Office of Research Services, University of Colorado Denver

CU DENVER DISCOVER

Letter from Phillip De Leon

Dear colleagues,

It is both a privilege and an honor to serve as your associate vice chancellor for research and chief research officer over the last three years. Every day, I am inspired by the remarkable work of our faculty—your dedication, creativity, and pursuit of knowledge continue to elevate CU Denver’s research reputation and enrich our academic community.

As we move forward, our university’s research ecosystem is growing stronger and more dynamic. We are building new partnerships, expanding our research network, and fostering a culture of innovation that supports both established and emerging scholars. The achievements of our faculty and student researchers—across disciplines and communities—are a source of immense pride. These successes not only advance knowledge but also enhance CU Denver’s reputation as a leading urban public research university.

As part of our ongoing evolution, I am pleased to announce that our office is changing its name from the Office of Research Services to the Research Development Office in 2026. This new name better reflects our strategic, proactive, and capacity-increasing approach to supporting research and creative work. Research development is about more than just services—it’s about cultivating opportunities, strengthening collaborations, and empowering researchers to reach their full potential.

This newsletter is one of several new initiatives designed to reflect the continued importance of research at CU Denver. Our goal is to keep you informed of key developments, celebrate accomplishments, and share information and resources that support your work. Expect to receive this newsletter once per semester. We welcome your feedback and contributions as we build this platform together.

Thank you for all that you do! I look forward to another year of collaboration, innovation, and impact. The future of research and creative activity at CU Denver is bright.

Phillip De Leon
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research | Chief Research Officer
Professor of Electrical Engineering

Two people standing in a lab

CU Denver Develops Quantum Tool that May Lead to Gamma-Ray Lasers and Access the Multiverse

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Groundbreaking Study by CU Denver, MIT Shows Impact of Air Pollution on Women’s Health

Research Updates

The Office of Research Services is here to support you. As you know, Congress failed to reach an agreement for a continuing resolution before its Sept. 30 deadline, which resulted in a federal government shutdown starting on Oct. 1. As the federal government shutdown continues, please check our website for updates and important information. The Office of Research Services website is also an excellent place to find out more about our consultations and our Faculty Grants Academy. These are just a few ways we can support your work.

By the Numbers

Total awards for fiscal year 2025: $27.5 million

Total expenditures for fiscal year 2025: $29.6 million

Expenditures to date for 2026 (as of September): $7.3 million

Total awards to date for 2026 (as of September): $10.9 million

Notable Grants

Erik Oleson, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Awarding Organization: National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Drug Abuse
Research Title: Cannabinoid Tolerance Across Neurodevelopment: Disruption of Value-Driven Behavior and Prevention Through Physical Activity

Guoying Dong, College of Engineering, Design and Computing
Awarding Organization: National Science Foundation
Research Title: Direct Ink Writing of Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Smart Composites: Adaptive Processing with Sustainable Design Integration

Kristie Kauerz, School of Education & Human Development
Awarding Organization: The Buffett Early Childhood Institute
Research Title: Early Childhood Policy in Institutes of Higher Education Core

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