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Kristi Anseth named Forbes "50 over 50" for "Innovation"

Susan Glairon — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:37:13 +0000

Kristi Anseth named Forbes "50 over 50" for "Innovation" Susan Glairon Tue, 08/12/2025 - 09:37

Professor Kristi Anseth is known for developing tissue substitutes that improve treatments for conditions like broken bones and heart valve disease. She recently made key discoveries about sex-based differences in cardiac treatment outcomes. Anseth is also among the few innovators elected to all three national academies: Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

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Professor Kim See joins Chemical and Biological Engineering

Susan Glairon — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 18:50:33 +0000

Professor Kim See joins Chemical and Biological Engineering Susan Glairon Mon, 08/11/2025 - 12:50

See is advancing new technologies to boost the performance of future sustainable batteries.

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New cancer therapy clings to tumors, with inspiration from gecko toes

Susan Glairon — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 21:15:45 +0000

New cancer therapy clings to tumors, with inspiration from gecko toes Susan Glairon Tue, 07/22/2025 - 15:15

A gecko-inspired technology developed by the Shields Lab, in collaboration with doctors at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, uses a specially designed material that adheres to tumors inside the body and steadily releases chemotherapy drugs over several days—potentially allowing for fewer but longer-lasting therapies.

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Scientists develop method to build tiny custom microrobots

Susan Glairon — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 23:04:14 +0000

Scientists develop method to build tiny custom microrobots Susan Glairon Mon, 07/07/2025 - 17:04

Photo caption: Stencil printed with a CU-shaped cutout for controllably depositing metal onto the particle that is underneath

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have created a new way to build and control tiny particles that can move and work like microscopic robots, offering a powerful tool with applications in biomedical and environmental research.

The study, published in Nature Communications, describes a new method of fabrication that combines high-precision 3D printing, called two-photon lithography, with a microstenciling technique. The team prints both the particle and its stencil together, then deposits a thin layer of metal, such as gold, platinum or cobalt through the stencil’s openings. When the stencil is removed, a metal patch remains on the particle.

Kendra Kreienbrink , a materials science and engineering
PhD student in the Shields Lab, is the paper's first author.

The particles, invisible to the naked eye, can be made in almost any shape and patterned with surface patches as small as 0.2 microns — more than 500 times thinner than a human hair. The metal patches guide how the particles move when exposed to electric or magnetic fields, or chemical gradients.

“The shape of surface patches gives particles information about where to go,” said Assistant Professor Wyatt Shields, one of the paper’s authors. “We've not had good methods to control the shape of those patches until now.”

With this control, these particles could potentially help improve how drugs spread through human organs, improving the drug’s overall effectiveness, or aid in the removal of pollutants from contaminated environments.

The research team includes first author Kendra Kreienbrink, a materials science and engineering PhD student in the Shields Lab, along with two undergraduate students: Zoe Cruse, majoring in chemical and biological engineering and computer science, and Alisha Kumari, in biomedical engineering.

“This paper not only represents the exciting things that can be accomplished in active particles and microrobots using non-conventional microfabrication,” Shields said, “but that the inclusion and mentorship of undergrads early in research can lead to innovative outcomes.”

The tiny particles could potentially help enhance drug distribution in human organs, improving the drug’s overall effectiveness, or aid in removing pollutants from contaminated environments.

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Two chemical engineering PhD students earn major NSF fellowships

Susan Glairon — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:49:34 +0000

Two chemical engineering PhD students earn major NSF fellowships Susan Glairon Mon, 06/30/2025 - 13:49

Annette Thompson's research could lead to more sustainable ways to make everyday products like medicines and fuels without petroleum-based processes; Nolan Petrich's work could help develop therapies that help repair or replace damaged tissues or organs by using the body’s healing abilities for intestinal diseases.

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Advancing super strong and lightweight next generation carbon-based materials

Susan Glairon — Fri, 30 May 2025 14:15:43 +0000

Advancing super strong and lightweight next generation carbon-based materials Susan Glairon Fri, 05/30/2025 - 08:15

Jeff Zehnder

Materials researchers are getting a big boost from a new database created by a team of researchers led by Professor Hendrik Heinz. The initiative, now available online to all researchers, is a database containing over 2,000 carbon nanotube stress-strain curves and failure properties.

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Ankur Gupta named to C&EN’s prestigious "Talented 12" list

Susan Glairon — Fri, 23 May 2025 14:22:09 +0000

Ankur Gupta named to C&EN’s prestigious "Talented 12" list Susan Glairon Fri, 05/23/2025 - 08:22

Assistant Professor Ankur Gupta was named to Chemical & Engineering News' prestigious Talented 12 list, which honors early-career scientists who use their chemistry know-how to make a real-world impact.

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Ocean microbes offer clues to environmental resilience

Susan Glairon — Fri, 16 May 2025 14:33:39 +0000

Ocean microbes offer clues to environmental resilience Susan Glairon Fri, 05/16/2025 - 08:33

Susan Glairon

A guide RNA strand, in purple, guides CRISPR to a DNA strand. Credit: Michelle Lehman/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Andrew Hren, PhD student

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new way to identify genetic changes that help tiny oxygen-producing microbes survive in extreme environments. The findings outline a new experimental approach for learning how microbes and other types of cells, including human cells, respond and adapt to environmental stress.

Their research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, will also help scientists engineer faster-growing synthetic strains of microbes that could be used to develop new bio-derived fuels, chemicals and materials.

The multidisciplinary group of engineers and biochemists used a gene silencing system called CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to turn down the activity of every gene in the genome of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, an ocean-dwelling cyanobacteria species. Cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis, much like plants.

“Because these organisms produce a large share of the Earth's oxygen, understanding how they respond to a changing climate is critical,” said Andrew Hren, a PhD student in the Fox Group and the paper’s first author.

The team explored how cyanobacteria responded to different light and temperature conditions found at various ocean depths. They discovered that making small changes in how certain genes are turned on or off can help the cells adapt better to extreme environmental conditions like heat, cold or drought.

Associate Professor Jerome Fox

"Our work shows how small genetic changes can yield large improvements in fitness when we push microbes to the edge of their comfort zone,” said Jerome Fox, an associate professor of chemical and biological engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder and a co-lead author on the study with Carrie Eckert at ORNL, a former senior scientist fellow in the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI). “Our findings also highlight the value of using CRISPRi to turn the activity of genes down, but not off, as intermediate adjustments tended to provide the greatest survival advantage in extreme conditions.”

The work was inspired by the late Jeff Cameron, an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry and fellow at RASEI, Fox said.

“Jeff’s enthusiasm for cyanobacteria was infectious,” Fox added “He taught us everything we know and served as a critical resource on experimental design.”

The researchers plan to continue studying cyanobacteria to further understand how the microbes absorb light and convert it into energy to develop new technologies—such as engineered microbes that produce renewable chemicals and other useful products.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new method to identify genetic changes that help oxygen-producing microbes survive in extreme environments.

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Three ChBE alumni receive CU Engineering awards

Susan Glairon — Wed, 14 May 2025 22:11:37 +0000

Three ChBE alumni receive CU Engineering awards Susan Glairon Wed, 05/14/2025 - 16:11

Greg Bunker, ChemEngr'95, was honored with the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award, and Brittany Earle,ChemEngr’15, was honored with the Recent Alumni Award. Joe Poshusta, PhDChemEngr’00, received an Alumni Engagement Medal Award.

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2025 Distinguished Alumni Mentor of the Year: Bart Carpenter

Susan Glairon — Thu, 08 May 2025 14:58:21 +0000

2025 Distinguished Alumni Mentor of the Year: Bart Carpenter Susan Glairon Thu, 05/08/2025 - 08:58

Susan Glairon

In the following Q&A, Bart Carpenter shares his experience as a mentor and insights from his academic and professional journey.

Tell me a bit about your work and how your role has changed over the years.

I was hired by Conoco in Ponca City, Oklahoma right after graduating, and I spent almost 30 years in various roles across the country. I started in engineering, and when I retired, I was the strategy manager, responsible for improving our competitive position and understanding what legislation was on the horizon and how it would impact Conoco's refining network.

After retiring from Conoco, I moved back to Colorado. I worked for a couple of engineering firms, and now I'm almost fully retired. I still consult on a limited basis as I still enjoy technical and business challenges.

What inspired you to take on a mentorship role?

I’m on the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering advisory board. What I enjoy most about it is the opportunity to interview graduating seniors and graduate students. The Alumni Student Mentor Program is another way I enjoy engaging with students.

Without exception, every mentee I’ve had has been very self-motivated. They're interested in everything. They appreciate the time I spend with them. I’m actually a bit surprised that more students don’t take advantage of the program because alums can give a helpful perspective. We don’t help with schoolwork—none of us remember that stuff—but we do talk about career paths and offer advice on how to find that first job.

Of note, I've continued mentoring a student who graduated three years ago—he wanted to keep going. I am more than happy to help someone learn the lessons I have learned. And we actually hired one of my mentees. She didn't spend a long time with us, because she got a nice opportunity with Chevron, which is what she really wanted.

How has the ChBE department changed since you graduated?

One big improvement is the department has teaching professors like Wendy Young and Charlie Nuttelman who are dedicated to instructing, something we didn't have back in my day. Many professors then were strong researchers, but not necessarily good teachers. We consistently hear rave feedback about the teaching professors' quality of instruction during our advisory board exit interviews.

How has the chemical engineering workforce changed since you graduated?

When I graduated about 80 percent of students were going into oil, gas or chemical industries—and most of us had jobs lined up before graduation. These days, it seems like the majority of students don't secure jobs until several months after graduation.

That said, the range of opportunities are much broader now. No one was working in batteries when I graduated, and now it’s a major field. Back in my day, it was just chemical engineering. Today students have access to more biological engineering classes. For those interested in medical school, biological engineering is now a great pathway.

What types of companies should graduating students consider when starting their careers?

I have a strong opinion on this—not everybody would agree. I've always told the students I mentor that working for an operating company is more rewarding than an engineering company. I've worked for both. At an operating company, you always have more work than you can possible get done and lots of variety. You work on projects, get involved in turnarounds, troubleshoot operating issues in the plant and the list goes on and on. In contrast, engineering companies are always hunting for more work to keep everyone billable. It’s a much different environment.

What do you hope to pass on to the next generation of chemical and biological engineers?

I hope that once they've graduated, they’ll feel motivated to give back through mentoring or by getting involved with the department’s advisory board. It’s so easy to do, especially with Zoom.

I also tell students that there aren’t enough chemical engineering opportunities in Colorado, so if you want to hit the ground running, you need to be flexible about location—at least at the start of your career. Get experience, build your skills and make yourself marketable. Then, if you want to come back to Colorado, you can.

I tell students, 'You work hard. You pay a lot of money for a ChemE degree. Make it work for you.'

What would you say to fellow alumni to encourage them to become mentors?

I would say, it's very rewarding and it's not a big time commitment. I spend an hour with Sam once a month. It gives you a chance to listen to young students.

Bart Carpenter (ChemEng’81) believes strongly in the importance of giving back. Since 2013, Carpenter has contributed as a member of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering External Advisory Board and continues to mentor students through the Alumni Student Mentor Program.

This year, Carpenter was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Mentor of the Year for his work with Sam Wiesenauer, a first-year chemical engineering student with interests in energy production, renewable energy and nuclear energy. Carpenter previously received the award in 2016.

“I’m honored to receive this award and grateful to have such an enthusiastic student to mentor," Carpenter said.

With nearly 30 years of experience at Conoco/ConocoPhillips, Carpenter began mentoring Wiesenauer in October 2024. Since then, the two have met nearly every month, typically over Zoom, and occasionally in person at the Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building (JSCBB).

“In less than a year, I have become more confident, knowledgeable and analytical under Bart’s mentorship,” Wiesenauer said. “He’s always easy to talk to—it’s as natural as chatting with a friend. We’ve connected over shared interests like music, hiking, chemistry and stories from college life.”

Teaching Professor Wendy Young said Carpenter recently gave a technical talk to her process safety class and afterwards spoke with a student for “quite a while” about the petroleum refining industry.

“Bart’s gone above and beyond for all his mentees for years,” she said.

Wiesenauer said Carpenter’s decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, including work in biofuels “helps me get an inside perspective on what it’s like being an engineer.”

“We’ve discussed the pros and cons of working for large versus small companies, as well as potential internships,” Wiesenauer said. "His stories from working in the refining industry at Conoco have deepened my understanding of the business side of engineering and its connection to today’s supply and demand landscape.”

The two recently met on campus to discuss the future of the renewable energy industry.

“It was refreshing to discuss my passions with a professional who has worked decades in similar industries,” Wiesenauer said. “Bart shared an important piece of advice that involved satisfying your passions, skills and the market demand simultaneously. I’m excited to eventually work in the energy sector, and Bart’s insider perspective has furthered my anticipation. I plan to continue meeting with him throughout college and hope to strengthen our connection moving forward.”

Bart Carpenter's 1977 CU Boulder ID

Chemical and biological engineering alumni interested in becoming mentors can fill out this short form. Current ChBE students seeking a mentor can use this form. Mentor/mentee matches are arranged at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

Bart Carpenter (ChemEng’81) was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Mentor of the Year for his dedicated mentorship of first-year student Sam Wiesenauer. A longtime advisory board member and mentor, Carpenter shares decades of industry insight to help students navigate careers in energy and engineering.

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