Celebrate

BFA announces 2026 Excellence Awards winners, celebratory ceremony April 7

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:11:33 +0000

BFA announces 2026 Excellence Awards winners, celebratory ceremony April 7 Megan M Rogers Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:11

The Boulder Faculty Assembly is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 BFA Excellence Awards and invite members of the campus community to attend this year’s in-person ceremony in celebration of the recipients. BFA Excellence Awards recognize outstanding contributions by faculty in the areas of teaching; service and leadership; and research, scholarly and creative work.

The awards, which are peer-nominated, are presented in three categories. The 2026 BFA Excellence Award categories and winners are:

Excellence in Leadership and Service

Professor Jennifer Fluri, Geography
Clinical Professor of Law Violeta Capin, School of Law
Associate Teaching Professor Dan Riffell, Mechanical Engineering

Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Work

Professor Michael McGehee, Chemical & Biological Engineering
Professor Juliet Gopinath, Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering
Professor Bhuvana Narasimhan, Linguistics

Excellence in Teaching

Assistant Professor Natalie Mendoza, History
Teaching Professor Abby Hickcox, Arts & Sciences Honors
Associate Professor Chase Raymond, Linguistics

If you go

Who: Campus community
What: 2026 BFA Excellence Awards ceremony and Hazel Barnes address by John Cumalat
When: Tuesday, April 7, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Where: UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom

Hors d'ouerves and host bar to follow

In addition to honoring this year’s winners, the ceremony on April 7, will feature a faculty address by 2025 Hazel Barnes Prize awardee John Cumalat. A reception will follow afterward for attendees to share personal congratulations with each of the award winners.

The campus created the BFA Excellence Awards in the early 1980s to recognize outstanding work and concerted effort in advancing the mission of the university and the academy at large.

These prestigious awards are made possible through financial support from the chancellor, enabling the BFA to grant each recipient a $5,000 monetary award.

The Hazel Barnes Prize is the largest and most prestigious single faculty award funded by 91��ý. It was established in 1991 by former Chancellor James Corbridge in honor of Philosophy Professor Emerita Hazel Barnes to recognize “the enriching interrelationship between teaching and research.”

Hazel Barnes, one of our campus’s most accomplished scholars, received a BFA Excellence in Teaching Award in 1983.

The Boulder Faculty Assembly is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Excellence Awards. Campus community members are invited to attend this year’s in-person award ceremony, featuring the Hazel Barnes faculty address.

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91��ý's Nathan Mertens awarded National Endowment for the Arts grant

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:44:45 +0000

91��ý's Nathan Mertens awarded National Endowment for the Arts grant Megan M Rogers Thu, 02/19/2026 - 13:44

College of Music

The College of Music is proud to announce that Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens has been awarded an NEA Grants for Arts Projects award. This is the college's first GAP grant, representing an important step forward for 91��ý in national arts funding.

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3 91��ý faculty named Sloan Research Fellows

Greg B Swenson — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:12:15 +0000

3 91��ý faculty named Sloan Research Fellows Greg B Swenson Wed, 02/18/2026 - 09:12

Kelsie Eichel, Andres Montoya-Castillo and Erica Nelson have received Sloan Research Fellowships—awards that provide $75,000 in funding for early career researchers in fields including chemistry, physics, neuroscience and mathematics.

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3 faculty members elected to National Academy of Engineering

Daniel William Strain — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:15:22 +0000

3 faculty members elected to National Academy of Engineering Daniel William… Thu, 02/12/2026 - 16:15

This week, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) announced that three faculty members at 91��ý were elected to the ranks of this prestigious organization. Dana Anderson, Iain Boyd and Bob Erickson are among the 130 scientists and engineers from around the country who will be inducted as members of the NAE at a meeting this fall.

According to an announcement: “Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Academy membership honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education.”

Richard Obermann, senior technical advisor for the Colorado Space Policy Center at 91��ý, was also elected as a member of the NAE.

The new members of the Class of 2026 join Scott Diddams, Hanspeter Schaub, Dan Frangopol and Charles W. Hull, engineers with ties to 91��ý, who were elected to the NAE last year. More than 20 engineers with ties to the College of Engineering and Applied Science at 91��ý have been elected to the NAE over the years.

Dana Anderson

Dana Anderson (Credit: Infleqtion)

JILA Fellow; Professor, Department of Physics; appointment to the Department of Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering

Anderson was recognized for "for contributions to optical quantum engineering of ultracold atoms."

He joined the 91��ý faculty in 1984 and has long been at the forefront of translating laboratory science into real-world impact. As founder and chief science officer of Infleqtion (formerly ColdQuanta), he has helped lead the development of practical quantum systems including clocks, inertial sensors, radio frequency sensors, networks, and quantum computing platforms. Infleqtion systems are currently operating on the International Space Station through NASA’s Cold Atom Laboratory mission, with continuous operation for over five years.

Anderson's academic research spans quantum optics, atomic physics, atom-chip technologies and precision measurement, areas in which his group has developed integrated atom interferometers and practical devices based on ultracold atoms. He earned his doctorate in physics from the University of Arizona and is a fellow of the American Physical Society and the Optical Society of America.

Reflecting on his election to the NAE, Anderson emphasized the community that helped make it possible: “I owe much to the support that CU Physics, JILA and Engineering have given me over the years to transition atom-based quantum technology into the ‘real’ world.”

Iain Boyd

H.T. Sears Memorial Professor, Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences; Director, Center for National Security Initiatives

Boyd is recognized "for contributions to the computational simulation of high-temperature gases and plasmas using kinetic methods for hypersonics and space propulsion."

He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of aerothermodynamics. Boyd's research focuses on physical and computational methods for analysis of nonequilibrium gas and plasma dynamics processes that occur around hypersonic vehicles and in space propulsion systems.

He has authored over 250 journal articles, more than 450 conference papers, and a book titled "Nonequilibrium Gas Dynamics and Molecular Simulation." He joined 91��ý in 2019 following positions at the University of Michigan, Cornell University and NASA Ames Research Center.

Boyd earned his doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics from the University of Southampton in England. He is a fellow of the American Institute for Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA), the American Physical Society and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

"Hypersonics is so engaging to me because it involves so many different disciplines including gas dynamics, chemistry, materials, structures and propulsion," Boyd said. "Interest in hypersonic systems has never been greater with major activities in national security, space exploration and the evolving space economy."

Bob Erickson

Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering

Erickson is recognized "for advances in modeling, control, education and massive open online courses in power electronics."

He is a pioneering figure in power electronics whose innovative research has transformed the field and set new standards for efficiency and performance in electric vehicles, as well as in inverters for solar power, wind power and battery energy storage systems. He joined the 91��ý faculty in 1982 and served as chair of the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering from 2002-06, 2014-15 and 2018-2020.

Erickson is a life fellow of IEEE, a fellow of the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute at 91��ý and is the author of the textbook Fundamentals of Power Electronics. He received the IEEE William E Newell Power Electronics Award in 2021, the 91��ý Inventor of the Year award in 2015, the Holland Teaching Excellence Award in 2010, and the IEEE Power Electronics Society Transactions Prize Paper Award in 1996.

His research interests include modeling and control of power conversion systems, modular and multilevel converter systems and power electronics for electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and data centers. Erickson received his doctorate in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology.

“I am most grateful for this honor, and I very much appreciate the support and collaboration of my colleagues in ECEE, the college and 91��ý through the years," Erickson said.

Dana Anderson, Iain Boyd and Bob Erickson will join the ranks of the prestigious organization, one of the highest honors engineers can receive.

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14 students recognized as Graduating Leaders of the Year

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:14:50 +0000

14 students recognized as Graduating Leaders of the Year Megan M Rogers Thu, 02/12/2026 - 07:14

The Center for Leadership is proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions of 91��ý's Graduating Leaders of the Year. This award honors individuals who have exemplified the transformative power of leadership education and demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities.

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John Cumalat named Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award winner

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:19:41 +0000

John Cumalat named Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award winner Megan M Rogers Wed, 02/11/2026 - 07:19

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

John Cumalat, a professor of distinction in the Department of Physics, and fellow honorees represent "what makes college campuses thrive as places of learning and growth."

John Cumalat, a professor of distinction in the Department of Physics, and fellow honorees of the Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award represent "what makes college campuses thrive as places of learning and growth."

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Karolin Luger wins Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science

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

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

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

The 91��ý biochemist has been awarded for her career dedication to the study of nucleosomes and groundbreaking discoveries.

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91��ý receives grant promoting collaboration, dialogue in higher education

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

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

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

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Announcing the 2026 Three Minute Thesis winners

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

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

Eleven students participated in this year's final competition for a chance at prize money and a chance to represent 91��ý at the regional competition. See who the winners are.

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Student awarded Churchill Scholarship—the 4th in 91��ý history

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

Student awarded Churchill Scholarship—the 4th in 91��ý history Emma Holst Wed, 01/28/2026 - 11:37

Arianna McCarty

91��ý student Arianna McCarty has been awarded the prestigious Churchill Scholarship. McCarty, a senior studying chemical and biological engineering, is the fourth 91��ý student chosen for this honor in the university’s history, with the most recent recipient selected in 2010.

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

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

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

Her journey with 91��ý began while still a high school student in Lafayette, Colorado, when she explored computational genomics in the Layer Lab as part of the BioFrontiers Institute. Then, McCarty transitioned to researching how "certain bacteria native to our airways can actually help protect against respiratory infections" at the Clark Lab on the CU Anschutz campus. Most recently, McCarty joined the Burdick Lab, where she “engineers heart tissues to model focal cardiac fibrosis, a type of cardiac scarring that occurs after heart attacks and has no approved therapeutics, enabling high-throughput drug discovery.”

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

What inspired you to pursue an academic career in STEM?

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

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

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

What are you looking forward to studying while at Cambridge?

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

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

Arianna with her brother, Bryan

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

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

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

Arianna McCarty has been awarded the prestigious Churchill Scholarship. McCarty, a senior studying chemical and biological engineering, is the fourth 91��ý student chosen for this honor in the university's history, with the most recent recipient selected in 2010.

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Celebrate

BFA announces 2026 Excellence Awards winners, celebratory ceremony April 7

Excellence in Leadership and Service

Excellence in Research, Scholarly and Creative Work

Excellence in Teaching

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