CU Boulder Engineering

10/20/2026

From flight simulations to orbital trajectory design, the University of Colorado Boulder aerospace engineering students are gaining hands-on experience earlier and more often through a redesigned aerospace engineering curriculum.

The Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences is introducing new courses, expanding experiential learning opportunities and increasing flexibility for students as part of a multi-year curriculum transformation.

Since the rollout began in fall 2024, students have participated in immersive learning experiences including flight simulations, glider testing, orbital trajectory projects and an Apollo 13-inspired engineering challenge.

Built to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving field, the updated curriculum emphasizes computational thinking, artificial intelligence and practical problem-solving, preparing graduates to tackle complex aerospace challenges and shape the future of flight.

Learn more: https://cuboulder.engineering/4zaHadV

Aerospace classes and labs are getting an overhaul at the University of Colorado Boulder. Smead Aerospace is in the midst of a multi-year rollout of a...

10/19/2026

Congratulations to Sinica Guo and Austin Shoemaker, University of Colorado Boulder materials science PhD students who have earned prestigious 2026 National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowships. 👏

Guo's research advances acoustic devices for next-generation communications, while Shoemaker is developing materials that could improve the performance of solar cells and electronic devices.

Their achievements reflect the innovative research and impact being driven by graduate students across CU Engineering.

https://cuboulder.engineering/4i41kim

10/16/2026

Cleaner air can lead to healthier communities. 🌎

Patrick Wiecko, a PhD student in Environmental Engineering, is researching how reductions in air pollution can improve health outcomes around the world.

Working with Professor Daven Henze, Patrick uses advanced modeling to measure the health benefits of reducing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides from fossil fuel combustion. As he begins his fifth year, he reflects on the research, mentorship and collaborative community that have shaped his graduate experience at University of Colorado Boulder.

Read more: https://cuboulder.engineering/4dw1pKu

Patrick Wiecko is studying studying how changes in air pollution impact global health burdens. His modeling works to quantify human health benefits of...

10/16/2026

Artificial intelligence and quantum computing are transforming how we learn, discover and solve complex challenges. The University of Colorado Boulder is advancing this work with the launch of three new interdisciplinary research centers led by faculty in the Department of Computer Science.

🔹 Center for AI in Knowledge Institutions (AIKI)
Exploring how AI can better serve universities, healthcare systems, news organizations, scientific publishing, arts and culture, social media and other knowledge-driven institutions.

🔹 Artificial Intelligence for Science, Computing, Engineering, and New Technologies (ASCENT)
Bringing researchers together across the AI ecosystem to develop more effective, trustworthy AI and expand its benefits to society.

🔹 Center for Quantum Computing (CQC)
Advancing research in quantum computing, from systems and architecture to algorithms, quantum AI/ML and real-world applications.

Together, these centers will connect researchers, students and industry partners to pursue groundbreaking discoveries, expand collaboration and help shape the future of AI and quantum technologies.

Learn more: https://cuboulder.engineering/4jYCoLE

Computer science researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are launching three new interdisciplinary centers to advance artificial intelligence and

10/13/2026

CU Boulder Engineering continues to climb among the nation’s best. 🏆

In the latest U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings, the University of Colorado Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science ranks No. 14 among public undergraduate engineering programs in the nation.

Several programs earned top national recognition:
🚀 Aerospace Engineering Sciences - #6
🌎 Environmental Engineering - #7
🌉 Civil Engineering - #10
⚗️ Chemical Engineering - #11
💻 Computer Science - #16

“Our students are challenged and supported in ways that make them better engineers when they start careers or pursue graduate school,” said Dean Keith Molenaar.

These rankings reflect the talent, dedication and innovation of our students, faculty, staff and alumni who continue to shape the future of engineering and applied science.

https://cuboulder.engineering/4yrQ2vm

10/12/2026

Making advanced radar technology more accessible to researchers around the world.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, the High precision Imaging, Signals ‘N Radar (Hi-SNR) Lab is advancing the Open Radar Code Architecture (ORCA), an open-source platform that transforms commercially available software-defined radios into powerful tools for environmental monitoring.

From tracking glaciers and snowpack to measuring soil moisture and wildfire risk, ORCA helps researchers spend less time building radar systems and more time generating insights that matter.

cuboulder.engineering/3TuijlQ

A team at the High precision Imaging, Signals ‘N Radar Lab at CU Boulder is leading the Open Radar Code Architecture (ORCA) initiative, an open-source software

10/07/2026

Discover the future of healthcare innovation at the Biomedical Engineering Research Showcase.

Meet University of Colorado Boulder faculty and student researchers and explore cutting-edge technologies through interactive demonstrations and exhibits, including:

• Smart tattoos for real-time health monitoring
• Wearable technologies supporting movement and recovery
• Advanced brain and body imaging systems
• AI-powered tools for detecting heart and vascular disease
• Next-generation biomaterials for medical implants
• Microfluidic technologies that improve diagnostics and blood health

📅 Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
⏰ 2–4 p.m.
📍 Engineering Center Main Lobby

Open to students, faculty, industry partners and community members.
https://cuboulder.engineering/3U2W9Y1

10/06/2026

CU Engineering is heading to New York City.

Join Dean Keith Molenaar and fellow University of Colorado Boulder Engineering Buffs for an evening of connection and conversation at the Harvard Club of New York City.

📅 Friday, Oct. 16
⏰ 6–8 p.m. ET
📍 Harvard Club of New York City

Reconnect with the CU Engineering community, meet alumni in the NYC area and hear the latest from Boulder.

Alumni parents and friends are welcome!

Register today: https://cuboulder.engineering/4yAW1O0

Join Dean Keith Molenaar for a fun evening with fellow Engineering Buffs.Reconnect with old friends, meet other CU Engineering alumni in the NYC area, and hear from Dean Molenaar about what's happening back in Boulder.

10/06/2026

As artificial intelligence becomes more powerful, questions about its risks are moving beyond science fiction and into real-world research.

University of Colorado Boulder computer science and linguistics professor Martha Palmer examines the potential challenges of increasingly autonomous AI, from cybersecurity threats and infrastructure vulnerabilities to systems behaving in ways their creators never intended.

As one of two U.S. representatives serving on the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, Palmer advocates for stronger guardrails, more thoughtful AI development and a deeper understanding of how these systems make decisions.

https://cuboulder.engineering/46ZbsUF

Fears about AI going rogue and turning against humanity have reached a chilling new high following an AI researcher's warning.

10/03/2026

Engineering a future with cleaner, safer water.💧

For University of Colorado Boulder third-year environmental engineering PhD student Melanie Gamboa, a passion for clean water started with experiences visiting family in Costa Rica. Today, she's helping advance sustainable solutions that can improve access to safe drinking water for communities around the world. 🌎

In Dr. Karl Linden's lab, Melanie researches how UV light and other wavelengths can be used to develop innovative, sustainable water treatment technologies that protect public health and strengthen water security.

From personal inspiration to global impact, Melanie is using engineering to help create a healthier, more sustainable future.

https://cuboulder.engineering/3TwmvS4

I am originally from New Jersey. Although I did not grow up around mountains, I always knew I loved being outdoors and learning about the environment. From an