Announcements & Deadlines

Mary Rippon theater reopening with Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:48:55 +0000

Mary Rippon theater reopening with Colorado Shakespeare Festival Megan M Rogers Thu, 06/04/2026 - 06:48

After a two-year renovation as part of the Hellems project, the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre is ready to welcome audiences back. Long a centerpiece of CU ��Ĵ�ý’s cultural life, the theatre has hosted generations of performances and remains home to the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, founded in 1958 and now the nation’s second‑longest‑running Shakespeare festival. Its reopening comes during CU ��Ĵ�ý’s 150th anniversary year, connecting this milestone to a broader celebration of the university’s history, growth and enduring impact.

“Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s return to Mary Rippon is an exciting moment for CU Presents and for our entire community,” said Andrew Metzroth, executive director of CU Presents. “We are thrilled to welcome audiences back to this iconic venue and to launch a new season of performances that celebrate storytelling, connection and shared experience under the Colorado sky.”

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival returns to the newly renovated Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre beginning June 7 with Shakespeare’s comedy "Twelfth Night."

Updates to the space focused on improving accessibility, including upgraded restrooms, new indoor and outdoor gathering areas and better ADA access and seating. These improvements are woven thoughtfully into the building’s historic character, preserving its identity while enhancing its function. The project also restores historic elements and ensures the theatre can serve students, performers and the community for decades to come.

The reopening honors the legacy of Mary Rippon. In 1878, she became CU’s first female professor, and one of the first women in the nation to teach at a state university. During her more than 30 years at CU, she earned deep respect from students and colleagues alike. In 1936, the university dedicated the outdoor theatre in her name, recognizing her lasting impact on the arts and humanities.

The reopening marks not just the return of performances, but also a renewed investment in the arts and humanities, which are core to the university’s mission and student experience.

“The Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre has always been a place where ideas, creativity and community come together,” said Daryl Maeda, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Its reopening ensures that students, performers and audiences can continue to experience the power of the arts in a setting that honors our history while supporting the future of learning.”

Photo by Steve Wiesenthal

Photo by Steve Wiesenthal

After two years of renovations, the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre is ready to welcome audiences back for storytelling under the Colorado sky. Its reopening during CU ��Ĵ�ý's 150th anniversary highlights the theater's longstanding place in campus life.

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Gov. Jared Polis signs higher education bills at CU ��Ĵ�ý

Elizabeth Lock — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:00:28 +0000

Gov. Jared Polis signs higher education bills at CU ��Ĵ�ý Elizabeth Lock Mon, 06/01/2026 - 16:00

Karalyn Canada

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis visited CU ��Ĵ�ý on Monday for a bill-signing ceremony, highlighting three higher education measures aimed at expanding student access and strengthening Colorado's colleges and universities.

Among the bills Polis signed was HB26-1078, a CU-initiated measure focused on expanding off-campus courses and concurrent enrollment opportunities for Colorado students. The bill, known as “Off-Campus Courses and Concurrent Enrollment Programs,” is designed to increase access to higher education pathways by supporting partnerships between colleges, universities and K-12 schools across the state.

Polis also signed HB26-1006, which creates thriving institution designations for higher education institutions, and HB26-1016, which continues Colorado's Open Educational Resources Program to help reduce textbook and course material costs for students.

The ceremony included brief remarks from Polis, CU system President Todd Saliman and bill sponsors: Representatives Lesley Smith and Eliza Hamrick. CU ��Ĵ�ý Chancellor Justin Schwartz was in attendance alongside Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor Kenneth Christensen, Regent Elliott Hood and Regent Ilana Spiegel.

CU system's Office of Government Relations is a full-time resource, helping build partnerships between the university and external stakeholders. Alongside CU ��Ĵ�ý's Office for Outreach and Community Engagement, it can assist campus community members with inviting state or federal officials to campus, meeting with legislators, fulfilling requests from elected officials, preparing for legislative testimonies and more.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis visited CU ��Ĵ�ý on June 1 for a bill-signing ceremony, highlighting three higher education measures aimed at expanding student access and strengthening Colorado's colleges and universities.

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East Campus solar array begins delivering electricity

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:15:57 +0000

East Campus solar array begins delivering electricity Megan M Rogers Wed, 05/27/2026 - 09:15

The 1.1-megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar array, located on a two-acre site east of Lot 560 on East Campus, is now operational. The project was approved by the Board of Regents in June 2024 and broke ground last April.

The array is expected to generate about 1.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity each year—offsetting roughly 1% of CU ��Ĵ�ý’s total electricity use and saving an estimated $120,000 annually in energy costs.

“This project is another example of how CU ��Ĵ�ý continues to put campus climate action into practice through investments in our infrastructure,” said Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. “Through our ongoing campus sustainability efforts, we’re aligning investments toward meeting our climate action goals with delivering resilient infrastructure that will serve the campus for decades to come.”

The project, delivered in partnership with contractor McKinstry, supports CU ��Ĵ�ý’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve a linear reduction to zero emissions by 2050.

With the addition of the East Campus array, CU ��Ĵ�ý now has about 3.5 megawatts of solar capacity across campus, generating enough electricity to power the CU Events Center and Folsom Field combined. The new system is the university’s second ground-mounted array and complements 10 rooftop solar installations already in place.

This summer, CU ��Ĵ�ý will add another major installation when a 5-megawatt project being developed in Weld County through a partnership with Pivot Energy is completed.

CU ��Ĵ�ý's newest solar installation, a 1.1-megawatt array just north of ��Ĵ�ý Creek on East Campus, is officially up and running and helping advance the university's Climate Action Plan goals.

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UROP celebrates undergraduate research grants, mentor awards, more

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:10:32 +0000

UROP celebrates undergraduate research grants, mentor awards, more Megan M Rogers Tue, 05/19/2026 - 13:10

Join the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in celebrating the 2026 Savit Scholars, the 2026 Mentor Award recipients, and the students and faculty who were awarded project grants.

Savit Scholars

UROP's Savit Scholars are recognized for projects that promise to push disciplinary boundaries and create space for creativity, expression and connection—celebrate these impressive students and read excerpts from their project proposals.

Mentor Award recipients

UROP's Mentor Award recognizes individuals supporting CU ��Ĵ�ý undergraduates on research and creative projects—celebrate these inspiring mentors and read excerpts from the students' nominations.

Team project grants

UROP Team Project Grants of $4,000 are awarded to inspiring faculty members who support teams of CU ��Ĵ�ý undergraduates on a wide range of research projects.

Summer grants
For the summer term, UROP awarded 19 projects—supporting 68 student researchers across 11 departments—for a total of $76,000 in funding.

Learn More

Academic year grants
For the 2026–27 academic year, UROP awarded 19 projects—supporting 135 students across 11 departments—for a total of $76,000 in funding.

Learn More

Get involved—open opportunities

CU ��Ĵ�ý undergraduates are invited to join these winning teams on a wide range of projects in many majors.

Explore Summer Opportunities

Explore 2026–27 Opportunities

Student project grants

UROP Student Project Grants are awarded to support undergraduate students' engagement with the research and creative life of the CU ��Ĵ�ý campus.

Summer grants
For the summer term, UROP awarded 22 assistantships and 48 individual grants, for a total of $188,000 in funding across 24 departments.

Learn More

Academic year grants
For the 2026–27 academic year, UROP awarded 20 assistantships and 50 individual grants, for a total of $94,500 in funding across 23 departments.

Learn More

Join the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in celebrating the 2026 Savit Scholars, the 2026 Mentor Award recipients, and the students and faculty who were awarded project grants.

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2 CU ��Ĵ�ý honorees receive President's Inclusive Excellence Awards

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:50:10 +0000

2 CU ��Ĵ�ý honorees receive President's Inclusive Excellence Awards Megan M Rogers Fri, 05/08/2026 - 10:50

CU ��Ĵ�ý graduate student Connor Antonio Diaz and Assistant Dean Patricia Gonzalez were among five systemwide recipients of the CU President’s Inclusive Excellence Awards this year. The annual awards honor individuals and units from across the University of Colorado who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to building an environment where everyone can thrive.

Connor Antonio Diaz

A fourth-year graduate student in the Department of Geological Sciences, Diaz is striving to increase accessibility in STEM, improve pathways for underrepresented students and integrate inclusivity across educational, research and civic settings. By taking part in community and civic activities, he has learned strategies that inform his teaching and mentoring.

Diaz volunteers for the Denver Special Education Advisory Committee, a Denver Public Schools advisory group dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities through collaborative and intentional community engagement. His activities have included providing technical reviews of policy documents, presenting on research-based recommendations to city and state officials, and contributing to legislation (Colorado House Bill 25-1017) to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

Diaz also volunteers for the Gigi’s Playhouse network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, where he helps design STEM teaching modules, trains behavioral therapists in STEM integration and leads family-focused science events.

In his lab activities for an introductory geology course, Diaz implemented multimodal instruction—i.e., introducing concepts using visual, tactile and verbal approaches—to engage students in learning through multiple cognitive pathways, which can be helpful for students with ADHD.

Patricia Gonzalez

The transformative impact of Gonzalez reaches within and far beyond her corner of CU ��Ĵ�ý. In her role as assistant dean of the Office for Access and Community Engagement (ACE) in the College of Arts and Sciences, she supports students, faculty and staff. Among her first initiatives after arriving on campus in 2021 was the establishment of the ACE Mentoring Program for staff and faculty, pairing mentors and mentees to support greater understanding of the college and CU ��Ĵ�ý.

Gonzalez is intentional about ensuring every member of the college, regardless of title or position, has a voice. She works to elevate the potential she sees in those whose talents might otherwise be overlooked.

As co-founder and co-chair of the JEDI Leaders Community of Practice, Gonzalez helped build a community of over 128 members across CU ��Ĵ�ý. The structure and purpose of this engaged network of professionals was informed by Gonzalez’s clear vision of community, shared leadership and transparency. Her ability to cultivate a trusted, supportive environment has empowered JEDI leaders to engage in honest reflection, exchange strategies, learn from one another and build resilience.

Gonzalez also manages the ��Ĵ�ý County Latina League Empower Program, providing scholarships and student support, and leads the College of Arts and Sciences Action Plan 2.0 planning committee.

Beyond the college, her collaboration with the CU Police Department resulted in critical changes to police training, while her effort to ensure emergency alerts are delivered in multiple languages led to the improvement of safety and inclusion for thousands of students, faculty and staff. Gonzalez also played a vital role in campuswide efforts to ensure staff members receive parental leave upon hiring, creating parity with faculty and promoting a healthier, more humane work environment for all.

Gonzales holds a Doctor of Education.

CU ��Ĵ�ý graduate student Connor Antonio Diaz and Assistant Dean Patricia Gonzalez were among five systemwide recipients of the CU President’s Inclusive Excellence Awards this year.

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Call for nominations: 2027 Regent Awards

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:27:43 +0000

Call for nominations: 2027 Regent Awards Megan M Rogers Fri, 05/08/2026 - 09:27

Each year, the Board of Regents, along with faculty members from each campus, award extraordinary individuals with honorary degrees, university medals and distinguished service awards.

Nomination rules

A person may not nominate themselves.
A current university employee may not be nominated.
A public official currently serving in office may not be nominated.
A public official may be nominated two years after completion of their term of office.
A regent may submit a nomination but must recuse themselves from commenting and voting on the nomination.

An honorary degree is the highest award the University of Colorado can bestow. It is the policy of the regents to award this degree in recognition of outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas: intellectual contributions, university service, public service and/or philanthropy.

University medals are awarded in recognition of those persons whose achievements and contributions are particularly associated with the university.

Distinguished service awards are awarded in recognition of achievements and contributions particularly associated with the state and/or nation.

The deadline for nominations is Aug. 1. Please visit the regents website for information on the Regent Awards nomination process and to complete the nomination form.

The Board of Regents is now accepting nominations for the 2027 honorary degrees, university medals and distinguished service awards. Deadline is Aug. 1.

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CU ��Ĵ�ý recognized as Colorado's leading college blood donation site

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:47:18 +0000

CU ��Ĵ�ý recognized as Colorado's leading college blood donation site Megan M Rogers Thu, 05/07/2026 - 14:47

Members of Staff Council’s Blood Drive and Community Service Committee accepted the Campus Leadership in Giving Award at Vitalant’s annual Lifelines event.

CU ��Ĵ�ý has earned statewide recognition as the top college blood donor in Colorado, a distinction that reflects an extraordinary year of impact, leadership and community commitment through its 2025–26 academic year blood drives. Members of Staff Council’s Blood Drive and Community Service Committee accepted the Campus Leadership in Giving Award at Vitalant’s annual Lifelines event on April 29.

In partnership with Vitalant, CU ��Ĵ�ý Staff Council played a central role in organizing and hosting four highly successful blood drives throughout the academic year. Together, they mobilized students, faculty and staff to step forward and support a critical community need—ensuring hospitals have access to lifesaving blood supplies.

One of the most meaningful highlights from these efforts was the introduction of 194 first-time blood donors. These individuals represent more than just a single donation; they are the future of Colorado’s blood supply. Many may never have donated without the university's outreach and advocacy, and their continued participation has the potential to save countless lives in the years ahead.

CU ��Ĵ�ý’s drives were not only impactful, they were consistently strong. The university collected an average of 52 units per day across the four drives, contributing to an impressive 619 units of red cell and whole blood donations. When including plasma and additional red cell units, the total climbed to 654 units for the year, underscoring the scale and success of the initiative.

Save the date: Blood drives Sept. 22–24

The real measure of this achievement lies in its impact on the community. These donations will help provide lifesaving blood products to an estimated 1,962 individuals across ��Ĵ�ý County. Behind that number are real stories: patients undergoing surgery, individuals battling chronic illness, accident victims, and families relying on the availability of safe blood.

This recognition is not just a milestone; it is a testament to the CU ��Ĵ�ý community’s deep commitment to service and collective impact. Fueled by the generosity of students, faculty and staff, and supported through its long-standing partnership with Vitalant, the university is well-positioned to build on this momentum and expand its lifesaving impact in the years ahead.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Staff Council’s upcoming blood drives Sept. 22–24.

CU ��Ĵ�ý has been recognized by Vitalant as the top college blood donation site in the state of Colorado. Members of Staff Council accepted the Campus Leadership in Giving Award at the annual Lifelines event.

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CU ��Ĵ�ý blood drive in 2017 (Bonfils is now Vitalant). Photo by Glenn Asakawa/CU ��Ĵ�ý.

BOLDER��Ĵ�ý to eliminate plastic water bottles at Folsom Field finish line

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 06 May 2026 15:01:19 +0000

BOLDER��Ĵ�ý to eliminate plastic water bottles at Folsom Field finish line Megan M Rogers Wed, 05/06/2026 - 09:01

Planning to run the BOLDER��Ĵ�ý this year? Expect something new at the Folsom Field finish line.

The BOLDER��Ĵ�ý 10K has announced a major sustainability milestone for the 2026 race, eliminating plastic water bottles at the finish line. The initiative is a collaborative effort with CU ��Ĵ�ý.

Beginning with this year’s event, all finish-line hydration will transition to a more environmentally friendly model, designed to reduce waste while maintaining the highest standards of participant care.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, each finisher will receive a commemorative aluminum cup filled with water after crossing the finish line. In addition, multiple refill stations will be conveniently located outside the stadium, allowing participants to easily rehydrate following the race. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the refill stations and to properly reuse or recycle the aluminum cups following use.

The elimination of plastic water bottles is directly in line with ongoing recycling and composting efforts at Folsom Field. With the founding of Ralphie’s Green Stampede in 2008, Folsom Field became the first zero-waste football stadium in the nation, and sustainability is a priority for all events held at the venue.

The new BOLDER��Ĵ�ý initiative aligns with broader efforts across the CU ��Ĵ�ý campus and ��Ĵ�ý community to reduce single-use plastics and promote environmentally conscious event operations.

“This is an important step forward for the BOLDER��Ĵ�ý as we continue to evolve and lead in ways that reflect the values of our community,” said race director Cliff Bosley. “Working alongside CU ��Ĵ�ý, we are proud to introduce a solution that reduces our environmental footprint while still prioritizing the health, safety and experience of every participant.”

The initiative is supported by Nike, which will serve as the presenting sponsor of the aluminum cups distributed to participants.

Additional sustainability efforts for the 2026 BOLDER��Ĵ�ý

All participant race shirts are made from 100% GRS-certified recycled materials, reducing the environmental impact of race apparel production.
A continued partnership with We Don't Waste to ensure that unused food items from race weekend are redirected to individuals and communities in need of support.

“CU ��Ĵ�ý is proud to partner with the BOLDER��Ĵ�ý, one of our community’s most iconic events, to bring a shared commitment to sustainability into action,” said CU ��Ĵ�ý Chancellor Justin Schwartz.

“This initiative reflects how we approach sustainability at CU ��Ĵ�ý: through collaboration, innovation and strong partnerships across our community. Together, we’re helping deliver solutions that reduce environmental impact while enhancing the experience for participants and demonstrating how campus and community can come together to drive meaningful change.”

The BOLDER��Ĵ�ý, the third largest race in the United States and the largest 10K in the world, annually welcomes more than 50,000 participants to ��Ĵ�ý on Memorial Day. The race finishes inside Folsom Field, where 40,000 spectators celebrate runners as they complete the race.

Get more information about the 2026 BOLDER��Ĵ�ý.

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Record number of graduates celebrated at 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Greg B Swenson — Sat, 02 May 2026 13:37:03 +0000

Record number of graduates celebrated at 2026 Commencement Ceremony Greg B Swenson Sat, 05/02/2026 - 07:37

CU ��Ĵ�ý conferred a record 10,613 degrees—earned by 10,198 graduates—during the commencement ceremony on May 2, where an estimated 40,000 graduates, family members and friends celebrated under a crystal clear blue sky.

More than 165 faculty from colleges, schools and departments across campus also turned out to wish the graduates well at the ceremony.

After introductory remarks from commencement marshal Leigh Holman, Chancellor Justin Schwartz introduced commencement speaker Kristin Davis, best known for her role as Charlotte York in the HBO series “Sex and the City” and its revival “And Just Like That…”

“Take this moment in,” Davis said to the graduates. “You have formed powerful bonds through your experience here at this beautiful university at the feet of the Rocky Mountains. You have worked hard. I’m pretty sure you have played hard, as well. Know that you are ready for the next chapter.”

Schwartz then conferred degrees to the fall 2025 graduates and spring and summer 2026 candidates: 7,980 undergraduate degrees, 1,763 master's degrees, 481 doctoral degrees, 193 law degrees and 196 MBAs.

“My deepest hope for you is that your growth does not stop today,” Schwartz said. “The world ahead will keep changing, and the choices you make to keep learning and adapting will shape your path forward. And how you grow will ultimately determine how the world itself changes.”

Watch the video recording

Read the speech transcripts

Senior Class Council Director Ally Young concluded the ceremony by challenging her fellow graduates:

"Find balance in tradition and change-making," Young said. "There’s no Google Maps to guide us toward our destinations post-graduation. So—open your eyes and chart the map for yourself. Class of 2026—thank you and Sko Buffs."

During the ceremony, ROTC members, veterans, the 2026 Hazel Barnes Prize winner, the Chancellor Recognition Award recipients (students who received straight A's throughout their entire college career) and honorary doctorate degree recipients were all honored.

Dozens of spring recognition ceremonies across CU ��Ĵ�ý’s colleges, schools, departments and programs will continue throughout the weekend, featuring distinguished alumni speakers including astronaut Sarah Gillis; Beryl Stafford, founder and owner of Bobo’s Oat Bars; and Grammy Award–winning bass vocalist Wei Wu.

Commencement day in photos

Click images to enlarge. Photos by Glenn Asakawa, Casey Cass, Derek Marckel (CU ��Ĵ�ý/CU Athletics).

What the Class of 2026 wants you to know

Read words of wisdom from some of the many talented and innovative students who are graduating and starting on their next adventures. As they become Forever Buffs, they leave their inspirational legacies—with advice and reflection—for those who follow.

Discover the 2026 outstanding graduates

In tandem with the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, the university community is celebrating the outstanding graduates from across campus.

Read more commencement stories

CU ��Ĵ�ý conferred 10,613 degrees—earned by 10,198 graduates—during the commencement ceremony, where an estimated 40,000 graduates, family members, friends and faculty members celebrated under a crystal clear blue sky.

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Distinguished Professor Lee Niswander wins Hazel Barnes Prize

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:27:26 +0000

Distinguished Professor Lee Niswander wins Hazel Barnes Prize Megan M Rogers Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:27

Bradley Worrell

Lee Niswander, distinguished professor in the CU ��Ĵ�ý Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, has been awarded the 2026 Hazel Barnes Prize.

Established in 1991 by former Chancellor James Corbridge to honor the late Hazel Barnes, CU ��Ĵ�ý professor of philosophy from 1953 to 1986, the $20,000 Hazel Barnes Prize celebrates the enriching interrelationship between teaching and research. It is the largest and most prestigious award funded by the university.

“Professor Niswander exemplifies the very best of CU ��Ĵ�ý through groundbreaking research and a deep commitment to teaching and mentorship,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “Her scholarly impact, departmental leadership and dedication to students reflect both the spirit of the Hazel Barnes Prize and the values Hazel Barnes herself championed. We are proud to honor Dr. Lee Niswander for her lasting contributions to our university and to her field.”

Inside the work of Lee Niswander

Niswander received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from CU ��Ĵ�ý, her master’s degree in biochemistry and genetics from University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (now CU Anschutz) and her doctorate in genetics from Case Western University. She received her postdoctoral degree in developmental biology from the University of California San Francisco.

Since 2017, Niswander has served as professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology (MCDB) at CU ��Ĵ�ý. She was the chair of MCDB from 2017 to 2025.

As head of the Niswander Lab, she and her group investigate mouse models of embryonic development to provide insights into fundamental developmental processes, major human birth defects and potential clinical therapies. Her studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms that control formation of the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as lung, limb and neuromuscular development.

Niswander’s current focus is on early brain formation and birth defects that arise when normal brain formation goes awry, like failure of neural tube closure or maintenance of neural progenitor cells, resulting in spina bifida or microcephaly.

The Niswander Lab uses the mouse embryo and human-induced pluripotent stem cells as models of human development. The lab’s studies encompass genetics, epigenetics, environmental factors and live imaging to couple molecular insights to cell behaviors. Through collaborative efforts, Niswander Lab researchers are also exploring the genetic causes of neural tube defects in humans.

Niswander is the recipient of multiple awards and honors, including being named a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Research by the Pew Charitable Trusts and receiving the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers from the U.S. president. Additionally, she was a recipient of the Harland Winfield Mossman Developmental Biologists Award from the American Association of Anatomists in 2002, and she was an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute from 1997 to 2014.

Niswander was conferred a distinguished professorship by CU President Todd Saliman in 2024.

In 2026, Niswander received an Edwin G. Conklin Medal, which is awarded annually by the Society for Developmental Biology (SDB) to recognize a developmental biologist who has made and is continuing to make extraordinary research contributions to the field and is an excellent mentor, helping train the next generation of outstanding scientists.

In the words of colleagues

In letters supporting Niswander’s nomination for the Hazel Barnes Prize, colleagues noted her many contributions to MCDB and her skills as both a researcher and an instructor.

“(Niswander) embodies the best in teaching, research and scholarship and is wholly deserving of this highest honor,” said Robin Dowell, professor and associate chair of MCDB and the BioFrontiers Institute.

“She is a highly respected vertebrate developmental geneticist who had made major contributions over the years to our understanding of fundamental events in vertebrate embryonic development, including limb and lung development and neural tube closure. What makes her an ideal candidate for the Hazel Barnes Prize is how she integrates her research into her teaching at undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral levels.”

Tin Tin Su, professor and chair of MCDB, lauded Niswander as a “highly respected developmental geneticist who made major contributions to our understanding of limb and lung development and neural tube closure.”

Su noted Niswander has produced 123 peer-reviewed papers with more than 20,000 citations. Additionally, Su commended Niswander for the 45 graduate and postdoctoral students she trained and for her devoted attention to undergraduate education, including teaching undergraduate classes.

“I am thrilled and honored to receive the Hazel Barnes Prize. I thank MCDB and professors Tin Tin Su and Robin Dowell for the nomination,” Niswander said. “This award represents numerous research discoveries by many students and postdoctoral fellows throughout my career.”

She added that she is pleased that the Hazel Barnes award recognizes her focus on the confluence of teaching and research. One accomplishment she is particularly proud of during her tenure as MCDB chair was the creation of a partnership with Front Range Community College (FRCC) to provide summer research opportunities in CU ��Ĵ�ý Life Science labs to support FRCC students transferring to CU ��Ĵ�ý to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Niswander concluded, “To all who have contributed to my broader success, I am deeply grateful, and this award is shared with you.”

Distinguished Professor Lee Niswander, whose research seeks to provide insights into fundamental developmental processes, major human birth defects and potential clinical therapies, has received CU ��Ĵ�ý's most prestigious honor for 2026. The Hazel Barnes Prize each year recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies groundbreaking research and a deep commitment to teaching.

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