Undergraduate Research Program
Undergraduate Research Grant Recipients
Congratulations to all students who have been awarded up to $500 for work on their undergraduate research project!
2017 - 2018 Recipients
Student |
Major |
Faculty Mentor |
Project Title |
---|---|---|---|
Lynzee Allen |
Pre-Medicine | Douglas Petcoff | Thermal Tolerance in Cutthroat/Rainbow Trout Hybrids |
Katharine |
Baughn | Robert Hancock | Auditory Analysis of Mosquito Mating Behaviors and Satyrization Resistance in Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictu |
Scott-Wesley Bean |
Biochemistry | Megan Filbin-Wong | Identifying Critical RNA Structures for Translation Initation in the 3' CITE of Blackcurrent Reversion Nepovirus (BRV) RNA 2 Genomic RNA |
Derek Clark |
Biochemistry | Andrew Bonham | DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticle complexes for biomolecular detection via surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy |
Jenessa Fischer |
Biology | Christopher Meloche | Survival and Distrubtion of Sedum Species on an Urban Green Roof in the Rocky Mountain Region |
Michelle Franco |
Art | Sandra Lane | Global Mascaraed |
Josiah Goodley |
Mechanical Engineering | Devi Kalla | Additive Maufacturing and Advanced Composites Ingetrated Wheel |
Austin Haider |
Biochemistry |
Douglas Petcoff |
Heat Shock Expression in Colorado Cutthroat-Rainbow Trout Species |
Steven Hauser |
Psychology |
Jovan Hernandez |
Student Veterans Experience with Discrimination |
Rebecca Keen |
Biology | Christy Carello | The Effect of Habitat Alteration on Hummingbird Diversity in Costa Rica |
Joshua Kenning |
Mechanical Engineering | Ananda Paudel | Additive Manufacturing Applied to Orthopedic Casts |
Andrew |
Lewis | Garry Farmer | Investigation of the Rate of Toxic Metals Bioaccumulation in the Aquatic Species of the Upper Arkansas River |
Traci Lundstrom |
Psychology | Courtney Rocheleau | Psychological Benefits of Short Term Yoga Intervention with Incarcerated Women |
Marcos Maldonado |
Biology | Andrew Bonham | Conductive Gel Polymers as an Extracellular Matrix Mimic and Cell Vehicle for Cardiac Tissues Engineering |
Samantha Mills |
Environmental Science | Sarah Schliemann | Point Source Pollution in the South Platte River |
Ahern Nelson |
Mathematics | Elizabeth Ribble | Applied Analysis of Watersheds: A Public Health Analysis of Bear Creek Watershed |
Anna Nguyen |
Biochemistry | Andrew Bonham | Rapid and Noninvasive Diagnostics of Celiac Disease |
Faye Olsgard |
Anthropology | Sarah Harman | Facing the Past: The Nicoya Child |
Jacob Paul |
Mechanical Engineering | Ananda Paudel | Water Directed Solar Concentrator |
Steven Reeves |
Environmental Science | Sarah Schliemann | Sources of Pollution in the South Platte River |
Andrew Strosnider |
Biology | Helene Ver Eecke | Degradation of Polyethylene Film by Microbial Communities |
Justin Valdez |
Mechancial Engineering | Devi Kalla | Clean River Design Challenge, Removing Trash and Other Forms of Pollution from Flowing Waterways |
RoseAnn Vik |
Biology | Sheryl Zajdowics | Evaluation of Cranberry Extract in the Inhibition of Microbial Growth and Biofilm Formation |
2016 - 2017 Recipients
Student |
Major |
Faculty Mentor |
Project Title |
---|---|---|---|
Nathan Aist |
Biology | Michael Ketterer | Secondary Lead Smelting and the Antimony Hypothesis: Soil Contamination in Readking, Pennsylvania |
Alija Vlonjat |
Biology |
Hsiu-Ping Liu |
Mitochondrial Gene Order in Bruneau Hot Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis Bruneauensis) |
Caitlin Babbitt |
Biology |
Hsiu-Ping Liu |
A New Efficient Method of Polymerase Chain Reaction for Snails |
Tristen Bryce |
Mechanical Engineering Technology |
Devi Kalla |
Portable Mechanically Driven Bicycle Charger |
Chase Buerck |
Art |
Sandra Lane |
Blurring the Lines of Ceramic and Metal |
Daniel Clark |
Geospatial Sciences |
Sarah Schliemann |
The Effect of Wastewater Effluent on Soil and Water Chemistry Along the South Platte River |
Kathryn Davis |
Psychology |
Lisa Badanes |
Synchrony and Mindfulness and Study |
Deva DeAngelis-Lowe |
Ecological Restoration |
Helene Ver Eecke |
Mircobial Comparison in Wetlands of Varying Health |
Lisa Fetter |
Biology |
Andrew Bonham |
Aptamer-based Electrochemcial Biosensor for the Detection of the Cancer-Related Protein, ENOX2 |
Edgar Flores |
Mechanical Engineering Technology |
Devi Kalla |
Strength, Stiffness, and Linear Roughness of As-Printed ASTM E8 Test Specimen from Three Orientations to Evaluate the Efficacy of Additive Manufacturing Technique |
Cesar Garcia |
Chemistry |
Megan Filbin-Wong |
Effect of Bleach and Bleach Neutralization on the Detection of Blood in Forensic Analysis |
Jena Jacobs |
Biology |
Andrew Bonham |
Sensitive Serologic Detection of Pathogenic Mycoplasma via Diagnostic Electrochemical Biosensor |
Alexander Leith |
Physics |
Richard Krantz |
The Use of Fluid Dynamic Principles in Plasma Creation and their Proposed Use in Nanoparticle Separation |
Traci Lundstrom |
Psychology |
Courtney Rocheleau |
Psychological and Physiological Benefits of Short Term Yoga Intervention with Incarcerated Women |
Patrick Marsden |
Biochemistry |
Andrew Bonham |
Metobolic Analysis and Biochemcial Pathway Modeling of the Nitrification Cycle of Nitrosomonas Europaea, Using Metabolomics and Metabolic Flux Analysis |
Todd Matuszewicz |
Chemistry |
April Hill |
The Methodological Development of Lipid Residue Analysis in Archaeological Pottery Samples |
Thomas McLaughlin |
Art |
Sandra Lane |
The Shape of Light-Holography in Art |
Ashley Raykovitz |
Biochemistry |
Vida Melvin |
Quantitating the Expression of Transcription Factor AP-2a Splice Variants During Zebrafish Development |
Danielle Russell |
Mechanical Engineering |
Devi Kalla |
Cube Sat Axes Rotation Simulator |
Andrea Speer |
Biology |
Sheryl Zajdowicz |
The Evaluation of the Efficacy of Silver in the Inhibition of Genetic Transfer in Bacteria |
Christian Sroka |
Mechanical Engineering Technology |
Devi Kalla |
Breeze Battery |
Steven Stier |
Mathematics |
Elizabeth Ribble |
Applied Analysis of Watersheds of the Bear Creek Watershed |
Ginger Stout |
Biology |
Helene Ver Eecke |
Protocol Optimization of Recovering and Culturing Yeast from Bottled Beer |
2015 - 2016 Recipients
Student |
Major |
Faculty Mentor |
Project Title |
---|---|---|---|
Alija Vlonjat |
Biology |
Hsiu-Ping Liu |
Mitochondrial Gene Order in Pyrgulopsis Bruneauensis |
Matthew Coughlin |
Environmental Science |
Garry Farmer |
Investigation of Dissolved Heavy Metals Accumulated in Trout Species Collected from Georgetown Reservior |
Stephen Cowperthwait |
Mechanical Engineering Technology |
Devi Kalla |
Design, Construction, and Testing of a Small Homopolar Spot Welder |
Jessica Daniel |
Biology |
Andrew Bonham |
Optimization of Electrochemical Biosensors for Medical Applications |
Tim Erickson |
Mechanical Engineering Technology |
Devi Kalla |
Autonomous Surface Vehicle with Deployable Remote Operated Vehicle (ASV/ROV) |
Lisa Fetter |
Biology |
Andrew Bonham |
Aptamer-based Electrochemical Biosensor for the Detection of the Cancer-Related Protein, ENOX2 |
Cynthia Forsythe |
Biology |
Hsiu-Ping Liu |
Genetic Variation of Pyrgulopsis Kolobensis, a Springsnail Found in Utah and Nevada |
David Harper |
Psychology |
Courtney Rocheleau |
To Donate or not to Donate; Making Decisions About Organ Donation |
Jena Jacobs |
Biology |
Andrew Bonham |
Sensitive Serologic Detection of Pathogenic Mycoplasma via Diagnostic Electrochemical Biosensor |
Susan Jett |
Biochemistry |
Andrew Bonham |
Design of Uranyl Ion Biosensors for Water Quality and Safety |
Nicholas Kuehl |
Chemistry |
Ethan Tsai |
Synthesis of Novel Bent-Core Liquid Crystalline Materials |
Katherine Ludeman |
Mechanical Engineering Technology |
Devi Kalla |
Optimization of Process Parameters in Direct Metal Laser Sintering to Develop Ti02 Reinforced Ti6AI4V Metal Matrix Composites |
Ricky Martinez |
Biology |
Christy Carello |
The Affect of Habitat Restoration on Avian Populations on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast |
Evan Morrison |
Chemistry |
Megan Filbin-Wong |
Determination of Secondary and Tertiary Structures in Blackcurrant Reversion Virus RNA 2 Domains Involved in Translation |
Mallory O'Connell |
Integrative Health Care |
Carol Jensen |
Evaluating the Impact of Service Learning Projects on Student Retention within the Integrative Health Care Degree Program at Metropolitan State University of Denver |
Faye Olsgard |
Art |
Ted Shin |
Recognizing Costa Rica's National Treasures: The Ancient People of Nicoya |
Alicia Payne |
Biology |
Hsiu-Ping Liu |
Identifying Physa Natricina in the Snake River |
Joshua Pedrick |
Biology |
Hsiu-Ping Liu |
Testing "Frest" Fluminicola Species Concepts with Mitochondrial DNA |
James Richardson |
Biology |
Helene Ver Eecke |
Assessment of the Microbial Population and the Enrichment of Sulfate-reducing and Iron-reducing Bacteria from Sites Recently Contaminated with Acid Mine Drainage |
Elizabeth Shield |
Biology |
Megan Filbin-Wong |
Determining the Secondary Structure of Viral Non-coding RNAs that Direct Protein Synthesis |
Travis Sullivan |
Hydrogeology - IDP |
Uwe Kackstartter |
An Analytical Physical and Laboratory Investigation of the Formation of Chlorargyrite (AgCI) in the Springdale Sandstone of Silver Reef Mining District Outside of Leeds, Utah |
Marlene Ventura |
Psychology |
Cynthia Erickson |
Effects of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus (JB1) Probiotic on Human Cognition |
David Watson |
Biology |
Rebecca Ferrell |
Identifying the Human Component in Storm Sewer Outfall of Denver, Colorado |
2014 - 2015 Recipients
Student |
Major |
Faculty Mentor |
Project Title |
---|---|---|---|
Stephen Aderholdt |
Biology |
Rebecca Ferrell |
Water Quality in Lower Bear Creek |
Kinda Alquatli |
Biology |
Garry Farmer & Helene Ver Eecke |
Investigation of Anaerobic Microbial Populations in a Metal Impacted High Altitude Marsh |
Anastasia Bacca |
Psychology |
Lisa Badanes |
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Conformity |
Chase Buerck |
Ceramics |
Robin Johnson |
Pushing the Boundaries of Ceramics |
William Carver |
MET |
Devi Kalla |
Design, Construction & Testing of an Automated Micro-CHP Platform |
Mary Culkin |
Biology |
Rebecca Ferrell |
Nitrogen-cycling on an Urban Green Roof |
Alec Curtis |
Biology |
Rebecca Ferrell |
Nitrogen Cycling Associated with a Green Roof |
Lisa Fetter |
Biology |
Andrew Bonham |
Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Biosensor Design for Ricin Toxin Chain A (RTA) |
Jillian Foss |
Human Nutrition - Dietetics |
Ann Diker |
Food Attitudes and Behaviors Before and After an Introductory Nutrition Course |
Jesse Freelong |
MET |
Devi Kalla |
Designing and Building 3-D Printer / CNC router Using Stepper motors |
Eric Klein |
Biology & Psychology |
Mark Mazurek |
Transfer of Learned Bias in Motion Discrimination. |
Alexandria Martini |
Biology |
Jennifer Gagliardi-Seeley |
Male mate choice and pair bond success in the monogamous, bi-parental convict cichlid fish (Amatitlania nigrofasciatus) |
Faye Olsgard |
Art & Anthropology |
David Hill |
“To Find Oneself is to Find Our Humanity.” J. Deredia y Dr. M. Amoretti |
Victoria Ratcliffe |
Biology |
Hsiu-Ping Liu |
Utilizing Mitochondrial DNA to Delineate Maternal Heritage in Desert-Dwelling Elephants of Namibia |
Kimberly Richard |
Biology |
Robert Hancock |
Hymenopteran Richness and Abundance as a Possible Indicator of Ecosystem Recovery after Change |
Jonathan Richards |
Biochemistry & Psychology |
Andrew Bonham |
Electrochemical Biosensor Development for Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT/A) Detection |
Holly Roberts |
Psychology |
Cynthia Erickson |
The Effects of Expertise on Visual Memory |
Francisco Sanchez |
MET |
Devi Kalla |
Variable condition wind generation system |
Morgan Spedale |
Chemistry |
Garry Farmer |
Determination of Toxic Trace Metal Compounds in Trout Species in Colorado Mountain Streams |
Tamara Tabb |
English |
Elizabeth Kleinfeld |
Anxiety Alternatives |
David Watson |
Biology |
Rebecca Ferrell |
Can E. coli reproduce in an urban outfall |
2013 - 2014 Recipients
Student | Major | Faculty Mentor | Project Title |
---|---|---|---|
Richard Anderson | MET | Lynne Zhao-Bowden | Small Scale Three Stage Cascade Refrigeration System to Liquify Natural Gas |
Tessa Arends | Biology | Joanne Odden | Analysis of Bacterial 16S Ribosomal Gene Shifts in Alpine Soil during Induced Freeze-Thaw Cycles |
Tami Bishop | Environmental Science | Jason Janke | Storm Water Mitigation Best Management Practices: A Study On The Design and Function |
Michael Clark | Biology | Dr. Robert Hancock | Evaluating the Potential of Methoprene Resistance in Culex Mosquitoes |
Frank Erickson | Accounting | Kyle Matese | The Integration of International Accounting within Collegiate Accounting Curricula in the United States |
Megan Fowler | IDP - Queer Studies | Carol Quinn | Trans* Experiences with Dating |
Alyssa Herrin | Biology | Dr. Jennifer Gagliardi-Seeley | Male Mate Choice in Convict Cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciatus) |
David Lauten | CIS | Dr. Biswadip Ghosh | Tangibles vs. Intangibles: What is Important in Selecting an Outsourcing Vendor? |
Brian Lenherr | Environmental Science | Dr. Eric Ball | Evaluation of Digestion Techniques for Metals Analysis in Tissue Samples |
Peter Leon | History | Ellen Slatkin | From Wagner to Taft-Hartley: The Colorado Labor Peace Act of 1943 and Its Impact on National Labor Legislation |
Nickolas Nelson | Chemistry, Biology | Dr. Andrew Bonham Dr. Douglas Petcoff |
A Model to Foster Myelination, In Vitro, of Neural Cells Differentiated from Neural Precursor Stem Cells |
Jeremy O'Brien | Chemistry, Biology | Dr. Andrew Bonham | Development of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Myc-Max: DNA Interactions |
Erica Prather | Biology | Dr. Rebecca Ferrell | Nitrogen Cycling in Green Roof Soil |
Laura Roon | Chemistry, Biology | Dr. Andrew Bonham Dr. Douglas Petcoff |
Development of a Model for the Maintenance, Differentiation, and Characterization of Neural Precursor Stem Cells |
Sherice Shiner | Biology | Dr. Joanne Odden | Kombucha Characterization and SEM Evaluation |
Alan Smith | Meteorology | Dr. Richard Wagner | Synoptic Climatology of Heavy Snow Events in Colorado's Mountain Ranges and the Resulting Effects on Avalanche Potential |
Joshua Sowick | Chemistry | Dr. Andrew Bonham | Electrochemical Biosensors - Detection of Cell Growth Transcription Factor c-myc |
Morgan Spedale | Chemistry | Garry Farmer | Correlation of Dissolved Trace Metals and Black Fly Larvae Toxicity in a Colorado Mountain Stream |
Wesley Underwood | Land Use | Dr. Stella Todd | Cenote and Cave Passage Detection Using Vegetation Analysis of High Resolution Multispectral Satellite Imagery |
Lukas Vaznonis | MET | Lynne Zhao-Bowden | Heat Transfer Manipulation of Friction Based Vehicle Braking Systems |
David Watson | Biology | Dr. Rebecca Ferrell | Longitudinal Water Quality Sampling of Bear Creek During Winter 2013-2014 |
Anastasia Zavilla | Psychology | Dr. Cynthia Erickson | Experience in Performance of Winter Sports Alters Perception of Mountain Terrain |
2012 - 2013 Recipients
Student | Major | Faculty Mentor | Project Title |
---|---|---|---|
Tessa Arends | Biology | Joanne Odden | Shifts in the Diversity of Soil Bacteria during Freeze-Thaw Cycles in Tundra Soils at Rocky Mountain National Park |
Ryan Balke | Psychology | Lesley Hathorn | Religious Belief and Scientific Belief |
Corbin Bradford | Biology | Hsiu-Ping Liu | Taxonomic clarification of upper Klamath basin pebblesnails |
Aviva Bulow | Biology | Douglas Petcoff | Effects of Oxidative Stress on Xenopus laevis Oocytes |
Jennifer Burdess | Art | Sandy Lane | In a Trice |
Arijana Jaksic | Psychology | Lesley Hathorn | Language Learning and Television |
Vanessa Langness | Biology | Douglas Petcoff | The Role of Sphingomyelinase in Maturation and Apoptosis in Xenopus Oocytes |
Gregory Mastin | Psychology | Lesley Hathorn | The effects of urban noise on prairie dog language |
Mark Nelson | Biology | Mark Mazurek | On Oxygen Therapy Heat Transfer in Extreme Cold at Moderately High Altitude to Hypothermia |
Nickolas Nelson | Biology | Douglas Petcoff | Investigation of Extracellular Microenvironments and Small Molecule Chemistry for the Maintenance and Differentiation of Pluripotent Embryonic Stem Cells to Foster Neural Specification |
Jacob Paschall | Biology | Mark Mazurek | Investigating the Effects of Spatial References in the Timing of the Flash-Lag Illusion |
Jonathon Pries | IDP | Biswadip Ghosh | Exploratory Study of Effects of Training System Acceptance on User Training Program Outcomes |
Jennifer Raby | Sociology | Jeff London | Adolescent Truancy and Juvenile Delinquency: Testing Differential Oppression Theory |
Morgan Spedale | Chemistry | Garry Farmer | A Comparison of Aqueous Metals Sampling and Preparation Techniques |
David Watson | Biology | Robert Hancock | Dry Season Prevalence and Serovar Diversity of Leptospira in Kerala, India |
Nate Wilson | MET | Devi Kalla | A Study on Mechanical Properties of Green Composites |
Julia Woodward | Anthropology | David Hill | The Philippi Mummy Project |