schools advisory group dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities through collaborative and intentional community engagement. His activities have included providing technical reviews of policy documents, presenting on research-based recommendations to city and state officials, and contributing to legislation (Colorado House Bill 25-1017) to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

Diaz also volunteers for the Gigi’s Playhouse network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, where he helps design STEM teaching modules, trains behavioral therapists in STEM integration and leads family-focused science events.

In his lab activities for an introductory geology course, Diaz implemented multimodal instruction—i.e., introducing concepts using visual, tactile and verbal approaches—to engage students in learning through multiple cognitive pathways, which can be helpful for students with ADHD.

Patricia Gonzalez

The transformative impact of Gonzalez reaches within and far beyond her corner of CU �鶹ӰԺ. In her role as assistant dean of the Office for Access and Community Engagement (ACE) in the College of Arts and Sciences, she supports students, faculty and staff. Among her first initiatives after arriving on campus in 2021 was the establishment of the ACE Mentoring Program for staff and faculty, pairing mentors and mentees to support greater understanding of the college and CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Gonzalez is intentional about ensuring every member of the college, regardless of title or position, has a voice. She works to elevate the potential she sees in those whose talents might otherwise be overlooked.

As co-founder and co-chair of the JEDI Leaders Community of Practice, Gonzalez helped build a community of over 128 members across CU �鶹ӰԺ. The structure and purpose of this engaged network of professionals was informed by Gonzalez’s clear vision of community, shared leadership and transparency. Her ability to cultivate a trusted, supportive environment has empowered JEDI leaders to engage in honest reflection, exchange strategies, learn from one another and build resilience.

Gonzalez also manages the �鶹ӰԺ County Latina League Empower Program, providing scholarships and student support, and leads the College of Arts and Sciences Action Plan 2.0 planning committee.

Beyond the college, her collaboration with the CU Police Department resulted in critical changes to police training, while her effort to ensure emergency alerts are delivered in multiple languages led to the improvement of safety and inclusion for thousands of students, faculty and staff. Gonzalez also played a vital role in campuswide efforts to ensure staff members receive parental leave upon hiring, creating parity with faculty and promoting a healthier, more humane work environment for all.

Gonzales holds a Doctor of Education.

CU �鶹ӰԺ graduate student Connor Antonio Diaz and Assistant Dean Patricia Gonzalez were among five systemwide recipients of the CU President’s Inclusive Excellence Awards this year.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ recognized as Colorado's leading college blood donation site

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:47:18 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ recognized as Colorado's leading college blood donation site Megan M Rogers Thu, 05/07/2026 - 14:47

Members of Staff Council’s Blood Drive and Community Service Committee accepted the Campus Leadership in Giving Award at Vitalant’s annual Lifelines event.

CU �鶹ӰԺ has earned statewide recognition as the top college blood donor in Colorado, a distinction that reflects an extraordinary year of impact, leadership and community commitment through its 2025–26 academic year blood drives. Members of Staff Council’s Blood Drive and Community Service Committee accepted the Campus Leadership in Giving Award at Vitalant’s annual Lifelines event on April 29.

In partnership with Vitalant, CU �鶹ӰԺ Staff Council played a central role in organizing and hosting four highly successful blood drives throughout the academic year. Together, they mobilized students, faculty and staff to step forward and support a critical community need—ensuring hospitals have access to lifesaving blood supplies.

One of the most meaningful highlights from these efforts was the introduction of 194 first-time blood donors. These individuals represent more than just a single donation; they are the future of Colorado’s blood supply. Many may never have donated without the university's outreach and advocacy, and their continued participation has the potential to save countless lives in the years ahead.

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s drives were not only impactful, they were consistently strong. The university collected an average of 52 units per day across the four drives, contributing to an impressive 619 units of red cell and whole blood donations. When including plasma and additional red cell units, the total climbed to 654 units for the year, underscoring the scale and success of the initiative.

Save the date: Blood drives Sept. 22–24

The real measure of this achievement lies in its impact on the community. These donations will help provide lifesaving blood products to an estimated 1,962 individuals across �鶹ӰԺ County. Behind that number are real stories: patients undergoing surgery, individuals battling chronic illness, accident victims, and families relying on the availability of safe blood.

This recognition is not just a milestone; it is a testament to the CU �鶹ӰԺ community’s deep commitment to service and collective impact. Fueled by the generosity of students, faculty and staff, and supported through its long-standing partnership with Vitalant, the university is well-positioned to build on this momentum and expand its lifesaving impact in the years ahead.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Staff Council’s upcoming blood drives Sept. 22–24.

CU �鶹ӰԺ has been recognized by Vitalant as the top college blood donation site in the state of Colorado. Members of Staff Council accepted the Campus Leadership in Giving Award at the annual Lifelines event.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ blood drive in 2017 (Bonfils is now Vitalant). Photo by Glenn Asakawa/CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Distinguished Professor Lee Niswander wins Hazel Barnes Prize

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:27:26 +0000

Distinguished Professor Lee Niswander wins Hazel Barnes Prize Megan M Rogers Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:27

Bradley Worrell

Lee Niswander, distinguished professor in the CU �鶹ӰԺ Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, has been awarded the 2026 Hazel Barnes Prize.

Established in 1991 by former Chancellor James Corbridge to honor the late Hazel Barnes, CU �鶹ӰԺ professor of philosophy from 1953 to 1986, the $20,000 Hazel Barnes Prize celebrates the enriching interrelationship between teaching and research. It is the largest and most prestigious award funded by the university.

“Professor Niswander exemplifies the very best of CU �鶹ӰԺ through groundbreaking research and a deep commitment to teaching and mentorship,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “Her scholarly impact, departmental leadership and dedication to students reflect both the spirit of the Hazel Barnes Prize and the values Hazel Barnes herself championed. We are proud to honor Dr. Lee Niswander for her lasting contributions to our university and to her field.”

Inside the work of Lee Niswander

Niswander received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from CU �鶹ӰԺ, her master’s degree in biochemistry and genetics from University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (now CU Anschutz) and her doctorate in genetics from Case Western University. She received her postdoctoral degree in developmental biology from the University of California San Francisco.

Since 2017, Niswander has served as professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology (MCDB) at CU �鶹ӰԺ. She was the chair of MCDB from 2017 to 2025.

As head of the Niswander Lab, she and her group investigate mouse models of embryonic development to provide insights into fundamental developmental processes, major human birth defects and potential clinical therapies. Her studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms that control formation of the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as lung, limb and neuromuscular development.

Niswander’s current focus is on early brain formation and birth defects that arise when normal brain formation goes awry, like failure of neural tube closure or maintenance of neural progenitor cells, resulting in spina bifida or microcephaly.

The Niswander Lab uses the mouse embryo and human-induced pluripotent stem cells as models of human development. The lab’s studies encompass genetics, epigenetics, environmental factors and live imaging to couple molecular insights to cell behaviors. Through collaborative efforts, Niswander Lab researchers are also exploring the genetic causes of neural tube defects in humans.

Niswander is the recipient of multiple awards and honors, including being named a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Research by the Pew Charitable Trusts and receiving the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers from the U.S. president. Additionally, she was a recipient of the Harland Winfield Mossman Developmental Biologists Award from the American Association of Anatomists in 2002, and she was an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute from 1997 to 2014.

Niswander was conferred a distinguished professorship by CU President Todd Saliman in 2024.

In 2026, Niswander received an Edwin G. Conklin Medal, which is awarded annually by the Society for Developmental Biology (SDB) to recognize a developmental biologist who has made and is continuing to make extraordinary research contributions to the field and is an excellent mentor, helping train the next generation of outstanding scientists.

In the words of colleagues

In letters supporting Niswander’s nomination for the Hazel Barnes Prize, colleagues noted her many contributions to MCDB and her skills as both a researcher and an instructor.

“(Niswander) embodies the best in teaching, research and scholarship and is wholly deserving of this highest honor,” said Robin Dowell, professor and associate chair of MCDB and the BioFrontiers Institute.

“She is a highly respected vertebrate developmental geneticist who had made major contributions over the years to our understanding of fundamental events in vertebrate embryonic development, including limb and lung development and neural tube closure. What makes her an ideal candidate for the Hazel Barnes Prize is how she integrates her research into her teaching at undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral levels.”

Tin Tin Su, professor and chair of MCDB, lauded Niswander as a “highly respected developmental geneticist who made major contributions to our understanding of limb and lung development and neural tube closure.”

Su noted Niswander has produced 123 peer-reviewed papers with more than 20,000 citations. Additionally, Su commended Niswander for the 45 graduate and postdoctoral students she trained and for her devoted attention to undergraduate education, including teaching undergraduate classes.

“I am thrilled and honored to receive the Hazel Barnes Prize. I thank MCDB and professors Tin Tin Su and Robin Dowell for the nomination,” Niswander said. “This award represents numerous research discoveries by many students and postdoctoral fellows throughout my career.”

She added that she is pleased that the Hazel Barnes award recognizes her focus on the confluence of teaching and research. One accomplishment she is particularly proud of during her tenure as MCDB chair was the creation of a partnership with Front Range Community College (FRCC) to provide summer research opportunities in CU �鶹ӰԺ Life Science labs to support FRCC students transferring to CU �鶹ӰԺ to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Niswander concluded, “To all who have contributed to my broader success, I am deeply grateful, and this award is shared with you.”

Distinguished Professor Lee Niswander, whose research seeks to provide insights into fundamental developmental processes, major human birth defects and potential clinical therapies, has received CU �鶹ӰԺ's most prestigious honor for 2026. The Hazel Barnes Prize each year recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies groundbreaking research and a deep commitment to teaching.

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