E-Nouncements - November 2026

Dr. Sara Germain

University of Wyoming

Date: November 6th, 2026 
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Science Building 1111

Increasing Climate Stress in Whitebark Forests: Linking Form, Function, and Forest Futures

Dr. William Taylor

University of Colorado Boulder

Date: November 13th, 2026 
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Science Building 1111

The Deep History of Moose in the Southern Rockies

Dr. Lucas Wheeler

University of Colorado Boulder

Date: November 20th, 2026 
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Science Building 1111

Studying Phenotypic Evolution Across Scales of Biological Organization

Congratulations to Dr. Comonla Jerome Acakpo and Dr. John Swallow for being published in Frontiers of Ethology. The title of the paper is, "Sexual ornaments do not impair predator evasion in Stalk-eyed flies", Comonla J. Acakpo, Kayla Pehl, John G. Swallow, and Jason T. Vance.

Congratulations to Ciana Beller, who is mentored by Dr. Paul Le. The title of her research is, "Rural Students and Science Identity in Higher Education".

Congratulations to Stephanie White, who is mentored by Jefferson Knight, Chemistry. The title of her research is, "

Distinct Curvature-Dependent Membrane Interactions of Synaptotagmin-7 C2A And C2B Domains".

Congratulations to both Soumaya Osman (Public Health) and Talija Strautins (Biology), who are mentored by Dr. Christopher Miller. The title of their research is, "Plasmidome Characterization in a 1,4-Dioxane-Degrading Bioreactor."

Congratulations to Dr. Jessica Fletcher and Dr. Sara Branco for their published article in Current Biology.

Fletcher et al. show that zinc tolerance in the mycorrhizal fungus Suillus tomentosus is a polygenic, constitutive trait decoupled from population structure or soil zinc levels. The fungus also protects pine seedlings from zinc toxicity, buffering its host against a widespread environmental stress.

Dr. Annika Mosier will be co-teaching the class, "Empowering Women in Science" every Tu/TH, 2:00pm - 3:15pm 3 credits. This course is a part of the Empowering Women program at CU Denver, which helps advance the next generation of women leaders and their allies through an immersive curriculum designed to build confidence, cultivate leadership skills, and connect students with a powerful network of influential professionals. This course develops specific skills for science careers, such as communication, networking, and collaboration to empower diverse voices and advance inclusive scientific progress. Students leave with a practical toolkit for confidence, leadership, and inclusive impact as allies and sponsors in their fields.  

"As a science lecture/field course, we will focus on the biodiversity of Costa Rica, and you will get the opportunity to explore multiple ecosystems and life zones (e.g., lowland tropical rain forest, montane cloud forest, paramo, lowland coastal habitats) and participate in ongoing projects and learn about major conservation efforts in Costa Rica. Prior to travel, you will participate in a few classroom sessions to get to know your peers and introduce you to some of the organisms and ecosystems you will experience abroad. The topics include introducing you to the geography and life zones of Costa, major plant and animal groups, and principles of marine biology."

Costa Rica 

In Honors Human Physiology lab, we learned how to set up and read an ECG. This method allows us to record electrical cardiac activity (how your heart is beating and whether it is functionally in the correct rhythm). Once students got a clean ECG baseline, we began observing the physiological impact of body position and exercise. This lab taught students about a commonly used medical technique and let them observe how the autonomic nervous system can regulate the heart!

We recognize that finals week is stressful, so we are offering our students and staff a bit of relief. Stop by the main office for a break from finals

December 1st -Tuesday, from 9:00am - 1:00pm

Science Building main office Room 2071

Free hot cocoa with marshmallows and a free stress ball 

For the month of November, we are going to have a large bin in the main office on the 2nd floor to collect donations for two causes.

1.    Milo’s Market
They need: Travel size & regular size hygiene products like deodorant, shampoo, soap, body wash, razors, toothpaste/brush, combs etc.

2.    Hygge Hypothesis (not a real club – it’s just Lisa and Dawn)
We started an initiative this year to have free feminine products in the women’s bathroom on the 2nd floor. If we get a large donation, we can add the 4th floor near the Hive. Please consider supporting this cause by purchasing tampons & thin pads
 

The Christmas market is back on campus! November 20 - December 31

Tuesday, Nov 17, 5 p.m.- 6 p.m.
FREE - North Classroom

Inspired by the intimate feel of Tiny Desk concerts, this event offers students a laid-back concert experience featuring live performances by CU Denver student artists in a cozy, welcoming setting. Students can stop by the North Classroom between classes to enjoy pastries, coffee, hot chocolate, create crafts, and connect with fellow students!