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Registration open: The International Symposium on Advanced Radio Technologies (ISART)™ is a U.S. government-sponsored conference hosted by the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), the science and engineering laboratory of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). ISART is a science and engineering discussion-based conference that brings together government, industry, and academic leaders (both domestic and international) for the purpose of forecasting the development and application of advanced radio technologies. For over two decades, ISART has contributed scientific and technical input towards encouraging sound, forward-looking spectrum management and regulatory policies that rely on careful engineering and ground-breaking research. The focus of ISART is to engage in a wide-ranging technical discussion. ISART does not represent NTIA policy positions. ISART 2024 seeks consensus on how to address the pressing challenge of developing, agreeing on, and applying radio frequency propagation models that take into account the impact of foliage and buildings—clutter—for planning of both spectrum policy and spectrum-dependent systems of all kinds. The development of such models has historically been fraught with competing methodologies, assumptions, and toolsets. Yet today’s environment of ubiquitous spectrum sharing, increasing system diversity and complexity, and rapidly expanding exploitation of mid-band frequencies means that the demand for more modeling fidelity and greater modeling accuracy is both urgent and compelling. In the tradition of ISART, the symposium will begin with an optional hands-on tutorial Monday afternoon on Building and Evaluating a Statistical Propagation Model. Tuesday June 11 to Thursday June 13 we will have a full schedule of keynotes, fireside chats, panels, and speakers. The detailed agenda is still under development, but you can find a topical synopsis of the program here. Registration is open here. ISART 2024 will focus on how the broader community of researchers and system owners can collectively marshal and invest its finite resources to develop, validate, and apply new, more broadly used clutter models. These tools are needed to ensure that the ambitious goals set forth in both the U.S. National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) and the 2023 World Radio Conference (WRC-23) can be achieved.

One of our recent tours was hosted by the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), located in Fort Collins. This facility operates under the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services program responsible for researching wildlife management. At its core, NWRC's mission is to confront the multifaceted challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts, invasive species, wildlife diseases, and the overall health of our ecosystems. Through research and innovation, NWRC scientists strive to develop effective solutions that safeguard agriculture, natural resources, property, and human health and safety. During our tour of the NWRC, their team illuminated the depth of their commitment and the breadth of their accomplishments. Guided by experts in their respective fields, we embarked on a journey through the heart of wildlife research excellence. The Wildlife Genetics Lab, led by Dr. Toni Piaggio, showcased cutting-edge techniques for genetic analysis, vital for understanding population dynamics and developing targeted management strategies. Dr. Piaggio's expertise shed light on the intricate interplay between genetics and wildlife conservation. Next, we explored the Outdoor Animal Research Facility, where Dr. Matthew Hopken enlightened us on the latest advancements in rabies research. With rabies being a significant concern for both wildlife and human populations, Dr. Hopken's insights into vaccination strategies and disease management tactics were insightful. Our tour continued to the Wildlife Disease Diagnostic Lab, where Dr. Jeff Chandler provided a glimpse into the frontline battle against wildlife diseases. Finally, Dr. Sarah K. Hibbs-Shipp captivated us with her presentation on Technology Transfer, highlighting NWRC's efforts to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world application. By facilitating the adoption of novel technologies and methodologies, NWRC ensures that their research translates into tangible benefits for society. As we reflect on our tour, we are inspired by NWRC's unwavering dedication to advancing the frontiers of wildlife research. Their pioneering work not only enriches our understanding of the natural world but also equips us with the tools to coexist harmoniously with wildlife. If you're passionate about science and eager to witness groundbreaking research in action, we cordially invite you to join us on future lab tours. Our sign up link is here. Please reach out to our Executive Director, Dan Powers at dan@co-labs.org if your organization is interested in acquiring memberships. Individual memberships (which includes tours) can be purchased at our Colorado Gives portal.

As the April 8, 2024 total eclipse approaches, scientists and staff with the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) are preparing a variety of experiments and outreach projects to further our knowledge of the Sun and engage various communities in observing and understanding this extraordinary and rare event. The Sun’s atmosphere is almost impossible to observe on a regular day because the surface is a million times brighter and overpowers the dimmer light of the atmosphere. During a total solar eclipse, however, Earth’s moon blocks out all the brightness and makes it possible to observe the Sun’s upper atmosphere, or corona. This produces not only a breathtaking natural phenomenon, but also ideal conditions for learning about our nearest star. Read more>>> Research at 500 Miles Per Hour? Traveling at more than 500 miles per hour, NSF NCAR’s Gulfstream V (GV) jet will take to the skies to chase the eclipse and collect data that will shed light on some of the scientific mysteries of the Sun’s corona. Onboard the GV, the Airborne Coronal Emission Surveyor (ACES) instrument will look at the infrared light emitted by the corona. ACES is not just taking pictures of the eclipse, but looking for light emitted at specific wavelengths using a spectrometer. By measuring the intensity at a particular wavelength, scientists can decode properties like the temperature of the Sun’s plasma or the density of the corona. Read more>>> There are projects for students, community scientists and various ground-based experiments. For example, spanning the path of totality in the U.S. from Texas to Maine, 35 non-professional scientist teams will participate in the Citizen Continental-America Telescope Eclipse (CATE) project. Each CATE site will use identical equipment to collect the same type of data. Teams will view the eclipse in totality for about four minutes, but when the images are stitched together, they will provide a total of 60 continuous minutes of totality observations. The resulting footage will allow scientists to see how the Sun’s corona dynamically changes during the eclipse. Read more from the National Center for Atmospheric Research about the eclipse research plans.

In February 2024, we visited the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a beacon of excellence in the physical sciences and precision measurement for over six decades. The NIST Boulder branch engages in groundbreaking research, meticulous measurements, and advanced technologies to shape our understanding of the world and enhance the quality of our lives. NIST empowers businesses to innovate and produce high-quality products across diverse sectors such as electronics, communications, optics, nanotechnology, and public safety. The impact of NIST's technologies extends far beyond the laboratory, permeating into our everyday lives. From accurate wristwatches and GPS navigation systems to advanced communications networks and safe laser surgery, NIST innovations underpin many commonplace technologies that we rely on daily. Moreover, NIST Boulder fosters Technology Transfer, catalyzing the emergence of spin-off companies, job creation, and the dissemination of cutting-edge technologies to industry, academia, and federal agencies alike. Commercial products influenced by NIST-pioneered technologies include closed captioning and chip-scale atomic clocks, while laboratories worldwide utilize NIST technologies such as frequency combs, quantum sensors, and single-photon detectors. The tour was led by Rebecca Jacobson, public outreach coordinator for NIST Boulder, while the planning portion was coordinated by Terri Viezbicke with NIST's Public Affairs Office. First, we met with Dr. Marlou Slot with the Atomic Devices and Instrumentation group. She described how the group innovates to develop compact, low-power quantum sensors using a combination of precision atomic spectroscopy, silicon micromachining, and photonics. We recommend watching this great presentation by Marlou: Atom by Atom: Designing and Realizing Electronic Quantum Matter with Dr. Marlou Slot. Please note that Dr. Slot is also on the Board of Elevate Quantum. At the Advanced Microwave Photonics (AMP) lab and heard from Dr. John D. Teufel; his group focuses on novel ways to couple quantum electrical and mechanical circuits with an emphasis on problems in quantum information and the limits of measurement. Fun fact: John won the 2021 Arthur S. Flemming Award where he is recognized as a world leader in the field of quantum optomechanics. We finished our tour at the Ion Storage Group lab and heard from Dr. Daniel Slichter and Dr. Dietrich Leibfried. This group has pioneered the use of trapped ions (charged atoms) for quantum information processing over the last 25 years, amassing a long list of “firsts” and “bests”. The field has undergone rapid growth, and recently the US companies IonQ and Honeywell, with many NIST Ion Storage alumni as technical leaders and staff, have started commercial development of trapped ion quantum computing. These labs and groups are just three of numerous labs within the NIST Physical Measurement Laboratory. The NIST PML is a world leader in the science of measurement: they determine the definitive methods for nearly every kind of measurement employed in commerce and research, provide NIST-traceable calibrations, and disseminate standards and best practices throughout the nation. At the same time, PML works continuously at the outermost frontiers of metrology, devising tools and techniques to meet the ever-changing demands of American industry and science. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to NIST for opening their doors and sharing their remarkable work with our group. Special thanks to Autymn Rubal with GEJohnson and Brian McClenahan with CBRE for the outreach to help convene the guests, it was great to have new attendees, in addition to several CO-LABS members. Lastly, we wanted to extend our thanks to GE Johnson's sponsorship of the social hour afterward. CO-LABS is fortunate to be able to facilitate these fascinating tours year-round at our various federally funded-laboratory facilities.  We love being able to connect technologists to help manifest scientific discoveries that improve our world. If you'd like an invite for future tours sign up to become a CO-LABS member. Please reach out to our Executive Director, Dan Powers at dan@co-labs.org if your organization is interested in acquiring memberships. Individual memberships (including tours) can be purchased at our Colorado Gives portal. Don't forget to follow us on our social media pages on Instagram and Twitter!

CO-LABS members and partners are visiting the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) laboratory complex in Ft. Collins, Colorado on March 6, 2024. The Center is part of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Wildlife Services program. Its mission is to develop new tools and techniques to address wildlife damage to agriculture, property, human health and safety, and natural resources. The tour agenda is geared towards those involved in genetics research and companies with related technologies and equipment. Attendees will learn about opportunities to access data and partnership protocols that can create unique opportunities to leverage the science at the NWRC. Though NWRC’s research and expertise are diverse, this tour will focus specifically on their work related to the development, testing, and use of genetic tools and technologies for wildlife damage management. NWRC scientists will highlight the following: • Development of monitoring and surveillance tools and vaccines for wildlife disease management (ex. rabies, SARS-CoV-2, chronic wasting disease, bovine tuberculosis, and avian influenza) • Development of invasive species detection and control methods (ex., eDNA, gene drives, siRNA, and rodenticides and other toxicants) RSVP details here. Advance registration required. Deadline March 2, 2024. Today’s wildlife-related challenges need innovative solutions. These solutions are often the result of collaborations between Wildlife Services and universities, private companies, or other partners. As a Federal program, Wildlife Services forms partnerships through a variety of legal agreements and by protecting, patenting, and licensing inventions. It strives to put its research into real-world use and move new technologies to the marketplace. Collaborative partnerships typically include access to scientific expertise, facilities, and locations. Businesses with existing products can also benefit from leveraging Wildlife Services’ national workforce of wildlife biologists to field-test new tools and technologies on a broad scale. See more about the NWRC:

On January 29, 2024 the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the Colorado—Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine proposal has won an inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engines award of $15M with potential to receive up to $160M over 10 years. This Award positions Colorado and Wyoming at the forefront of the nation’s environmental and climate technology initiatives. The CO-WY Engine is a groundbreaking initiative focused on driving innovation in climate resiliency which will catalyze a series of significant outcomes to reshape the landscape of reliable climate technologies and economic development in Colorado and Wyoming – two states that have grappled with two decades of environmental challenges such as aridification and extreme weather events. The CO-WY Engine, led by Innosphere Ventures, will drive the development and commercialization of innovative solutions that support communities to monitor, mitigate, and adapt to climate impacts. By focusing on innovative solutions in areas like wildfire mitigation, water resource management, sustainable agriculture and adaptation to extreme weather events, the CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine is poised to revolutionize how we understand, predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change. “The CO-WY Engine will be instrumental in bringing technology-driven solutions to life, growing our two-state economy, and reshaping our region's and nation’s ability to become more climate resilient,” said Mike Freeman, CEO of Innosphere Ventures and incoming CEO for the CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine. “In ten years, the CO-WY Engine will generate significant economic impact for our region, including 22,000 new climate technology-related jobs, $1.5 billion in regional GDP impact, more than $1 billion in private capital formation, train or reskill more than 2,000 individuals, and distribute $80 million in commercialization grants to startups in the climate technology sector.” “Forming the backbone of the CO-WY Engine is our diverse partnership network – spanning industry, academia, government and community sectors,” said Freeman. Key partners include prominent research institutions, federal laboratories, regional economic development organizations, and policy and community groups, including the Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Denver, and the University of Wyoming which includes its High Plains American Indian Research Institute. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), US Dept. of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NSF’s National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), and CO-LABS. CO-LABS gives a HUGE congratulations to the Innosphere Ventures team, led by Director Mike Freeman, for their tireless work to organize so many details, partners and crucial visioning around resiliency that resulted in this proposal rising to the top of a national competition for funding. The CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine is set to have a profound impact on workforce development and community engagement, and places a strong emphasis on inclusive growth, ensuring that these economic benefits reach across diverse communities. The NSF Engines program represents one of the single largest investments in place-based economic development in the nation's history — uniquely placing science and technology leadership as the central driver for regional economic competitiveness and job creation. Read more from Innosphere Ventures and the CO-WY Engine news from National Science Foundation.

The National Science Foundation's Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (NSF SOARS) is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge program designed to broaden participation of historically underrepresented communities in the atmospheric and related sciences. 2024 Applications are due February 1. Thw SOARS Program is designed to promote and support research, mentoring and community. NSF SOARS Protégés can participate for up to four (4) summers conducting research in atmospheric and earth-system sciences. NSF SOARS offers comprehensive financial support for summer research, conference travel, as well as undergraduate and graduate school funding. Over 90% of NSF SOARS Protégés advance to graduate school; and many have entered the workforce with the MS degree, and/or continued onto the PhD degree. NSF SOARS invites students from multiple STEM disciplines -- including chemistry, ecology, engineering, geography, mathematics, meteorology, physics, and the social sciences--to deepen their expertise in understanding the Earth’s Atmosphere. In particular, NSF SOARS seeks to involve students from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences, including Black or African-American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, female, first-generation college students, veterans, and students with disabilities. NSF SOARS welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students; students who have experienced, and worked to overcome, educational or economic disadvantages, and/or who have personal or family circumstances that may complicate their continued progress in research careers.

The U.S. Department of Energy will fund a newly established Inertial Fusion Science and Technology hub, known as RISE. Headquartered at Colorado State University, the new hub will focus on advancing inertial fusion energy, or IFE, a power source that could one day dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of how energy is supplied globally. RISE will receive $16 million in funding over the next four years.The RISE hub will combine innovative target concepts with new developments in excimer gas lasers and solid-state laser drivers to open up novel IFE regimes. The hub will also prioritize the involvement of students and workforce development, and university-industry-national laboratory collaborations. Colorado State University and the DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, operated by Stanford University, will lead the new hub. They are working in partnership with experts from University of Illinois, Cornell University, Texas A&M, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory, and three companies: Marvel Fusion, Xcimer Energy, and General Atomics. Fusion, the process that powers the sun, could be the key to enabling a safe, clean, and reliable energy source. Inertial fusion energy is a promising approach to fusion energy that uses powerful lasers to heat a small target containing fusible material. Lasers are fundamental tools in IFE research. Last winter, for the first time in history, scientists at the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory generated fusion gain, meaning more energy came out of a fusion reaction than laser energy that went in. RISE researchers aim to build on the momentum of that breakthrough to help make commercial fusion a success. Carmen Menoni, University Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, serves as director of the new hub. Her team will use laser technologies to harness the potential of fusion for abundant clean energy. Experiments at CSU will leverage the power of its ALEPH laser, a high repetition rate, petawatt-class (one petawatt: million billion watts) laser system to be upgraded to two petawatts. ALEPH was built in-house under the leadership of University Distinguished Professor Jorge Rocca, in partnership with university experts in ultra-intense laser interaction with ordered nanostructures leading to fusion. Read more>>>

Did you know? "Transforming Energy" is an amazing podcast highlighting the latest research and news from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as they work to achieve the laboratory's vision of a clean energy future for the world. In the recent November 29 episode, the hosts discuss NREL's early history. Learn about the intricate history of NREL, from its origins in response to the 1973 energy crisis to its official designation as a national laboratory in 1991, encapsulating a narrative of evolving energy priorities, political influences, and technological advancements. Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle take us on a journey through time beginning with the establishment in 1973 of the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI). The hosts discuss a dynamic journey marked by political changes, budget fluctuations, technological breakthroughs, and influential leadership shifts that shaped SERI's transformation into NREL in 1991, marking a pivotal moment in the laboratory's history. Previous topics include hydropower, agrivoltaics, electric cars, floating solar energy and a lot more! See more>>>

In a prestigious acknowledgment of scientific impact, JILA and NIST Fellow Jun Ye has been awarded the 2023 "Highly Cited" researcher designation from Clarivate. This notable recognition is bestowed upon researchers whose work ranks in the top 1% of citations for their field, highlighting their significant influence in the scientific community. Jun Ye, renowned for his groundbreaking work in precision measurement and quantum science, has made substantial contributions that have reshaped our understanding of atomic and molecular physics. This accolade further cements his status as a leading figure in the scientific world, showcasing the far-reaching impact of his research and its critical role in advancing the frontiers of knowledge. Congratulations Dr. Ye! Read more about this Award>>>

As the transportation sector shifts toward electric vehicles and prepares for autonomous vehicles, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has been awarded funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to better understand how new road transportation technologies affect the climate and, in turn, are affected as the climate changes. NCAR will be partnering with the new Global Center for Clean Energy and Equitable Transportation Solutions (CLEETS). A joint venture of NSF and the United Kingdom Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Council, CLEETS will bring together leading climate, energy, data science, and transportation experts to research ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from road transportation. Motor vehicles are a major source of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that warms the planet. Road transportation networks are also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including severe storms and coastal inundation that can paralyze traffic patterns and damage infrastructure, as well as extreme heat that can buckle roadways. NCAR will analyze the many, and often complex, ways that emerging transportation technologies interact with the climate. Electric vehicles, for example, are far heavier than traditional gas-powered vehicles, which has implications for the durability of roads and bridges as storms and heat waves become more extreme. In addition, higher temperatures will affect the batteries that power motor vehicles, and adverse weather conditions will pose challenges for the safety of self-driving cars. Read more>>>

Colorado State University President Amy Parsons has announced that Cassandra Moseley has been appointed as CSU’s next vice president for research, beginning Jan. 8. The appointment follows a six-month nationwide search. Moseley has served for more than 20 years as an accomplished administrator and research professor at the University of Oregon. “Colorado State University continues to see record-breaking numbers in sponsored project expenditures, totaling $498 million in the last fiscal year,” said Parsons. “With Dr. Moseley’s strategic leadership and outstanding track record of campus collaboration, we can look forward to the continued expansion of CSU’s research portfolio and to the advancement of the university as a top-tier research institution.” As vice president for research at CSU, Moseley will oversee the university’s research, discovery and creative artistry portfolio. She will work in partnership with the president, provost, deans, vice presidents and the campus community to advance the university’s reputation as an internationally recognized R1 institution. Moseley will report directly to the provost and executive vice president position, and she will serve as a member of cabinet and the executive leadership team. “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Colorado State as the next vice president for research,” said Moseley. “I am so looking forward to working with the campus community to develop initiatives that advance this fantastic university’s research and innovation goals.” Read more about Dr. Moseley's background and about the OVPR at Colorado State University.