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October Faculty and Staff Grants

Collaborative Research: EDGE FGT: Cell type-specific tools for the study of gene function in sponges

• Scott Nichols, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: National Science Foundation
• Abstract: Sponges have key significance for studies of early animal evolution—particularly for reconstructing the basic building blocks of multicellularity. Yet progress has been limited by the lack of experimental tools to manipulate sponge genes. This project will develop methods to switch genes on or off in defined cell types and to make precise genome edits. These advances will open new lines of investigation into sponge development and cell function, and will be rapidly disseminated to the broader research community.

Enabling magnetism control by the electrical triggering of metal-insulator transition

• Pavel Salev, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: Department of Energy
• Abstract: This project studies special “switchable” magnetic materials that can change their electrical and magnetic behavior when a voltage is applied. Researchers will make extremely thin films of three materials and then turn them into tiny electronic devices to test how they respond under different conditions. By carefully growing the materials, building micro- and nanoscale devices, and measuring how electricity and magnetism change during switching, the team aims to understand why these materials sometimes behave in unusual or surprising ways.

Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratories for Aging Research

• Reza Mahmoodi; Mohammad Mahoor; Daniel Paredes, Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science
• Funder: University of Pennsylvania (subaward NIH)
• Abstract: This project is developing a new, affordable, and highly sensitive test to detect early signs of brain-related disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Current tests can be expensive, invasive, and sometimes unreliable. The new system combines a tiny sensor chip with machine learning to spot important disease-related molecules in a simple blood sample. If successful, this technology could make early diagnosis faster, cheaper, and easier—potentially even usable in clinics or at home.

Korbel AmeriCorps Program

• Rae Ann Bories-Easley, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
• Funder: Serve Colorado Governor’s Commission on Community Service (subaward AmeriCorps)
• Abstract: The �Թϴ�Ӫ's Josef Korbel School of International Studies (Korbel School) will have 27 quarter-time AmeriCorps members who are concurrently enrolled graduate students to support 7 public service organizations addressing housing, food, healthcare, employment, and economic instability in Denver County.

Developing an Adaptive Protective Relay to Reliably Safeguard Electrical Grids with High-Penetrated Power Electronics

• Rui Fan, Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science
• Funder: Colorado Office of Economic Development and Int'l. Trade
• Abstract: Today’s power grids increasingly use solar, batteries, and data centers powered by electronics instead of traditional generators. These newer devices behave differently during faults, producing lower and less predictable fault currents. As a result, existing protection relays—built for old-style generators—often fail to detect problems reliably. This puts grid stability at risk and can lead to costly outages. The proposal aims to develop a new relay designed for modern, electronics-heavy grids to improve fault detection and overall reliability.

Blood-based rapid diagnostic of Brain Hemorrhage

• Daniel Paredes, Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science
• Funder: Colorado Office of Economic Development and Int'l. Trade
• Abstract: KIHA developed a new blood test that identifies molecular markers strongly linked to brain hemorrhage. A provisional patent is filed, and we’re building a rapid test kit that can deliver results with over 90% accuracy. The kit is especially useful where quick decisions are vital: senior care facilities, rural clinics, sports sidelines, and military settings. It allows fast assessment of head injuries, enabling timely treatment and helping prevent long-term harm. Because it’s portable and easy to use, it can reduce unnecessary hospital visits and support telemedicine, improving access to care in underserved or high-risk environments.

Exploring low-loss dielectrics below 1 Kelvin for Quantum Applications

• Barry Zink, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: Colorado Office of Economic Development and Int'l. Trade
• Abstract: Quantum computers use tiny solid-state devices called qubits, which must operate at extremely low temperatures. Even with recent progress, today’s qubits still lose their delicate quantum information too quickly because of unwanted interactions with the materials they’re made from. This project aims to create a new material that reduces those losses while still being easy to manufacture for complex quantum circuits.

Center for Workforce Equity and Leadership: University Partnership Program

• Christa Doty, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: Metropolitan State �Թϴ�Ӫ (subaward ACF)
• Abstract: Scholarships for Child Welfare Scholars, public child welfare internships, support professional development, quality improvement of CCWSC program.

IRES: Nature-based Solutions Research for Water Security in Peri-Urban Africa: International Research Experience for Students

• Michael Kerwin, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: Oklahoma State University (subaward NSF)
• Abstract: Water insecurity remains a global challenge, especially where environmental and social pressures overlap. This project trains diverse U.S. students to use nature-based solutions—like natural filtration systems—to improve water quality. Over three years, student teams will work at a living lab in South Africa to study pollution from informal settlements and test natural methods for cleaning water. The program builds global research skills, strengthens U.S.–South Africa partnerships, and supports more sustainable, just water management.

Contract for Development and Validation of a Psychotherapy Quality of Life Measure

• Jesse Owen, Morgridge College Of Education
• Funder: Rula
• Abstract: The purpose of this project is to develop, pilot, and validate a psychometrically sound Quality of Life (QoL) measure for clients undergoing psychotherapy, consisting of fewer than 10 items.

Pueblo Safe Babies Plan of Safe Care Framework

• Courtney Everson, Barton Institute for Philanthropy and Social Enterprise
• Funder: Illuminate Colorado (subaward DHHS)
• Abstract: The Colorado Lab will provide strategic consultation around replicating the POSC Framework through Safe Babies in Pueblo.

VT CWTP Leadership Academy Support

• Christa Doty; Kavitha Kailasam; Robin Leake, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: University of Vermont
• Abstract: Butler will assist VT CWTP in preparing their training team to deliver the Leadership Academy to FSD senior leaders and managers. Butler will work with CWTP to integrate the Academy into their in-house training and coaching initiatives.

Engineering Unleashed Fellowship 2025

• Rachel Horenstein, Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science
• Funder: The Kern Family Foundation, Inc.
• Abstract: This project will assist undergraduate engineering students with a mastery-based learning system to better understand Statics, which is a set of prerequisite skills needed for the curriculum.

2025-2026 Unscripted Campaign Cohort

• Justin Stoeckle, Student Affairs
• Funder: Futures Without Violence
• Abstract: The Unscripted campaign is an opportunity for college students to talk openly about what it means to be a man today. What have we learned about mental health, dating, vulnerability, sex, and violence? Do these scripts serve us or hurt us? It’s time for men to tell our real stories. It’s time to decide how our generation defines being a man.

Tracking the Evolution of U.S. State AI Policy

• Stefani Langehennig, Daniels College of Business
• Funder: American Political Science Association
• Abstract: AI is becoming part of daily life, from the apps we use to the services that shape our communities. State governments are introducing legislation to guide the use of AI, but there is currently no clear or centralized way to track these efforts across the country. This project will change that by building a public, interactive dashboard that tracks AI-related legislation in all 50 states.

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