Stories of Arts & Sciences

A century later, a liberating education is still our mission

A view from Dean Daryl Maeda

A century ago, we needed informed citizens and clear thinkers; today, as the pace of change grows exponentially, we need them even more.

A&S Highlight: April 2026
 

Latest Arts & Sciences Stories

A&S in the News

illustration of brain with electric current running through it

Science Daily

Scientists may have found the brain’s switch for chronic pain

Scientists may have found the brain’s “pain switch”—and how to turn it off.

CU Spotlight:
Linda Watkins
Distinguished professor of psychology and neuroscience

View of Earth rise over moon from Artemis II

NPR

What the Artemis II mission might mean for the future of lunar research

NASA's Artemis II crew is on their way home. What will the mission mean for the future of lunar research? Astronomer and professor Jack Burns weighs in.

CU Spotlight:
Jack Burns
Professor emeritus of astrophysical and planetary sciences

clouds at sunset as seen from airplane

The Daily Camera

Boulder County and western U.S. could benefit from cloud-seeding, experts say

Evolving process is seen as a part of larger water conservation efforts.

CU Spotlight:
Katja Friedrich
Professor and department chair, atmospheric and oceanic sciences

river with snow on banks

NASA

Snow is scarce in the Upper Colorado Basin

The through line for the western United States so far in the 2026 water year is simple: there’s very little snow.

CU Spotlight:
Noah Molotch
Professor of geography

Frank Oppenheimer, Robert’s brother, honed physics teaching at CU Boulder

In a little-known chapter of university history, the Manhattan Project scientist taught for several years in the Department of Physics, and his legacy appears in the fabric of the department.

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College Snapshots

 

How the West was Burned: A panel discussion on Tribal firefighting and the outlook for the 2026 fire season

6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7

Join the Center for the American West and The Pulitzer Center for a panel discussion on Native firefighting legacy, shared skills across tribal lines, and how it can aid as we Look ahead to a volatile 2026 fire season. 

 

Distinguished Professors

Marcia Douglas, Department of English, and Noah Finkelstein, Department of Physics, have been named distinguished professors, CU's highest honor for faculty that recognizes exceptional contributions to research, education and service

 

Edwin G. Conklin Medal

Awarded by the Society for Developmental Biology

Recognizing a developmental biologist who has made and is continuing to make extraordinary contributions to the field in research and mentoring.

Honoree: Lee Niswander, distinguished professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology

 

2026 Faculty and Staff Student Success Champion Awards

College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff recognized include Dr. Patricia Gonzalez, champion of staff and university support; Lauren Osmer, champion of student access, belonging and equity; Kate Semsar, champion of student support; and Kim Noice, champion of student support

 

CU announces $2M investment in Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS)

Announced by CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz and CU President Todd Saliman

Person of recognition:
Reiland Rabaka, director of the CAAAS

 

National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship

$60,000 grant to research sources of the European Enlightenment in the Middle Ages and Renaissance

Featured scholar:
Robert Pasnau, college professor of distinction, Department of Philosophy