The PhD program at CU Boulder’s ATLAS Institute emphasizes out-of-the-box invention and radical inquiry. Suited to students whose interests transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, ATLAS is a thriving academic community of researchers and students who blend engineering, design, art and humanitarianism.
Structure
The ATLAS PhD program is like any other research-based doctoral program in which you:
- Form an advisory committee
- Complete course
- Pass a qualifying examination
- Propose a dissertation
- Conduct research
- Write and defend your dissertation
Curriculum
Required classes (to be taken during the first two years of study)
- ATLAS Research Methods
- ATLAS Research Professional Development
- ATLAS Colloquium at least once each during the first two years of study.
Expertise development
Beyond required classes, the curriculum is crafted for each student based on background and experience. You consult your advisory committee to identify skills needed to perform your research and select courses to develop that expertise.
PhD Student Bios
PhD Alumni
PhD FAQ
Dissertations
Submit your materials to receive feedback from an ATLAS faculty member before your apply to the PhD program.
Application Feedback Request
How to Apply
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ATLAS Research Lab Directors
ATLAS lab directors advise PhD students, create collaborative environments and guide research across a broad range of multi-disciplinary fields.
ACME Lab
Ellen Yi-Luen Do, Director
The ACME Creativity Machine Environment Lab explores and develops computational tools for design, creativity, cognition, tangible and embedded interaction, and computing for health and wellness.
Brain Music Lab
Grace Leslie, Director
The Brain Music Lab pursues research to promote health and well-being by combining new music technologies with biometric data from EEG brainwave data and other physiological measurement techniques.
Emergent Nanomaterials Lab
Carson Bruns, Director
By synthesizing and combining nanoscale building blocks, the Emergent Nanomaterials Lab designs technologies that enhance the quality of human lives in health, sensory augmentation and self-expression.
Living Matter Lab
Mirela Alistar, Director
Working at the intersection of biology, engineering and art, the Living Matter Lab interfaces with biological matter, the micro-world and the environment in unique ways.
THING Lab
Daniel Leithinger, Director
The Transformative Human Interfaces for the Next Generation Lab develops shape-changing materials, novel sensors and unique design methods to make digital information tangible.
TYPO Lab
Joel Swanson, Director
TYPO Lab is an experimental studio for creative work and research related to the technologies of language. It empowers faculty and students to explore and appreciate the media and methods of words.
Unstable Design Lab
Laura Devendorf, Director
An advocate for the arts within engineering fields, the Unstable Design Lab focuses on advancing textile design and fabrication, including the integration of circuitry and other technologies.
Utility Research Lab
Michael Rivera, Director
The Utility Research Lab invents and investigates digital fabrication technology, tools and techniques that empower us to create things that positively impact people, society and the environment.
Additional Opportunities
Combined PhD in Cognitive Science: ATLAS PhD students can earn a combined degree with the Institute of Cognitive Science.
Opportunity for underrepresented students: The Colorado Advantage Graduate Preview Weekend gives underrepresented students a chance to visit campus, meet faculty, and preview doctoral programs in science, math, and engineering departments at CU-Boulder. Application Deadline: The deadline has passed for 2024 admissions.
Opportunity for U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and permanent residents: The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. Deadlines in October.