Erin Golden joined CU Denver and CLAS in Fall 2019 to direct the Denver Metro Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and is also currently Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities. In both of these roles, Erin works with middle school, high school and undergraduate students as a research mentor and advisor. Erin likes working with students because, “They bring an energy and curiosity that is both infectious and inspiring… to help them embrace their identity as scholars—to me, that is the best job in the world”!
When asked what she likes the most about working at CLAS, Erin answered, “My colleagues and our shared commitment to advancing knowledge for both the students and ourselves…This is an environment where I learn something new every day and feel supported to continuously explore new ideas and approaches!”
Among her many professional accomplishments, Erin is most proud of the 2022 Denver Metro Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The fair was held online again this year due to the Omicron virus surge. 190 student scientists and over 100 volunteer judges participated in the virtual fair.
“She manages to produce blockbuster research experiences for students with not many resources or people assisting,” says Lindsey Hamilton, Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology. “Erin had to pivot one of the largest campus events, the Research and Creative Activities Symposium (RaCAS), virtual the last two years and in doing so, has made this event more inclusive… Erin recognized quickly that moving the conference virtual allows more students to participate than in previous years.”
Hamilton says “Erin Golden is a champion of undergraduate research and creative activities. She is tireless in her ability to arrange inclusive and positive mentored research experience[s] for as many students as possible… Erin goes to bat for students and encourages them to nominate themselves for awards, internal and external funding, and self-advocate for their needs.”
Erin tells people, “My goal is to train science-literate students who can think independently and are experts at broadly communicating their ideas”. She constantly strives to make these student research experiences inclusive, fun, informative and inspiring.
The Lynx community is proud to celebrate Erin Golden’s accomplishments and her dedication to student research and creative activities.
