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Information on Past Grant Recipients

    IRC Faculty Grant Recipients

    RecipientFunding Activity
    Florence YoungThis summer, I plan to direct Miss Lonelyheart’s Memory Light, a feature film blending magical realism and coming-of-age drama in 1990s Denver. The story follows 8-year-old Grace, a child with undiagnosed PTSD, who runs away to confront her violent father and uncover the mystery of her mother’s death. She finds an unlikely mentor in Miss Lonelyheart, an elderly recluse whose handmade “memory light” opens a portal into the past. Filmed primarily on campus, the project will incorporate Auraria’s displacement history while providing CU Denver students with key creative roles, professional credits, and mentorship. Advancing CAM’s mission of student career readiness, the production will require purchasing props, costumes, and set construction materials in June.
    Lorna HutchisonThis international research trip to Sicily and Sardinia will explore the life and groundbreaking work of Margaret Guido, a pioneering 20th-century woman archaeologist. Through visits to archaeological sites, archival research, and engagement with regional cultural authorities, I will develop a screenplay illuminating Guido’s achievements, feminist scholarship, and contributions to understanding ancient cultures. The project advances CU Denver’s mission by promoting interdisciplinary research, cultural awareness, diversity, and innovative storytelling. It will enrich my teaching in feminist studies, postcolonial studies, and research methodologies while expanding my creative practice into screenwriting. The resulting screenplay, developed during the 2026–2027 academic year, will make Guido’s legacy accessible to broader audiences and inspire critical engagement with history, identity, and cultural exchange.
    Adam SpieglerI am requesting travel funding to attend the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Rocky Mountain Section meeting at Colorado Mesa University. I will present research on integrating generative AI into mathematics education, represent CU Denver at the Chairs and Directors lunch, and serve on the officer search committee, helping coordinate section elections. These activities advance CU Denver’s mission through academic innovation, professional leadership, and regional collaboration. Engaging with mathematics educators and department leaders across Colorado will strengthen partnerships, inform undergraduate curriculum development, and enhance administrative strategies. Insights gained from scholarly discussions and networking will support my pedagogical research and be shared with colleagues to improve teaching practices and student learning at CU Denver.
    Michael BrohmanI have been invited to participate in the 2026 Thüringen International Iron Project and Debra Iron Pour in Rudolstadt, Germany, July 12–21. This international workshop includes preparing and casting iron artwork, collaborating with international artists, visiting a historic foundry, and exhibiting completed work in a German gallery. I will also conduct research at historical sites in Germany to inform my ongoing artistic exploration of the Holocaust and its contemporary parallels. This opportunity directly supports CU Denver’s goal of achieving international recognition for research and creative work. Participation will expand my professional network, strengthen international collaborations, advance my studio practice, and create opportunities for future exhibitions and creative partnerships abroad.
    Julia KantorDr. Julia Kantor and Dr. Katie Jones propose a qualitative research project examining how Alternative Licensure Candidates (ALCs) in CU Denver’s ASPIRE to Teach program use AI tools in coursework and PK–12 classrooms. Through virtual focus groups, data analysis, and participant feedback, the project will identify benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations surrounding AI use. Findings will inform faculty instructional design, syllabus guidance, and strategies supporting responsible AI integration. This research advances CU Denver’s goals of student success, innovative teaching, equity, and AI literacy by centering candidate experiences. Recommendations will strengthen teacher preparation, support professional integrity, address resource disparities, and contribute to broader institutional conversations about effective and ethical AI use in education.
    Dymond AustinI am developing AskAva (Ask Academic Virtual Assistant), an AI-powered platform to enhance academic advising, faculty resources, and classroom engagement at CU Denver. Building on a successful prototype for the Business School, AskAva leverages large language models to provide equitable access to advanced AI tools, fostering innovation and student success. This funding will support my professional growth through advanced AI training and research, leading to scholarly outputs and positioning CU Denver as a leader in AI integration. AskAva will impact campus by offering hands-on AI experience for students, virtual assistants for faculty and advising teams, and classroom support through Virtual TAs—creating scalable solutions that strengthen learning, efficiency, and collaboration across departments.
    Steven PetrieAttending the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Global Accounting and Finance Conference in Tampa, Florida, will enhance my teaching effectiveness, support curriculum innovation, and strengthen student career readiness. The conference will provide insights into evolving career pathways, employer expectations, emerging industry trends, and essential professional skills. Engaging with industry leaders and peer institutions will inform course improvements, advising strategies, and opportunities for specialized certifications and degree pathways. These insights will help align academic programs with workforce demands while promoting flexible, applied learning experiences. Participation will also support program evaluation and competitiveness, ensuring students receive relevant, career-focused education. Ultimately, this professional development opportunity advances CU Denver’s educational mission by improving instruction, strengthening programs, and supporting student success.
    Dina BodaubayI am requesting support to attend the Music in Visual Media Conference, “The Night Temple,” May 29–31 in Hollywood. This film scoring conference offers workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities with professional composers and industry experts. As a Film Scoring instructor at CU Denver, attending will deepen my understanding of current production workflows, industry standards, and emerging creative practices. The knowledge gained will directly enhance my teaching through updated curriculum, assignments, and instruction reflecting professional expectations. This opportunity supports CU Denver’s mission by connecting academic learning with industry practice and preparing students for careers in creative industries. It will also strengthen my professional network, expand my creative approaches, and advance my ongoing work as a composer.
    Joshua MartinThis project will evaluate and strengthen AI integration across CU Denver’s ASPIRE teacher preparation programs. Month one will review current frameworks for generative AI, authentic assessment, and effective instructional design to identify best practices for measuring student skill development. Month two will include a comprehensive curriculum and AI audit across Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education programs, including an evaluation of Magic School AI. Month three will focus on developing an AI Toolkit and professional development workshop for ASPIRE faculty in August 2026. Supporting CU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan goal of becoming a digitally fluent institution, this initiative promotes ethical AI use, proactive curriculum innovation, and consistent, research-informed teaching practices across teacher preparation programs.
    Brittany HensleeI am requesting funding to attend the Phi Alpha Theta Conference on April 18, which focuses on historical research, methodology, and innovative approaches to teaching history. This professional development opportunity will allow me to engage with fellow historians, explore current scholarship, and gain valuable insights to enhance my teaching and research practices. Funding will support round-trip airfare, currently estimated at $487, hotel accommodations for Friday and Saturday nights at approximately $100–$200 per night, and the $30 conference registration fee. Additional funds will cover meals outside the conference. Attending will strengthen my professional knowledge, expand academic connections, and support my continued development as an educator while contributing to CU Denver’s commitment to academic excellence.

    Tenure-Track Faculty Grant Recipients   

    RecipientFunding Activity
    Guoyhing DongI am requesting support to attend the 2026 Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference (MSEC), where I will serve as an organizer for the Multi-Material Processing in Additive Manufacturing symposium. Our research group will present recent findings on advanced digital materials developed through additive manufacturing. This opportunity supports CU Denver’s mission to cultivate a bold, innovative culture while strengthening its presence in the international academic and research community. Attending will provide valuable opportunities to collaborate with researchers, engage with National Science Foundation (NSF) program directors, and connect with academic leaders. These interactions will expand professional partnerships, increase the visibility and impact of our research, and advance future opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and external research funding.
    Linyue GaoI am requesting funding to attend the Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting (FEDSM), July 26–29, 2026, in Bellevue, Washington, celebrating the division’s 100th anniversary. Funding will support early registration and travel arrangements by April 30. I will chair the Fluid Measurements in Energy Systems session and present research on machine-learning-based lidar measurements. A peer-reviewed conference paper on self-supervised learning strategies for improving lidar-based wind field observations will result from this work. Participation will enhance my professional visibility, strengthen connections with researchers, and support future grant proposals and collaborations. This opportunity aligns with CU Denver’s mission to advance impactful research, deliver academic excellence, foster innovation, and cultivate meaningful partnerships within the international engineering research community.
    Xiofei GaoI am requesting funding to attend the Association for Asian Studies Annual Conference, March 12–16, 2026, in Vancouver, Canada. I will present research titled “Contested Shores: Gender, Labor, and the Politics of Coastal Conservation in Modern China,” drawn from my book project, The Blue Revolution. This opportunity supports CU Denver’s mission of globally engaged, interdisciplinary scholarship by connecting Chinese history with sustainability, development, and environmental governance. Conference participation will provide valuable scholarly feedback, strengthen international collaborations, and increase CU Denver’s visibility in Asian Studies and environmental humanities. Insights gained will enhance my teaching in Chinese and East Asian history, support innovative course development, and strengthen mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students pursuing independent research and professional opportunities.
    Boram JeongI am requesting funding to attend the Comparative and Continental Philosophy Circle Meeting, where my peer-reviewed paper, “Migrant Temporalities: Beyond the Linear Narrative of Integration,” has been accepted for presentation. This research supports CU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan goal of becoming an equity-serving institution by challenging dominant cultural narratives and promoting inclusive perspectives on migration and identity. Conference participation will provide scholarly feedback, strengthen international collaborations, and support publication opportunities, contributing to my professional growth and tenure advancement. The paper, part of my ongoing book project on the politics of time, challenges traditional models of assimilation and explores alternative migrant experiences. These insights will enrich my teaching and advance interdisciplinary scholarship.
    Leyuan LiI am requesting funding to attend the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) Annual Meeting, where I will receive three prestigious national awards recognizing my creative work, research, and teaching at CU Denver. These peer-reviewed awards highlight projects involving students in design research, community engagement, and public exhibitions. Conference participation will allow me to present this work to architecture educators and researchers, expand CU Denver’s national visibility, and foster academic collaborations. The feedback and professional connections gained will strengthen my approach to integrating students into innovative, nationally recognized research and creative projects. This opportunity supports CU Denver’s mission of academic excellence, student engagement, and impactful scholarship while advancing my professional development and progress toward tenure.
    Zhengxiong LiI am requesting funding to attend IEEE ICRA 2026, June 1–5, in Vienna, Austria, where I will present my accepted research paper on dexterous manipulation. As a premier international robotics conference, ICRA provides opportunities to advance CU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan goals of discovery, innovation, and global research visibility. Participation will strengthen my tenure trajectory through scholarly feedback on my robotics research, including previous work presented at IROS 2025. The conference will also foster international collaborations, support future NSF grant proposals, and provide insights into emerging AI and robotics technologies. Knowledge gained will be integrated into my CSCI 4772/5772 and CSCI 5773 courses, enhancing student learning and strengthening CU Denver’s research and educational impact.
    Aditi MisraI am requesting CFDA funding to participate in the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity’s Teaching Toolkit in the Age of AI program. This training will provide practical strategies for integrating AI into engineering education while maintaining academic rigor and integrity. The knowledge gained will inform my Fall 2026 Engineering Statistics course through AI-integrated assignments, assessments, and instructional materials that strengthen statistical reasoning and responsible AI literacy. This initiative supports CU Denver’s mission of innovation, student success, and ethical technology use. Outcomes will inform future teaching, support faculty collaboration, and strengthen my NSF CAREER Award proposal. Student feedback will guide improvements and contribute to a conference paper submission to the American Society for Engineering Education.
    Chad ShomuraI am requesting $1,000 to support participation in the Association for Asian American Studies (AAAS) annual meeting and the ten-week Asian American Studies for Right Now course. At AAAS, I will present original research for a future book project and participate in a scholarly roundtable. These activities will strengthen my research, teaching, and commitment to social justice. The professional development course will inform updates to my Social History of Asian Americans and Contemporary Asian American Experience courses, incorporating emerging scholarship and diverse perspectives. This funding supports CU Denver’s strategic goals of Learner Success and Discovery and Impact by advancing inclusive education, addressing community needs, expanding academic knowledge, and promoting equity and representation.
    Steven VoseI am requesting funding to present research at the Jaina Studies Workshop at SOAS University of London on March 28, 2026. My paper, “Securing Sanctity: On the Form and Function of Jinālayas in Western Indian Jain Temples,” will benefit from scholarly feedback before submission to an art history journal. I will also conduct research at the British Library, March 23–27, examining Jain manuscripts related to women’s virtue for my ongoing monograph. These activities will advance my scholarship, support future publications, and strengthen CU Denver’s research profile in humanities, Religious Studies, and Asian Studies. This opportunity also supports the mission of CU Denver’s Bhagwan Suparshvanatha Endowed Chair in Jain Studies.

    Tenured Faculty Grant Recipients

    RecipientFunding Activity
    Shuyang PengI am requesting funding to present my research at the Public Management Research Conference (PMRC) in Washington, D.C., in early June. My paper examines how public, nonprofit, and for-profit hospitals utilize slack resources differently to improve organizational performance. This research aligns with CU Denver’s strategic goal of advancing scholarship that addresses community needs and contributes to the public good. As a leading conference in public administration, PMRC provides an opportunity to receive scholarly feedback, engage with emerging research, and connect with potential reviewers and collaborators. Presenting my findings will strengthen the paper before submission to a top-tier academic journal, enhance my professional development, and increase CU Denver’s visibility in public administration research.
    Marino ResendizI am requesting funding to attend the Quebrando Barreras: Breaking Barriers in STEM Conference at UCLA, April 17–18, 2026. I will present my research and accompany two CU Denver students presenting research posters, increasing visibility for our research program and university. The conference promotes inclusive excellence in chemistry and biochemistry through research collaboration, mentorship, and professional networking. Students will gain opportunities to connect with potential mentors and explore pathways toward doctoral studies in chemistry. Participation supports CU Denver’s mission of advancing innovative research, student success, and inclusive academic excellence. Engaging with leading researchers and STEM professionals will strengthen collaborations, expand professional networks, and support the development of future scientists while highlighting diverse contributions to STEM fields.
    Julien LangouI am requesting $1,000 in CFDA funding to attend a Sparse BLAS workshop in Knoxville, Tennessee, in March 2026, supporting efforts to modernize Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines (BLAS) standards. This workshop will provide insights into community organization, technical developments, and opportunities to engage industry partners, including NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. I will present plans to revitalize dense BLAS standards to address emerging AI technologies and computing architectures. A second workshop in Saint-Girons, France, in June will expand international collaboration and research visibility. These activities support CU Denver’s mission of advancing innovative research, strengthening industry partnerships, and pursuing external funding opportunities while contributing to critical computational infrastructure used across scientific and technological fields.
    Jaime HodgkinsI am requesting travel funding for a three-week paleoarchaeological field season on the Island of Vis, Croatia, to investigate newly identified prehistoric sites. This research supports CU Denver’s mission by generating original scholarship, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing archaeological discovery. Fieldwork will produce stratigraphic documentation, datable materials, and foundational data for future external grant applications. Additionally, I will prepare a proposal to establish a CU Denver archaeological field school on Vis, expanding experiential learning opportunities and international engagement for students. This initiative will integrate research, teaching, and community collaboration while supporting my professional growth and research program. The project advances CU Denver’s strategic goals of discovery, innovation, global partnerships, and student-centered education through meaningful international research experiences.
    Karen SpencerI am requesting funding to attend a three-day training offered by the Health Experiences Research Network (HERN) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, May 18–20, 2026. HERN, the U.S. chapter of DIPEx International, focuses on integrating patient experiences into research through rigorous, team-based qualitative methodologies. The training will provide interactive sessions on research methods, project development, implementation, and opportunities to present research and network with leading scholars. Participation will strengthen my methodological expertise, expand professional collaborations, and support the development of future research projects. This opportunity aligns with CU Denver’s mission of advancing impactful, community-centered scholarship while establishing a foundation for my next phase of research, which I plan to pursue during my 2027–2028 academic sabbatical.
    Jennifer BoylanI request professional development support for travel to the 2025 Society of Engineering Science (SES) Conference, held October 12–15 in Atlanta, where I presented NSF CAREER-funded research at the Grantee Meeting and delivered an oral presentation on 4D printing of shape-changing polymers. SES is a premier international conference that draws over 900 researchers, industry leaders, and funding agencies, providing critical visibility for CU Denver and aligning with our strategic goal of international research prominence. Attendance strengthened my professional network, provided feedback for future proposals, and showcased work currently under review at Nature Communications, fostering collaborations and increasing the impact of CU Denver’s research.
    Jeungbo ShimI am requesting funding to attend the 2026 MRS International Risk Conference in Honolulu, July 17–19, and the American Risk and Insurance Association Annual Meeting in Orlando, August 2–5, to present my research. These conferences will provide insights into climate risk, insurance equity, AI applications, and international risk management practices. Participation supports CU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan by advancing innovative research, strengthening industry partnerships, and maintaining relevant, career-focused education. I will incorporate emerging risk management frameworks into my Corporate Risk Management course, enhance quantitative research skills, and expand opportunities for collaboration and student mentorship. Conference feedback will also support publication of my research in a leading academic journal, increasing CU Denver’s scholarly visibility.
    Candice ShelbyI am requesting funding to attend the 12th International Code Biology Society meeting, where I will present a research paper and collaborate with scholars from Germany, Austria, and Italy. These partnerships have already resulted in a successful grant and publication, demonstrating the value of ongoing interdisciplinary research. Participation will strengthen CU Denver’s international research reputation and highlight the breadth of scholarship within the Philosophy Department. Insights gained will enrich Philosophy courses, independent studies, and graduate thesis mentorship by introducing students to emerging interdisciplinary perspectives. This opportunity aligns with CU Denver’s Strategic Plan by advancing innovative research, fostering international collaboration, and expanding educational opportunities while enhancing the university’s visibility as a globally engaged research institution.
    Christy BrilesI am requesting funding to attend the 2026 American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting in San Francisco, March 17–21, to present research and advance two peer-reviewed manuscripts. My research examines machine learning approaches to pollen geolocation and the development of CU Denver’s justice-centered Climate Change Studies program. I will also mentor four students presenting research posters. Conference participation will provide scholarly feedback, strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations, and support publication efforts. Additional field sampling in Idaho, Nevada, and western Colorado will expand research datasets and improve model validation. This opportunity supports CU Denver’s mission by advancing innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship, promoting climate justice, strengthening student mentorship, and integrating research findings into undergraduate and graduate teaching.
    Robert MetcalfI am requesting funding to attend the International Society for Neoplatonic Studies Annual Meeting, June 3–6, 2026, in Leuven, Belgium, where I will present my paper, “Plato’s Myth of Er as Practical Syllogism?” This conference brings together over 200 international scholars to discuss research on Plato and Platonism. My presentation advances my ongoing book project examining Plato’s Republic and builds upon more than two decades of published scholarship. Conference participation will provide scholarly feedback, strengthen international collaborations, and enhance CU Denver’s research visibility. Insights gained will directly enrich my teaching, including advanced undergraduate and graduate courses on Plato, where I regularly integrate my published research into course materials and discussions.

    IRC Faculty Grant Recipients

    RecipientFunding Activity
    Justin AlleyThe funding requested would directly support my research into virtual acoustics and immersive audio. The funding would fill a gap for two critical components: 1. the physical fabrication of a frame for a Spatial Room Impulse Response array; and 2. the software for compiling a multiplatform plugin for virtual acoustic simulation. The array would be 3D printed, likely in collaboration with the Anschutz Weir Biomechatronics Development Laboratory.The software would allow for novel integrations in game audio and virtual production. This research would result in academic publication and would help build out a knowledge base in the cutting edge of acoustics, interactive audio, and immersive audio here at CU Denver.
    Priscilla BurrowI am leading the development of the Stretch General Chemistry Series (CHEM 2025/2026 and CHEM 2030) to address CU Denver’s high DFW rates in foundational STEM courses and promote equitable student success. This redesigned curriculum provides extended instructional time, targeted skill development, and inclusive, research-based strategies to support underprepared and diverse students. Attending the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE) is essential for accessing cutting-edge research, practical models, and networking opportunities that will inform course design and the companion textbook I am authoring. This initiative enhances my leadership role, aligns with departmental priorities, and contributes to my promotion case through excellence in teaching, research, and service. Ultimately, it is a high-impact, data-driven effort that advances CU Denver’s strategic goals and strengthens the chemistry department.
    Christopher CarsonI am requesting funding to support registration and travel for myself and a doctoral student to present at the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) annual meeting and attend sessions that will strengthen CU Denver’s new bilingual education pathway. Our accepted presentation, “Preparing Bilingual Teachers: Tools for Practicum Performance Assessment in a Grow-Your-Own Program,” showcases our partnership with local districts to address the bilingual teacher shortage through robust practicum experiences and aligned assessment tools. This opportunity will amplify our federally funded OELA grant work, foster national dialogue to enhance program impact, and demonstrate our commitment to equity, mentorship, and preparing culturally and linguistically responsive educators. Limited professional funds make this support essential
    Dennis DeBayI am requesting $1,000 in professional development support to attend and present at the 24th Annual Hawaii International Conference on Education (HICE) in January 2026. My presentation, “Professional Flourishing Through Playful Pedagogies: Modular Workforce Development for Human-Centered Professions,” introduces play-informed professional development resources designed to address workforce challenges in education and related fields. This work advances CU Denver’s mission as an equity-serving institution by promoting inclusive, humanizing practices that foster well-being and creativity. Attending HICE will showcase CU Denver’s leadership in innovative pedagogy and provide global feedback to refine and expand these modules for broader use across SEHD programs and beyond.
    James Walsh I am requesting funds to attend the American Conference for Irish Studies west regional conference in Portland, OR from Nov. 6-9,
    2025. Along with presenting a paper at the conference, I will be assuming the role of President of the association. This makes
    attendance a must and I am hopeful for this assistance. This role will contribute greatly to my professional growth as it will open
    opportunities for building important international networks in the Irish Studies community. I will also be Chairing the international ACIS conference at Auraria campus in May of 2026 and attendance at this conference will put me in direct touch with many of the players involved in that massive effort and set the stage for the international conference to bring 400 Irish Studies scholars from around the world to Auraria campus. The conference will be free for Auraria students and faculty
    Ziyi WangI am developing AskAva (Ask Academic Virtual Assistant), an AI-powered platform to enhance academic advising, faculty resources, and classroom engagement at CU Denver. Building on a successful prototype for the Business School, AskAva leverages large language models to provide equitable access to advanced AI tools, fostering innovation and student success. This funding will support my professional growth through advanced AI training and research, leading to scholarly outputs and positioning CU Denver as a leader in AI integration. AskAva will impact campus by offering hands-on AI experience for students, virtual assistants for faculty and advising teams, and classroom support through Virtual TAs—creating scalable solutions that strengthen learning, efficiency, and collaboration across departments.
    Zhenzhu ZhangI am requesting support to attend the National Communication Association (NCA) annual convention, the premier international conference in the field, where I will present two papers in the Health Communication Division, participate in a CU Denver preconference, and engage in panels, workshops, and the book fair. This opportunity is essential for staying current with cutting-edge research and pedagogy, which directly benefits my students at ICB—Chinese citizens preparing to study abroad—by ensuring they receive instruction grounded in the latest health communication theories and practices. Attendance will also allow me to share research, build academic networks, explore collaborations, and access updated textbooks, all of which enhance the quality of my teaching and scholarship. As an international scholar based in Beijing, the high cost of post-pandemic travel makes IRCF-PD Grant support critical for maintaining these vital professional connections.

    Tenure-Track Faculty Grant Recipients

    RecipientFunding Activity
    Priyanka DesouzaI have been invited to give a talk at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) on my body of work on low-cost sensors. I had initially planned on using grant money to cover the cost of attending this conference. However, my EPA grant was cancelled by the current administration and never awarded, despite receiving an initial notice of approval. Therefore, I am seeking this funding to attend this conference, increase the profile of my work, and make connections with colleagues that could lead to future proposals and collaborations. AGU is the most important conference in my field. This money will be critical to my attending in person and presenting my work.
    Courtney DonovanCU has a goal to “become internationally known for our research and creative work.” I am requesting travel support to the American Educational Research Associations annual conference in
    Los Angeles, April 2026. This is the major research conference for all of North America. I submitted 8 proposals and serve as the chair of the Rasch special interest group (i.e. conference leadership). This conference directly impacts my scholarship and my professional service.
    Woonghee LeePacifichem is the international conference in Chemistry. It happens every 5 year like Chemistry olympics. My abstract for an oral presentation has been selected by organizing committee. The
    talk title is “POKY: The Integrative NMR platform empowered by AI/ML/CV”. It will make CU Denver more visible globally, and my professional growth will be accelerated in the field. That will also result in easier future funding and paper publications.
    Alejandra MedinaI am requesting funds to attend the Annual Conference of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the Midwest Political Science Association Conference (MPSA), where I will present two research projects and receive valuable feedback to strengthen them for publication. At ASPA, I will share a social network analysis of interlocal agreements in Mexico, comparing collaborative networks in states with and without legislation, and fulfill my role on the Executive Committee for the Section on Complexity and Network Studies. At MPSA, I will co-present a systematic literature review on the use of social network analysis measures in studying advocacy coalitions, advancing collaborative research with SPA colleagues.
    Jose SanchezI will be presenting progress in both individual and team research. At ASPA, I will be presenting work related to the influence of national institutional elements on collaborative rulemaking. At MPSA, I will be sharing progress on a collective effort at SPA with other faculty and a PhD student related to social network analysis and coalition analysis. These communities are critical venues for new research opportunities, and the feedback provided will strengthen the projects so I can get them ready for publication. Presenting strengthens the visibility and reputation of SPA and CU Denver as well, being these conferences some of the most important conferences in these fields.
    Emily SpeakmanI am requesting funding to attend the 2026 Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) Workshop at the University of Connecticut, a premier annual event that fosters collaboration, mentorship, and cutting-edge research in optimization. This workshop will enhance my research through exposure to the latest theoretical and computational advances, strengthen international collaborations, and provide opportunities to mentor CU Denver students in the poster competition—continuing a track record that includes an honorable mention in 2023. Attendance supports CU Denver’s mission by promoting student success, elevating our visibility in the global optimization community, and bringing back innovative methodologies and mentorship strategies. It also advances my professional growth and scholarly impact through networking, collaborative research, and potential publication opportunities.
    Hengqi TianAttending the ICIS 2025 Junior Faculty Consortium (JFC) will directly advance my professional development and strengthen CU Denver’s mission of making education work for all. The JFC, hosted by the Association for Information Systems, brings together leading scholars and early-career faculty for intensive mentoring on research, teaching, and service activities. The mentorship and peer exchange will enhance my ability to publish
    in premier journals, foster collaboration opportunities, and translate scholarly insights into high-impact teaching practices that prepare students for data-driven careers. This experience will expand CU Denver’s visibility in the global Information Systems community and strengthen my long-term trajectory as a productive, collaborative, and innovative scholar.
    Xiaojian WangI am requesting support to participate in two key professional activities: serving as Poster Co-Chair for the IEEE International Performance, Computing, and Communications Conference (IPCCC) and attending the IEEE INFOCOM Technical Program Committee meeting. As Poster Co-Chair, I will host the poster session at IPCCC, representing CU Denver in a prominent leadership role and enhancing the university’s visibility in the global networking and systems research community. At INFOCOM, one of the field’s premier conferences, I will contribute to the paper review process, engage with leading researchers, and explore collaborations that can lead to joint research projects, publications, and educational initiatives benefiting CU Denver.
    Jiayue WuI am requesting funding to support the dissemination of nine peer-reviewed creative and scholarly works and my participation in three international board-level service roles at leading conferences, including AES, CMS/ATMI, NAMM, CAA, and MoxSonic. These high-impact venues are essential for advancing my tenure-track requirements, increasing CU Denver’s national and international visibility, and fostering collaborations that benefit students and curriculum. All travel dates are confirmed, and course responsibilities will be fully covered through guest lectures or online delivery. This proposal aligns with CU Denver’s strategic goals of equity, innovation, and global recognition, while supporting faculty leadership and professional development. As the only junior tenure-track faculty member in MEIS, this is my sole CFDA funding request for 2025–2026, and support is critical to sustaining my research, creative work, and service at the highest levels in my field.

    Tenured Faculty Grant Recipients

    RecipientFunding Activity
    Soumia BardhanI am requesting professional development funds to support my project, “AI, Intercultural Dialogue, and Religious Communities,” which examines how AI-based digital tools shape dialogue, trust, and collaboration among Muslim and Vedanta communities in Washington, D.C. Building on prior research in Seattle, this national phase explores the ethical and social implications of algorithmic mediation in interfaith engagement, positioning CU Denver scholarship within urgent conversations on democracy, pluralism, and technology governance. The project aligns with CU Denver’s mission of inclusive excellence and innovation, advances my progression toward Full Professor through publications and national presentations, and provides high-impact learning opportunities for students through hands-on research in digital ethnography and policy analysis. Outcomes will include scholarly outputs, community frameworks for ethical technology use, and enhanced institutional visibility in global research networks.
    Ryan CreweI will present my paper, “Native Demarcations: Moluccan Concepts of Sovereignty in the Making of Sixteenth-Century Transpacific Cosmography,” at the Renaissance Society of America annual conference, a leading venue for early modern history scholarship. This presentation is critical for advancing my second book project, as it showcases key ideas from a central chapter, provides valuable peer feedback, and fosters connections with scholars in my field. Participation strengthens CU Denver’s R1 research profile, represents our university at a prestigious international conference, and informs future teaching and curricular development.
    Rachel GrossI am requesting support for a trip to London to conduct archival research at the National Archives and Imperial War Museum and to present at the Business History Conference. This work advances my new book project, Surplus: A World Remade by Military Junk, which explores the global economic, environmental, and political impact of U.S. military surplus after World War II. The research will deepen the book’s narrative on the use of surplus as humanitarian aid in Europe, while the conference presentation provides an opportunity to share early findings, receive feedback, and establish scholarly connections. This trip supports CU Denver’s mission to achieve international research prominence and contributes directly to my professional growth and progress on a major scholarly project.
    Betcy JoseI am requesting funds to partially cover travel expenses to present at the European Political Science Society Conference in Belfast, Ireland June 18-20, 2026. The presentation will provide valuable feedback needed to help increase the chances my
    manuscript will be published. The feedback will also be useful in crafting a presentation I hope to make on campus to interested members of our academic community.
    Carly LeonardThe funding I am requesting will be used to fund my attendance at the annual meeting of the Vision Science Society meeting on May 16-20, 2026. This is a very important for my professional growth, as it is an international meeting attended by the majority
    of people in my subfield. For me personally, the networking opportunities it provides are unmatched. Sharing the recent work done in my lab with colleagues (and getting feedback) will contribute to CU Denver’s mission of being known for its research. My own research directions are regularly influenced by the work I see at this meeting. I am about to undertake writing a new grant, so I will benefit greatly from being exposed to the latest findings in that research area. There are also professional development activities at this meeting, such as a satellite session called Fovea (Females of Vision, et al) discussing challenges women face in the field and offering support.
    Kai YuI request professional development support for travel to the 2025 Society of Engineering Science (SES) Conference, held October 12–15 in Atlanta, where I presented NSF CAREER-funded research at the Grantee Meeting and delivered an oral presentation on 4D printing of shape-changing polymers. SES is a premier international conference that draws over 900 researchers, industry leaders, and funding agencies, providing critical visibility for CU Denver and aligning with our strategic goal of international research prominence. Attendance strengthened my professional network, provided feedback for future proposals, and showcased work currently under review at Nature Communications, fostering collaborations and increasing the impact of CU Denver’s research.