The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder is welcoming four new faculty members this fall semester.

From renewable energy technologies and robotic optimization to engineering education and computing, these talented scientists and engineers bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our teaching and research missions.

Please join us in welcoming them to our college and campus community!

 

Samuel Greene

Assistant Professor

Greene received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Chicago. He then spent two years at the University of Oxford, where he earned another master’s degree in physical and theoretical chemistry. Finally, Greene earned his PhD in chemical physics from Columbia University and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Texas at Austin’s Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences before arriving at CU Boulder.

Greene’s research involves using and developing atomic-scale simulation methods to study materials for energy storage and other renewable energy technologies. His research focuses on ion and electron transport in solid-state electrolyte and electrode materials for next-generation batteries, with a particular focus on beyond-lithium battery chemistries, and molecular adsorption in nanoporous materials such as metal-organic frameworks for heat storage and carbon capture.

“Despite dramatic reductions in the cost of renewable energy over the past few decades, our society still depends strongly on fossil fuels due to a lack of widespread energy storage infrastructure,” said Greene. “Our research helps guide the development of new energy storage and conversion technologies to one day reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Greene says he is excited to learn from his colleagues and find new opportunities for collaboration in Rady Mechanical Engineering’s “open, collaborative culture.” He’s also eager to enjoy Colorado’s beautiful mountain scenery from his own backyard.

 

Julie Jarzemsky

Assistant Teaching Professor

Jarzemsky received her bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 2013. Then, she worked as a software engineer and product manager for various companies and startups in Austin, Texas. She also taught K-12 computing workshops throughout college and during her years in industry, making a leap later on to teach computing and media full-time at a vocational school.

However, Jarzemsky isn’t new to Colorado. She earned her master’s degree in computer science from CU Boulder in 2023 and has been teaching computer science in the Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program ever since.

Now, Jarzemsky is transitioning from teaching computer science courses to mechanical engineering courses related to computing, such as circuits and computational methods. She focuses on engaging students with computation through real-world projects, community-engaged design and the integration of ethics and societal considerations into technical coursework. 

By connecting engineering education with computing, ethics and real-world community needs, Jarzemsky helps prepare engineers to make thoughtful technical decisions and design solutions that positively impact the communities they work within.

“I look forward to continuing collaborations with local organizations, such as the Gunnison Arts Center, that provide students with opportunities to design and build projects that serve the broader community,” Jarzemsky said.

 

Ellie Pond

Assistant Teaching Professor

Pond received two bachelor’s of science degrees in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering from the University of Florida. She then received her PhD in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech in 2026, where she conducted research on techniques to guarantee safe robotic control and developed optimization algorithms designed to operate asynchronously. 

However, Pond joins the Colorado Mesa University Partnership Program with a different focus: engineering education. She says these interests include the integration of sociotechnical thinking, the study of group dynamics and project-based learning. 

By implementing evidence-based teaching practices, Pond aims to create a classroom environment that cultivates curious, collaborative and confident engineers. She also hopes to bring new experiences and educational opportunities for students in the program.

“I am excited to get to know the students and the culture of the western slope,” said Pond. “I am also looking forward to developing an elective class for the spring semester.”

 

Heather Swenson

Assistant Teaching Professor

Swenson received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University before earning her master’s degree in aerospace engineering from CU Boulder. 

After that, she worked at companies like Lockheed Martin and ExoTerra Resource for nearly two decades as a mechanical test engineer, systems engineer and mission analyst for human spaceflight and CubeSat missions.

In 2023, Swenson joined the Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program as a lecturer. This year, she is stepping into a new role as an assistant teaching professor in the program.

Swenson has lived in Colorado for over 30 years and is excited to continue mentoring the next generation of mechanical and aerospace engineers.