E-Nouncements - May 2026

Dr. Vajda, Alan M.; Barber, Larry B.; Jenkins, Jill A.; LeBlanc, Denis R.; Lind, Hayley G.; Martyniuk, Christopher J.; Dethloff, Abigail ; Tokranov, Andrea K.; Hopkins, Zachary R.; Lohmann, Rainer published an article in U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release pubished an article in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) titled, Reproductive biomarker responses in male fathead minnow exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contaminated groundwater at a fire-training area, Cape Cod, Massachusetts from 2019 and 2021.

Authors: R Ryan Jones , Goran Shikak , Edmundo González-Santillán , Paula E Cushing published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society titled, The resurrection and redefinition of Roewer’s Eremospina with description of three new species of Mexican-distributed solifuges (Solifugae: Eremobatidae).

Dani Yashinovitz, who started the IB Master's program in Spring semester 2026, joining Tomback's Forest Ecology Lab, was chosen as the 2026 Boyd Evison Graduate Research Fellow by the Grand Teton Association and awarded $15,000 to support her research: "Direct Seeding Optimization: An Experimental Approach to Building Resilient Forests of Threatened Whitebark Pine in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem." This fellowship is offered by the Grand Teton Association and the Evison Family in collaboration with Grand Teton National Park.

Dani Yashinovitz received a 2026 Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation Graduate Student Research Grant of $2000. All research funding received will support field supplies, travel, and summer salary for Dani.

Jerome Acakpo was awarded the AY 2026–2027 Access and Campus Engagement Inclusive Excellence (ACE‑IE) Grant to support his research on STEM laboratory experiences and the sense of belonging among international graduate students. Jerome Acakpo is a PhD student in the Swallow Lab and conducts research focused on sense of belonging and science identity. The grant supports efforts to increase student success outcomes, expand access and opportunity, and advances CU Denver’s goals by supporting the University’s mission to Make Education Work for All.

The Integrative Biology Awards, Scholarship, and Outreach Committee selected Jocelynn King the Integrative Biology Undergraduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Integrative Biology Awards, Scholarship, and Outreach (ASO) Committee, awarded Adam Hadded the recipient of the Integrative Biology Undergraduate Student Excellence in Research Award for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Integrative Biology Awards, Scholarship, and Outreach (ASO) Committee, awarded Martha Young as a recipient of the Integrative Biology Graduate Student Excellence in Research Award for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Integrative Biology Awards, Scholarship, and Outreach (ASO) Committee awarded Jake Presch the Integrative Biology Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Faculty and Staff threw a Tea Party themed baby shower for Meghan Manwarring. We celebrated with delicious food and a cup of hot tea. People brought in their favorite children's book or shared parenting advice. Meghan gives her deepest thanks and gratitude for such a special day. 

On behalf of the Provost, the AI Faculty Fellows are convening two town halls in the Spring 2026 semester to present updates on generative AI at CU Denver and solicit perspectives, ideas, and feedback from faculty around generative AI in teaching and research. This is your opportunity to learn more about what is happening on campus around generative AI while shaping the priorities and goals for AI Faculty Fellows and the Provost as they embark on work over the summer and in the fall semester. 

Town Hall #1 

Town Hall #1 is dedicated to gathering as many perspectives as possible from faculty across the university. What impact is generative AI having on your work as a faculty member and for your particular unit? How are you approaching it in the classroom and in your research? How is generative AI benefiting or helping your work? What are your major concerns regarding its adoption?  

Town Hall #2 

In Town Hall #2, the AI Faculty Fellows will identify the commonly identified topics and issues identified by faculty members from the first town hall to lead a more focused discussion around those priorities. They will then present several potential steps and solutions the University could take to address these priorities before soliciting feedback from attendees on how to revise or implement those solutions. 

Saturday, May 16th  

We are so pleased to honor our upcoming Spring 2026 graduates! CU Denver’s commencement is an all-campus celebration during which we recognize doctoral, educational specialist, master’s, and bachelor’s degree recipients.

Morning Ceremony - 9:30am for College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Denver Coliseum

Web site has details regarding schedule, parking, clear bag policy, and accessibility information