Published: Feb. 21, 2018 By
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This Saturday, CU Boulder kicks off its first segment of CU Boulder Next in Los Angeles, and if you’re a scientist or engineer, you don’t want to miss it.

CU Boulder Next is a first-of-its-kind event for our university that brings Chancellor Phil DiStefano and top faculty and students to eight cities to showcase the incredible research and education, artistic endeavors, and athletic feats happening on our campus – and the ones still to come. Think of it as TED Talks meets trade show mixed with one giant party.

Alumni, parents, prospective students and other supporters will see firsthand how the university is positively impacting humanity, developing tomorrow’s leaders and becoming a driving force for innovation.

In the College of Engineering and Applied Science, that’s our bread and butter, so naturally we’re well-represented at the event.

Here are our top 5 things to watch for if you love CU Engineering:

  1. Professor Kristi Anseth from Chemical & Biological Engineering, who will speak about how her lab is using engineering to regenerate the body when it fails.
  2. Professor Hanspeter Schaub from Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, who will share insights about the next generation of space exploration.
  3. Micro-lectures called BuffTalks from music Professor Michael Theodore, who also directs the ATLAS Institute’s Center for Media, Arts and Performance and creates incredible multimedia works that you have to see to believe.
  4. A BuffTalk from recent alumna Madalyn Kern (MechEngr’12, MS’14, PhD’16), who’s developing advanced prosthetics for amputees.
  5. Current student Alan Sanchez (AeroEngr'18), who will also give a BuffTalk and, if you’re really lucky, might also show off his break-dancing skills.

And since I can’t limit myself to just five things, you’ll also want to check out the awesome exhibits (including one on CU’s history and future in space), catch the premiere of a film celebrating CU called “The Light Shines On,” and chow down on snacks reminiscent of eateries on The Hill. See the full schedule.

Join us

CU Boulder Next runs from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at JW Marriott Los Angeles LA LIVE.

If you’re attending, look for me to say hello or join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #CUBoulderNext. If you missed the online registration, you can still get tickets at the door for the same price (plus, children and students are free!)

It’s not too early to start planning for CU Boulder Next in Washington, D.C. (April 21) or future stops in San Francisco, Denver, Houston, New York, Chicago or Boulder.

Kellen Short is the assistant director of communications for the College of Engineering and Applied Science.