CU Denver Celebrates First-Ever Research Week - CU Denver News Skip to content Researchers work to develop a new lung model in Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Chelsea Magin's lab. The team includes students, faculty, and lab managers from CU Denver and CU Anschutz. April 19, 2026 Contents CU Denver’s first-ever Research Week is here, and as the state’s premier public urban research university, there is much to celebrate! Our faculty are exploring ways to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges. Both graduate and undergraduate students are working on cutting-edge studies. And this week, our campus hosts events that showcase and support scientific and creative inquiry. Plus, our downtown location gives students and faculty an exceptional opportunity to conduct research that can directly impact our communities. And because of our dedication to advancing scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs, CU Denver and CU Anschutz are jointly ranked as an R1 institution , a designation that represents “very high research activity.” To help us recognize this important week, we invite you to learn more about the impact of research at CU Denver and attend one of our research events to see the work in action. Faculty Expertise on Display at MixTape Stop by the Lawrence Street Center from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, to hear from some of our faculty researchers at the MixTape. Hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), the series features short, compelling presentations that highlight how the college’s programs contribute to society. The MixTape presenters are: Professor of Clinical Health Psychology Jim Grigsby , who researches the use of psychedelics to treat some medical conditions. Assistant Professor of Anthropology Anna Warrener , who studies the evolution of the human musculoskeletal system. Assistant Professor of Political Science Vanessa Navarro-Rodríguez , who examines how the extraction of natural resources affects Indigenous people’s identity and political behavior. Assistant Professor of Integrative Biology Michael Moore , who studies physiological and developmental limits on evolution, with a research focus on dragonflies and amphibians. Professor of English Nicky Beer , who is an award-winning poet and a poetry editor for the journal Copper Nickel. A Campuswide Focus Research at CU Denver spans many disciplines and topics, from medicine to engineering to behaviors that make us who we are, and more. Some examples include Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Chelsea Magin, who is developing a lung model to help advance the treatment of lung diseases that affect men and women differently. In CLAS, Professor of Clinical Health Psychology Kevin Masters’ research continues to shed light on why so many people run marathons Faculty in the School of Education & Human Development are often recognized for their studies on innovative learning and equitable teaching. The College of Architecture and Planning’s experts lead studies on the ways our communities are designed—and how they could be improved . School of Public Affairs students are working alongside faculty mentors to conduct research on a range of issues including gun violence and prevention In the College of Arts & Media, Assistant Professor of Digital Design Darija Medić is studying how designers can prioritize users’ well-being and autonomy . And faculty in the Business School are examining the ways our world is rapidly evolving through AI technology Student Work Featured at the 29th Annual RaCAS The annual Research and Creative Activities Symposium (RaCAS) showcases the breadth and importance of undergraduate research opportunities and creative works at CU Denver. Participants not only get hands-on experience through research opportunities, but they also help advance knowledge in their respective fields. On Friday, April 24, more than 280 students and rows of elaborate poster boards and demonstrations will fill the Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center gymnasium. Students and employees are invited to attend RaCAS to learn about the presenters’ projects from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and to enjoy bingo with prizes and free food. The event concludes with awards and a closing performance by a student band, look at fiona., beginning at 2:30 p.m.