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Photo caption: Optical image of living microlenses. Engineered microbes focus light that pass through a thin layer of glass that forms on their surface.  Courtesy of Lynn Sidor, Meyer Lab, University of Rochester.

ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder’s   played a key role in studying tiny bioglass lenses that were designed to form on the surface of engineered microbes, a scientific breakthrough that could pave the way for groundbreaking imaging technologies in both medical and commercial applications.

The project, led by the University of Rochester and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was inspired by the enzymes secreted by sea sponges that help them grow glass-like silica shells. The shells are lightweight, durable and enable the sea sponges to thrive in harsh marine environments.

“By engineering microbes to display these same enzymes, our collaborators were able to form glass on the cell surface, which turned the cells into living microlenses,” said Wil Srubar, a coauthor of the paper and professor of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the Materials Science and Engineering Program. “This is a terrific example of how learning and applying nature’s design principles can enable the production of advanced materials.”

Using imaging and X-ray techniques, ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder researchers analyzed the silica, also known as “bioglass,” and quantified the amount surrounding different bacterial strains. The ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder researchers demonstrated that bacteria engineered to form bioglass spheres contained significantly higher silica levels than non-engineered strains. Combined with optics data, the results confirmed that bacteria could be bioengineered to create bioglass microlenses with excellent light-focusing properties.

Microlenses are very small lenses that are only a few micrometers in size—about the size of a single human cell and designed to capture and focus or manipulate light into intense beams at a microscopic scale.  Because of their small size, microlenses are typically difficult to create, requiring complex, expensive machinery and extreme temperatures or pressures to shape them accurately and achieve the desired optical effects.

The small size of the bacterial microlenses makes them ideal for creating high-resolution image sensors, particularly biomedical imaging, allowing sharper visualization of subcellular features like protein complexes. In materials science, these microlenses can capture detailed images of nanoscale materials and structures. In diagnostics, they provide clearer imaging of microscopic pathogens like viruses and bacteria, leading to more accurate identification and analysis.

The University of Rochester contributed to this report.

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Two professors from ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering have been honored by The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists through its 40 Under 40 Recognition Program.

Associate Professor Sherri Cook and Assistant Professor Cresten Mansfeldt were recognized as “talented individuals who have, either personally or as part of a team, been responsible for helping to advance the fields of environmental science or environmental engineering in a demonstrable way within the last 12 months,” according to the academy’s website.

Cook received her BS from Virginia Tech and her MSE and PhD from the University of Michigan. At ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder, she pioneered three courses that teach sustainability principles to students across disciplines. Her research focuses on sustainable solutions to global drinking water and sanitation challenges, aiming to improve treatment systems while minimizing risks to human health, the environment, and financial stability. Her research has included innovative technologies such as biochar-based micropollutant removal from wastewater and advancing zero-carbon bio-cement through her co-founded company, Prometheus.

Mansfeldt earned his PhD at Cornell University, after completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota.  He refined his expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship at Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology. Mansfeldt teaches courses on material flows, from microbial carbon cycling to urban waste management. His research focuses on the interplay between natural and built environments, emphasizing water reuse, the microbiome of built environments and the impacts of disasters, such as ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ, on urban systems. Past projects include monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in campus wastewater, evaluating the risk of synthetic biology products and exploring the bioethics of biological innovations in environmental engineering. His current research examines contaminants from wildland-urban interfaces, tracking synthetic biology products in the environment and advancing water reuse.

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The Clarence L. Eckel Award is given in December to one outstanding graduate and up to two runners up receiving a BS degree in civil or architectural engineering in the fall semester. The award winners are selected by the CEAE Awards Committee from students with high academic standing and contributions to educational and extracurricular activities, including service to engineering student societies and the community. Clarence L. Eckel was CEAE chair from 1926-1943 and dean of the College of Engineering from 1943-1960.

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Millions of miles of aging water, wastewater and natural gas pipelines across the nation are at growing risk of failure, posing significant environmental, safety and financial challenges. Repairing these urban pipelines is often complicated and expensive due to their location beneath buildings and roads, but new repair solutions that significantly cut pipeline repair costs are emerging.

ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder’s Center for Infrastructure, Energy, and Space Testing (CIEST) is at the forefront, pioneering testing procedures for these innovative solutions.

Led by Assistant Research Professor Brad Wham, CIEST played a key role in establishing a new standard for Internal Replacement Pipe (IRP) testing through the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

The work was made possible through a recently completed $7.8 million Department of Energy (ARPA-e) REPAIR project.

This advancement paves the way for industry approval of cutting-edge pipe repair technologies, such as using robots or other methods to install internal replacement pipes that line aging pipelines, reinforcing their walls and extending their service life.

“Getting an ASTM standard to vote is a big deal,” Wham said. “We designed these methods to serve a variety of industries as well as both current and future pipe replacement solutions. We have also developed unique physical testing capabilities that don’t exist anywhere else in the world.”

ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder led the testing and analysis efforts and served as the primary experimental testing facility for evaluating various pipeline repair methods. CIEST researchers constructed three full-scale testing devices and developed models to predict potential failures in hard-to-reach replacement pipelines. By simulating real-world stresses—such as traffic loads and ground movement—they assessed how well these repair materials would perform over time.

The tests demonstrated that many of the internal replacement pipes effectively sealed holes, cracks and gaps, providing a lasting seal of 50 to 100 years at a cost of less than $1 million per mile—significantly lower than the approximately $10 million per mile it costs to dig up and replace pipes in urban centers.

In addition to a 90 percent drop in cost, the repairs will help reduce methane emissions from natural gas lines, which contribute to climate change, while also decreasing the risk of dangerous explosions from gas leaks. Additionally, they will prevent leaking water lines from wasting significant quantities of treated water and reduce the likelihood of potential contamination from external sources. 

Project collaborators on the grant include Cornell University, the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and the Gas Technologies Institute (GTI). The USQ team used the data collected by CIEST to develop a publicly available app that can be downloaded and allows users to input material specifications, site information and other details to assess performance and design internal replacement pipe technologies.

“It essentially informs IRP developers what material characteristics and/or geometric properties they would need to survive our testing and extend their pipe service life,” Wham said.

50-year extension

Some municipal water lines stay in service for more than 100 years, so adding another 50 to 100 years through pipe lining technology is a significant advancement, allowing utilities to better manage their replacement schedule for aging infrastructure in a cost-effective way, said Dustin Quandt, an engineering project manager with CIEST.

“Fifty years is an important period of time,” Quandt said. “Because these technologies act as a new pipe with improved performance, utilities can fund these projects through capital improvements rather than maintenance budgets.”

Gaining industry confidence

Natural gas and water utilities have historically been reluctant to adopt new technologies, due to strict regulations and high risks in the event of failure, Wham said. To help address these concerns, the project has included representatives from major gas utilities and global experts to guide the development of testing and analysis techniques.

“By operating as a third-party, unbiased group, we are building confidence in the potential of these technologies to come forward,” he said. “We’re also fostering industry competition, which helps reduce costs.”

The center’s advancements in the natural gas sector have attracted the attention of the water industry, which is now considering adopting their proposed testing methods for pressurized water pipes.

Looking ahead

CIEST is examining pipes with bends and assessing the ability of these repair technologies and robots to navigate these additional geometries and hazards. Other future steps include evaluating these repair techniques under extreme conditions such as earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes and ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ.

“While we made significant progress in the last few years, there’s a lot more work to be done in this growing industry,” he said.

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Chaya Farley

Major

Architectural Engineering

Award

Perseverance award

This award recognizes undergraduate students who persevere despite adversity – above and beyond the inherent perseverance needed in any engineering major.

Post-graduation plans

Continue with the Bachelor's Acelerated Master's (BAM) program in architectural engineering with a focus in structures.

Could you tell me a bit about yourself?

I spend most of my time with my dog. I also do a lot of art in my spare time. I don’t really have a preference as to what type—pencil, ink, acrylic, watercolor, oil pastels and ceramics. During the breaks when I go back home, I enjoy riding dirt bikes, especially free-riding and making my own trails.

What accomplishment are you most proud of, either academically or personally?

One of my proudest academic accomplishments is learning to take initiative in difficult situations. As an engineer, part of the job is learning things on your own, and I developed this skill by teaching myself subjects that I had not yet learned but needed to apply for my senior design project.

Can you share a moment (or moments) when you felt like you were "officially" an engineer?

The moment I felt like I was officially an engineer was when I took senior design.  I was applying everything I had learned as an engineering student, especially toward the end of the project when I presented my work as the structural engineer for my team. Hearing professional engineers say “a job well done" gave me the confidence to know I can succeed in their field.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your engineering education? What did you learn from it?

The biggest challenge during my engineering education was learning to navigate setbacks. I struggled with a few fundamental courses and had to retake them. However, I learned that you can’t let a small challenge stop you from finishing. I knew I could pass the classes, so I set my mind to it and refocused myself. That goes for anything you do in school, work or life— it’s about having the ability to stick with stuff, teach yourself stuff and being able to maintain composure when life throws you curveballs.

What is your biggest piece of advice for incoming engineering students?

Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. As an introverted person, it took me a long time to step out of my comfort zone, and that led to missed opportunities. I never really joined extracurricular activities, took advantage of office hours and rarely interacted with classmates and professors. It wasn't until my senior year that I realized the long-term effects of those missed connections. Joining clubs and building rapport can lead to valuable relationships and help you discover your passions while fostering motivation, insight and personal growth. Equally important is prioritizing your mental health. You can't be your best self at the expense of your emotional well-being as it affects every aspect of your life— academic performance, social interactions and professional development. Sometimes you might feel low, and it can be a tough decision to take a break when you are in the middle of your education. However, taking time off of school or moving your graduation to a later date doesn't make you a failure or less successful than anyone else. It just means you understand the significance and value of self-balance in achieving long-term success.

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Brooklyn Lash

Major 

Civil engineering with a minor in global engineering

Awards 

Community Impact Award
Research Award

The Community Impact Award recognizes undergraduate students who contribute to improving their department/program, college, university and/or local community.

The Research Award recognizes undergraduate students with demonstrated excellence in research. 

Post-graduation plans

Working at Ulteig as a structural/geotechnical graduate engineer in the renewables sector. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue my Professional Engineer (PE) license and eventually attend graduate school.

What led to you being recognized with the Community Impact Award?

Over the past year, I volunteered at the Buff Pantry and local powerlifting meets, and I participated in Engineers Without Borders. Volunteering and helping my community not only gave me a sense of fulfillment but also allowed me to gain new perspectives from people of diverse backgrounds. After four and a half years here, I truly feel that ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ has become my new home and I'm committed to giving back to the community that has supported me. Looking ahead, I hope to continue volunteering in my professional life, whether through a professional Engineers Without Borders chapter or by contributing to ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ’s many food banks and food rescue organizations. 

What do you believe contributed to your recognition with the Research Award?

For my Research Award, I had the privilege of working with Professor Wil Srubar and the for the past year and a half. Initially I joined as a Discovery Learning Apprentice (DLA) appointment, and now continue part-time as a research assistant to wrap up projects we began last year. Our work focuses on sustainable building materials, particularly with calcium sulfo-aluminate cement and metakaolin. Over the [ast year, we explored how algae and biochar (burnt algae) influence the strength of these materials.

My contributions included generating a significant portion of the data used in a paper published by my postdoctoral mentor, Cansu Acarturk, last May. I am also providing data for her second paper, currently in progress. Additionally, I authored a technical paper and presented my findings at the ASCE Regional Competition in Wyoming this past April, earning second place! Research has been a central part of my life since high school, and I feel fortunate to contribute to such impactful work.

What is your favorite memory from your time at ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder?

I loved participating in the extracurriculars I was involved in! Through the  American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)I was able to travel to the US Air Force Academy, ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ School of Mines and the University of Wyoming to compete—and even row—in the ASCE Concrete Canoe competition as well as compete in the surveying competition and the sustainable solutions competition. I even had the privilege of traveling to the ASCE nationals in Utah with four other teammates, where we competed in the sustainable solutions competition and placed sixth out of 18 nationally! 

I also loved traveling to Atlanta last April for USA Powerlifting Collegiate Nationals. Competing on a national stage, setting personal records and being recognized for something beyond engineering was truly rewarding.

Can you share a moment (or moments) when you felt like you were "officially" an engineer?

I've had many different jobs and experiences, but the one that really made me feel like I fit in as an engineer was my structural/geotechnical internship with Ulteig last summer and this fall. I would start with a blank Excel sheet and was expected to create an entire calculation package to analyze concrete drilled shafts, steel pile groups or shallow foundations. I was able to collaborate with coworkers in both the civil and electrical departments to develop a cohesive design. It was gratifying to talk with other engineers and feel like a true team member, where my voice was heard despite being an intern. I am beyond excited to keep learning and exploring when I start working there full time in January!

What is your biggest piece of advice for incoming engineering students?

Confidence is key. Many times I doubted myself, thinking I was completely wrong, but I would have the right answer and be too quiet to speak up. I learned that civil engineering relies on input from everyone, and that no idea is a bad idea. My advice to incoming engineering students is to not be afraid to collaborate and share your thoughts. Whether the answer is “wrong” or not, you learn just as much from the failures as you do from the successes.

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Three professors from the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering were among 10 teams of University of ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder faculty, researchers and graduate student innovators awarded $125,000 each in this year’s Lab Venture Challenge (LVC). 

This year, 14 teams of University of ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder faculty, researchers and graduate student innovators competed for a combined $1.25 million in startup funding grants. Judges from ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder’s entrepreneurial network heard Shark-Tank-style pitches across two nights, one for innovations in biosciences and another for physical sciences and engineering.

LVC supports projects that address a commercial need, have a clear path to a compelling market and have strong scientific support. The LVC grants are funded by the ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Program, as well as Venture Partners at ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder and the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund. 

Professor Mark Hernandez, Emmalee Biesiada, a postdoctoral associate in the Hernandez Aerobiology Laboratory, and Steve Hughes, CEO of SteriO3, won in the biosciences division for their work on Peroxide Enhanced Germicidal Irradiation (PEGI) technology, which quickly inactivates microbial contaminants at low temperature. With LVC funding, the team plans to develop compact, portable sterilization systems for medical instruments, including those made with 3D-printed materials.

“I look forward to overseeing the progression of PEGI from the laboratory into real-world applications in emergency medicine,” Biesiada said.

The team envisions the portable sterilization technology being used by emergency medical technicians and paramedics, as well as by disaster response agencies like the Red Cross. Biesiada, who developed the technology during her doctoral studies at ŷ���ڱ���Ƶ Boulder, said the team has also been in communication with Army and Navy groups interested in using PEGI for surgical instrument sterilization in combat field medicine. Additionally, the technology has potential applications in veterinary medicine for on-site treatment of animals that cannot be easily transported to a clinic, she said. 

Professor Gregor Henze, along with Galen Williams and Gerry Conroy, received the award for Whisper Energy, a wireless, battery-free sensor fusion platform tailored for small to medium-sized commercial buildings. Using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and machine learning, Whisper Energy aims to significantly reduce energy consumption by providing real-time data to optimize energy use and reduce emissions. Developed with a $2 million  grant, the technology promises cost-effective sensing of occupancy and indoor environmental conditions, low-cost energy and emission savings in buildings that have been historically difficult to retrofit.

“The award will allow further refinement of the technology, tailoring it to new use cases, and building a series of prototypes for demonstration purposes,” Henze said.

Assistant Professor Tony Straub and Kian Lopez, a chemical engineering PhD student, won for their startup OsmoPure Technologies, which is developing a membrane for advanced water treatment.The technology uses pressure-driven distillation, rather than heat, to produce high-purity water with 10 times greater energy efficiency. The startup has been developing its  technology for water recycling systems on NASA-crewed space missions. LVC funding will enable them to expand into ultrapure water systems for semiconductor manufacturing and other industrial applications.

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