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Information on Past Grant Winner Recipients

IRC Faculty Grant Recipients

Recipient	Funding Activity
Justin Alley	The funding requested would directly support my research into virtual acoustics and immersive audio. The funding would fill a gap for two critical components: 1. the physical fabrication of a frame for a Spatial Room Impulse Response array; and 2. the software for compiling a multiplatform plugin for virtual acoustic simulation. The array would be 3D printed, likely in collaboration with the Anschutz Weir Biomechatronics Development Laboratory.The software would allow for novel integrations in game audio and virtual production. This research would result in academic publication and would help build out a knowledgebase in the cutting edge of acoustics, interactive audio, and immersive audio here at CU Denver.
Priscilla Burrow	I am leading the development of the Stretch General Chemistry Series (CHEM 2025/2026 and CHEM 2030) to address CU Denver’s high DFW rates in foundational STEM courses and promote equitable student success. This redesigned curriculum provides extended instructional time, targeted skill development, and inclusive, research-based strategies to support underprepared and diverse students. Attending the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE) is essential for accessing cutting-edge research, practical models, and networking opportunities that will inform course design and the companion textbook I am authoring. This initiative enhances my leadership role, aligns with departmental priorities, and contributes to my promotion case through excellence in teaching, research, and service. Ultimately, it is a high-impact, data-driven effort that advances CU Denver’s strategic goals and strengthens the chemistry department.
Christopher Carson	I am requesting funding to support registration and travel for myself and a doctoral student to present at the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) annual meeting and attend sessions that will strengthen CU Denver’s new bilingual education pathway. Our accepted presentation, “Preparing Bilingual Teachers: Tools for Practicum Performance Assessment in a Grow-Your-Own Program,” showcases our partnership with local districts to address the bilingual teacher shortage through robust practicum experiences and aligned assessment tools. This opportunity will amplify our federally funded OELA grant work, foster national dialogue to enhance program impact, and demonstrate our commitment to equity, mentorship, and preparing culturally and linguistically responsive educators. Limited professional funds make this support essential
Dennis DeBay	I am requesting $1,000 in professional development support to attend and present at the 24th Annual Hawaii International Conference on Education (HICE) in January 2026. My presentation, “Professional Flourishing Through Playful Pedagogies: Modular Workforce Development for Human-Centered Professions,” introduces play-informed professional development resources designed to address workforce challenges in education and related fields. This work advances CU Denver’s mission as an equity-serving institution by promoting inclusive, humanizing practices that foster well-being and creativity. Attending HICE will showcase CU Denver’s leadership in innovative pedagogy and provide global feedback to refine and expand these modules for broader use across SEHD programs and beyond.
James Walsh	I am requesting funds to attend the American Conference for Irish Studies west regional conference in Portland, OR from Nov. 6-9, 2025. Along with presenting a paper at the conference, I will be assuming the role of President of the association. This makes attendance a must and I am hopeful for this assistance. This role will contribute greatly to my professional growth as it will open opportunities for building important international networks in the Irish Studies community. I will also be Chairing the international ACIS conference at Auraria campus in May of 2026 and attendance at this conference will put me in direct touch with many of the players involved in that massive effort and set the stage for the international conference to bring 400 Irish Studies scholars from around the world to Auraria campus. The conference will be free for Auraria students and faculty
Ziyi Wang	I am developing AskAva (Ask Academic Virtual Assistant), an AI-powered platform to enhance academic advising, faculty resources, and classroom engagement at CU Denver. Building on a successful prototype for the Business School, AskAva leverages large language models to provide equitable access to advanced AI tools, fostering innovation and student success. This funding will support my professional growth through advanced AI training and research, leading to scholarly outputs and positioning CU Denver as a leader in AI integration. AskAva will impact campus by offering hands-on AI experience for students, virtual assistants for faculty and advising teams, and classroom support through Virtual TAs—creating scalable solutions that strengthen learning, efficiency, and collaboration across departments.
Zhenzhu Zhang	I am requesting support to attend the National Communication Association (NCA) annual convention, the premier international conference in the field, where I will present two papers in the Health Communication Division, participate in a CU Denver preconference, and engage in panels, workshops, and the book fair. This opportunity is essential for staying current with cutting-edge research and pedagogy, which directly benefits my students at ICB—Chinese citizens preparing to study abroad—by ensuring they receive instruction grounded in the latest health communication theories and practices. Attendance will also allow me to share research, build academic networks, explore collaborations, and access updated textbooks, all of which enhance the quality of my teaching and scholarship. As an international scholar based in Beijing, the high cost of post-pandemic travel makes IRCF-PD Grant support critical for maintaining these vital professional connections.

Tenure-Track Faculty Grant Recipients

Name	Funding Activity
Priyanka Desouza	I have been invited to give a talk at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) on my body of work on low-cost sensors. I had initially planned on using grant money to cover the cost of attending this conference. However, my EPA grant was cancelled by the current administration and never awarded, despite receiving an initial notice of approval. Therefore, I am seeking this funding to attend this conference, increase the profile of my work, and make connections with colleagues that could lead to future proposals and collaborations. AGU is the most important conference in my field. This money will be critical to my attending in person and presenting my work.
Courtney Donovan	CU has a goal to "become internationally known for our research and creative work." I am requesting travel support to the American Educational Research Associations annual conference in Los Angeles, April 2026. This is the major research conference for all of North America. I submitted 8 proposals and serve as the chair of the Rasch special interest group (i.e. conference leadership). This conference directly impacts my scholarship and my professional service.
Woonghee Lee	Pacifichem is the international conference in Chemistry. It happens every 5 year like Chemistry olympics. My abstract for an oral presentation has been selected by organizing committee. The talk title is "POKY: The Integrative NMR platform empowered by AI/ML/CV". It will make CU Denver more visible globally, and my professional growth will be accelerated in the field. That will also result in easier future funding and paper publications.
Alejandra Medina	I am requesting funds to attend the Annual Conference of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the Midwest Political Science Association Conference (MPSA), where I will present two research projects and receive valuable feedback to strengthen them for publication. At ASPA, I will share a social network analysis of interlocal agreements in Mexico, comparing collaborative networks in states with and without legislation, and fulfill my role on the Executive Committee for the Section on Complexity and Network Studies. At MPSA, I will co-present a systematic literature review on the use of social network analysis measures in studying advocacy coalitions, advancing collaborative research with SPA colleagues.
Jose Sanchez	I will be presenting progress in both individual and team research. At ASPA, I will be presenting work related to the influence of national institutional elements on collaborative rulemaking. At MPSA, I will be sharing progress on a collective effort at SPA with other faculty and a PhD student related to social network analysis and coalition analysis. These communities are critical venues for new research opportunities, and the feedback provided will strengthen the projects so I can get them ready for publication. Presenting strengthens the visibility and reputation of SPA and CU Denver as well, being these conferences some of the most important conferences in these fields.
Emily Speakman	I am requesting funding to attend the 2026 Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) Workshop at the University of Connecticut, a premier annual event that fosters collaboration, mentorship, and cutting-edge research in optimization. This workshop will enhance my research through exposure to the latest theoretical and computational advances, strengthen international collaborations, and provide opportunities to mentor CU Denver students in the poster competition—continuing a track record that includes an honorable mention in 2023. Attendance supports CU Denver’s mission by promoting student success, elevating our visibility in the global optimization community, and bringing back innovative methodologies and mentorship strategies. It also advances my professional growth and scholarly impact through networking, collaborative research, and potential publication opportunities.
Hengqi Tian	Attending the ICIS 2025 Junior Faculty Consortium (JFC) will directly advance my professional development and strengthen CU Denver's mission of making education work for all. The JFC, hosted by the Association for Information Systems, brings together leading scholars and early-career faculty for intensive mentoring on research, teaching, and service activities. The mentorship and peer exchange will enhance my ability to publish in premier journals, foster collaboration opportunities, and translate scholarly insights into high-impact teaching practices that prepare students for data-driven careers. This experience will expand CU Denver's visibility in the global Information Systems community and strengthen my long-term trajectory as a productive, collaborative, and innovative scholar.
Xiaojian Wang	I am requesting support to participate in two key professional activities: serving as Poster Co-Chair for the IEEE International Performance, Computing, and Communications Conference (IPCCC) and attending the IEEE INFOCOM Technical Program Committee meeting. As Poster Co-Chair, I will host the poster session at IPCCC, representing CU Denver in a prominent leadership role and enhancing the university’s visibility in the global networking and systems research community. At INFOCOM, one of the field’s premier conferences, I will contribute to the paper review process, engage with leading researchers, and explore collaborations that can lead to joint research projects, publications, and educational initiatives benefiting CU Denver.
Jiayue Wu	I am requesting funding to support the dissemination of nine peer-reviewed creative and scholarly works and my participation in three international board-level service roles at leading conferences, including AES, CMS/ATMI, NAMM, CAA, and MoxSonic. These high-impact venues are essential for advancing my tenure-track requirements, increasing CU Denver’s national and international visibility, and fostering collaborations that benefit students and curriculum. All travel dates are confirmed, and course responsibilities will be fully covered through guest lectures or online delivery. This proposal aligns with CU Denver’s strategic goals of equity, innovation, and global recognition, while supporting faculty leadership and professional development. As the only junior tenure-track faculty member in MEIS, this is my sole CFDA funding request for 2025–2026, and support is critical to sustaining my research, creative work, and service at the highest levels in my field.

Tenure Faculty Grant Recipients

Name	Funding Activity
Soumia Bardhan	I am requesting professional development funds to support my project, “AI, Intercultural Dialogue, and Religious Communities,” which examines how AI-based digital tools shape dialogue, trust, and collaboration among Muslim and Vedanta communities in Washington, D.C. Building on prior research in Seattle, this national phase explores the ethical and social implications of algorithmic mediation in interfaith engagement, positioning CU Denver scholarship within urgent conversations on democracy, pluralism, and technology governance. The project aligns with CU Denver’s mission of inclusive excellence and innovation, advances my progression toward Full Professor through publications and national presentations, and provides high-impact learning opportunities for students through hands-on research in digital ethnography and policy analysis. Outcomes will include scholarly outputs, community frameworks for ethical technology use, and enhanced institutional visibility in global research networks.
Ryan Crewe	I will present my paper, “Native Demarcations: Moluccan Concepts of Sovereignty in the Making of Sixteenth-Century Transpacific Cosmography,” at the Renaissance Society of America annual conference, a leading venue for early modern history scholarship. This presentation is critical for advancing my second book project, as it showcases key ideas from a central chapter, provides valuable peer feedback, and fosters connections with scholars in my field. Participation strengthens CU Denver’s R1 research profile, represents our university at a prestigious international conference, and informs future teaching and curricular development.
Rachel Gross	I am requesting support for a trip to London to conduct archival research at the National Archives and Imperial War Museum and to present at the Business History Conference. This work advances my new book project, Surplus: A World Remade by Military Junk, which explores the global economic, environmental, and political impact of U.S. military surplus after World War II. The research will deepen the book’s narrative on the use of surplus as humanitarian aid in Europe, while the conference presentation provides an opportunity to share early findings, receive feedback, and establish scholarly connections. This trip supports CU Denver’s mission to achieve international research prominence and contributes directly to my professional growth and progress on a major scholarly project.
Betcy Jose	I am requesting funds to partially cover travel expenses to present at the European Political Science Society Conference in Belfast, Ireland June 18-20, 2026. The presentation will provide valuable feedback needed to help increase the chances my manuscript will be published. The feedback will also be useful in crafting a presentation I hope to make on campus to interested members of our academic community.
Carly Leonard	The funding I am requesting will be used to fund my attendance at the annual meeting of the Vision Science Society meeting on May 16-20, 2026. This is a very important for my professional growth, as it is an international meeting attended by the majority of people in my subfield. For me personally, the networking opportunities it provides are unmatched. Sharing the recent work done in my lab with colleagues (and getting feedback) will contribute to CU Denver's mission of being known for its research. My own research directions are regularly influenced by the work I see at this meeting. I am about to undertake writing a new grant, so I will benefit greatly from being exposed to the latest findings in that research area. There are also professional development activities at this meeting, such as a satellite session called Fovea (Females of Vision, et al) discussing challenges women face in the field and offering support.
Kai Yu	I request professional development support for travel to the 2025 Society of Engineering Science (SES) Conference, held October 12–15 in Atlanta, where I presented NSF CAREER-funded research at the Grantee Meeting and delivered an oral presentation on 4D printing of shape-changing polymers. SES is a premier international conference that draws over 900 researchers, industry leaders, and funding agencies, providing critical visibility for CU Denver and aligning with our strategic goal of international research prominence. Attendance strengthened my professional network, provided feedback for future proposals, and showcased work currently under review at Nature Communications, fostering collaborations and increasing the impact of CU Denver’s research.

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