Q&A

Full STEM Ahead: CU Engineering Steps Up

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:53:21 +0000

Full STEM Ahead: CU Engineering Steps Up Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:53

Jeff Zehnder

In the midst a national growing need for engineers, Dean Keith Molenaar (ArchEngr’90; MCivEngr’95; PhD’97) has led faculty, staff and students in the co-creation of a new strategic vision for the College of Engineering and Applied Science, committing to expanding its role in the high-tech economy and further emphasizing a goal of engineering gender parity in the college.

How is the College of Engineering and Applied Science changing at CU?

This is a time of disruption for higher ed across the nation. Some universities are struggling with enrollment, and people are questioning the value of a four-year degree. But our record here is stronger than it’s ever been. For the second year in a row, we welcomed the largest classes of both undergraduate and PhD students ever.

You’ve put a major emphasis on recruiting more female engineers. Why is this important for the college?

Historically, the engineering profession has been male-dominated, and that puts us at risk of creating solutions to problems that don’t represent our broader society. Inclusion is a pillar of everything we do and integral to our impact. We need a more diverse workforce to solve the complex technological and infrastructure challenges of today’s world.

Where do gender parity efforts start at CU?

It starts early. The current vision builds on long-standing efforts by CU Boulder and national groups to expand access in science and math for girls in K-12. By showing up in early education, we’re giving students confidence that they can make an impact on society by being an engineer. And it’s paying off. Last year, 41 percent of our first-year engineering undergraduates were women, putting us #1in the nation in terms of gender parity among 167 public colleges of engineering, according to the American Society for Engineering Education.

You’ve been focused on fusing engineering with business. What impact has that had?

We’re beyond the traditional metrics of publishing papers as a primary metric for success. Patents are important. Economic impact is important. We need to focus on the implications and implementations of our work, not just the work itself. It’s inspiring the next generation of graduates and PhD students to be entrepreneurs. CU launched 35 companies last fiscal year through the Venture Partners program, placing us second among all universities over the last decade.

You recently created a new position within the college: Assistant Dean of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

And we quickly selected Wil Srubar for the position. He’s a crucial addition to our college. He has both fundamental engineering and applied business experience — he’s started three companies already. The new position is helping us with translational work, moving things out of the lab and into companies through patents or startups.

The college is dramatically scaling up its economic impact for Colorado, with a particular focus on translating research into business success.

In a time of disruption, we need leaders. CU Boulder is a flagship of Colorado’s success — and the college of engineering is an economic driver in all that. There’s something special going on in Boulder. There have always been pockets of innovation and entrepreneurship in the college, but we’re evolving to focus more across the board on economic impact. We have a responsibility to help the state grow in a sustainable and equitable manner.

In 2021, CU built the Rustandy Building, connecting the Engineering Center and the Koelbel Building, home to the Leeds School of Business. What was the thinking behind this fusion?

Our partnership [with Leeds] is paramount, and the connection between business and engineering on campus is both an idea and a physical reality. We’re scaling up. The donor-supported project physically joined the buildings, adding 45,000 square feet of new classroom and collaboration spaces. It is a joy to see the energy in this shared space and make me hopeful for Colorado’s future leadership in high-tech industries.

How do you measure success for the college?

We compete with universities across the nation and continue to come out at the top. But while it has been great to climb in the rankings, we don’t chase that. People are seeing what we’re doing here. We’re leaders in AI, aerospace and sustainability, among other areas. We contribute to national defense and national security. Our faculty are highly sought after for leadership positions across the U.S. and participate in national conversations that shape the future of technology. Those are the indicators I look at.

How does engineering fit in with the rest of the campus?

Our rankings and national reputation come because we’re part of a comprehensive university — it’s one of our key advantages. We’re educating holistic engineers. They need to understand historic, political and business aspects of their work. To serve society well as engineers, we must have deep partnerships with the other colleges, schools and institutes across campus. We are fortunate to be part of a comprehensive campus, and we strive to contribute to our campus mission every day.

Interview by Jeff Zehnder, condensed and edited for clarity.

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Photo by Jesse Morgan Petersen

Dean Keith Molenaar has led faculty, staff and students in the co-creation of a new strategic vision for the College of Engineering and Applied Science, committing to expanding its role in the high-tech economy and further emphasizing a goal of engineering gender parity in the college.

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Anchored in Excellence: From CU to the High Seas

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:52:09 +0000

Anchored in Excellence: From CU to the High Seas Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:52

Erika Hanes

Admiral Stephen T. “Web” Koehler (Phys’86) has dedicated his life to the U.S. Navy. Inspired by his father’s career as a Navy pilot, Koehler began his own career in naval aviation upon graduating from CU, where he was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). After nearly 40 years as a naval aviator, he assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet in April 2024.

How did your education at CU Boulder prepare you for a career in the Navy?

My studies in physics made me a more competitive recruit when I joined the CU Navy ROTC. This was especially beneficial when I attended the Navy’s Nuclear Power School later in my career, ultimately enabling me to command a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

What leadership principles do you prioritize when commanding a team, both in combat and in peacetime?

Whether in war or peace, operating well requires every individual to maintain a constant pursuit of excellence and a mastery of their area of expertise. A highly skilled team is able to make the extremely difficult look routine. Cooperation and teamwork are non-negotiable standards in any mission.

Reflecting on your roles in major operations, such as Operation Desert Storm, Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom, what do you want the next generation of military leaders to know?

Every generation of leaders faces new challenges. Our success, however, depends on compassion, care, standards and true leadership of those who work for and with you. Only with a shared understanding of service and a common purpose will you succeed as a team.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for the U.S. Navy in the coming years?

Since the end of World War II, the U.S. Navy has preserved and promoted a rules-based international order with relative peace and prosperity. In the years ahead, we must continue to strengthen our ability to maintain this peace and prosperity with cutting-edge technologies, the innovation of our warfighters, and enduring coordination with our allies and partners — and we always do so with honor, courage and commitment.

Can you share your favorite memory from your time at CU Boulder?

It is hard to pick a single memory. It varies from hiking and climbing in Chautauqua Park and Eldorado Canyon to the CU football win over Nebraska in the fall of 1986. I still remember that win, because there is nothing like the taste of victory.

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Photo by Christopher Sypert

Admiral Stephen T. “Web” Koehler (Phys’86) shares his journey from CU to the high seas, highlighting the Navy’s enduring values of honor, courage and commitment.

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Breaking the News: A Journalist's Perspective

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:50:53 +0000

Breaking the News: A Journalist's Perspective Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:50

Cynthia Barnes

In 2022, Allison Sandza (Jour’09) became the executive producer for the CBS News Streaming Network’s coverage for Washington, D.C. She has also served as a senior producer for Meet the Press, the longest-running show in television history, after stints at PBS and CNN. Born and raised in the capital city, Sandza is committed to reaching an audience that increasingly turns to digital devices for their news.

What led you to journalism?

I grew up in a news household: My parents met in a newsroom before my mom became a lawyer. I grew up with framed newspapers on the walls. So, to say politics and news is in my blood is probably an understatement. It is what I was meant to do.

How do you see streaming platforms evolving for political news coverage, especially in this election cycle?

We are the live and breaking news arm of CBS News. We rush toward the stories, and in this news cycle — especially this political news cycle — it’s just faster than ever.

How did your time at CU and in Boulder affect what you’re doing now and what’s happened in your career?

In my last semester at CU, I took what ended up being my all-time favorite class: a media ethics course. I still think about that class. Every day, every single day, I think, “Is this fair? Is this sourced enough?”

We try to make sure that we are explaining the context and analysis of the whole picture, all while it’s happening in real time. I learned those nuts and bolts in journalism school at CU.

How do you balance breaking timely political coverage with the desire for, as you said, more nuanced, in-depth reporting on complex issues?

Every day, it’s a conversation and an internal struggle. I do think CBS News is unique in that it’s a place that’s known for taking a beat, for taking context into account with every story. It’s the home of 60 Minutes. It’s the home of in-depth reporting and analysis. So I think we’re very careful — we admit in real time when we still don’t know something. That is really the only way to operate. And I think it’s authentic, which audiences now crave.

Any final thoughts?

It’s a privilege to be able to cover this election, to be able to really write this first draft of history. That’s such a journalism cliché, but I think it’s a cliché for a reason.

Editor’s note: This interview was conducted prior to the November 5 election.

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Photo by Hugo Ross/ CBS

In 2022, Allison Sandza (Jour’09) became the executive producer for the CBS News Streaming Network's coverage for Washington, D.C. Here's why she's committed to reaching an audience that increasingly turns to digital devices for their news.

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Mining the Moon: A New Era of Commercial Space Exploration

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:49:47 +0000

Mining the Moon: A New Era of Commercial Space Exploration Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:49

Kelsey Yandura

Elizabeth Frank (PhDGeol’14) is helping pave the way for a new era of space exploration and commerce as the chief scientist at Interlune, a Seattle-based startup aiming to become the first private company to harvest the Moon’s natural resources, namely the stable isotope helium-3.

This useful gas, while rare on Earth, is abundant on the Moon and sought after for its uses in medical imaging, nuclear fusion research, quantum computing and more. For the extraction and transportation of the isotope, Interlune plans to build a lunar harvester that the company would fly via spacecraft to the Moon.

What is the vision in terms of the future of space mining and space commerce?

We are trying to find novel ways to leverage the commercial space sector for planetary exploration. What makes people excited about Interlune is that even though we have this vision that seems kind of sci-fi, we have actual customers on Earth in areas like quantum computing, medical imaging and national security. There is an actual demand.

Your PhD was in planetary geochemistry at CU. What led you to Boulder?

There’s an incredible space community in Boulder — a lot of interdisciplinary work among CU departments and organizations like LASP and the Southwest Research Institute. When I was touring CU, I was handed a list of planetary scientists in Boulder that was upwards of 50 people. I thought, “Oh my gosh, there’s just so much going on.”

Your work seems to challenge the idea that industries exist in a silo. Can you talk more about your multidisciplinary approach?

When you’re a PhD student, you are expected to be a specialist. But I don’t actually identify anymore as a specialist. I’m a generalist — I have a PhD in planetary geochemistry, but I’ve also worked in spacecraft engineering, mining consulting, business development and more. To move humanity forward, you need people like me to stitch the specialists’ work together in new and exciting ways.

What topics in the field have been piquing your interest these days?

Ethics and sustainability are really top of mind. The mining industry has a long legacy of harming both people and the environment. I think that we can learn from the mistakes of the past. We want to be intentional and thoughtful about how we use technology and extract space resources for human use.

Any thoughts or advice for recent graduates?

I think PhD students and graduates should know that just because you got your degree in one topic, doesn’t mean you have to stay in that field. You can redirect your career in unexpected and exciting ways. Stay open to opportunities and take them — you never know where they’ll lead you.

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Photo courtesy Elizabeth Frank

Elizabeth Frank (PhDGeol’14) is helping pave the way for a new era of space exploration and commerce as the chief scientist at Interlune, a Seattle-based startup aiming to become the first private company to harvest the Moon’s natural resources.

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Setting Up Success: A Q&A with CU Volleyball's Taylor Simpson

Anna Tolette — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:16:52 +0000

Setting Up Success: A Q&A with CU Volleyball's Taylor Simpson Anna Tolette Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:16

Andrew Daigle

Taylor Simpson (Fin’25) is in her final season as setter for CU women’s volleyball. While she calls the plays and touches the ball on nearly every point, Simpson says she is only one of “19 leaders on the team,” and that life after graduation might have to include some volleyball.

As a senior, how do you lead and mentor your teammates?

Communication is key. We have a high standard of holding each other accountable, whether it’s something we want to celebrate or something to improve. We have 19 leaders on the team — a freshman or sophomore can hold a senior accountable. Leadership is cyclical. We’re all kind of leaders, all with different roles and strengths.

Off the court, what helps the team to gel together?

We like to spend as much time together off the court as possible. We eat every meal together — seriously, I’ve eaten every meal in the last three years with my teammates. We appreciate each other as friends, whether that’s hanging out, going to the pool, watching a movie, whatever.

What stands out to you about this year’s team?

We are so close. We have 19 girls who are best friends, and that’s hard to come by. We have a lot of fun. We’re here to work, but we don’t forget our personalities. Last spring, our head coach Jesse Mahoney started “task Tuesdays.” We would get a paper with three tasks on it. Two would be volleyball related and one would be funny. One time, the third task was “Start dancing after you get a kill.” That stuff helps the team stay close.

Why did you choose CU Boulder?

An initial reason was CU being in the Pac-12, because I grew up on the West Coast. But honestly, I could totally see myself here when I came to visit. It’s so beautiful. Plus, the team culture has made it a home away from home. And now, with the move to the Big 12, I am excited to see new places. The conference switch has been great for the university.

What is something you’ve learned from coach Mahoney?

It’s hard to pick one. Coach Jesse is one of the most patient people I’ve met. Being patient is something that I’ve struggled with. He’s calm and collected. That attitude reflects onto the players. That’s helped me a lot in games when I’m frustrated or not playing my best.

How does the setter position work?

People compare the setter to a football quarterback. You run the court. You’re the one controlling everything. Ideally, you touch the ball every play. I find the best hitters to set the ball to and hope we can get a kill.

How do you communicate plays to your teammates?

My coaches pretty much give me free rein with play calls. We have about 20 plays, each with a different hand signal. I call them before serving. If it’s a chaotic situation, the hitters adjust to something simpler. We also watch a lot of film on our opponents — if they’re weak at blocking on the outside, we’ll set the outside as much as possible. Same if we see weaknesses in other areas.

In a match, you might have to set the ball up to 100 times. What kind of training program do you follow to sustain your health and strength?

We’re doing strength, cardio, circuits, power lifts, jumping. Working all parts of our bodies helps keep us in top condition. Nothing is getting too stiff. Nothing is getting weak. Communication with our trainers is so important. If I do something 100 times and it feels off once, I’m communicating that. Recovery and treatment are key as well.

What is your favorite part about playing volleyball?

I love the sport. It’s awesome how rapidly it’s growing. I met all my best friends through volleyball. I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I started playing when I was 9, and it’s hard to imagine my life without it.

How does your team maintain such positive energy on the court?

Staying positive and supportive is one of the hardest skills to learn, even though it’s not physical. It’s something a lot of us have worked on. We do team workshops with our sports psychology staff to learn how to be better teammates. We are truly a family. These are my sisters. We want the best for each other.

What do you like to do off the court?

I love the ocean. The beach is my escape, my happy place. And I love to laugh with friends. It’s super important to joke and have fun.

Do you have plans for after graduation?

I have a wealth management internship. I’ll be taking exams once I graduate to get my financial planner license and my financial advisor license, along with a few others. Right now, that’s my plan. But I could see more volleyball in my future. I don’t know if I’ll be ready to give it up. Ask me in six months.

Interview by Andrew Daigle

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Photos by the University of Colorado

Taylor Simpson (Fin’25) is in her final season as setter for CU women’s volleyball. While she calls the plays and touches the ball on nearly every point, Simpson says she is only one of “19 leaders on the team,” and that life after graduation might have to include some volleyball.

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Anthony Pham on Coaching CU Tennis: It's All �鶹��Ƶ the Players

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Anthony Pham on Coaching CU Tennis: It's All �鶹��Ƶ the Players Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Anthony Pham was named Colorado tennis associate head coach in February 2021 and head coach just five months later. Since then, the team has seen a remarkable program turnaround, and they’ve become like family.

What attracted you to Colorado?

We were living in Madison, Wisconsin, and it was the thick of COVID. We were trying to figure out where to live long term. The opportunity at CU was fate. My wife is a CU graduate. When she heard about the coach opening, she said we needed to jump at it. I've never met anyone who went to CU and had a negative experience. And with the tennis program, there was so much potential.

Quickly after arriving, you became the seventh head coach in program history. How did that change your responsibilities and relationships?

I was previously a head coach at a small Division 1 school. Coaching at a mid-major compared to a Power 5 school, budgets and responsibilities are different, but that job prepared me a lot. You have to gain the players’ trust, and they have to know you always have their best interests in mind. Getting the opportunity to become head coach is something I don’t take lightly. As head coach, you’re scheduling, recruiting, doing everything an assistant coach does, but it’s tenfold. The number-one priority doesn’t change. It’s all about the players.

How do you find good people, not just good players?

We try to be as thorough as possible. The team is an extended part of my family. We spend so much time with these players. On a small team, one person can upset the balance. In terms of recruiting, we visit with them and their family. We talk to their coaches and other coaches. There are a lot of good tennis players, but there aren’t as many tennis players who are also good people and good students.

What goes into building a competitive Power 5 conference tennis program?

We focus on development. We find people for whom the best tennis is still ahead. Kids start playing tennis early, and sometimes they burn out. We want student-athletes who want to keep improving, to be part of a program that is making headway and doing things that haven’t been done before.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I empower players to know that when they play, they are prepared. They are going to compete in a first-class manner. We want to win like crazy, but it’s not all about winning. It’s about doing the right things every day. You can’t really control winning and losing, but you can control a lot of variables that go into winning. Obviously, if we don’t have success, we reassess some things and try again.

Can you coach players during matches?

If you go to a normal junior tournament as a coach, you’re not allowed to coach at all. You can only cheer. But with college, it’s completely different. We can sit on the sideline with our players and talk to them at every changeover. You have to know when to talk, which buttons to push and when to keep your mouth shut if your player is rolling.

How are the fall and spring seasons different?

Spring is the championship season. It’s when we play our dual and conference matches. Fall is shorter. It’s our developmental season. We bring a player in, and we will make some minor adjustments to their game. We start setting our standards, creating expectations with players, building the bond within the team. In the fall, we’re giving them two or three things to focus on. And the hope is when the spring season comes around, those things that were uncomfortable in the fall are now strengths.

What stands out to you about CU Athletics?

It starts at the top. Rick George is the most personal athletic director I’ve been around. At matches, he’s fired up, he knows all the players, and all the players know him. And we have great academic support, nutrition, trainers, an amazing strength coach. CU offers the best of three worlds: great location, great academics, top-notch athletics.

Can you speak to what college tennis offers that differs from training academies or private coaching?

Tennis is a very individual sport. Growing up, if you’re playing a tournament, it’s usually you and your coach or a parent. College is completely different. You’re on a team, and everyone is committed. The more you improve as individuals, the more it helps the team. When we play a match, there’s energy from court to court. Your teammates are pumping you up, supporting you. When you’re playing a tournament by yourself, whether you win or lose affects maybe a couple people. With college tennis, there are so many others affected.

What’s something you like to do off the court?

I love spending time with my wife and son. They come to all our matches, they’re great supporters. Whether I’m with our team here or my family at home, that's where I find the most enjoyment.

Interview by Andrew Daigle.

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Photos by Glenn Asakawa

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Developing the Universal Musician at CU Boulder

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Developing the Universal Musician at CU Boulder Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Ally Dever

With over three decades of experience as a performer, educator, conductor and administrator, College of Music Dean John Davis champions a holistic approach to musical education through a mission he calls “developing the universal musician.” Davis originally joined CU Boulder in 1999 as director of the jazz studies department. Following three associate dean roles from 2012 to 2020, he assumed the role of dean in January 2021. He discusses his musical background, career achievements and the issues within higher education that have inspired his leadership philosophy.

How did you get your start in music?

My musical journey began with the decision to pick up the trumpet in elementary school, which is reflective of how one small choice can change a person’s entire life.

I eventually joined my high school jazz band, which was led by a band director who regularly performed in shows and big-band gigs. And that came at a time when jazz musicians like Stan Kenton and Woody Herman were touring the nation. That exposure really inspired me, so I stuck with it.

What prompted your shift from music performance to education and leadership?

After earning my master’s degree in music, I found myself seeking a change. I realized that the life of a professional freelance musician lacked the stability I sought, particularly in terms of job security and benefits.

Reflecting on my family’s military history, with my father’s service in both World War II and the Korean War, and my grandfather’s tenure as one of the oldest soldiers in the army, I became curious about that experience. So I enlisted as an infantry soldier for two years.

During my service, I gained a deeper understanding of the educational backgrounds of my fellow soldiers, many of whom had very little education beyond a GED or a few years of college. This made me realize the power of education in expanding opportunities beyond people’s immediate circumstances.

That really solidified my commitment to education and prompted my return to academia to pursue a doctorate in trumpet performance and pedagogy, with an emphasis in jazz studies. But I wanted to play a more significant role in shaping music education, and that ultimately steered me toward administration.

What’s the basis of your leadership philosophy?

Most music institutions have traditionally offered two career paths for students: performance and education. While those tracks are still very valid, many students are now seeking out music careers that don’t necessarily fit into those two areas, such as arts administration and entrepreneurship, tour management, recording engineering, music copyright law or health and wellness in music.

For decades, students have had to find their way to these careers through mentorships, outside education, self-teaching or learning on the job. As the dean, I want to address the demand for additional career pathways.

This has led me to establish the concept of the universal musician — a leadership philosophy and strategy aimed at providing students with a wide range of experiences and training so they can meet the demands of today’s industry and be better equipped to find success and fulfillment in emerging fields.

How did the pandemic impact higher education?

The pandemic was by far the most influential factor in shaping my approach to leadership.

During the peak of COVID-19, one of our professors shared an impressive composition created by a recent graduate and performed by current and former CU Boulder students over Zoom. I was struck by the remarkable quality of the sound and presentation, despite each musician performing from their own little Zoom square. From technical setup to sound engineering and video editing, the project showcased a range of abilities beyond the traditional curriculum and allowed students to explore unique avenues of learning.

It also highlighted the skills and training that we as a college didn’t provide at the time — these students had to develop these skills independently. Since then, we’ve offered new badges, micro-credentials, certificate programs and interdisciplinary degree options to give students more agency in their education. With these new offerings, we hope to confirm the value and redefined relevance of higher education today.

How do diversity, equity and inclusion factor into your philosophy?

Many musicians seeking higher education face significant barriers due to a lack of early training or access to instruments, teachers and practice spaces.

CU Boulder’s goal is to create an environment of inclusive excellence where all aspiring musicians, regardless of their background, feel welcome, valued and supported. It’s an essential part of our mission to develop universal musicians who are equipped and empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

What’s your favorite song?

The one song that always stops me in my tracks is Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile.” The lyrics mean everything: “Smile though your heart is aching; smile even though it’s breaking…although a tear may be ever so near, that's the time you must keep on trying.” Despite being released in 1936, its relevance persists, demonstrating the impact of music across generations.

What do you believe is music’s most significant impact on society?

Music is what makes us human. When something of great significance takes place, people turn to music. It can serve as a celebration of joyous occasions, but it’s also where we find comfort and understanding in times of darkness.

Music provides a platform for self-expression and helps us navigate the complexities of the world and our role within it. And that is crucial in today’s society, where the need for connection and empathy is paramount.

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Photo by Matt Tyrie

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How Michael Washington is Uncovering Nature in L.A.

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

How Michael Washington is Uncovering Nature in L.A. Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Kiara Demare

A decade after graduating, Michael Washington (Jour’12) longed for the outdoor community he had found at CU Boulder. In 2022, he left his career in the music industry to become founder and CEO of Usal, a community-based program helping Los Angeles residents participate in unique outdoor activities, workshops and trips. Usal hosts about 20 to 30 events per month, including woodturning, astronomy, fly-fishing, foraging, surfing and cooking.

How did you come up with the idea for Usal?

I felt there was a missing link between people who wanted to get into outdoor hobbies and activities, and a place for them to go. A group setting didn’t exist that felt safe, accessible and approachable, while also providing resources and education on how to learn to do those types of outdoor activities and experiences.

Where does the name come from?

It’s a place near and dear to my heart: Usal Beach is a dispersed beach campground at the southern tip of the coast in Northern California that I would go to from time to time. It inspired me a lot, especially when trying to figure out my next career move.

How did your time in Boulder influence Usal’s creation?

Having those four years in Boulder was crucial. I was given the opportunity to explore and be curious — both in a social sense with meeting new people, and also adventuring in the foothills of the mountains. As I grew my career in Los Angeles, I began to lose my connection to nature. Thankfully, I made a point to find it again when I realized how important it was to me.

Where do you see Usal in five years?

The obvious thing I think about is growth. Growth to me is being able to offer what we do to more people and taking what we do here in Los Angeles and bringing that to another location.

Any final thoughts?

Before anything and everything else, this endeavor feels very true to the person I am and the person who I want to continue to be. I think stumbling over the past 10 years — coming out of college and trying to understand what that means — were important steps to feeling competent and learning what interests me, what excites me and what fulfills me. All those steps led me to eventually leave the music industry to start Usal at age 32. It’s finally coming together.

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Photo courtesy Usal Project

A decade after graduating, Michael Washington (Jour’12) longed for the outdoor community he had found at CU Boulder. In 2022, he left his career in the music industry to become founder and CEO of Usal, a community-based program helping Los Angeles residents participate in unique outdoor activities, workshops and trips.

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Jamie Seward on Recycling Flowers & Spreading Joy

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Jamie Seward on Recycling Flowers & Spreading Joy Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Tom Kertscher

Flowers have the power to improve your physical and mental well-being — even more so if they are fragrant, according to peer-reviewed research. That’s part of what Jamie Seward (PolSci’97) was after when, late last year, she revived Repeat Roses, a zero-waste solution for event florals that closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Past clients include the Super Bowl and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle.

Mainly located in Southern California, Arizona and on the East Coast, Repeat Roses transports flowers from events such as weddings and corporate events, rearranges them into smaller bouquets and delivers them to nonprofits like homeless shelters, hospitals or nursing homes. Later, a team picks up the flowers for composting and her clients receive a receipt for their charitable donation.

Seward, a Navy veteran and former attorney, also serves as senior associate director of alumni relations for Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

What inspired you to take over Repeat Roses?

I have a passion for people, I have a passion for the planet and I want to leave the world a little better than I found it.

What’s the status of your business?

It’s what I like to call a ‘restart-up’ — it was a start-up and we’ve restarted it. We are up and running, we can operate anywhere in the U.S., and we’re hoping to get the word out. It takes time for word to spread that we’re back in business.

What’s it like when you deliver flowers?

There’s nothing quite like seeing the faces of the people in a homeless shelter, both the staff and the residents, and the joy on their faces when they see flowers — which are considered a luxury — brighten up their space. They’re worried about the basics, and to have something beautiful and joyful, it elevates everyone’s mood, it makes everyone feel better and it brightens up their environment.

Why do you compost the flowers?

It’s more advantageous for the environment for flowers to decompose naturally, versus putting them in a plastic bag in a landfill.

Did anything from your CU Boulder experience guide you into doing this type of work?

I was in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at CU, and there was often a philanthropic aspect to our activities. So, it was ingrained in me very early that helping people is something I wanted to do in as many aspects of my life as possible.

Learn more about Repeat Roses at @RepeatRoses on social media or at repeatroses.com.

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Photo courtesy Jamie Seward

In Southern California, Jamie Seward (PolSci’97) leads Repeat Roses, a zero-waste solution for event florals. Past clients include the Super Bowl and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle.

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Retired Astronaut Marsha Ivins Reflects on Her Time in Space

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Retired Astronaut Marsha Ivins Reflects on Her Time in Space Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Jessica Sachs

Marsha Ivins (AeroEngr’73) is a retired astronaut who has participated in five missions to space. Over the course of her career, Ivins spent a total of 55 days in space handling various responsibilities, from monitoring systems as a flight engineer to managing photography. This year, she was selected as a 2024 inductee for the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors in the industry.

As a child, did you imagine life as an astronaut?

I have wanted to work in the space business in some capacity since I was 10 years old. Imagining opens the door to trying, and trying is step one in achieving. I wasn’t solely focused on just flying in space, although of course that was a dream. Everyone I knew, family, teachers and friends said it could never happen.

Of your career missions, are there any that you feel especially passionate about or regard as your favorite?

There is no such thing as a bad spaceflight. They all had shining moments for me.

Can you describe the feeling of looking out at the Earth for the first time from space?

I cannot adequately express the visceral feeling of realizing you are no longer on the planet. What you see is only a sliver of the feeling.

What were some of your career goals when you were studying aerospace engineering at CU Boulder?

NASA was not hiring astronauts when I graduated from college. I applied as an engineer to the Johnson Space Center (JSC), but 1974 was a severe downtime for aerospace engineers in all industries. I also applied for 27 other jobs around the country that were not hiring at the time. I was offered and accepted a job with Abbott Laboratories, and shortly after I got a call from the JSC saying I’d been offered an engineering position in a new class — which I then accepted.

How does it feel to be selected for the Astronaut Hall of Fame?

I am honored to have been considered and selected for induction. There have been 106 men and women inducted into the AHOF since 1990, covering the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs. It is overseen by the Astronaut Scholarship Fund which, to date, has given over $8 million in scholarships to more than 790 students in STEM fields at partner universities across the country.

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Photo courtesy Marsha Ivins

Marsha Ivins (AeroEngr’73) is a retired astronaut who has participated in five missions to space. This year, she was selected as a 2024 inductee for the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors in the industry.

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