Discovery Learning Apprenticeship Projects for AY 2026-2027

The Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA) Program allows undergraduate engineering studentsto earn hourly wages (currently $16.82/hour; increasing to $18.17/hour in January 2027) while engaging in research with faculty and graduate students. You’ll work alongside graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty as collaborative partners on original research. We find that students bring a fresh perspective to the research team while also learning from their more experienced partners.

  • Apprenticeship positionsannounced inmid-April
  • Applications are accepted through mid-Mayforacademic year 2026-2027
  • Students may work up to 300 hours in these positions over the course of the academic year
    • Average of 10 hoursper week over 30 weeks in the academic year
  • Attend several mandatory seminars and submit a project summary in the fall

Projects are listed by department or program. Review the "desired major" section of each project for eligibility to apply.

Project Description

The RF & SatNav Laboratory (/lab/rf-satnav/) has extensive experience in working with the GPS/GNSS within Android phones and with Google and working to improve the capabilities. Furthering that effort, this project will use crowdsourced measurements from Android phone sensors to detect and locate various threats, including GPS/WiFi/cellular jammers and gunshot sounds. For example: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/12/31/gps-jamming-spoofing-economy-threats/

Requirements:

  • Participating students should have a background in Linux and coding (Matlab, C++, Python, Java), but GPS/GNSS knowledge is not required.
  • Development in Java with Android studio and C++ are desired.

Website: /lab/rf-satnav/

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Dennis Akos, Faculty
Email: dma@colorado.edu

Ben Gattis, Graduate Student
Email: Benon.Gattis@colorado.edu

Project Description

Students will work with two main pieces of equipment: a human-rated centrifuge and a lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) chamber. Students will be involved in configuring these devices for use during human subject testing. Students will assist in modeling the dynamics of these devices, contributing to design elements, and performing hardware modifications and implementation. Additionally, students will assist with human subject data collection once devices are operational. This may involve drafting experimental protocol, operating the devices, assisting with data collection, and cleaning/processing data for analysis. Testing may involve centrifugation only, LBNP only, or a combination of both.

Requirements:

  • We prefer that students have taken courses in CAD and finite element analysis.
  • Familiarity with MATLAB is recommended.
  • Additionally, students should be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • It is possible that the chosen DLA student(s) may need to act as a pilot participant on our human rated centrifuge or LBNP device, or help with human subject testing while being on the centrifuge with a participant during experimentation. We ask that students be of good health and are willing to be involved in experimentation of this type. If unable or unwilling, please apply regardless and details can be discussed later.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Torin Clark, Faculty
Email: torin.clark@colorado.edu

Callie Wynn, Graduate Student
Email: callie.wynn@colorado.edu

Project Description

Advances in spacecraft autonomy require intelligent decision-making capabilities onboard satellites. This research project investigates the use of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to develop autonomous tasking and scheduling strategies for individual spacecraft operations. The goal is to design, train, and evaluate DRL agents capable of making real-time decisions under uncertainty and operational constraints. The project includes developing and testing learning-based approaches within an open-source spacecraft simulation environment built on BSK-RL. Through this project, you will gain experience in reinforcement learning, spacecraft operations modeling, and simulation-based evaluation.

Requirements:

  • Experience with Python development and git
  • Interest in or experience with machine learning or reinforcement learning
  • Basic familiarity with space systems

Website: https://hanspeterschaub.info/main.html

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Hanspeter Schaub, Faculty
Email: Hanspeter.schaub@colorado.edu

Yumeka Nagano, Graduate Student
Email: Yumeka.Nagano@colorado.edu

Project Description

Modern spacecraft missions demand increasingly sophisticated simulation environments to design, validate, and test guidance, navigation, and control systems. This project focuses on developing and expanding high-fidelity spacecraft and multi-body dynamic simulations using the Basilisk astrodynamics framework integrated with the MuJoCo physics engine. These tools enable realistic modeling of rigid-body dynamics, contact interactions, articulated mechanisms, and complex mission scenarios.
As part of this effort, you will contribute to the development of advanced simulation scenarios that model spacecraft motion, proximity operations, robotic interactions, and other multi-body dynamics problems. Work may involve extending existing examples, building new mission scenarios, exploring novel physical modeling capabilities, and evaluating simulation performance and accuracy. Depending on experience and interest, there may also be opportunities to contribute to core software capabilities and expand the interface between Basilisk and MuJoCo.
This position offers hands-on experience with modern spacecraft simulation tools used in research and mission concept development. Students will gain exposure to astrodynamics, rigid-body dynamics, numerical simulation, and research-oriented software development.

Requirements:

  • Experience with Python
  • Coursework in dynamics, controls, or related fields
  • Interest in simulation of spacecraft or robotics
  • Experience with numerical methods or physics-based modeling is a plus
  • Experience with C++ is a plus

Website: https://hanspeterschaub.info/main.html

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Hanspeter Schaub, Faculty
Email: Hanspeter.schaub@colorado.edu

Juan Garcia Bonilla, Graduate Student
Email: Juan.GarciaBonilla@colorado.edu

Project Description

This project aims to improve predictions of extreme solar storms by exploring the earliest signatures of solar flares. Solar flares are among the most powerful explosions in the solar system and are often associated with energetic particle storms that can harm astronauts and satellite infrastructure.
The project can be adapted to match the student’s background and interests, with opportunities in observational solar physics, data science, or instrument design.
The observational solar physics component includes identifying “hot onset” signatures that appear before major flares, exploring how these signatures differ between events that do and do not produce energetic particles, and testing data-driven approaches for event classification.
Students interested in data science may contribute to developing machine-learning methods for recognizing flare onset patterns in time-series data.
Students interested in instrumentation will have the opportunity to contribute to early-stage instrument concept development for extreme solar storm prediction.
Overall, this project aims to improve predictions of extreme space weather, which would be valuable for astronaut safety as humanity prepares to return to the Moon and plans future missions to Mars.

Requirements:

  • Desirable Skills include Python programming, basic statistics and data analysis techniques; hands-on experience with instrument/laboratory equipment is desirable but not required.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics

Contact

Robert Marshall, Faculty
Email: robert.marshall@colorado.edu

Anant Telikicherla, Graduate Student
Email: anant.telikicherla@colorado.edu

Project Description

Modeling and simulation of spacecraft systems is a fundamental part of spacecraft mission design, providing a necessary method of analyzing and validating expected mission performance. While developing the equations of motion (EOM) for complex rigid body systems is a difficult task, perhaps the most important consideration in multi-body dynamics is how the EOM are formulated and implemented in software. This choice dramatically influences the long-term maintainability, scalability, testability, and computational efficiency of the software. The Basilisk Astrodynamics Simulation Software uses the backsubstitution method (BSM), which is a spacecraft dynamics formulation that has been recently developed to prioritize the issues of computational efficiency, modularity, scalability, and testability of spacecraft-specific simulation software.
For this project, you will use the Basilisk Astrodynamics Simulation Software to develop complex spacecraft dynamics simulations and determine the impact of spacecraft component motion on the overall system dynamics.

Requirements:

  • Know with Python and C++, how to use GitHub.

Website: https://hanspeterschaub.info

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Hanspeter Schaub, Faculty
Email: Hanspeter.Schaub@colorado.edu

Leah Kiner, Graduate Student
Email: Leah.Kiner@colorado.edu

Project Description

Spacecraft in high Earth orbit and cislunar space can naturally charge to significant potentials through interactions with the ambient plasma environment. Although this charging is often viewed as a risk, it can be leveraged constructively if the spacecraft potential can be actively controlled. The electrostatic tractor is a contactless space debris removal concept in which a controlled electrostatic force between a servicer and a target object enables the servicer to contactlessly tug debris into a graveyard orbit. Our current work aims to experimentally demonstrate controlled two-object charging in the ECLIPS vacuum chamber here at CU. This effort requires the design and fabrication of a custom electron gun, as well as the development of an integrated experimental setup that incorporates previously investigated touchless charge-sensing techniques. In parallel, we model the experiment using a PIC code, SPIS, and simulate electrostatic tractor dynamics in Basilisk, an open-source astrodynamics framework. In this project, you will contribute to building and validating the experimental setup for two-object charging (and ultimately charge control), and perform simulations that will be directly compared with experimental results.

Requirements:

  • Experience with hardware
  • Experience working with HV electronics preferred
  • Proficiency in MATLAB or proficiency in Python

Website: https://hanspeterschaub.info/main.html

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Hanspeter Schaub, Faculty
Email: Hanspeter.Schaub@colorado.edu

Sebastian Hampl, Graduate Student
Email: sebastian.hampl@colorado.edu

Project Description

This is an extension of the existing project on "Bias and Coverage of WENDy". The extension will extend the WENDy algorithm to incorporate automatic pre-smoothing of the data, and examine the behavior and performance of the resulting smooth WENDy (S-WENDy) algorithm in repeated application. We will particularly focus on bias and coverage properties of the resulting parameter and state estimators.

Requirements:

  • Students must have taken Differential Equations (APPM 2360), Mathematical Statistics (STAT 4520/5520), and Matrix Methods (APPM 3310), and obtained an A in each.
  • In addition, although not required, it would be valuable if the students have taken Data Driven Modeling (currently APPM 5720) and Bayesian Computational Statistics (STAT 4630/5630).

Website: https://www.siam.org/publications/siam-news/articles/the-weak-form-is-stronger-than-you-think/

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Vanja Dukic, Faculty
Email: vanja.dukic@colorado.edu

David Bortz, Faculty
Email: dmbortz@colorado.edu

Project Description

Partial differential equations (PDEs) are tools used to model systems that evolve in multiple dimensions, typically time and space. PDEs model many diverse phenomena, such as flows in fluids, voltage waves in transmission lines, movement of soft bodied robots, neural activity in the brain, etc. Control theory is the study of selecting an input to a dynamical system that drives the system to a desired behavior. Leveraging distributed computing units in control speeds up computation time, but may be at the expense of required communication between these computing units. In this project we will study communication properties of optimal distributed controllers, and how we can achieve desired communication properties by strategically choosing system parameters.
Student will learn the basics of optimal control for systems governed by PDEs (prior coursework in control and/or PDEs is not required). Student will solve optimal control problems analytically when possible, and supplement analytical results with numerical simulations.
Note: This project is analytical/numerical with no 'hands-on' portion. Please contact Addie McCurdy (addie.mccurdy@colorado.edu) if you are interested in this project

Requirements:

  • Coding experience, linear algebra, differential equations.
  • Analysis and Fourier series helpful.

Website:

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Emily Jensen, Faculty
Email: ejensen@colorado.edu

Addie McCurdy, Graduate Student
Email: admc5769@colorado.edu

Project Description

This project will be about deriving limiting differential equation models that could be used to describe mean-field behavior of the underlying agent based models. We will utilize the recent weak-form methods developed by our group.

Requirements:

  • Students must have taken Differential Equations (APPM 2360), Mathematical Statistics (STAT 4520/5520), Applied Probability (APPM 3570), and Matrix Methods (APPM 3310), and obtained an A in each.
  • In addition, coding experience is required.
  • Finally, although not required, it would be valuable if the students have taken Data Driven Modeling (currently APPM 5720) and Bayesian Computational Statistics (STAT 4630/5630).

Website: https://www.siam.org/publications/siam-news/articles/the-weak-form-is-stronger-than-you-think/

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Vanja Dukic, Faculty
Email: vanja.dukic@colorado.edu

David Bortz, Faculty
Email: dmbortz@colorado.edu

Project Description

Weak, low-frequency electromagnetic radiation below the thermal noise floor has demonstrated the ability to influence biological systems significantly, from cellular processes to organ-level functions. However, the mechanisms underlying these interactions remain poorly understood, requiring interdisciplinary expertise spanning quantum physics, biochemistry, and clinical medicine. The Barnes Research Group is dedicated to unraveling these mechanisms to explore how weak electromagnetic fields alter bioenergetics and stress responses in cancer and other cell types. This research holds potential for developing innovative therapeutics and establishing safety guidelines.
This project will investigate the effects of weak, low-frequency electromagnetic fields on oxidative stress responses and metabolism in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells—a well-characterized connective tissue cancer cell line, and PC3 prostate cancer cells. The selected SPUR student will work closely with graduate researchers, contributing primarily to laboratory tasks such as cell culture, media changes, assay processing, imaging, and setting up electromagnetic field exposure systems. As the semester progresses, the student will gain hands-on experience in experiment design and research planning, fostering a deeper understanding of both the scientific process and the impact of this emerging field of study. This opportunity is ideal for motivated students with a strong interest in biomedical research and a desire to engage in interdisciplinary exploration.

Requirements:

  • Lab work and imaging session may require students to be available for 2 - 6 hours block of in-person time.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Frank Barnes, Faculty
Email: barnes@colorado.edu

Nhat Dang, Graduate Student
Email: Nhat.Dang@colorado.edu

Project Description

We will be working with 2D human cell culture to look at the effect of HIV protease inhibitors on p-gp activity and how differing levels of pgp expression also impacts drug transport. We will be using imaging techniques and flow cytometry to analyze our data. The student will be helping with cell culture, genetic editing to modify expression levels, and flow cytometry preparation. Analysis will be done with graduate student and will be more guided.

Requirements:

  • Must have taken a biology class.
  • More senior student preferred.
  • Be available to work in 4+hr chunks.

Desired Majors:Biomedical Engineering

Contact

Laurel Hind, Faculty
Email: laurel.hind@colorado.edu

Yoanna Ivanonva, Graduate Student
Email: yoiv5209@colorado.edu

Project Description

We will be working with microfluidic lumens devices and human cell culture to model various blood vessels (mainly distinguished by pericyte and endothelial cell composition). We will mostly be using imaging techniques to analyze our data. The student will be helping with device setup, cell culture, and cell seeding into devices. Analysis will be done with graduate student and will be more guided.

Requirements:

  • Must have taken a biology class.
  • Preferably a sophomore.
  • Be available to work in 2+ hour chunks, preferably 3+ hrs.

Desired Majors:Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Contact

Laurel Hind, Faculty
Email: laurel.hind@colorado.edu

Yoanna Ivanonva, Graduate Student
Email: yoiv5209@colorado.edu

Project Description

Increasing global demands for both water and energy, paired with the growing complexity of modern aqueous resources (e.g., industrial brine), necessitate a paradigm shift in separation processes toward fit-for-purpose technologies. Membrane-based technologies are well-suited for these challenges; however, we lack the guiding principles needed to design nanoporous membranes with tailored selectivity. This largely stems from our inadequate understanding of the molecular interactions that govern mass transport in extremely confined systems, like nanopores. The goal of this project will thus be to answer the longstanding question: do chemical functionalities within confined spaces govern inter- and intra-molecular friction and the resulting mass transport of molecules in nanoporous systems?
To help answer this, students will leverage recent advances in nanofabrication to fabricate chemically modified nanofluidic devices made from 2D materials and study fluid and ion transport across them. With these devices, interfacial friction driven by chemical interactions can be precisely studied in nanochannels as thin as a single atomic layer. Lab work may involve the exfoliation, chemical modification, characterization, and transfer of 2D materials to create new heterostructures. This hands-on research provides valuable experience in nanofluidics, microscopy, and materials characterization.

Requirements:

  • None.

Website: https://ritt-lab.com

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Cody Ritt, Faculty
Email: cody.ritt@colorado.edu

Project Description

Additive manufacturing of biopolymer-stabilized Lunar and Martian regolith materials offers a scalable platform for extraterrestrial infrastructure development by enabling in situ resource utilization and minimizing reliance on earth-supplied binders, energy, and construction materials. Within this project, you will get hands-on research experience studying how biopolymers interact with earthen minerals. You will work with biopolymers that have different chemical properties (i.e., positively charged, negatively charged, polar and nonpolar) and combine them with Lunar and Martian global simulant and its constituent minerals. Through rheological and 3D-printing testing you will quantify how molecular chemistry governs rheology, extrusion behavior, shape retention, and mechanical properties, establishing structure–rheology–printability relationships. By demonstrating that biopolymers can stabilize Lunar and Martian regolith-based materials for 3D printing, you will help develop a molecular basis for additive manufacturing, supporting in-situ resource utilization for extraterrestrial construction.

Requirements:

  • None.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Will Srubar III, Faculty
Email: wsrubar@colorado.edu

Yuhuan Wang, Post-Doc
Email: Yuhuan.Wang@colorado.edu

Project Description

Snow is the primary source of streamflow in the Western US. Snow accumulates in mountainous regions during winter and melts during spring, acting as a natural water tower. Higher winter snowpacks typically generate higher stream flows through increases in snowmelt, infiltration, and transport of meltwater through the subsurface. Extensive work has been done to assess relations between snowpack and stream flow magnitudes to better understand how streams are responding to changing snowpacks. However, the temporal component of snowmelt translation into streamflow is rarely quantified.
This project explores snow–streamflow relationships through a systems and data-driven modeling lens. You will primarily work under the supervision a CIRES postdoctoral researcher with support from faculty and students and make use of publicly available datasets. Your main task will be to use computational methods to develop new ways of quantifying and modeling these dynamics across the Western US. This is a flexible, student-driven project will opportunities to develop independent research questions and interact with researchers on campus. Example project directions include:
1. Signal processing of hydrologic systems: quantify how snowmelt signals are transformed into streamflow using frequency-domain approaches
2. Event-based tracking snowmelt tracking: develop algorithms to identify snowmelt events and track their propagation into streamflow responses
3. Watershed "memory": quantify how initial conditions and multi-year storage influence current streamflow dynamics
4. Interactive data visualization and exploration tools: design and build tools (e.g., Shiny, Dash) to explore spatial and temporal variability in snow–streamflow relationships.
Students will gain experience in scientific programming (R or Python), time series analysis, and working with large environmental datasets. Projects can be tailored to align with interests in modeling, data science, or environmental systems. We welcome students with coding experience and an interest in data analysis, modeling, or environmental systems. Prior experience with hydrology is not required.

Requirements:

  • We welcome students with coding experience and an interest in data analysis, modeling, or environmental systems.
  • Prior experience with hydrology is not required.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Ben Livneh, Faculty
Email: ben.livneh@colorado.edu

Keira Johnson, Graduate Student
Email: keira.johnson@colorado.edu

Project Description

This project focuses on evaluating low-carbon concrete technologies and their performance in real-world applications. Students will support laboratory testing of concrete materials (e.g., strength, durability, and transport properties), assist with data collection and analysis, and contribute to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)–related work. Responsibilities may include specimen preparation, conducting standardized tests, organizing experimental data, and supporting research into the Buy Clean Colorado Act for concrete materials.

Requirements:

  • Availability to work in two 5-hour blocks. Flexibility to work outside standard hours (8:00 AM-5:00 PM), as needed.
  • Interest in and willingness to learn construction materials testing and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
  • Willingness to work with concrete, including handling heavy materials and working in physically demanding, potentially dirty conditions.

Website: /center/ciest/Assessment%20of%20Mechanical%20Properties%20and%20Durability%20of%20carbon%20mineralized%20concrete%20and%20nano-silica%20modified%20concrete

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Christopher Senseney, Faculty
Email: senseney@colorado.edu

Suttichai Charoenkij, Graduate Student
Email: Such7707@Colorado.edu

Project Description

We are preparing for a large number of dynamic centrifuge experiments at Center for Infrastructure, Energy, and Space Testing (CIEST) to investigate the impact of grain size distribution particularly in gravelly soils as part of earth dams subject to earthquake loading. We will investigate matrix and systems effects in soils that are liquefiable under dynamic loading in the large centrifuge at 91ý. This project is supported by the Army Corp of Engineers and provides an excellent opportunity for engineering students to gain hands on experience in geotechnical centrifuge modeling, earthquake engineering, design of critical infrastructure, sensor technologies, data acquisition, and visualization and processing of recorded data.

Requirements:

  • Having taken introductory courses in mechanics of materials, engineering drawing, finite elements, sensing technologies, signal processing, and geotechnical engineering are preferred but not required.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Shideh Dashti, Faculty
Email: shideh.dashti@colorado.edu

.

Project Description

The goal of this project is for you to discover the power of novel algorithms for retrieval of information from modern satellite data.
As new satellite sensors on both large-scale missions (e.g. NASA) and commercial satellites carry sensors that increase in resolution, coverage and detection capabilities, the need for capable, high-end algorithms for data analysis and feature detection grows.
Our group works directly with NASA on development of novel algorithms that straddle the line between auto-adaptive and machine-learning methods. For example, we have developed the current operational algorithm for atmospheric layer detection (yeah that's a mouthful) for ICESat-2, which carries the first space-borne multi-beam photon-counting lidar altimeter (worse?). This means, you will be directly involved in things that are used by NASA and publicly released.
You will contribute to algorithm development and evaluation through working with data from new missions. To get there, the advisors will provide introduction to the problems and you will start with a hand-on experience analyzing data. We have several students in our lab and everyone gets a well-defined project which they can "own". You will learn a lot about satellite sensors, atmospheric and Earth sciences, and of course, remote sensing, EE and computer science, with a focus in your area of interest.
Note: Our lab offers several new DLA projects for the fall - this one focuses on algorithms and atmospheric data.

1. Selection and information process: Our lab will hold an information session for all students who indicate interest in a DLA project in our lab.

a. To be invited to the information session, it makes sense to send in your application early and email ute.herzfeld@colorado.edu and Thomas.Trantow@colorado.edu.

2. Students should expect to work the full 300 hours. Please state you intend to do so.

3. We may give preference to students who are around this summer, to transition project information from current student research assistants who are graduating.

Note that in this case summer work would be independent of the DLA project (paid separately if you're selected).

Requirements:

  • Students should be at least third year by fall 2026. Second-year students with equivalent class work may be considered (but not first-year students).
  • Solid mathematical and programming skills are required.
  • An interest in or knowledge of Earth and atmospheric sciences is a plus.
  • Remote sensing courses are helpful as well.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering

Contact

Ute Herzfeld, Faculty
Email: ute.herzfeld@colorado.edu

Thomas Trantow, Research Associate
Email: trantow@colorado.edu

Project Description

Modern software systems --- whether they are web, mobile, distributed, or AI-driven --- are complex. This project aims to investigate techniques to algorithmically reason about modern software systems to witness bugs or prove their absence.

Requirements:

  • Students must be fluent in at least one functional programming language and interested in state-of-the-art programming language techniques (e.g., strong type systems and functional programming patterns as in Rust, Scala, etc.).
  • Ideal programming experience is having done some projects in Lean.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Contact

Evan Chang, Faculty
Email: evan.chang@colorado.edu

Project Description

The goal behind this process is to explore models of stochastic processes in cyber-physical systems and infer models of these processes from data. One of the key goals of this project is to use ideas from martingales from probability theory to investigate how stochastic processes would behave in the long run.

Requirements:

  • We strongly prefer students who are double majors in mathematics/applied mathematics and CS or related areas.
  • We would require CS background classes such as discrete mathematics, advanced knowledge of probability theory (beyond what undergraduate CS classes cover), knowledge of Fourier transforms and related approaches; and enhanced facility with programming.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Sriram Sankaranarayanan, Faculty
Email: srirams@colorado.edu

Project Description

In times of climatic warming, the surface of glaciers and ice sheets changes rapidly. The goal of this project is for you to assist with advancement of the so-called density-dimension algorithm (DDA-ice). The algorithm is used to detect and identify snow, ice and water on the surface. The DDA-ice is an auto-adaptive algorithm family. You will be involved in a new project recently funded by NASA Earth Sciences,
learn about satellite technology, glaciology and computer sciences, while making your own contribution on a well-defined part of the project.
The goal of this project is for you to discover the power of novel algorithms for retrieval of information from modern satellite data.
As new satellite sensors on both large-scale missions (e.g. NASA) and commercial satellites carry sensors that increase in resolution, coverage and detection capabilities, the need for capable, high-end algorithms for data analysis and feature detection grows.
Our group works directly with NASA on development of novel algorithms that straddle the line between auto-adaptive and machine-learning methods.
You will contribute to algorithm development and evaluation through working with ATLAS data from NASA's ICESat-2 mission. To get there, the advisors will provide introduction to the problem and you will start with a hand-on experience analyzing data. We have several students in our lab and everyone gets a well-defined project which they can "own". You will learn a lot about satellite sensors, atmospheric and Earth sciences, and of course, remote sensing, EE and computer science, with a focus in your area of interest.
Note: Our lab offers several new DLA projects for the fall - this one focuses on algorithms and ice-surface data. Of the four DLA projects, this one requires the most in-depth computational and math skills. Check out the other projects if that's not your vibe. That said - it's a cool project for someone interested in glaciers, climate, CS and math!

Requirements:

  • Students should be at least third year by fall 2026. Second-year students with equivalent class work may be considered (but not first-year students).
  • Solid mathematical and programming skills are required.
  • An interest in or knowledge of Earth and atmospheric sciences is a plus.

1. Selection and information process: Our lab will hold an information session for all students who indicate interest in a DLA project in our lab.

a. To be invited to the information session, it makes sense to send in your application early and email ute.herzfeld@colorado.edu and Thomas.Trantow@colorado.edu.

2. Students should expect to work the full 300 hours. Please state you intend to do so.

3. We may give preference to students who are around this summer, to transition project information from current student research assistants who are graduating.

Note that in this case summer work would be independent of the DLA project (paid separately if you're selected).

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering

Contact

Ute Herzfeld, Faculty
Email: ute.herzfeld@colorado.edu

Thomas Trantow, Research Associate
Email: trantow@colorado.edu

Project Description

Honeybee swarms are self-assembled structures composed of a queen bee and several thousand workers. Together, the bees maintain thermoregulation, structural stability, and information flow while collectively selecting a future nest site. This project aims to understand how honeybee swarms assemble and disassemble without centralized control. Using multi-camera stereo imaging, we will track individual bees as they join or depart the swarm and to quantify changes in swarm morphology over time. We apply both traditional and deep-learning–based computer vision methods for detection, segmentation, and tracking of individual bees and the swarm as a whole. The project will involve working with honeybees as well as analyzing video data to connect individual bee behavior to swarm-level organization.

Requirements:

  • Willingness to work with honeybees (no prior experience with honeybees required)
  • Familiarity with Python
  • Strong ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Website: peleglab.com

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Orit Peleg, Faculty
Email: orit.peleg@colorado.edu

Danielle Chase, Post-Doc
Email: Danielle.chase@colorado.edu

Project Description

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being explored as a tool to support decision-making in mental health care. However, for AI systems to be effective in clinical settings, they must be designed in ways that align with clinicians' needs, workflows, and ethical considerations. This project investigates how mental health clinicians perceive the opportunities and challenges of AI in practice and how these perspectives can inform the design of human-centered AI tools.
The project builds on data collected from a participatory co-design workshop involving mental health clinicians and trainees. During the workshop, participants discussed clinical needs, potential AI-supported decision tools, and desirable interface features for trustworthy AI systems in mental health contexts.
Undergraduate students participating in this project will gain hands-on research experience in human-centered AI, qualitative research methods, and early-stage technology design. Specifically, students will contribute to:
1) Data preparation and cleaning, including organizing and preparing workshop transcripts, notes, and artifacts for analysis.
2) Qualitative analysis, assisting with thematic analysis of workshop discussions and written materials to identify key themes related to trust, usability, risks, and opportunities of AI in mental health care.
3) Design exploration, translating insights from the analysis into preliminary interface mockups for AI-assisted clinical decision-support tools using design platforms such as Figma or similar tools.
4) Research communication, contributing to research reports, visual summaries of findings, and potential conference submissions, including participating in weekly research meetings and presenting progress updates.
Through this work, students will learn how interdisciplinary research integrates AI, human-computer interaction, and mental health, while developing skills in research methods, design thinking, and collaborative problem solving.

Requirements:

  • Interest in human-centered AI, human-computer interaction, mental health technology, or digital health
  • Background in computer science, information science, design engineering, cognitive science, psychology, design, or related fields
  • Strong attention to detail and interest in qualitative data analysis
  • Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and participate in research discussions

Desired Majors:Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Integrated Design Engineering (IDE)

Contact

Theodora Chaspari, Faculty
Email: theodora.chaspari@colorado.edu

Project Description

Existing RF propagation models take several minutes to predict repeater coverage. Previous work in this research developed a fast algorithm to evaluate line of sight profiles for irregular terrain using the Bresenham algorithm and OpenMP to sample a digital elevation model and produce a KMZ overlay in seconds. The goal for this project is to also implement the NIST ITM model for diffraction and tropospheric scatter. Since these models require more complex calculations, the project will likely require resorting to highly parallel computations using CUDA in order to attain the near real time performance goals.

Requirements:

  • Student should have strong C++ programming skills. Experience with OpenMP, CUDA and parallel programming as well as an interest in radio is a plus but not required.
  • Student should be able to work mostly independently and attend a weekly meeting.
  • Expected effort 8-10 hours per week.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Vlakkies Schreuder, Faculty
Email: vlakkies@colorado.edu

Project Description

There exists art collections around the world which include magnificent objects: in plaster, wire, wood, or string. It is an illustration by the artist-mathematician to view the solution of a well-posed problem, especially if it is unique, often admitting a geometric representation endowed with an aesthetic value.
We will consider the works primarily by American surrealist Man Ray, in the 1920s. The DLA student will need to have an understanding of mathematics and computer science to equate a geometric object or image with equation(s). A question then naturally arises: how to find the equation of a geometric object once built from conceptually well-defined equations, but now lost?

Requirements:

  • Preference will be given for students with coursework in differential, integral, and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, coding (Python, C, ...), use of 3D printer and laser cutter

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Divya Vernerey, Faculty
Email: divya.vernerey@colorado.edu

Project Description

Foraging describes the strategies organisms use to find and exploit food sources in their environments. C. elegans is a small worm that feeds on bacteria, seeking out patches of high-quality food in a dynamic environment. As worms consume and disperse bacteria, they reshape the bacterial landscape, influencing resource availability and, in turn, their subsequent foraging behavior. This project will involve developing a computational, physics-based model that couples organism movement with bacterial growth to explore the interplay between animal behavior and resource availability.

Requirements:

  • Proficiency in Python
  • Working knowledge of multivariable calculus
  • Interest in biological or complex systems

Website: peleglab.com

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Orit Peleg, Faculty
Email: orit.peleg@colorado.edu

Danielle Chase, Post-Doc
Email: Danielle.chase@colorado.edu

Project Description

The project will involve using mathematical ideas to study neural network models. Our goal is to use ideas from combinatorial optimization and the study of piecewise affine functions to understand neural network models from a mathematical standpoint and prove properties about them.

Requirements:

  • This is not a traditional ML project. It is a theoretical and mathematical investigation of neural networks for various autonomous systems applications. The focus is on proving properties. We would strongly prefer a mathematics/applied mathematics double major with a strong background in programming.

Desired Majors:, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Contact

Sriram Sankaranarayanan, Faculty
Email: srirams@colorado.edu

Chandra Kanth Nagesh, Graduate Student
Email: chandrakanth.nagesh@colorado.edu

Project Description

There are multiple aspects to this project and Zach can use extra help on working through details. The student would support Zach but I see the student's work as including characterizing vias used in 3d integrated circuit chips and come up with ways to send, receive, regenerate signals that support network on a chip for multiple processing units. Theoretical support would also be welcome which is why I included mathematicians in the list of acceptable majors below. Signal processing skills also could be a big support to Zach.

Requirements:

  • Students from the VLSI class would be preferred. If the student hasn't had the VLSI class then the first few weeks would be going through tutorials I prepared for VLSI tools.
  • Courses in E&M and architecture would be preferred but if they have a solid background in a RF, radio-related, or signal-processing would also be able to support Zach.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Tina Smilkstein, Faculty
Email: tina.smilkstein@colorado.edu

Zach Moolman, Graduate Student
Email: Zach.Moolman@colorado.edu

Project Description

One of the most promising approaches to quantum computing uses arrays of trapped neutral atoms addressed by laser beams to move the atoms around (optical tweezers), manipulate single qbits (SU2 rotations), and entangle pairs of atoms. This requires high efficiency optical modulators and deflectors operating at various specialized wavelengths corresponding to the atomic transitions, and a promising technology for this application is acousto-optics (AO) in which an acoustic wave launched into a crystal by a piezoelectric transducer diffracts an incident laser beam. In this project the student will perform experiments on new types of AO devices and help perform detailed simulation of the optical and acoustic physics to determine the limitations of this approach to manipulating arrays of trapped atoms.

Requirements:

  • Both optics experiments and numerical simulations will be needed, so ability to work in a lab environment learning new techniques as well as ability to code in IDL, MATLAB, or Python is required.
  • Experience with an optics course is a big plus, but not required.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Kelvin Wagner, Faculty
Email: kelvin@colorado.edu

Project Description

Photonic neuromorphic systems require an optically implemented neuron with a nonlinear transmission in the forwards direction and a gated transmission in the backwards direction needed for back propagation learning. We are implementing large parallel arrays of such neurons with a rectifying linear unit (ReLU) response using a liquid crystal on smart-pixel CMOS detector and electronic driver circuitry.

Requirements:

  • The student will help with CMOS circuit design and simulation so should have analog circuit and VLSI experience.
  • In addition, some knowledge of liquid crystals would be beneficial, as well as optical testing of the smart-pixel optical ReLU will be performed, so interest in photonics would be desirable.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Kelvin Wagner, Faculty
Email: kelvin@colorado.edu

Felicia Li, Graduate Student
Email: Felicia.Li@colorado.edu

Project Description

Classification of Ice and Atmospheric Features in Satellite Data through Advancement of a Cyberinfrastructure --- Machine Learning
This project summons the capabilities of machine learning (ML) approaches for the classification of ice and atmospheric features in satellite data. As new satellite sensors on both large-scale missions (e.g. NASA) and commercial satellites carry sensors that increase in resolution, coverage and detection capabilities, the need for capable, high-end algorithms for data analysis and feature detection grows.
Our group has developed a Cyberinfrastructure (CI), GEOCLASS, that combines several ML approaches for detection and identification of signatures, for example, crevasses on glaciers, water during melt, thin clouds in the atmosphere and smoke from wildfires that travels, sometimes, around the entire Earth.
You will contribute to experimenting with the GEOCLASS system, applying it to existing data. After an introduction to classification and ML methods, as well as to satellite data types and an applied problem, you will analyze data. Data may include commonly known imagery, SAR data, and height data. The goal is for your to contribute to new approaches in ML for satellite data classification.
To get there, the advisors will provide introduction to the problem and you will start with a hands-on experience analyzing data. We have several students in our lab and everyone gets a well-defined project which they can "own". You will learn a lot about satellite sensors, atmospheric and Earth sciences, and of course, remote sensing, EE and computer science, with a focus in your area of interest.
Note: Our lab offers several new DLA projects for the fall - this one focuses ML for classification of satellite data.

1. Selection and information process: Our lab will hold an information session for all students who indicate interest in a DLA project in our lab.

a. To be invited to the information session, it makes sense to send in your application early and email ute.herzfeld@colorado.edu and Thomas.Trantow@colorado.edu.

2. Students should expect to work the full 300 hours. Please state you intend to do so.

3. We may give preference to students who are around this summer, to transition project information from current student research assistants who are graduating.

Note that in this case summer work would be independent of the DLA project (paid separately if you're selected).

Requirements:

  • Students should be at least third year by fall 2026. Second-year students with equivalent class work may be considered (but not first-year students).
  • Solid mathematical and programming skills are required.
  • An interest in or knowledge of Earth and atmospheric sciences is a plus.
  • Previous ML experience or a course in ML is helpful, but not required. A remote sensing course is helpful as well, but not required.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering

Contact

Ute Herzfeld, Faculty
Email: ute.herzfeld@colorado.edu

Thomas Trantow, Research Associate
Email: trantow@colorado.edu

Project Description

This project will build a new hardware platform for continuous ultrafast imaging by combining a large photodiode array with a high-throughput multi-channel data acquisition system. The goal is to stream measurements continuously at up to 40 MSPS using the PhotoSound Legion ADC (https://www.photosound.com/home/products/data-acquisition/legion-adc/), while scaling the sensor from a small proof-of-concept array to a large format array using a cross-bar wiring approach. The student will design a photodiode-array PCB that provides stable bias and clean power distribution, routes row and column lines to enable scalable addressing, and breaks out the readout to two 128-channel DLM260 connectors (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/itt-cannon-llc/DLM5-260R/2755956) for direct connection to the Legion ADC. The project will begin with a 16×16 array to validate signal integrity, noise performance, channel-to-channel consistency, and sustained streaming stability, then it will scale toward a 128×128 architecture by extending the same cross-bar concept and by improving layout, shielding, and grounding to preserve bandwidth and reduce crosstalk. This work supports the lab's broader effort in continuous-streaming ultrafast imaging hardware and systems development.

Requirements:

  • The student must have strong PCB design experience and must be proficient in Altium Designer.
  • The student must be able to create fabrication-ready manufacturing files and to place PCB and assembly orders through vendors like JLCPCB, then manage revisions across multiple board spins.
  • The student must understand photodiode physics and practical photodiode readout limits, and must understand ADC fundamentals, sampling theorem, aliasing, and anti-alias filtering well enough to define bandwidth targets and to interpret 40 MSPS streaming data correctly.
  • The student must also be comfortable with multi-channel signal integrity topics, including impedance control, grounding strategy, crosstalk reduction, ESD protection, and power integrity.
  • The student must be able to bring up hardware independently and debug with standard lab tools, and must be able to work in the lab consistently each week.

Website: https://boltslab.org/

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Yide Zhang, Faculty
Email: yide.zhang@colorado.edu

, Graduate Student
Email: hodgkinr@colorado.edu

Project Description

Based on our prior work published at IISWC 2025 (CASM) we would like to instrument a compiler, such as LLVM, to compute the expected CASM scores at compilation time. Then at runtime, the processor would consider the expected CASM scores and use them to monitor the cache behavior. If the runtime CASM scores differ more than a certain threshold the system is considered to be under attack. This monitoring can help the microarchitecture activate a defense mechanism to prevent the attack from succeeding.

Requirements:

  • The student should have taken at least the ECEN3593: Computer Organization class.

Website: /ecee/tamara-lehman

Desired Majors:Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Tamara Lehman, Faculty
Email: tamara.lehman@colorado.edu

Project Description

This project investigates how weak electromagnetic fields influence biological systems, with an emphasis on frequency and amplitude dependent effects. The work combines electromagnetic system design, experimental measurements, and data analysis to examine how specific frequency conditions interact with cellular processes. The project may involve radiofrequency regimes relevant to modern wireless technologies.
The student will take ownership of an engineering-focused component of the project and will be actively involved in both experimental and analytical tasks. Responsibilities will include designing, building, or modifying electromagnetic exposure systems (e.g., coils, TEM cells, shielding), setting up and running controlled exposure experiments, and characterizing field parameters such as frequency response, field strength, and uniformity.
The student will perform frequency sweeps (“resonance hunting”) to identify frequency-dependent responses and will investigate how changes in amplitude and modulation influence biological outcomes. This includes collecting experimental data, processing and visualizing datasets, and comparing results across different exposure conditions.
In collaboration with the research team, the student will contribute to biological experiments using cancer cell lines (e.g., HT-1080, PC3), including assay-based measurements (training will be provided). The student will correlate electromagnetic conditions with biological outcomes such as cell viability, oxidative stress, or cell-cycle changes, and will identify reproducible frequency-dependent trends.
By the end of the project, the student will have generated and analyzed a complete dataset for a defined experimental condition and will present their findings in a poster or oral presentation.

Requirements:

  • Ability to commit to 2-4 hour continuous in-person lab sessions
  • Interest in interdisciplinary research combining electromagnetics and biology
  • Basic programming experience (Python or MATLAB) is helpful but not required
  • Willingness to learn laboratory techniques (training provided)
  • Preferred (but not required): coursework in electromagnetics, circuits, or signals & systems

Desired Majors:Electrical & Computer Engineering

Contact

Frank Barnes, Faculty
Email: barnes@colorado.edu

Hakki Gurhan, Sr. Research Associate
Email: hakki.gurhan@colorado.edu

Project Description

Student would explore extending a 3-D FDTD solver to include active, nonlinear devices (e.g., diodes, BJTs, MOSFETs) by coupling the Yee-grid field update equations with lumped, nonlinear circuit equations at designated cells/ports. Student would (1) implement an ADE- or TLM-style co-simulation interface where the device is represented by a compact model (start with a piecewise-linear or Schottky diode), (2) derive and code the nonlinear current update that injects conduction/displacement currents into Maxwell's curl equations while preserving the stability and charge continuity, (3) solve the device's relations implicitly each time step (e.g., Newton-Raphson with line search) and (4) validate against SPICE/transient measurements for simple testbeds: a diode limiter on a microstrip, a CMOS inverter driving a short interconnect, and an amplifier macro-cell embedded in a package model. Milestones include: verification on linear RLC loads, convergence/stability studies versus Delta and mesh dispersion, and parametric sweeps (bias, geometry) showing waveform distortion, rise-time degradation, and oscillation onset. Deliverables: documented code with unit tests, a validation report comparing FDTD-device waveforms to SPICE, report would highlight accuracy, stability constraints, and runtime trade-offs, plus a stretch goal to add temperature or noise terms, or a S-parameter port for mixed FDTD/circuit co-simulation.

Requirements:

  • Student should have already taken Calc 3 and Differential Equations.
  • Student should be available to to meet weekly in person as well as work well independently.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE)

Contact

Melinda Piket-May, Faculty
Email: mjp@colorado.edu

Mohammed Hadi, Faculty
Email: mohammed.hadi@colorado.edu

Project Description

As new satellite sensors on both large-scale missions (e.g. NASA) and commercial satellites carry sensors that increase in resolution, coverage and detection capabilities, the need for capable, high-end algorithms for data analysis and feature detection grows.
Our group works on a range of novel algorithms for different sensors. As a DLA student in our group, you will work on understanding and applying one of those algorithms and methods for remote-sensing data analysis. This requires that you first learn about the sensor technologies and also about the goals to detect, for example, wild fire smoke, ice surfaces, glaciers, sea ice. The algorithms include math methods for analysis. You will also learn about the possibilities and limitations of Machine-Learning (or "AI") in remote-sensing data analysis.
NO sky is the limit of your involvement - you can build your own algorithm components or work and one of the many examples we have. Should be a great prep for any jobs out there or grad school.

1. Selection and information process: Our lab will hold an information session for all students who indicate interest in a DLA project in our lab.

a. To be invited to the information session, it makes sense to send in your application early and email ute.herzfeld@colorado.edu and Thomas.Trantow@colorado.edu.

2. Students should expect to work the full 300 hours. Please state you intend to do so.

3. We may give preference to students who are around this summer, to transition project information from current student research assistants who are graduating.

Note that in this case summer work would be independent of the DLA project (paid separately if you're selected).

Requirements:

  • Students should be at least third year by fall 2026. Second-year students with equivalent class work may be considered (but not first-year students).
  • Solid mathematical and programming skills are required.
  • An interest in or knowledge of Earth and atmospheric sciences is a plus.
  • Remote sensing courses are helpful as well

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering

Contact

Ute Herzfeld, Faculty
Email: ute.herzfeld@colorado.edu

Thomas Trantow, Research Associate
Email: trantow@colorado.edu

Project Description

While high-performance architectures like GPUs provide significant throughput for AI workloads, their fixed-function nature can lead to underutilized silicon when hardware does not perfectly match a specific model's data flow. This research project explores run-time reconfigurable hardware accelerators as a flexible alternative to static designs, leveraging FPGAs to adapt circuitry to the task at hand. Instead of relying on a pre-set architecture, this project proposes a "just-in-time" hardware model where the underlying processing elements and memory hierarchies are dynamically tailored to a specific application, such as an ONNX neural network description. This approach seeks to minimize power overhead and maximize execution speed by ensuring only the necessary logic is instantiated for the active workload.
The student investigator will be responsible for developing a hardware-software interface that translates high-level graph descriptions into optimized FPGA bitstreams. This includes designing modular RTL components in SystemVerilog and implementing a control plane capable of managing partial reconfiguration at the system level. The work involves benchmarking these dynamic accelerators against traditional static designs to quantify gains in throughput and energy efficiency. By the project's end, the student will have built a functional prototype that demonstrates a seamless transition from a software model to a custom-configured hardware pipeline, providing a scalable solution for next-generation edge computing.

Requirements:

  • Experience with FPGAs, e.g., through ECEN 2350 (Digital Logic) is useful.
  • Some experience with Machine Learning frameworks is also useful.
  • Neither are requirements, though a strong motivation to pick them up as part of the project will be needed.

Desired Majors:Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Contact

Eric Keller, Faculty
Email: eric.keller@colorado.edu

Project Description

My lab has developed a specialize shield, compatible with a variety of microcontrollers that enables high-performance measurements such as microvolt level signals, high accuracy signal frequencies and stimulus response analysis of sensors and systems. This project will be to exercise this shield to explore a variety of applications. There will be some code to write in the Arduino IDE or Jupyter notebooks to take the measurements, perform analysis and present the results in graphical form. This project will emphasize measurement automation and analysis of the results using low-cost but high-performance instruments. Some projects include measuring the frequency stability of various oscillators, the absolute accuracy of voltage standards, measuring the thermal properties of insulators, constructing a low cost transistor curve tracer, measuring the discharge and charging curves of batteries or the lifetime of LEDs under accelerated current loads.

Requirements:

  • Having taken ECEN 2250 is required.

Website: /faculty/bogatin/

Desired Majors:Biomedical Engineering, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE)

Contact

Eric Bogatin, Faculty
Email: eric.bogatin@colorado.edu

Project Description

When partial differential equations are solved using standard numerical methods, the derivatives are typically converted to finite differences along the orthogonal axes of the chosen coordinate system. This proposed DLA project will investigate involving off-orthogonal nodes to build high-order but spatially tight differencing schemes. Such schemes would need to have built-in tuning parameters to minimize numerical errors at low grid resolutions, especially when dealing with time-domain equations.
Many phenomena which are governed by partial differential equations can benefit from this approach, ranging from electromagnetic wave applications, to acoustics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics and beyond.

Requirements:

  • Student should have already taken Differential Equations

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Melinda Piket-May, Faculty
Email: mjp@colorado.edu

Mohammed Hadi, Faculty
Email: mohammed.hadi@colorado.edu

Project Description

Synthetic biology has the potential to lead to new or more efficient production of medicines, fuels, and other important compounds. Crucial to the success of synthetic biology is effective standards for the storage and sharing of genetic design knowledge between researchers and institutions. This project will develop SynBioHub3, an interactive data repository that will accelerate the pace of discovery and innovation for this critical emerging field. The DLA student on this project will contribute to the development of SynBioHub3.

Requirements:

  • Experience with programming with Python, Java, and/or Javascript would be beneficial.

Website:

Desired Majors: Applied Mathematics, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Contact

Chris Myers, Faculty
Email: chris.myers@colorado.edu

Daniel Fang, Graduate Student
Email: daniel.fang@colorado.edu

Project Description

Synthetic biology research has led to the development of many software tools for designing, constructing, editing, simulating, and sharing genetic parts and circuits. Among these tools are SBOLCanvas, iBioSim, and SynBioHub, which can be used in conjunction to create a genetic circuit design following the design-build-test-learn process. However, although automation works within these tools, most of these software tools are not integrated, and the process of transferring information between them is a very manual, error-prone process. To address this problem, this work automates some of these processes and presents SynBioSuite, a cloud-based tool that eliminates many of the drawbacks of the current approach by automating the setup and reception of results for simulating a designed genetic circuit via an application programming interface. The DLA student on this project will be adding new features to the SynBioSuite tool to enable wider support of modeling and analysis capabilities.

Requirements:

  • Programming experience with languages such as Python, Java, and Javascript would be beneficial.

Website: https://geneticlogiclab.org

Desired Majors:Applied Mathematics, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Contact

Chris Myers, Faculty
Email: chris.myers@colorado.edu

Gonzalo Vidal, Post-Doc
Email: gonzalo.vidalpena@colorado.edu

Project Description

In this project, we use a microwave receiver and near-field antenna placed on the skin to measure natural radiation from the body that is proportional to temperature. To estimate sub-surface tissue temperatures, the electrical properties of tissues need to be determined. This can be done using a variety of methods, and the student will work on one of the methods, such as reflectometry. The student will have the opportunity to learn specialized simulation tools and to collaborate with a company that has licensed our CU patent.

Requirements:

  • Student should have taken at least ECEN 3400 (Fundamental Electromagnetics) and preferably also ECEN 3410, and should be planning on taking an upper-level course in the RF sequence (e.g. 4634/5634 - highly recommended, and ECEN 5104).

Desired Majors:Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics

Contact

Zoya Popovic, Faculty
Email: zoya@colorado.edu

.

Project Description

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are treatment technologies that degrade organic pollutants in water impacted my wastewater and industrial contamination, particularly pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pathogens. Ultraviolet Advanced Oxidation processes (UV/AOPs) utilize UV irradiation and oxidants (i.e. hydrogen peroxide, free chlorine) to generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) which are used to degrade pollutants. This technology is becoming crucial as Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) - the process of treating wastewater effluent for drinking water - becomes more widely adopted. Research will investigate the use of UVLEDs as an alternative source of photons in real DPR water contexts using batch and flow through reactors. Students will learn about photochemistry, radical chemistry/kinetics, experimental design, and water quality measurements.

Requirements:

  • At least taken a basic chemistry course and have an interest in water treatment.
  • Ideally having taken water/wastewater treatment and fundamentals of environmental engineering.
  • Prior laboratory experience is a plus.

Desired Majors: Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering

Contact

Karl Linden, Faculty
Email: karl.linden@colorado.edu

Ryan McKeown, Graduate Student
Email: ryan.mckeown@colorado.edu

Project Description

Electrification is an important part of a global transition away from fossil fuels. Today, the shift to electric cars, heat pumps, and the expansion of nuclear power are all rapidly growing industries. However, implementing this transition requires complicated ethical decisions from researchers, practitioners, and engineers and the origins of contemporary debates have long histories. In Colorado the state's mining past, patterns of settlement, and at times contentious relationship with federal regulators complicate efforts at truly ethical energy transition.
To address these important questions, the student researcher would help locate important "sacrifice zones" - places historically contaminated by energy development - as well as identify key people, dates, policies, regulations, and catalysts for Colorado's energy transition. The daily workflow would include examining news sources, archives, and academic literature, possibly conducting site visits with the PI (when geographically possible), and possibly interviewing constituents. Student research will contribute to an ongoing book project as well as a public-facing website identifying key locations and issues.

Requirements:

  • While a significant portion of the work can be done digitally, students must have the ability to travel to Boulder for regular meetings with the PI.
  • Ideally, the student will have interest or experience in qualitative, social science research and/or interest in the social and ethical implications of engineering development and energy technology.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Sarah Stanford McIntyre, Faculty
Email: Sarah.StanfordMcintyre@colorado.edu

Project Description

Are you a Lattice Scholar interested in contributing to the improvement and promotion of this program? Do you want to help share the stories of student success for future cohorts and the College? In this DLA research apprenticeship, you'll collaborate closely with the Lattice team to explore and enhance the program's effectiveness across any cohort year from first-year to senior year, including identifying impactful seminar content, devising strategies for future implementation, assessing perceptions of success, and determining resource needs.
You will gain hands-on experience evaluating and shaping the program, using data analysis methodologies for educational research, such as survey design and focus groups with enrolled Lattice students. Your contributions will shape the program's evolution, help translate findings into actionable recommendations for future programming, resource development, and student support. You will also have the option to publish and present on your research at a regional meeting or conference. Join us in uncovering insights and driving positive change in engineering education and the Lattice Scholars program.

Requirements:

  • Restricted to Lattice Scholars

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Malinda Zarske, Faculty
Email: malinda.zarske@colorado.edu

Phil Courey, Lattice Scholars Program Manager
Email: hodgkinr@colorado.edu

Project Description

Earthquakes are a global concern that could be mitigated through early detection and warning, and through scientific efforts such as rapid deployment of sensors after a seismic event to understand aftershocks. Seismology, especially for the sake of natural disaster early warning systems, post-event data collection, and civil construction projects, has benefited from the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. Unfortunately, the quantity of dedicated devices needed to enable this sensing paradigm has the potential to contribute to the growing electronic waste problem, especially when retrieval is a challenge. Ultimately, we plan to develop low-cost soil-biodegradable vibration sensors and combine them with modern low-cost mesh network technology for the detection of seismic activity. This could be applicable beyond earthquake detection and extend to industries such as agriculture to detect other ground vibrations.
Ideally, for this DLA project, the student will design and build vibration sensing nodes using commercially available organic piezoelectric sensors combined with low-cost electronics. These sensors will then be tested against simple seismometers such as a smartphone accelerometer or Raspberry Shake, which the student will also be expected to set up. If time permits, and the student shows interest, they can also be involved in the development of a soil-degradable piezoelectric sensing membrane. We are also open to work with the student to adapt the DLA project to their interest and/or skills. The students will be encouraged to collaborate across disciplines on campus.

Requirements:

  • The student must already be comfortable with basic Arduino programming and general circuit design and must be willing to learn programming for wireless sensing applications.
  • The student must also be ready to learn to work with more advanced systems such as the Raspberry Pi.
  • They will be expected to have a maker-mindset and independently learn through iterative prototyping and testing.
  • The ideal candidate will also have an interest in materials science and engineering and/or geology.
  • Student must have taken GEEN 1400 or equivalent.

Desired Majors:Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Madhur Atreya, Faculty
Email: madhur.atreya@colorado.edu

Project Description

Have you worked with water quality testing or environmental sensing? Are you interested in colorimetric sensors, water chemistry, and CAD-based device design? Do you care about improving rural water health and making complex environmental data easier for communities to understand? Would you enjoy working on a device that transforms dense water chemistry data into clear, actionable information for people who rely on private wells?
In this DLA, you will work with Integrated Design Engineering (IDE) faculty to research and develop a low-cost water quality sensor that tests for fluoride, iron, nitrate, and arsenic in rural water systems.Many rural households rely on private wells but lack accessible tools to regularly monitor water safety. This project aims to explore colorimetric chemical sensing methods combined with digital data acquisition to create a device that can both measure contaminants and present the results in an intuitive, user-friendly format.
Students in this project will research different colorimetric test chemistries and optical sensing approaches, explore and run different water chemistry tests, then analyze and CAD a device to accomplish the tasks we have set. The system may incorporate Raspberry Pi-based imaging or photometric detection, allowing chemical color changes to be quantified and translated into readable concentration data.
Beyond the technical development, this project will consider sustainability, accessibility, and environmental education in rural communities. Students may participate in outreach efforts, interviews with well owners or water managers in Colorado, and analysis of how sensor data can be communicated effectively to non-technical users. There will be a potential opportunity to present our findings to the Water Center at CSU Fort Collins, Colorado Water Congress, and many other state level engineers.

Requirements:

  • Must have taken GEEN 1400 and/or GEEN 2400.
  • Experience with CAD and basic coding.
  • Must have exposure to water chemistry, environmental chemistry, or water quality testing.
  • Basic experience with microcontrollers or single-board computers

Desired Majors:Integrated Design Engineering (IDE)

Contact

Malinda Zarske, Faculty
Email: malinda.zarske@colorado.edu

Project Description

Have you taken an Integrated Design Engineering (GEEN) course? How was your experience engaging in the design process with other engineering students? Looking back, do you think your coursework could have better incorporated sustainability or principles of universal design? Are you interested in helping improve GEEN course experiences for future students?
In this DLA, you will work with IDE faculty to identify and investigate a research question related to universal design and sustainability within core engineering courses (such as thermodynamics, materials, circuits, or statics). Together, we will develop a research strategy, review relevant literature, and analyze course experiences to better understand opportunities for improvement.
Along the way you will gain experience designing and conducting educational research, with opportunities to develop and facilitate surveys, convene focus groups, and conduct interviews with engineering students. You will also have the option to publish and present your research at a regional educational or sustainability conference or meeting.

Requirements:

  • Students must have taken one or more of the Integrated Design Engineering (GEEN) core courses, such as statics, thermodynamics, circuits or materials.

Desired Majors:Integrated Design Engineering (IDE)

Contact

Malinda Zarske, Faculty
Email: malinda.zarske@colorado.edu

Project Description

Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) typically swim by contracting the entirety of their bell in a near synchronous fashion, uniformly ejecting fluid from the subumbrella, and propelling the animal forward. Interestingly, another mode of swimming seen in a small number of animals involves a contraction and relaxation wave that moves circularly around the bell margin, creating rhythmic “hula hooping” like pulsation. Our ultimate goal for this project is to build an untethered soft (silicone body, with some flexible/rigid internal structures) jellyfish robot that can switch between these two swimming modes. We aim to achieve energy efficient synchronous bell contraction using a centralized DC motor winch and tendon driven bending actuators spaced around the robot's bell. For the hula hooping swim mode we are investigating using shape memory alloys (SMAs) placed around the bell margin that can be individually driven to generate the desired circularly contraction and relaxation wave.
The student working on this project will design, prototype and validation both the DC motor winch/tendon actuators, SMA driven bell margin, in addition to related tasks like developing the manufacturing methods for silicone molding and integration with the rigid body. I will mentor and guide this student on both the mechanics (actuators, mechanics, manufacturing), and electronics side (SMA/motor drivers, code etc.) as is needed.

Requirements:

  • Students need to have a strong background in 3D CAD and mechanics.
  • Experience using 3D printers (ideally both FDM and SLS)is also a must.
  • And we expect them to commit 5-10 hours per week to the project.
  • While there will be weekly meetings and opportunities for mentorship/guidance/asking questions, the student should also be able to work independently for a majority of their working hours.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Nicole Xu, Faculty
Email: Nicole.Xu@colorado.edu

Parker McDonnell, Graduate Student
Email: wimc6189@colorado.edu

Project Description

The Vance Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder specializes in indoor and outdoor air quality investigations, with a special focus on aerosols or particulate matter (PM). PM can range from a few nanometers to micrometers in size and can be generated from a variety of sources, including vehicles, cooking, chemical processes, and wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke PM is of particular concern because of its harmful effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health and affects many communities across the globe. To study wildfire smoke under controlled laboratory conditions, our lab uses a hand-held cocktail smoker to generate repeatable amounts of smoke for laboratory experiments. However, the size and amount of PM produced can vary depending on the type of wood used, the size of the wood chips, and how the instrument is loaded. Thus, it is important to characterize this apparatus to identify the best loading conditions for reproducible results. The student working in our lab will perform experimental research to evaluate different wood types, wood chip sizes, and loading approaches. The work includes a laboratory component, a data analysis and data visualization component. This student will work alongside a PhD student who is leading the study.

Requirements:

  • Undergraduate 91ý engineering student, self-motivated and willing to explore and learn new technical skills, including operating research-grade instrumentation.
  • Applicants must have great attention to detail and be careful with data collection and analysis.
  • Students who are rising juniors and seniors are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Basic knowledge and interest in continuing to learn Excel and MATLAB is required. This project is primarily focused on data analysis on the student's own computer in MATLAB, but the student must also be willing to perform measurements in the field on occasion.

Website: /lab/vance

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Marina Vance, Faculty
Email: Marina.Vance@Colorado.EDU

Esther Ozuruoha, Graduate Student
Email: Esther.Ozuruoha@colorado.edu

Project Description

The goal is to design and build a hydrogel sensing system that responds to reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the reorganization of embedded conductive elements within the gel. The sensing platform has potential applications in monitoring inflammatory and stress response markers alongside damage and degradation in humans and plants.
Skills gained would include: Hydrogel synthesis and characterization, electrical characterization tools (impedance spectroscopy, voltammetry), understanding of experimental design and material optimization, data visualization and interpretation.

Requirements:

  • It would be beneficial if student is available to work in 2.5 hour blocks (at least).
  • Prior experience with theory or application in materials and polymers is helpful but not necessary.

Website:

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, ,Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Gregory Whiting, Faculty
Email: gregory.whiting@colorado.edu

Akhila Denduluri, Graduate Student
Email: akhila.denduluri@colorado.edu

Project Description

This project focuses on understanding how engineering students develop a sense of global responsibility through immersive, cross-cultural educational experiences. The project draws on a rich dataset of engineering student experiences collected across multiple higher education programs. The work contributes to ongoing research aimed at exploring the impacts of global engineering education and better preparing students for socially and culturally complex design challenges.
DLA students on this project will play an active role in qualitative data analysis, including reviewing interview transcripts, identifying patterns and themes, and contributing to the synthesis and communication of findings. Students will gain hands-on experience in qualitative research methods while strengthening their analytical thinking and academic writing skills. This position is ideal for students interested in qualitative research, global engineering, education, and/or the social dimensions of engineering practice.

Requirements:

  • Students must have experience and/or strong interest in global engineering education and immersive cross-cultural design experiences.

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Grace Burleson, Faculty
Email: grace.burleson@colorado.edu

Project Description

This research initiative focuses on the rigorous evaluation of one or two international development programs aimed at improving public health and economic resilience. In partnership with iDE (International Development Enterprises), a leader in market-based development, this project investigates how large-scale engineering and policy interventions translate into lived outcomes for rural communities.
The selected undergraduate apprentice will have the unique opportunity to choose between one or two focal research tracks, each in a specific geographic and thematic domain:
Track A: Water Governance in Honduras: Investigating the intersection of government policy changes and community-led governance. This track evaluates how decentralized water management impacts long-term access and equity in rural Honduran communities.
Track B: Women's Role in the Sanitation Markets of Northern Ghana: Analyzing the "Pro-Wash" approach in rural Ghana, this track investigates how centering women as entrepreneurs and decision-makers in the sanitation value chain affects the adoption of high-quality facilities, particularly toilets and handwashing stations.
Unlike a traditional assistantship, the student will serve as a Junior Evaluator for one or both projects; they can choose based on their interest and availability. Their duties are designed to span the full lifecycle of a research project:
Literature Synthesis: The student will conduct a formal literature review on market-based development (Ghana) and/or community water governance (Honduras), identifying gaps that the program(s)'s data can address.
Data Analysis & Visualization: Utilizing raw program data provided by iDE, the student will learn about and perform various analyses using Python or R. They will be responsible for cleaning the data and creating publication-quality visualizations that illustrate program impact.
Manuscript Contribution: The student will draft specific sections of a peer-reviewed journal article, including Introduction, Methods, and Results. With consistent engagement, the student will be credited as a co-author on the final publication.
Presentation: The student will lead the creation and presentation of a research poster and/or presentation slides for the end-of-year symposium, synthesizing their findings for a technical audience.
Through this apprenticeship, the student will gain:
Program Evaluation Expertise: Understanding how to measure "success" in complex, real-world engineering interventions.
Data Science Application: Practical experience applying Python or R to messy, real-world datasets from the international development sector.
Professional Communication: Mastering the art of scientific writing and the peer-review process.
Global Perspectives: Insight into the ethical and logistical challenges of performing research in the Global South.

Requirements:

  • Prerequisites: A strong desire to learn or profiency in Python or R for data analysis. A background or interest in Global Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Social Impact is preferred.
  • Mentorship: The student will meet weekly with Dr. James Harper to discuss study design and data trends; troubleshoot coding hurdles; and review writing drafts.
  • DLA Seminar: The student will be expected to integrate their lab work with the required 1-credit "Undergraduate Research Experience" seminar, utilizing the lab's data for their literature review and ethics assignments.

Website: https://www.ideglobal.org/country/honduras and https://www.ideglobal.org/country/ghana

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

James Harper, Faculty
Email: james.harper@colorado.edu

Project Description

Undergraduate student will assist primary graduate student in a larger NSF-funded project working to improve and customize ankle braces for different individuals. Although the ultimate goal is testing for stroke survivors, this stage of the project will involve collecting data from healthy individuals walking in an exoskeleton controlled in different ways and measuring how the user responds. Undergraduate will assist in data collection and processing/data analysis of motion capture data of human movement.

Requirements:

  • 3rd and 4th year students will be prioritized.

Website: /mechanical/researchers-testing-next-generation-ankle-braces-stroke-survivors

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Technology & Design (CTD), Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Integrated Design Engineering (IDE), Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Cara Welker, Faculty
Email: cara.welker@colorado.edu

Olivia Felton, Graduate Student
Email: olivia.felton@colorado.edu

Project Description

Astronauts experience significant bone loss during spaceflight, a serious health concern for long-duration missions to the Moon or Mars. To study this problem at a mechanistic level, our lab analyzes bone tissue from mice housed aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Rodent models allow controlled experiments that would be impossible to conduct in human subjects, and the data they generate directly inform our understanding of how microgravity disrupts the skeleton.
In this project, you will contribute to the analysis of bone specimens from spaceflight and ground-control mice using micro-computed tomography (microCT), essentially a high-resolution CT scanner designed for small samples. You will be trained to operate the microCT instrument, process and segment three-dimensional bone images, and extract quantitative measures of bone microarchitecture such as trabecular thickness, bone volume fraction, and connectivity density.
Project activities are assigned based on lab needs and the student's developing skills. Depending on your background, you may be directed toward finite element modeling to simulate how spaceflight alters bone structural stiffness, toward the cellular biology of skeletal unloading and mechanical disuse, or toward computational work developing machine learning pipelines for automated image segmentation and analysis.
Students are expected to follow established lab protocols, take direction from graduate student and faculty mentors, and contribute reliably to ongoing research. No prior experience with bone biology or imaging is required, but a willingness to learn technical skills and work within a structured research environment is essential.

Requirements:

  • Junior or Senior level standing, should have completed all core course requirements in calculus and differential equations, physics, chemistry.
  • Students need to be able to work in two 4-6 hour blocks/week (max 10 hours weekly).

Website:

Desired Majors:Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Virginia Ferguson, Faculty
Email: virginia.ferguson@colorado.edu

Juan Hanel, Graduate Student
Email: juan.hanel@colorado.edu