Celebrate

Karolin Luger wins Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:53:42 +0000

Karolin Luger wins Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science Megan M Rogers Thu, 02/05/2026 - 09:53

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

The CU �鶹ӰԺ biochemist has been awarded for her career dedication to the study of nucleosomes and groundbreaking discoveries.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ receives grant promoting collaboration, dialogue in higher education

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:31:16 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ receives grant promoting collaboration, dialogue in higher education Megan M Rogers Tue, 02/03/2026 - 10:31

Restoring Trust: Humanistic Perspectives on Academic Freedom, American Democracy and Higher Education Leadership is a three-year initiative, supported by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Sawyer Seminar program.

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Announcing the 2026 Three Minute Thesis winners

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:55:41 +0000

Announcing the 2026 Three Minute Thesis winners Megan M Rogers Fri, 01/30/2026 - 09:55

Eleven students participated in this year's final competition for a chance at prize money and a chance to represent CU �鶹ӰԺ at the regional competition. See who the winners are.

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Student awarded Churchill Scholarship—the 4th in CU �鶹ӰԺ history

Emma Holst — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:37:38 +0000

Student awarded Churchill Scholarship—the 4th in CU �鶹ӰԺ history Emma Holst Wed, 01/28/2026 - 11:37

Arianna McCarty

CU �鶹ӰԺ student Arianna McCarty has been awarded the prestigious Churchill Scholarship. McCarty, a senior studying chemical and biological engineering, is the fourth CU �鶹ӰԺ student chosen for this honor in the university’s history, with the most recent recipient selected in 2010.

The Churchill Scholarship was formed in partnership with Cambridge University to strengthen the scientific community’s relations between England and the United States. Up to 18 scholars are chosen each year for this highly selective, rigorous program, based on their scientific endeavors and academic achievement.

The scholarship includes one year of master’s study at Cambridge University in science, mathematics, engineering and science policy.

McCarty is an accomplished student, tacking this impressive scholarship on to a list of achievements this academic year alone. In addition to being a Boettcher Scholar, McCarty received the Goldwater Scholarship and Astronaut Scholarship in 2025.

Her journey with CU �鶹ӰԺ began while still a high school student in Lafayette, Colorado, when she explored computational genomics in the Layer Lab as part of the BioFrontiers Institute. Then, McCarty transitioned to researching how "certain bacteria native to our airways can actually help protect against respiratory infections" at the Clark Lab on the CU Anschutz campus. Most recently, McCarty joined the Burdick Lab, where she “engineers heart tissues to model focal cardiac fibrosis, a type of cardiac scarring that occurs after heart attacks and has no approved therapeutics, enabling high-throughput drug discovery.”

Learn more about McCarty, her academic journey and the people who have shaped her experience.

What inspired you to pursue an academic career in STEM?

I was originally drawn to medical school, driven by a desire to directly impact patients’ lives. However, after working in both clinical and laboratory settings, I became acutely aware of the disconnect between the two. Clinicians often lack access to cutting-edge research that could transform patient care, while researchers sometimes pursue questions disconnected from real clinical needs. I felt that I could ultimately impact more lives by bridging this gap through translational research, ensuring that scientific innovation is truly informed by what patients need and that promising discoveries actually make it to the clinic. This realization shifted my focus toward academia, where I aim to dedicate my career to developing effective regenerative therapies that could transform outcomes for millions of patients.

Long term, what do you hope to achieve with your research?

I aim to work at the intersection of tissue engineering, immunology and systems biology to address wound healing throughout the body, from diabetic ulcers to cardiac scarring. As a professor at an R1 research institution, I want to delve into how cells communicate, how the immune system responds and how microbes influence healing to answer the fundamental questions of why regeneration succeeds or fails. By combining traditional wet lab research with computational sequencing techniques, I aim to not only understand these biological interactions but engineer interventions to induce tissue regeneration in the clinic.

What are you looking forward to studying while at Cambridge?

I’m thrilled to be pursuing an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) in Biological Science by Thesis at the Wellcome Sanger Institute as part of the Behjati lab. There, I’ll have the opportunity to investigate how immune and blood cell populations develop during adolescence. Using cutting-edge single-cell and whole genome sequencing techniques on patient bone marrow samples, I’ll work towards filling a major gap in our understanding of how our immune systems mature, which has implications for diagnosing childhood blood disorders such as leukemia as well as improving lifelong immune health. Beyond the research itself, I am particularly excited to be joining Sanger’s bold intellectual community, where collaboration and a shared commitment to discovery drive groundbreaking science.

Over the course of your academic career, you have been the recipient of several honors and achievements. What is the driving factor behind your success?

Arianna with her brother, Bryan

I don’t believe there’s any single driving factor behind my success; it’s a combination of many things and, frankly, a lot of luck. That said, two elements stand out: intrinsic motivation and grit. Lasting success requires being motivated by genuine passion and curiosity rather than external validation or competition. For me, a profound fascination with complex biological systems and a drive to translate research into meaningful clinical impact carries me through late nights and failed experiments. However, passion without discipline results in unrealized potential. Success also requires relentlessness – being willing to tackle tedious work, finding creative approaches when standard methods fail and pushing through repeated setbacks. Intelligence alone, no matter how exceptional, doesn’t produce results without the willingness to sustain effort over time.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge in your achievement?

None of this would have been possible without the incredible mentors who have shaped my research journey. I’m profoundly grateful to Drs. Sarah Clark, Jason Burdick and Ryan Layer; each of these mentors has invested countless hours in my growth and development as a researcher and left an invaluable mark on my career. Beyond the lab, my deepest gratitude goes to my brother, Bryan McCarty, and my sister-in-law, Dr. Jessica Stelzel. I’d like to thank them for celebrating victories with me, talking me through setbacks and providing me perspective on life’s uncertainties.

Arianna McCarty has been awarded the prestigious Churchill Scholarship. McCarty, a senior studying chemical and biological engineering, is the fourth CU �鶹ӰԺ student chosen for this honor in the university's history, with the most recent recipient selected in 2010.

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Andrew Schwartz elected to American Law Institute

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:38:08 +0000

Andrew Schwartz elected to American Law Institute Megan M Rogers Tue, 01/27/2026 - 11:38

Professor Andrew Schwartz has been elected to the American Law Institute. Schwartz, the Laurence W. DeMuth Chair of Business Law, is one of 45 legal scholars and practitioners chosen to join ALI, an organization dedicated to producing scholarship that clarifies, modernizes and improves the law.

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Meet the newest employees of the year

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:25:05 +0000

Meet the newest employees of the year Megan M Rogers Fri, 01/23/2026 - 07:25

Chancellor Justin Schwartz is honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Employee of the Year Award. This distinguished annual award celebrates staff for their outstanding contributions to CU �鶹ӰԺ. Nominated by their colleagues, these individuals were selected for their extraordinary service, support of campus priorities and going above and beyond their defined job duties to make a meaningful difference.

This year’s winners were selected from an amazing pool of nominees and truly reflect the best of CU. Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients: Stew Elliot, Sara McDonald, Dragan Mejic and Teresa De Jesus Torres.

The chancellor will recognize this year’s winners at an awards ceremony and reception.

Stew Elliott

Stew Elliott is the university’s director for Veteran and Military Affairs (VMA). Under Elliott's leadership, the VMA has seen tremendous transformation in the support provided to student veterans. During his tenure, more than $2.5 million in scholarship funds has been raised, and the VMA has seen student veteran enrollment increase from 400 to roughly 1,600.

In his role, Elliott leads a team that interacts with government agencies as well as partners across campus. From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to CU Athletics, he has created a work environment that fosters collaboration and has strengthened the honoring of veterans.

Elliott has introduced resources such as in-house academic advising and a recognized veteran bridge program for STEM fields in addition to professional tutoring—all of which have improved student retention and performance. Beyond his formal duties, he actively mentors ROTC leadership, works with donors and plans successful fundraising events.

As shared in his nomination: “Stewart Elliott has truly been instrumental in developing one of the best veterans programs in the nation here at CU �鶹ӰԺ. Student veterans regularly tell staff in our office that they chose to attend CU based on the excellent reputation of the VMA office.”

Elliott's unwavering commitment and sense of purpose have made the VMA office a model program recognized for fostering inclusivity and excellence among student veterans and the broader CU community.

Sara McDonald

Sara McDonald serves as the senior director of operations in the School of Education. In her role, she has navigated multiple transitions; worked alongside numerous deans, faculty, staff and students but always with unwavering reliability.

McDonald is known for her deep institutional knowledge of the university and is considered a go-to resource for colleagues not only in the School of Education but across the broader campus. She seamlessly manages a wide range of responsibilities including technological support, building operations, event coordination and administrative oversight, but her contributions extend well beyond her formal responsibilities.

McDonald actively mentors staff and students, supports campus initiatives and creates a culture of community and belonging. During her tenure, she has helped to organize events like A Queer Endeavor; the Teacher of Color and Allies Summit; and the Children’s Book Festival to support educators, students and families. Through her everyday work, McDonald has earned the trust and respect of her colleagues.

One nominator shared the following: “Her work reflects the university’s mission, and priorities of campus success through resources, student-centeredness, supportive environments, sustainability and more. Sara leads with heart, humility, lived experiences and a deep understanding of how to navigate university.”

Dragan Mejic

Dragan Mejic is the instrument shop supervisor for the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Mejic has played a key role in designing, repairing and improving experimental modules, and his precision welding and assembly skills are evident throughout his work on numerous laboratory projects. His machining skills have facilitated the creation of valuable research equipment and have directly impacted the success of student and faculty research.

By reviving such projects as the Engineering Excellent Fund (EEF) initiative, Mejic has helped to expand teaching capacity and foster an environment of hands-on learning. He leads with integrity and is relied upon by both students and faculty for his expertise and supportive nature.

Outside of his assigned duties, Mejic is deeply involved in advocating for state employees’ rights and benefits and volunteers with the Secure PERA coalition. As a volunteer, he works closely with lawmakers to improve and support legislation aimed at protecting the state pension system. He has testified on important bills, written op-eds and engaged directly with the PERA executive team to address concerns.

As one nominator wrote: “Colleagues across all levels know Dragan as reliable, approachable and unfailingly positive. He supports co-workers with good humor and humility, lifts department morale by solving problems without complaint, and has become a trusted partner for faculty, staff and students alike.”

Teresa De Jesus Torres

Teresa De Jesus Torres serves as a custodian in Housing Facilities Services (HFS). Torres is highly respected by her colleagues for her dedication, commitment and unwavering work ethic. She effectively manages her workload while remaining available to support her team and often volunteers to support other teams during staff shortages. She continually fosters an environment that is both positive and inclusive.

An active team player and leader, Torres listens, collaborates and resolves conflicts to keep her team productive and focused. She welcomes and trains new employees and works to make sure they feel integrated and heard while at CU �鶹ӰԺ. Her outstanding customer service is frequently recognized by students.

As one nominator wrote: “Teresa consistently leads by example. She is a role model to her peers and, not only do they listen to her feedback, they incorporate it into their daily tasks. Teresa’s reliability has become something our entire team depends on, and her hard work consistently results in outcomes that exceed expectations.”

Torres' leadership ensures all spaces are safe and welcoming for those who come to campus.

Stew Elliot, Sara McDonald, Dragan Mejic and Teresa De Jesus Torres are CU �鶹ӰԺ's employees of the year for 2025. Read about their inspirational contributions and leadership.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ student selected as Schwarzman Scholar

Emma Holst — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:38:54 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ student selected as Schwarzman Scholar Emma Holst Tue, 01/20/2026 - 09:38

Camden Dempsey

CU �鶹ӰԺ student Camden Dempsey is one of 150 students selected for the prestigious Schwarzman Scholars graduate fellowship program. Dempsey, who graduated with a bachelor’s in finance and marketing last year and is now pursuing a master’s in real estate, was selected from a pool of over 5,800 candidates worldwide, the highest number of applicants in its 11-year history.

Schwarzman Scholars supports up to 200 Scholars annually from around the world for a one-year master’s in global affairs at Beijing’s Tsinghua University. Scholars chosen for this highly selective program will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion.

As a double Buff, Boettcher Scholar and Leeds Scholar, Dempsey is proud to represent CU �鶹ӰԺ in Beijing. “Choosing CU was the best decision of my life,” Dempsey said. “I truly bleed black and gold.”

Dempsey also extends gratitude to the Office of Top Scholarships. His advice for a student who might be interested in applying for a scholarship program is to “chase purpose, meaning and what genuinely aligns with your ambitions.”

Learn more about Dempsey, his academic achievements and why he pursues each new opportunity with positivity.

How did you choose CU �鶹ӰԺ for your studies?

The Boettcher Scholarship and the opportunity to play football at CU initially brought me to Leeds, along with my family connection. Both of my parents are double Buffs, and my family has had season tickets since 1967, so CU has always felt like home.

Over the course of your academic career, you have been the recipient of several honors and achievements. What is the driving factor behind your success?

Curiosity, accountability and taking full advantage of every opportunity. Once something catches my interest, I go all in. Being surrounded by strong mentors, teammates and peers has created a high bar for my own performance.

Football taught me discipline, consistency and how to perform under pressure. It also taught me that talent means nothing without preparation and follow-through. Lastly, I’ve learned the value of saying yes, meeting new people and building genuine relationships in the �鶹ӰԺ community. You never know what opportunity will show up next.

How did your interest in Chinese culture originate? What are you hoping to experience during your year in Beijing?

My interest in China began in 2015 when I took my first trip to Shanghai and Beijing and became fascinated by the language, culture and history. Before COVID, my family and I traveled to China more than 10 times, partially connected to my Eagle Scout project and partially for exploration. I even applied and was accepted to NYU Shanghai in high school.

Over time, I became deeply interested in how China’s economic transformation intersects with culture, entrepreneurship and global development. While other opportunities pulled my attention for a few years, I always knew I wanted to return to this passion.

This fall, I’ll be studying in Beijing as part of the Schwarzman Scholars program at Tsinghua University alongside students from around the world. I’m excited to deepen my Mandarin, immerse myself in the culture and better understand how business, policy and innovation operate inside China. I’m especially interested in how emerging markets develop, how capital shapes cities and how cross-cultural leadership works in practice. And yes, I am extremely excited about the food.

Is there anyone in particular you would like to thank or acknowledge in your achievement?

I’m incredibly grateful to the Boettcher Foundation for believing in me and investing in my education. I also want to thank the faculty, professors and mentors at Leeds and the Deming Center who challenged me to think bigger and become the best version of myself, specifically Beverly Karns, Brad Werner, Michael Jennings, Shaun Davies and Deborah Viles.

I’m thankful for Coach Prime, Rick George, my coaches and my amazing teammates for their support throughout my college career. Balancing Division I athletics with academics teaches you a lot, and they’ve been a defining part of my experience. And finally, my mom, dad, amazing sister and friends who have supported me every step of the way.

What’s next for you?

In the short term, I plan to travel and ski more now that football no longer dominates my schedule. After completing my master’s degree, I’ll prepare for an incredible year in Beijing with the Schwarzman Scholars program studying global affairs and leadership.

Long term, I hope to work at the intersection of real estate, technology, global markets and diplomacy, with a focus on cross-border innovation. More than anything, I’m excited to keep learning, building and meeting people who challenge how I think about the world.

CU �鶹ӰԺ student Camden Dempsey is one of 150 students selected for the prestigious Schwarzman Scholars graduate fellowship program.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ earns platinum status for 'bicycle-friendly university'

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:44:43 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ earns platinum status for 'bicycle-friendly university' Megan M Rogers Thu, 01/15/2026 - 14:44

Big news for Buffs who love to ride: CU �鶹ӰԺ has been awarded platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. This is the highest honor in the program and recognizes our campus as one of the best places in the country to bike.

The league’s latest round of awards celebrates universities that are stepping up: listening to feedback, investing in infrastructure and building partnerships to make biking safer, easier and more accessible for everyone. And that’s exactly what CU has been doing.

CU �鶹ӰԺ is now one of only 10 platinum-level schools in the entire country out of 204 participating universities. That makes this achievement truly exceptional and hard to earn.

By the numbers

CU �鶹ӰԺ has more than 7,000 bike parking spaces across campus, making it easy for riders to find a spot and keep rolling.
On a typical day, thousands of bikes travel through campus—so many that bikes outnumber cars in most areas of campus!
Each year, the Environmental Center's Bicycle Program refurbishes around 100 abandoned or impounded bikes for re-use by students.

From miles of bike paths and secure parking to repair stations and education programs, CU �鶹ӰԺ has worked hard to make biking a core part of campus life. Efforts include:

Better infrastructure: Dedicated bike lanes, covered and secured bike parking, improved traffic crossings and more bike racks
Community support: Safety campaigns, events, trainings and partnerships with local organizations
Convenience: Buff Bike programs, free �鶹ӰԺ BCycle use and on-campus bicycle maintenance stations

Why does this matter?

Biking helps reduce carbon emissions, promotes health and keeps our campus moving. Earning platinum status shows that CU �鶹ӰԺ is leading the way in sustainable transportation.

“This award reflects our campus commitment to sustainability and mobility,” said Brandon Smith, assistant director for sustainable transportation at CU �鶹ӰԺ. “Biking is not just a transportation option; it’s part of our culture and our vision for a greener future.”

Being recognized as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly University is a powerful example of how CU �鶹ӰԺ turns sustainability values into real-world action.

“Transportation is one of the biggest drivers of emissions, so shifting trips toward biking and transit is critical to meeting our climate goals and improving quality of life,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Want to learn more about the Bicycle Friendly University program? Check out the full list of awardees at bikeleague.org.

Big news for Buffs who love to ride: CU �鶹ӰԺ has been awarded platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. This is the highest honor in the program and recognizes the campus as one of the best places in the country to bike.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ receives prestigious community engagement honor

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:06:21 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ receives prestigious community engagement honor Megan M Rogers Mon, 01/12/2026 - 12:06

The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced today that CU �鶹ӰԺ has received the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, an honor shared by only 277 institutions nationwide.

"As Colorado's flagship public university, this recognition affirms CU �鶹ӰԺ’s deep commitment to working hand-in-hand with our communities across the state to create meaningful impact," said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. "It reflects years of intentional collaboration to integrate community engagement into our mission, enriching scholarship, preparing engaged citizens and addressing critical societal challenges.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to the application committee, co-chaired by Katie Kleinhesselink and Alicia Adelman, for their dedication and hard work in earning this prestigious recognition. I’d also like to thank David Meens, director of public and community-engaged scholarship in the office of Outreach and Community Engagement, and his team for their longstanding leadership in this area,” Schwartz said.

Why this matters

Community engagement connects the knowledge and resources of higher education with public and private partners. Rooted in principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit, such partnerships advance research and creative work, enrich learning, foster civic responsibility, tackle societal challenges and serve the public good.

Highlights from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching acceptance notice:

This accomplishment is especially noteworthy amid significant federal policy and funding shifts shaping the future of higher education.
Applications in this cycle demonstrated how campuses nationwide are deepening partnerships, leveraging community assets and addressing urgent societal challenges, work CU �鶹ӰԺ has advanced with clarity and distinction.
CU �鶹ӰԺ’s application documented excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement.

"Serving as the new host for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability and now earning this classification for community engagement positions CU �鶹ӰԺ at the forefront of advancing higher education’s role in serving the public good," said Schwartz. "We are proud to lead efforts that strengthen democratic values, foster civic responsibility and create solutions for the most pressing issues of our time."

�鶹ӰԺ the classification

The classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution.
The classification has been the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in United States higher education for the past 21 years with classification cycles in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2020, 2024 and now 2026.
This classification remains valid until 2032, at which time CU �鶹ӰԺ must apply for reclassification to maintain its status.

CU �鶹ӰԺ has earned the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a distinction reflecting the university's commitment to working with communities across the state and beyond.

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Evan Thomas wins International Water Association career award

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:26:01 +0000

Evan Thomas wins International Water Association career award Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/22/2025 - 07:26

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Evan Thomas, a professor and director of the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience, has been awarded a career honor from the International Water Association for work that has reshaped how safe drinking water is delivered in some of the world's most vulnerable regions.

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Celebrate

Karolin Luger wins Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science

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Long term, what do you hope to achieve with your research?

What are you looking forward to studying while at Cambridge?

Over the course of your academic career, you have been the recipient of several honors and achievements. What is the driving factor behind your success?

Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge in your achievement?

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Stew Elliott

Sara McDonald

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Teresa De Jesus Torres

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How did you choose CU �鶹ӰԺ for your studies?

Over the course of your academic career, you have been the recipient of several honors and achievements. What is the driving factor behind your success?

How did your interest in Chinese culture originate? What are you hoping to experience during your year in Beijing?

Is there anyone in particular you would like to thank or acknowledge in your achievement?

What’s next for you?

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Why does this matter?

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