The College of Natural Sciences’ central mission is to train and educate successful scientists, scholars, and responsible citizens. In the college, dedicated professors and strong research programs enable students to become vital participants in the scientific process while preparing to contribute actively and skillfully in a world where knowledge of science and technology has become the standard.
Recent News & Resources
Centering Equity in STEM: 2020 Virtual Noyce Summit
STEM @ CSU
, Developing STEM Education, Outreach, and Engagement Activities
| August 21, 2020
Centering Equity to Humanize the Process of Coming Back Together I have the fortune of being a part of the CSU Robert Noyce Scholarship program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Noyce program encourages talented science,...
New CSU study looks at how teachers are adapting to COVID-19 disruptions
CSU STEM Center
, STEM @ CSU
| June 15, 2020
Laura Sample McMeeking, Director of the STEM Center, is part of a team of researchers, led by Meena Balgopal (Associate Professor, Biology) to study how novice STEM teachers are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. Additional support was provided by the...
A History of Broadening Participation Within the National Science Foundation
Developing STEM Education, Outreach, and Engagement Activities
| February 10, 2020
This is post 1 of 5 in the Broadening Participation and Broader Impacts Series The terms broadening participation and broader impacts have been used extensively in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, especially within STEM funding solicitations and proposals....
Upcoming STEM Events & Activities
Little Shop of Physics Spring Science Extravaganza
The Public | Science, STEM, Agriculture, General, Energy, Environment, Chemistry, Engineering, Life Science, Physical Science | On-campusThe Little Shop of Physics’ big outdoor event will return this year! They will have 200+ hands-on experiment stations to excite and inspire people of all ages and giant science demonstrations that can only be done outside! Stomp rockets, giant fog rings, blowers that launch balls into the air, and a grand finale that you...
More Details → about Little Shop of Physics Spring Science ExtravaganzaCurrent Projects
CAREER: Molecular Assemblies of Multidomain Signaling Protein on Membrane Surface
Abstract: Many proteins that carry out critical life processes are modular in structure, i.e., composed of multiple independent domains, and the intra- and intermolecular interactions among these domains determines function. Often, changes in these structural organization that leads to activation occurs at the cellular membrane, which remains experimentally inaccessible. This project will develop a technology…
Award Amount: $786,920
College/Institution: College of Natural Sciences
Start Date: 01/01/2023
End Date: 12/31/2027
Source of Funding: NSF
CAREER: The Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the C. Elegans Intestinal Gene Regulatory Network
Abstract: Gene regulatory networks direct development, cell identity, and homeostasis. How some gene regulatory networks change from directing organ development in embryonic stages to supporting organ functions in juvenile and adult stages has not been sufficiently explored. Furthermore, the microbiome’s influence on the biology of organ systems is just beginning to be appreciated. This project…
Award Amount: $542,888.00
College/Institution: College of Natural Sciences
Start Date: 03/01/2022
End Date: 02/28/2027
Source of Funding: NSF
CAREER: The role of seasonal migration in avian diversification
Abstract: The goal of this project is to explore the role of natural selection on the wintering grounds of seasonal migratory birds in maintaining or opposing adaptive divergence. The project takes advantage of the wealth of information available for one of the most widely studied groups of animals. Additionally, the work will provide important information…
Award Amount: 1114243
College/Institution: College of Natural Sciences
Start Date: 07/01/2020
End Date: 06/30/2025
Source of Funding: NSF
Supporting Teacher Scholars through Education and Professional Development in Place-Based Education
This project aims to serve the national need for high-quality science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers. Specifically, this project is designed to increase the number of highly effective STEM teachers in high-need K-12 school districts in Colorado. At least 80% of school districts in Colorado serve rural communities and have trouble recruiting and retaining…
Award Amount: $732,201.00
College/Institution: College of Natural Sciences
Start Date: 10/01/2020
End Date: 09/30/2025
Source of Funding: NSF
CAREER: Multicolor imaging of single mRNA translational heterogeneity in living cells
The goal of this project is to understand how translation of mRNA to protein is orchestrated at the single molecule level in living cells. Through the creation of open-source tools for fluorescence microscopy, long-standing models of gene regulation will be tested by direct visualization, to better understand and ultimately control protein synthesis in both natural…
Award Amount: 131,568
College/Institution: College of Natural Sciences
Start Date: 07/01/2019
End Date: 06/30/2024
Source of Funding: NSF
