E-Nouncements - February 2025

Director of Colorado Field Conservation at the Denver Zoological Foundation
Ph.D., University of Montana - Fish & Wildlife Biology   
M.S., University of Montana - Organismal Biology & Ecology
M.A., Columbia University - Conservation Biology

Date: February 7th
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Denver Campus – North Classroom, Room 3207

Effectively moving the needle to conserve wildlife is hard. This talk explores how to define success, and the role that modern zoos can play in advancing success. While zoos are typically thought of in limited conservation roles such as ex situ breeding and education, creatively leveraging zoo resources allows much broader impacts. I use three case studies from Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance to evaluate strengths, constraints, and often invisible advantages that zoos can bring to conservation.

On December 13th, M.S. Graduate Goran Shikak was honored at the CLAS Dean's Awards and Graduation Reception as the Fall 2024 Outstanding M.S. Student! Read about his research and academic achievements below:

"Here at CU Denver, my master’s research has focused on the systematics of North American camel spiders and the evaluation of rehydration techniques for ethanol-preserved museum specimens. This research complements my interest in museum curation, taxonomy, and public outreach. Understanding the evolutionary relationships of these understudied arachnids is crucial, and my manuscripts on ethanol rehydration and camel spider systematics significantly contribute to arachnology and museum curation.

In addition to my research, I engage in science communication and outreach with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS), having helped create a science communication exhibit with the arachnology team and participated in events to educate the public about arachnids. As a teaching assistant at CU Denver, I have supported the education of undergraduate biology students, fostering an inclusive learning environment and mentoring students in laboratory research. I am also a member of the American Arachnological Society and the International Society of Arachnology, where I have received funding and recognition for my research. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue PhD opportunities to continue my work with camel spiders and expand my research to Old World camel spiders from my family’s home, Kurdistan. My goal is to focus on the evolutionary history of arachnids in the Kurdish regions and mentor local high school and college students."

On December 13th, Biology B.S. graduate Jami Helmig was honored at the CLAS Dean's Awards and Graduation Reception as the Fall 2024 Outstanding B.S. Student! Jami was also named a Biology Research Scholar to recognize both her service working as a lab researcher and her high level of academic achievement. 

Congratulations to the 72 students who graduated with their B.S. Biology degrees at the Fall commencement ceremony on December 14th!

Congratulations to the following members of the Department of Integrative Biology for their recent publications:

• Graduate program director Dr. Michael Wunder and alum Dr. Michelle DePrenger-Levin were published in the Journal of Applied Ecology: Imperfect detection in plant populations can cause misestimates of demographic rates and missed population trends: The case for Astragalus microcymbus Barneby
• Drs. Annika Mosier and Christopher Miller and M.S. student Derick Singleton in Nature: A functional microbiome catalogue crowdsourced from North American rivers
• Dr. Sara Branco, post-doctoral fellow Dr. Jessica Fletcher, and undergraduate researchers William Leary and Matthew Johnson were published in Mycorrhiza: Lead (Pb) tolerance in the ectomycorrhizal fungi Suillus brevipes and S. tomentosus
• Dr. John Swallow was published in Frontiers in Ethology: The development of compensatory ability for a sexually-selected ornament in stalk-eyed flies
•  

Dr. Allison Pierce, a UCD alum and post-doctoral fellow in Dr. Michael Moore's lab, was recently interviewed about migratory birds by media outlet Scientific American. View the article here:

Migrating Birds Sing to Team Up with Other Species

Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Location: North Classroom Atrium

Attend this drop-in event to meet with various professional associations in your field and discover the ways in which being a part of a professional community can enhance their career, provide valuable resources, and open doors to exciting opportunities.

Click the link above for registration and more information. These Drop-In Support Sessions are for students who are interested in receiving TheDream.US scholarship: www.thedream.us 

Students can drop-in to any information session to receive assistance in filling out the application and get answers for any questions. For more information contact Reyna Aguirre Lopez at reyna.j.aguirrelopez@ucdenver.edu

• Thursday, January 16th (l-3pm)
• Wednesday, January 22nd (l0am-12pm)
• Thursday, January 30th (l-3pm) Remote
• Tuesday, February 4th (I0am-12pm) Remote
• Thursday, February 6th (l-3pm)
• Wednesday, February 12th (l-3pm)
• Friday, February 14th (l-3pm) Remote
• Thursday, February 20th (l-3pm)
• Friday, February 28th (l-3pm)

Location: All in person sessions will be held in Student Commons Room 2105

Morning Session - Document Accessibility

Afternoon Session - Presentation Accessibility

Unlock the power of accessibility in your documents and presentations!

Please join CU Denver’s Accessibility Operations Team for a day of presentations on accessibility within documents and presentations.

Our special guests, the CU Boulder Digital Accessibility Office (DAO), frame digital accessibility from this standpoint: “all people should have the opportunity to access the same information and services in the digital environment without facing undue barriers or burdens.”

To enhance awareness and create a more inclusive digital environment, the DAO will provide a platform-agnostic overview of the core concepts and practices of digital accessibility.

Please join us for one or both of our two accessibility-focused sessions.

Time: 2:30pm - 5:30pm

Location: Lola and Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center

Join us for Milo’s 12th Birthday Party where we will have cake, live music, tote bag decorating, and much more!

Click the link above to register!

Time: 9:30am - 10:15am

In our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment, the university has adopted a powerful tool – Anthology Ally. This training session is crafted to empower instructors with the knowledge and skills needed to harness the full potential of Anthology Ally in enhancing the accessibility of their online courses.

The training will help you:

• Understand Ally from a student’s perspective.
• Explore a course report and learn how to fix the most common issues.
• Learn tips for creating new content that is accessible.

Register to attend, Webinar link will be sent in the confirmation email.

For More information contact the Division for Teaching Innovation and Program Strategy (TIPS) tips@ucdenver.edu

Please RSVP at the link above!

Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 | 3–5:00pm
Jake Jabs Event Center
CU Denver Business School
1475 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80202

Brief formal program begins at 4:00pm!

Celebrate CLAS faculty achievements at our second annual MixTape research and creative works showcase.

Join us as we honor another record-breaking year of research excellence. Explore a vibrant display of scholarship and creative work across the humanities, social and integrated sciences, and natural and physical sciences. 

Highlights include:

• poster presentations
• book displays
• recognition of awards and
• other outstanding contributions

Connect with our CLAS scholars over delicious appetizers, pick up some swag, and don't miss the brief formal program kicking off around 4 PM. Be part of the conversation—we hope to see you there!

Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: Tivoli 640

Healing Through Truth: Toward Justice and Reconciliation. 

Join us for an in-depth overview of the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study, established by SB24-053 to address historical and ongoing racial injustices. This groundbreaking study, led by the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission, focuses on key areas impacting Black communities in Colorado, including:

• Access to Asset and Wealth Building: Addressing generational wealth disparities.
• Housing: Examining the legacy of redlining and barriers to homeownership.
• Criminal Justice/Policing: Highlighting racial disparities in policing and sentencing.
• Health Care: Tackling health inequities and outcomes.
• Education: Exploring access and quality in K-12 and higher education.

In partnership with History Colorado, this study aims to determine if state practices are contributing to these inequities, with recommendations for actionable change following its completion. Learn more about this pivotal study, its goals and how it seeks to foster justice and equity for Black Coloradans.

Time: 2:30 p.m. - 3:30p.m

Location: LynxConnect

Want to learn more about undergraduate research and how to get involved at CU Denver and Anschutz? Not sure where to get started? This interactive workshop will cover the basics of what undergraduate research is, what types of projects our students are involved in, how to search for a position or reach out to faculty, and next steps to get started.

Register in Handshake for in-person details or Zoom link 

Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Location: Learning Commons Room 3207

This session provides an in-depth overview of human subjects' protections and the conduct of ethical research. Participants will learn about the Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board (COMIRB), which reviews and approves human subjects research conducted by faculty and staff at CU Denver as well as the Anschutz Medical Campus.

To register for any workshops, click here . You will receive a calendar invitation with a Zoom link.

Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Location: LynxConnect

Are you interested in presenting your research or creative projects?

• Are you in a research lab?
• Have you written a compelling paper?
• Want to give a performance?
• Interested in promoting your art, film, or music?

Present at the Research and Creative Activities Symposium  (RaCAS) on Friday, April 25, 2025! Join this info session to learn the basics of what you can present and how to apply.

Hybrid event hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities and the English Department. Register in Handshake to attend and receive zoom link. 

Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, email undergrad.research@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-4000 with questions.

The CoorsTek Denver Metro Regional Science & Engineering Fair (DMRSEF) empowers the next generation of STEM professionals by fostering an enthusiasm for science and inquiry. Our annual event, held each February at CU Denver, offers students an opportunity to engage the Denver metro STEM community and to present their original research in an atmosphere of competition, creativity, education, and fun. All middle and high school students (grades 6-12) from the eight Denver metro counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, and Summit) are eligible to compete in the DMRSEF. Winners from our fair go on to compete in the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) and the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

We are excited to be preparing for our 62nd season, with the 2025 DMRSEF taking place on Friday, February 28th.  Since 1963, DMRSEF has provided middle and high school students from across the Denver metro area with an opportunity to explore their scientific passions, develop critical research and presentation skills, and connect with professionals in STEM fields.

With this year’s fair fast approaching, we invite you and/or your organization to get involved!

• Judging student research projects 
• Volunteering at the event 
• Hosting a booth at our activities and career fair 
• Sponsoring a special award to recognize outstanding student work 

If you’re interested in getting involved or want to explore how you or your organization can support and engage with DMRSEF, please reach out to kayla.ahr@ucdenver.edu.
Thank you for your continued support of tomorrow’s STEM leaders!

Time: 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: Tivoli Turnhalle

Join the African Student Union for an enchanting evening celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of Africa! Culture Night promises to be a vibrant showcase of traditions, food, and talent, bringing together students and community members for a night of unity and pride.

Dress Code: Formal attire; traditional African clothing is encouraged! Embrace the beauty of your heritage by wearing your favorite traditional outfit or formal wear.

Event Highlights:

• Culinary Delights: Indulge in a feast of authentic African cuisine, featuring dishes from various regions.
• Cultural Performances: Be captivated by an array of performances showcasing the richness of African art. From traditional dance and music to spoken word and storytelling, experience the rhythms and narratives that define our cultures.
• Fashion Show: Witness the elegance of African fashion as students model stunning traditional attire. This showcase will celebrate the creativity and artistry of African designers and highlight the beauty of our cultural garments.

Join us for a night filled with laughter, learning, and celebration of our heritage. Whether you’re of African descent or simply curious about the cultures, everyone is welcome to partake in this extraordinary event. Let’s come together to honor our roots and create lasting connections

Sponsored by African Student Union, CMEI, & CU Denver’s CACE

If you have something to celebrate, someone to recognize, or an important department announcement, please share your news! We would love to include it in future E-Nouncement newsletters.

A few examples include: research publications, speaking engagements or presentations, thesis defenses, awards and recognition, new course offerings, research opportunities, university events, or opportunities for professional or academic advancement.

Please send your news to department administrative assistant, Meghan Manwaring.