Education

Día de Ciencias inspires future engineers through hands-on STEM activities

Charles Ferrer — Mon, 12 May 2025 16:02:42 +0000

Día de Ciencias inspires future engineers through hands-on STEM activities Charles Ferrer Mon, 05/12/2025 - 10:02

Charles Ferrer

�山��’s chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) welcomed Hispanic middle and high school students from across the Denver metro area for the third annual Día de Ciencias in early-April. Through hands-on activities in water quality, robotics and STEM, students explored the possibilities of engineering and saw that a future in science and technology is possible.

Middle school students were tasked to create a prosthetic leg in an imaginary zombie apocalypse and competed against other teams to see who had the strongest and most stable leg.

While the number of Hispanic students earning engineering degrees in the United States has nearly doubled over the past decade, significant gaps in representation and access to STEM education remain.

“I didn’t even know what engineering was growing up,” Cindia Denova Garduno, a recent architectural engineering graduate, said.

Her story represents the challenge that Día de Ciencias or Day of Science aims to solve—how can Hispanic youth pursue engineering if they’ve never been exposed to it?

In being part of the solution, the SHPE partnered with CU Engineering’s Integrated Teaching and Learning Program (ITLP), to make Día de Ciencias a reality for the young attendees. SHPE also received generous funding support from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering to make this venue possible.

Led by Arly Diaz de Leon, an environmental engineering student and the event’s main organizer for the past three years, the SHPE and ITLP worked together to plan STEM activities and workshops for students from the �山�� Valley School District and JeffCo Public Schools. The collaboration hopes to expand their outreach to more schools in future years.

“One of my favorite highlights from the event was seeing both the students and parents excited to learn about the world of engineering,” Diaz de Leon said. “Hearing amazing input from parents and their eagerness to already sign up for next year’s Día de Ciencias was so fulfilling. It’s proof that even one day of exposure can spark a lifelong interest in STEM.”

Throughout the day, students were divided into groups for hands-on engineering activities tailored to their grade levels.

K-2nd graders explored water science by building levees and water filtration systems.

3rd-6th graders practiced coding skills with micro technology.

7th-12th graders tackled the ‘Zombie Got My Leg’ challenge, where teams designed and built prosthetic legs out of materials like cardboard, bubble wrap, PVC pipe and tape, simulating how engineers work creatively within real-world constraints.

Behind the scenes: A collaborative effort

The event relied on a team of SHPE student members working behind the scenes.

Don’t let imposter syndrome get in the way of reaching your fullest potential. Don’t let mistakes get in the way of reaching your goals, as progress and learning is never truly linear!”

Arly Diaz de Leon

“This year’s Día de Ciencia was a lot of fun and successful,” Denova Garduno said. “On the day of the event, I was mainly involved with making sure everything was set up properly to ensure the best experience for our volunteers and the wonderful families that joined us.”

The event not only exposed students to engineering fundamentals but also emphasized family involvement in the college journey. During the event, parents had opportunities to attend workshops on college readiness and financial aid, which is critical for the transition from high school to college.

Keriann Jacobson, education and outreach coordinator at the ITLP, emphasized the importance of the collaborative approach taken between SHPE and the college.

“We are proud to partner with SHPE in creating hands-on engineering experiences that spark a passion for STEM in the next generation of engineers,” Jacobson said. “This allowed us to engage not only with students, but also with their families, bringing parents into the conversation and making them active participants in their children’s STEM education.”

Personal journeys in STEM

For Diaz de Leon, the journey leading up to her leadership of Día de Ciencias has been personal. As a first-generation college student, she participated in �山��’s Pre Collegiate Development Program, which helped build the leadership skills she now used to inspire others, she said. After initially pursuing chemical engineering, her experience working in an environmental engineering lab and seeing tangible impacts on public health policy motivated her to switch majors.

Denova Garduno (left) and Diaz De Leon (right) attending the 2024 SHPE Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

“Being a part of SHPE has opened up so many opportunities for me as an underrepresented woman in engineering,” Diaz de Leon said. “Leading this event has given me the courage to advocate for myself and others, both in school and as I look toward my future career.”

Denova Garduno shares this commitment to representation and mentorship.

“Helping organize Día De Ciencia motivated me to continue pushing forward in my career by reminding me of one of the most important goals as a Latina in STEM,” she explained, “which is to be an engineer who can help future Hispanic students believe that they, too, belong in STEM.”

Denova Garduno recalled how she had a wonderful math teacher, Ms. Mejia, who noted how good she was in math in middle school. That left a very important mark to her which shaped her future as an engineer. From that moment, she was inspired to create opportunities for young students to explore engineering.

“There is so much pride and joy in seeing the children participate in STEM activities,” Denova Garduno said. “It reinforces how powerful it is for young students to work together as a team to create something they can test and be proud of.”

Diaz de Leon hopes to pass down the lessons she’s learned to the next generation of SHPE leaders and to the young students they serve.

“We have overcome many hurdles just by being here,” Diaz de Leon said.

“And we should never forget that we all started as eager young kids, curious about the world of STEM.”

�山��’s chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers welcomed Hispanic middle and high school students from across the Denver metro area for the third annual Día de Ciencias this spring semester.

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The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers hosts middle & high school students for a Dia de Ciencias in April 2025.

�山�� launching master’s degrees in artificial intelligence

Emily Adams — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000

�山�� launching master’s degrees in artificial intelligence Emily Adams Wed, 04/23/2025 - 07:00

To meet increased workforce demand, the Department of Computer Science is introducing a Master of Science degree in AI that will be available both in-person and online through Coursera.

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Engineering Projects Expo 2025: Explore new inventions and technologies created by CU Engineering students

Michelle Wiese — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:45:18 +0000

Engineering Projects Expo 2025: Explore new inventions and technologies created by CU Engineering students Michelle Wiese Mon, 04/21/2025 - 09:45

On Friday, April 25 at the �山��, engineering students will present their capstone design projects at the annual Engineering Projects Expo. This year's event will feature projects from mechanical engineering; computer science; electrical, computer and energy engineering; biomedical engineering; and civil, environmental and architectural engineering.

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�山�� further solidifies ranking as top 20 graduate engineering program

Emily Adams — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:50:17 +0000

�山�� further solidifies ranking as top 20 graduate engineering program Emily Adams Tue, 04/08/2025 - 07:50

The �山�� is one of the top 20 engineering graduate programs in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2025-26.

Learn more

Explore our graduate programs

Latest undergraduate rankings

Visit our Facts & Figures page

Campus-wide rankings

�山�� is a tier 1 university (“R1") with “very high research activity” as designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The R1 classification includes less than 3 percent of educational institutes in the U.S.

�山��’s engineering graduate program came in at No. 11 when compared to its public university peers. The college earned a No. 20 overall ranking when compared to both public and private universities, tied with Harvard University, the University of Southern California and the University of Washington.

Dean Keith Molenaar said he is proud to see the college continuing to solidify its reputation as a leader in graduate education. More than 1,100 PhD students and nearly 2,000 master’s students are currently enrolled in engineering graduate programs, which include traditional and professional master's degrees, as well as doctoral programs.

“Our reputation isn’t just about our world-class degree programs – it’s also a reflection of the impact our students are having in their careers after they leave �山��, whether it’s through entrepreneurship, academia or industry,” Molenaar said. “Our graduate students go on to lead successful startup companies, pursue their own exciting research careers and so much more.”

In the engineering specialty rankings, six CU Engineering degree programs were ranked in the top 20 amongst public institutions – including two in the top 10.

Also ranked were biomedical engineering (No. 21), biological engineering (No. 21), electrical engineering (No. 22) and materials science and engineering (No. 26).

“I chose �山�� because it aligned with my interests, and it felt like a place where I could actually build a life,” said Céu Gómez-Faulk, a doctoral student in aerospace engineering sciences. “Everything feels collaborative, not competitive, and my advisors have supported both my academic and personal growth.”

To calculate its rankings, U.S. News and World Report looks at a range of data about graduate programs, including research activity, peer and recruiter assessments, and student selectivity. Read the full methodology.

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Electrical and computer engineers spark STEM curiosity at 2025 Denver Metro Science Fair

Charles Ferrer — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:10:34 +0000

Electrical and computer engineers spark STEM curiosity at 2025 Denver Metro Science Fair Charles Ferrer Mon, 03/10/2025 - 09:10

Faculty and students from the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering volunteered at the 2025 Denver Metro Science Fair and engaged with middle and high school students with hands-on activities such as building paper circuits and changing LED colors. The event sparked curiosity and excitement, inspiring young aspiring engineers.

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�山��, Western Colorado launching biomedical engineering partnership in fall 2025

Emily Adams — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:01:40 +0000

�山��, Western Colorado launching biomedical engineering partnership in fall 2025 Emily Adams Wed, 03/05/2025 - 11:01

The �山��’s College of Engineering and Applied Science has found great success with its biomedical engineering degree, which launched in 2020. Last year, undergraduate applications for the program were up 32%.

Building on that student interest, as well as industry demand, �山�� and Western Colorado University’s Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering will launch a biomedical engineering degree in Gunnison starting in fall 2025.

“Today, and for the foreseeable future, the U.S. needs more engineers to create sustainable solutions to address society’s most challenging problems. Our Western-�山�� partnership students have the skills and sensibilities to make a positive impact on the Western Slope and Colorado,” said Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Students in the Western-�山�� Partnership Program enjoy the personalized learning of a small, rural university and the resources and rigor of a top-tier engineering school, with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment.

“Western’s partnership with �山�� continues to create incredible opportunities for our students. Expanding it to include biomedical engineering speaks volumes about Western’s commitment to training our students for high-impact careers in areas that will fuel Colorado’s economy,” Western’s President Brad Baca said. “We’re proud to collaborate on a program that will produce engineers ready to meet the challenges of the future."

This particular biomedical engineering program will focus on functional biomechanics and equipping students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to innovate in the areas of physical trauma recovery, orthopedic design, sports science and rehabilitation engineering.

Faculty member Mel Peddle is obtaining her EMT certificate to ensure her trauma knowledge is as current as possible. Peddle is particularly excited for the hands-on aspects of the program.

“Our BME program will have a trauma focus under the broader umbrella of functional biomechanics,” she said. “Students and faculty will work with local organizations like the hospital and emergency medical services for community-based projects as part of the curriculum.”

The degree is highly interdisciplinary and integrates principles of engineering, biology and medicine to create solutions related to everything from prosthetics to dialysis. Students will be prepared for careers or graduate/medical school upon graduation.

The Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering at Western Colorado University.

Although the first cohort of students hasn’t officially begun yet in Gunnison, Interim Director Kevin Terry notes, “our upcoming biomedical degree program has already allowed us to work with Western’s High Altitude Exercise Physiology program to develop methods for tracking swim stroke patterns in the pool for swimming injury investigation.”

Because the WCU campus sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet, biomedical engineering students in Gunnison will have the unique opportunity to study and design solutions for athletes and patients living at high elevation.

Since getting its start in 2019, the Engineering Partnership Program has seen significant success in the mechanical engineering major, with valuable community and industry collaborations and employment contracts signed by 95% of 2024 graduates, who earn an average starting salary of $78,000.

“As the state’s flagship university, we are proud to partner with Western to serve Colorado through producing some of the most highly qualified engineers,” Molenaar said.

Terry agreed, saying, “Our engineering program offers a unique blend of hands-on learning and rigorous coursework that empowers our students to graduate as highly competitive professionals.”

Applications are still open for the first cohort of biomedical engineering majors with the Western-�山�� Engineering Partnership Program, who will start in fall 2025 with a planned graduation date of spring 2029.

A degree in aerospace engineering in Gunnison is also slated to welcome its first cohort in fall 2026.

Questions can be directed to Western Colorado University Admissions or radyschool@western.edu.

The biomedical engineering program in Gunnison will focus on functional biomechanics and equipping students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to innovate in the areas of physical trauma recovery, orthopedic design, sports science and rehabilitation engineering.

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The first cohort of biomedical engineering students at �山�� graduated in spring 2023. Since then, the program has grown to more than 350 undergraduates.

Water Reuse Academy 2025

Michelle Wiese — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:30:52 +0000

Water Reuse Academy 2025 Michelle Wiese Wed, 02/05/2025 - 09:30

Join us on April 1-3 for the Water Reuse Academy at the �山��. Register by March 14.

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Students: Apply by May 5 to be an EngiNearMe mentor

Michelle Wiese — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:41:23 +0000

Students: Apply by May 5 to be an EngiNearMe mentor Michelle Wiese Wed, 02/05/2025 - 08:41

The EngiNearMe (ENM) summer program was designed to allow students entering their senior year of high school to become familiar with engineering as a profession and learn about all the College of Engineering and Applied Science has to offer.

If you love talking to students and their families about your experiences and would enjoy helping prospective students through an engineering design project, you might be a good fit for our ENM mentor team.

EngiNearMe Mentors

The EngiNearMe (ENM) Mentor positions are responsible for providing holistic and inclusive support to EngiNearMe camp participants. ENM mentors are responsible for the following:

Building strong relationships with attendees.
Ensuring the safety of participants throughout all activities, both on and off campus.
Planning events which foster a strong and supportive community amongst participants.
Leading a small group of participants through activities and ensuring they feel like valued members of the community.

Requirements

Hours worked: Mentors are expected to work 7-8 hours each day during the summer experience, alternating coverage periods with other mentors.
Living arrangements: Live with the ENM participants in a residential hall on campus. Mentors have singles in the dorm but shared baths.

Key Dates

Mentors must be present for the following dates:

Training: June 5-7
Summer Experience: June 8-14

Compensation

Summer Bridge: $1,250 for the one-week session plus room and board for day mentors, $500 for night mentors plus room and board. (As a function of hosting minors we need at least five over 21 mentors to stay in the dorms at night. If we aren’t able to find enough day mentors that are also over 21 we will also hire additional student mentors to help with evening coverage).

If interested in applying, please email your cover letter, resume and availability to ceasadmissions@colorado.edu. We will be considering applicants on a rolling basis but if possible, please submit your application by May 5.

Join in supporting the EngiNearMe summer program by becoming an EngiNearMe mentor. Gain leadership skills by sharing your engineering experience with high school students and guiding them through an engineering design project. Apply by May 5.

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Kiewit Design-Build Scholars program bridges students to the infrastructure workforce

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 21:15:32 +0000

Kiewit Design-Build Scholars program bridges students to the infrastructure workforce Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 07/11/2024 - 15:15

Zoe Kresek (CivEng’23) had a passion for design and construction from an early age. She would sit for hours building marble runs and Lego creations.

As she advanced in her education, she knew engineering was the best path to match her interests. However, determining a specific area of focus and where to apply her engineering education was more evasive. As part of the Kiewit Design-Build Scholars program, she visited the Central I-70 construction site, where she went underground and viewed the pipe structures. This experience piqued her interest in water resources and helped narrow the focus of her civil engineering major.

“I’d seen many pictures and videos of engineering, but being on the site gave me a completely different perspective. Going down into the ground and seeing the ginormous pipes was the highlight of the trip for me,” said Kresek.

Since the Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program launched at �山�� in 2020, it has given engineering students an inside view of the design and construction industry. This month, Kiewit Corporation extended the program for five years with a generous $2.5 million investment, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the success of students.

Building the engineering workforce pathway

Each academic year, 25 to 35 students participate in the program, which includes financial aid, industry mentorship, guaranteed internship offers and professional development programming. Programs that support students’ professional development are especially important to address the problem of aging and deteriorating infrastructure systems in the U.S.

The American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) most recent Report Card for America’s Infrastructure in 2021 rated infrastructure in the U.S. at a C-. The government is working to improve infrastructure systems through legislation. However, according to a 2023 article from ASCE, civil engineering firms find it challenging to hire and retain the skilled employees needed for the infrastructure work that is suddenly available.

The Kiewit program is helping to educate the future workforce needed to tackle these issues by helping students understand how to apply their education to their future careers. Students like Kresek can participate in internships and receive support in their search for a full-time position through resume workshops, interview practice and mentorships.

“At Kiewit, we believe in the value of leadership development for those entering the construction and engineering industry,” said John Donatelli, president of Infrastructure Engineers for Kiewit Engineering Group Inc. and executive sponsor for the Kiewit Design-Build Scholars program at �山��. “Our partnership with �山�� and, importantly, the programming and mentoring we provide to the students is one more step we are taking toward building a pipeline of well-rounded future industry leaders.”

Offering mutually beneficial solutions

Reaching students at the college level benefits the university, students and Kiewit.

“With their Lone Tree headquarters right in our backyard, we can tap into their knowledge. We invite experts from Kiewit into the classrooms to share their experiences and lessons learned with our students,” said Chris Senseney, associate teaching professor and director of the Kiewit Design-Build Scholars program at �山��.

By participating in the education process, Kiewit helps develop the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in the workforce. Likewise, �山�� has a strong civil engineering department, which is even more robust when students can access industry experts and internship opportunities.

The investment pays off for students like Kresek. After graduation, she accepted a position as a drainage engineer with Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc. in Lone Tree, Colorado. This demonstrates that Kiewit’s investment at �山�� produces the engineers needed to meet industry demand and solve critical infrastructure problems.

“The Kiewit Design-Build Scholars program is an extraordinary model for engineering workforce development, rooted in our shared vision and goals,” said Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science. “Kiewit and �山�� are dedicated to creating the highest caliber and most diverse group of engineers to address the pressing infrastructure challenges of our time.”

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�山�� leads the charge toward gender parity in engineering

Anonymous — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 16:10:07 +0000

�山�� leads the charge toward gender parity in engineering Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 04/08/2024 - 10:10

College of Engineering and Applied Science's fall 2023 class includes 41% female students, up 27 percentage points from two decades ago.

In an era where gender diversity in STEM is more critical than ever, the �山��’s College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) isn't just paying lip service. In the past two decades, CEAS has transformed its engineering landscape, growing its female undergraduate class from 18% in 2003 to 30% in 2023. The Society of Women Engineers estimates that, in 2023, the percentage of women professionals in architecture and engineering is 16.7%. And while up from 9% in the 1990s, women are still underrepresented in these fields compared to their male counterparts.

The spotlight shines bright on CEAS’ first-year cohorts as well, particularly the fall 2023 class, which includes 41% female students, up 27 percentage points from two decades ago. This achievement underscores �山��'s status as a leader among Association of American Universities (AAU) Public Institutions, clinching a top spot in 2022 for the highest percentage of first-year female engineering students from the American Society for Engineering Education.

Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, said initiatives spearheaded by both the college and the broader �山�� campus over the last 10-15 years have propelled the growth.

“This is not only about fairness and equity, but about driving innovation, enhancing problem-solving capabilities, and expanding our engineering workforce that is in such high demand,” said Molenaar. “By fostering a diverse engineering team, �山�� is preparing students for the workforce and shaping a future where technology reflects the diversity of its users.”

The ASEE has recognized �山�� as a Top 5 public university for women in its first-year class as well as a Top 50 institution for awarding bachelor's degrees to women, and leading in female tenured or tenure-track faculty.

“Addressing global challenges, from sustainable development and healthcare, to rapidly advancing computing subfields such as AI, quantum and semiconductors, will require a diverse set of perspectives and solutions,” said Lucy Sanders, founder and executive in residence, The National Center for Women & Information Technology. “Those with different lived experiences such as those who identify as women are pivotal in designing infrastructure and technologies that cater to the needs of our broad population.”

�山��'s journey towards gender parity in engineering is a clear signal that diversity in STEM is achievable.

�山��'s journey toward gender parity in engineering is a clear signal that diversity in STEM is achievable. In just two decades, CEAS has transformed its engineering landscape, growing its female undergraduate class from 18% in 2003 to 30% in 2023. CEAS’s fall 2023 class, includes 41% female students, up 27% from two decades ago. �山�� clinched a top spot in 2022 for the highest percentage of first-year female engineering students from the American Society for Engineering Education.

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Education

Día de Ciencias inspires future engineers through hands-on STEM activities

Behind the scenes: A collaborative effort

Personal journeys in STEM

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�山���� launching master’s degrees in artificial intelligence

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Engineering Projects Expo 2025: Explore new inventions and technologies created by CU Engineering students

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�山���� further solidifies ranking as top 20 graduate engineering program

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Electrical and computer engineers spark STEM curiosity at 2025 Denver Metro Science Fair

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�山����, Western Colorado launching biomedical engineering partnership in fall 2025

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Water Reuse Academy 2025

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Students: Apply by May 5 to be an EngiNearMe mentor

EngiNearMe Mentors

Requirements

Key Dates

Compensation

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Kiewit Design-Build Scholars program bridges students to the infrastructure workforce

Building the engineering workforce pathway

Offering mutually beneficial solutions

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�山���� leads the charge toward gender parity in engineering

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�山�� launching master’s degrees in artificial intelligence

�山�� further solidifies ranking as top 20 graduate engineering program

�山��, Western Colorado launching biomedical engineering partnership in fall 2025

�山�� leads the charge toward gender parity in engineering