Search Results

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.

ENSCO, Inc. (ENSCO) and Wheel Rail Seminars are pleased to announce the 1st Annual TTC Conference and Tour on Nov. 7 and 8, 2023 in Downtown Pueblo and at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC). At the event, ENSCO will host engaging, interactive, and informative sessions that highlight the latest advancements in rail safety, emerging alternative energy, and research funding opportunities. Attendees can look forward to hearing from a variety of presenters from multiple rail organizations including the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), railroads, and suppliers. For the first time ever, conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an expanded tour of the TTC testing and training facilities. This guided tour will feature on-track displays from multiple rail organizations and provide attendees with insights from rail experts. For more information, visit ttc-conference.com or contact Acacia Reber, Director of Business Development & Marketing, at Reber.Acacia@ensco.com. ABOUT ENSCO For more than 50 years, ENSCO has led the rail industry worldwide in developing new and advanced technologies to improve the safety, security, and quality of their operations. ENSCO is a trusted provider of automated and autonomous inspection systems, web-based data management systems, vehicle dynamics analysis and simulations, and large-scale systems integration projects. ENSCO’s engineers have pioneered the use of advanced technology and data analytics paired with leading railway subject matter experts to increase railway safety while also ensuring operating efficiency and productivity. Learn more about ENSCO. ABOUT WHEEL RAIL SEMINARS Wheel Rail Seminars creates forums for track and mechanical professionals to meet, exchange ideas, and share experiences in the critical area of the wheel/rail interface. Founded in 1994, they host the longest-running WRI conference and offer courses that provide in-depth examination into aspects from both the rail transit and heavy haul industries. Learn more about Wheel Rail Seminars.

A new state-of-the-art laboratory and collaboration space in the Engineering Center will connect quantum researchers across campus with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers and local industry around quantum communications, sensing and computing. The effort is part of the Quantum Engineering Initiative in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the campuswide CUbit Quantum Initiative to support research into an area of distinctive strength for CU Boulder and an increasingly important field globally, said Massimo Ruzzene, CU Boulder vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes. “Opening a dedicated space for this research is the result of a lot of hard work by many people on campus over the last five years,” he said. “This new lab will greatly extend the university’s quantum footprint and expand on a successful partnership between the university and NIST that is now over 60 years old.” The new lab space will host three collaborative projects starting this summer: The first—Quantum Links—will establish a high-quality quantum network between the Quantum Engineering Initiative Lab space and NIST. This will be the first link of a larger Boulder Quantum Network. The research will be essential for advancing quantum communications, as well as fundamental science tests of quantum mechanics metrology. Shared detector infrastructure will begin immediately for this project. Another project deals with the development of ultra-precise optical clocks for use outside of a controlled lab space. These devices are the most accurate measurement tools ever made. However, their use on Earth and in space is severely restricted by their complexity and current state of engineering. Bringing the technology out of the lab would benefit communications networks and could be used for deep space navigation, among other applications. The final project will explore quantum microwave devices, which have shown great potential for quantum information processing. Work on this project will enable semi- and superconducting quantum computing. This work will be done with researchers in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, and seeks to develop novel mechanical sensors and novel qubits. Read more details>>>

On May 18 we joined the celebration with 150+ people at Colorado State University to recognize the profound impact of Dr. Alan Rudolph across realms of science, careers of his colleagues and mentees and programs that have and will continue to shape the best outcomes for research, society and the world. Dr. Rudolph is leaving CSU in July, and we want to give all of CO-LABS members and friends a glimpse into his amazing path that we're fortunate included a leadership role with us. Dr. Alan Rudolph: Revolutionizing Research and Innovation at Colorado State University CO-LABS is grateful to recognize the importance and impacts of Dr. Alan Rudolph, an exceptional leader and visionary, who has made an indelible mark on Colorado State University (CSU) during his tenure as the Vice President for Research. With his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless dedication, Rudolph transformed the Office of the Vice President for Research into a hub of interdisciplinary collaboration and groundbreaking research. Under his guidance, CSU's research enterprise has flourished, achieving unprecedented growth and national recognition. During Rudolph's tenure, CSU experienced remarkable expansion in research activities and funding. The university's total sponsored expenditures soared to $456.9 million, representing a 46% increase over the course of Rudolph's leadership. This remarkable growth has placed CSU among the top-tier research universities in the United States. Rudolph's strategic vision and commitment to interdisciplinary research paved the way for the establishment of numerous centers and institutes, including the Center for Healthy Aging, One Health Institute, and Data Science Research Institute. These collaborative initiatives have enhanced CSU's research capabilities and positioned the university at the forefront of scientific innovation. Dr. Rudolph's impact extended far beyond the boundaries of CSU. Recognizing the significance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, he fostered partnerships with business, government, academia, and foundations across the nation. Through these collaborations, CSU researchers have expanded their reach to dozens of countries worldwide, creating a global network of scientific inquiry. Furthermore, his commitment to the university's land-grant mission led to the establishment of the Coalition for Epi Response, Engagement, and Science. This consortium of land-grant universities focused on safeguarding U.S. agriculture and food systems from disease threats, exemplifying his dedication to community-focused research. Perhaps most profoundly, under Dr. Rudolph's leadership, CSU played a pivotal role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of the Vice President for Research spearheaded various programs aimed at protecting public health and supporting students during these challenging times. CSU researchers developed innovative testing methods, including the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in sewer samples and widespread testing for nursing facility staff. These efforts propelled CSU to the forefront of national recognition for its contributions to combating the coronavirus crisis. Dr. Rudolph's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation extended to the establishment of new initiatives and research centers. The Institute for Research in the Social Sciences, Drone Core Research Center, Center for Healthy Aging, One Health Institute, and Data Sciences Research Institute are just a few examples of his visionary contributions. Through these initiatives, Rudolph encouraged the study of team formation and dynamics, fostering a collaborative research environment that accelerated scientific breakthroughs. Moreover, Rudolph recognized the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry. The partnership between CSU and Zoetis, a leading animal health company, resulted in the establishment of a research lab on the CSU Foothills Campus. This collaboration has facilitated innovative advancements in livestock animal health, exemplifying his commitment to driving real- world impact through research. Dr. Rudolph's dedication to national security and defense-related programs has also been instrumental. By launching the Office of Defense Engagement, Rudolph facilitated collaborations between CSU, technology companies, and other universities to address cybersecurity threats. CSU hosted the prestigious DARPA Forward conference, which attracted national security experts, researchers, and innovators seeking innovative solutions to protect the nation. At CO-LABS, Dr. Rudolph was a Board Director starting in 2014 and led the organization as Board Chair for 3 years, including during the years of the COVID pandemic. His vision for expanding CO-LABS’ engagement with federal elected officials and convening scientific agency leadership to leverage research across a spectrum of data and research regimens helped grow CO-LABS as the most credible hub of federal research connections among scientists, academics, economic development experts and civic leaders across Colorado. We are indebted to his thoughtful guidance, before, through and now after the pandemic as CO-LABS moves into a new stage of nurturing connections between labs and innovative industries and entrepreneurs turning discoveries into companies and into solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. As Dr. Rudolph prepares to leave CSU in July 2023, his departure marks a significant transition for the university's research enterprise. His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, and relentless pursuit of scientific excellence have transformed CSU into a research powerhouse. The impact of his tenure will continue to shape the future of research and innovation at CSU for years to come. Cheers with appreciation to Dr. Alan Rudolph! We were happy to join the huge celebration of Dr. Rudolph at Colorado State University on May 18 and hear stories of how he shaped the paths of so many colleagues; his love of tardigrades, and how much he inspired the success of others. Sincerely, on behalf of the entire CO-LABS Board of Directors Chris McKay, Board Chair Dan Powers, Executive Director, CO-LABS ALSO: You can view and leave a video or audio comment to Alan on the virtual board created by CSU. Lots of wonderful comments there!

Dr. Alan Rudolph has been CO-LABS' visionary and impactful Board President for the last four years and with a bittersweet congratulations and thank you we share this invitiation from the Colorado State University: Please join us virtually or in person for a farewell celebration for Colorado State University’s Vice President for Research, Alan Rudolph on May 18. He finishes his tenure at the university on July 1. May 18, 4-6:30 p.m. (MT) Translational Medicine Institute Grand Event Hall 2350 Gillette Drive Fort Collins, CO 80523 If you cannot attend in person, the speaking portion of the event will be available virtually via Zoom. Please RSVP for in-person or virtual attendance at your earliest convenience. Space is limited. Contact Ande Wahl if you require further information. To share your well-wishes and congratulations with Alan record a video or write your message here.

For a 60-minute period in January 2023, a power plant like no other existed in the U.S. Mountain West. It contained a solar array, lithium-ion battery, hydrogen electrolyzers, and a nuclear reactor, all coordinating with each other to provide reliable power. Even more unusual, the plant combined real and simulated technologies hundreds of miles apart. This unique power plant was part of a national research and development project to remotely connect energy assets in real time using the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Energy Sciences Network (ESnet). By linking capabilities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the researchers created a collaborative "SuperLab," which allowed them to study energy systems currently not in existence. In this case, they demonstrated that renewable and nuclear energy, combined within a hybrid system, can complement each other well to support the grid. The SuperLab demonstration successfully linked energy grid and power production simulations from two laboratories: At NREL (Golden, Colorado), the ARIES platform provided a solar array, battery storage system, hydrogen fuel electrolyzer, and a controllable grid interface. Digital real-time simulators enabled the researchers to connect the models and responses on both NREL and INL sides. At INL (Idaho Falls, Idaho), researchers readied simulations of a small modular nuclear reactor and high-temperature electrolysis in the Human Systems Simulation Laboratory (HSSL). See also the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform at NREL.

CU Boulder Provost Russell Moore announced March 17 the appointment of Massimo Ruzzene to the position of vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes, effective March 20. “I am excited to welcome Massimo to his permanent post as vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes,” said Moore. “As an accomplished researcher and scholar, he understands the value and impact of the research, scholarship and creative work conducted by CU Boulder faculty and students, as well as the importance of building and maintaining relationships with our federal and private sector research partners. “Massimo is the right person at the right time to be leading CU Boulder’s vital research and innovation mission,” said Moore. See more about the Research and Innovation Office. Ruzzene, the Slade Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has been serving as acting vice chancellor following the retirement of Terri Fiez in June 2022. Before stepping in as the acting vice chancellor and dean, Ruzzene served as associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. “I am honored to lead and grow the research and innovation mission at CU Boulder, which is already among the nation’s leading research institutions,” said Ruzzene. “I will continue to work closely with partners on and off campus to ensure that all faculty, staff and students are equipped to succeed in their research, scholarship and creative work; that diversity, equity and inclusion are guiding principles in all we do; and that Colorado and the nation recognize the discovery and impact that emanate from CU Boulder.” Ruzzene joined CU Boulder in 2019 from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), where he held the Pratt and Whitney Endowed Professorship in Aerospace Engineering. Prior to that, from 2014 to 2016, he held a directorship with the National Science Foundation’s Dynamics, Control and System Diagnostics unit of its Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation Division. Ruzzene holds a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in mechanical engineering from The Politecnico di Torino in Torino, Italy. The vice chancellor and dean is the lead research officer of the campus and head administrative and academic officer of the university’s institutes. This position reports to the provost and has the overall responsibility for supporting the research agenda for the University of Colorado Boulder.

Vanda Grubišić, Ph.D., a research meteorologist and experienced scientific leader, has been named the director of NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado. Grubišić will join one of the world’s preeminent research institutions for monitoring long-term changes in the atmosphere, including those caused by climate change. She starts on March 27. Read more>>> Grubišić has led major international observational field campaigns to study the atmosphere. She is one of the world’s leading scientists in the field of mesoscale meteorology, which is the study of atmospheric phenomena with typical spatial scales between 6 and 600 miles, including thunderstorms, downslope windstorms, land-sea breezes and squall lines. Grubišić previously served as director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s (NCAR) Earth Observing Laboratory, where she was responsible for its scientific strategy, administrative processes and procedures and budgetary planning for more than 10 years. The laboratory’s accomplishments under her leadership include the successful development of novel observational technologies, reconstruction of the NCAR aviation building and safely returning to field campaign operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also managed NCAR’s Research Aviation Facility, which supports airborne scientific investigations with two aircraft based at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport near Boulder in Jefferson County.

Twelfth Annual Event Honors Colorado’s Top Scientists and Engineers for Projects Having a Significant Impact on Society November 14, 2022: CO-LABS has announced the four winners of the 2022 Governor's Award for High-Impact Research. Returning after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the event gathers scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and government officials to celebrate the exceptional and groundbreaking work of scientists and engineers from Colorado’s federally-funded research labs and institutions. The winners will be formally recognized and celebrated on Wednesday, December 14 from 4:30 pm -9:00pm at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Boulevard in Denver, Colorado. Winners’ information and registration details are available at www.2022GovAwards.com. “Colorado has one of the highest per capita concentrations of federal science, research and engineering facilities in the nation, with renowned scientists whose research has global impact in a range of fields including agriculture, climate and weather, earth science, materials science, natural resource management, renewable energy, space physics and quantum technologies,” said CO-LABS Executive Director Dan Powers. “This prestigious event provides a unique opportunity to connect with leading scientists, lab directors, business leaders and policymakers in an informal and celebratory setting, as we highlight the labs’ role in innovation and their significant contribution to the state economy.” There are four Awards this year, which recognize brilliant and impactful partnerships, technologies and research across a spectrum of scientific fields: • The Pathfinding Partnership Award recognizes research that engaged four or more distinct research entities in Colorado (with at least two being federally-funded labs) whose results leveraged the resources and strengths among partnering organizations – and demonstrate the power of collaboration. The winning project includes scientists from the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science (CIRES), CU Boulder’s Mechanical Engineering and Geography departments, the NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, the NOAA Global Systems Laboratory, the NOAA National Weather Service, and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) – these groups rapidly coordinated risk assessment, outreach and extraordinary real-time data during the devastating Marshall Fire in Louisville and Superior, Colorado. They “helped ordinary people make extraordinary decisions”, and their ongoing research promises to help guide wildfire response and mitigation long into the future. For more info reach Katy Human, CIRES Communications Director, kathleen.human@colorado.edu 303-522-8961 • The Technology Transfer Award recognizes research that resulted in a technological solution with widespread and/or significantly measurable societal utilization, with related impact on a global challenge or issue. The winners include scientists led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Weather Service whose space weather research has led to a first-of-a-kind Whole Atmosphere Model and Ionosphere Plasmasphere Electrodynamics Model (WAM-IPE) which allows forecasters to provide better information to the public about potential impacts from solar storms. Collaboration with CIRES, CU Boulder, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, and NOAA’s Environmental Modeling Center has brought this new model forward to provide crucial insight to various economic sectors—including communications, satellite and airline operations, human space flight, and navigation and surveying to mitigate damages. For more info reach Maureen O'Leary, NWS Deputy Director of Public Affairs, maureen.oleary@noaa.gov 202-578-5257 New for 2022 are these two categories: • The Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award spotlights the discoveries and remarkable work of someone having more recently started on their path of scientific discovery. We look for significant demonstration of initiative, Inspiration, collaboration skills, and other skills and attributes, including the ability to inform and inspire others. The winner is Dr. Rosimar (Rosi) Rios-Berrios, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Dr. Rios-Berrios is recognized internationally as an expert in the topics of mesoscale meteorology, tropical meteorology, and in tropical cyclones. She is engaged in significant leadership, outreach, and mentorship; she has published 17 articles and served as investigator and/or mission scientist on four field campaigns and two major awarded grants. She is frequently interviewed by major news outlets regarding her expertise and she is a founding member of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) “Forging Allies and Connections for Equity in Stem” (FACES) employee resource group and currently serves as a spokesperson for “Science Moms” (and is the only early career science mom). For more info reach David Hosansky, Media Relations Manager, UCAR/NCAR hosansky@ucar.edu 303-497-8611 • The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes discoveries with impacts that have developed over more than 15 years, that have revealed profound new understandings of foundational science and/or theories within a given field and the resulting impact on society. The winner is Dr. Michael E. Himmel. As a biofuels researcher at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Dr. Himmel has redefined his field with insights on designing, modifying, and harnessing enzymes to turn such non-food biomass into a thriving sustainable fuels industry. Dr. Himmel has led hundreds of scientific studies in protein biochemistry, recombinant technology, enzyme engineering, microorganism discovery, macromolecules physico-chemistry, and all unit operations in biofuels production. These include comminution, thermal chemical pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation. Individually, each brought important insights on how to overcome biomass recalcitrance. Together, they have helped facilitate a phase change in the U.S. bioeconomy—pulling discoveries and technologies from the covers of scientific journals right up to the cusp of commercialization. For more info reach David Glickson, Media Relations Lead, David.Glickson@nrel.gov 303-275-4097 Regarding the Pathfinding Partnerships Award, University of Colorado Boulder Acting Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene said “These two award-winning teams exemplify the best of the CU Boulder and NOAA collaboration. This high-impact work could not have happened without all contributors: federal, university, and other key experts.” The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science (CIRES) was recognized in two of the Awards, prompting this enthusiastic comment: “I am delighted to see CIRES researchers and our federal and university colleagues honored with two awards. Our scientists are extraordinarily collaborative and we work on research problems that can really make a difference in people’s lives,” said Waleed Abdalati, Director of CIRES at CU Boulder. “So it is especially meaningful to me that we’ve earned these honors for both ‘pathfinding partnerships’ and ‘technology transfer.’ Congratulations to our teams!” Regarding the Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award: "Dr. Rios-Berrios is a shining example of what it means to be a great scientist,” said her nominator Dr. Gretchen Mullendore, Director of the Mesoscale & Microscale Meteorology Lab at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). “She is equally passionate about improving our understanding of weather and climate and about improving the research community to be more inclusive and representative." Regarding the Lifetime Achievement Award: “Michael Himmel has truly shaped the field of biofuels in a career spanning more than four decades. His groundbreaking, influential research has brought us ever closer to turning plant waste into sustainable fuel on a commercial scale, a significant achievement in the quest to decarbonize the aviation and maritime sectors,” said NREL Laboratory Director Martin Keller. “Michael's discoveries have served as a foundation for further innovation and application well beyond the laboratory. He is truly deserving of this Lifetime Achievement Award and we are incredibly proud to have him as a senior research fellow at NREL.” Numerous technology, research, economic development and engineering organizations with an interest in having a robust innovation ecosystem in Colorado are sponsoring the Awards; including Presenting Sponsor the Alliance for Sustainable Energy. Other major supporters include Colorado State University Office of the Vice President for Research, the University of Colorado Boulder Research and Innovation Office, Ball Aerospace, Xcel Energy, WinterWinds Robotics, Fennemore, Manufacturers EDGE, the Colorado School of Mines, and many more. Additional speakers and special guest announcements to come. Full details of the winning teams and their projects can be seen at www.2022GovAwards.com. About the Governor’s Awards for High Impact Research: Started in 2009, the annual Governor's Awards for High-Impact Research celebrates the brilliant ground-breaking discoveries and innovative research from Colorado’s ecosystem of federally-funded laboratories and institutions. That year, following the creation of CO-LABS in 2007, Governor Bill Ritter suggested hosting a celebratory and spotlighting event; the various labs were prompted to submit nominations and a Selection Committee was convened of professional researchers, technologists, academics and economic development experts to identify remarkable research having “high impact” on society. Each year at this event, CO-LABS spotlights the men and women creating our future through brilliant technological and engineering discoveries in aerospace, energy, agriculture, public health, weather prediction, wildlife ecology, communication, earth science and dozens of other fields of research right here in our Colorado communities. Over the years Colorado Governors Bill Ritter, John Hickenlooper and Jared Polis have presented and/or spoken in support of the winners with these awards, recognizing their impact on our country's leadership in science. On November 12, 2019 we celebrated brilliant discoveries from the realms of atmospheric science, nanotechnology and laser physics, extreme weather and flood dynamics, global greenhouse gas tracking, and tax-payer funded grants enabling commercialization of Nobel-Prize winning technology to track methane leaks - and all projects were the result of amazingly creative, complex and necessary multi-agency partnerships. The 2019 event gathered 250 scientific, economic development, technology and civic leaders at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for an evening of inspiring recognition. See video spotlights from 2019.

On Wednesday, November 9, 2022 CO-LABS has arranged a tour of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at CU Boulder on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. This event has only 12 spots left, RSVP today. (See info below about Google registration forms.) LASP is at the forefront of the development of new technologies and approaches to advance space-based research. This institute is part of the University of Colorado Boulder, the #1 public university recipient of NASA research grants and one of America’s leading aerospace universities. With a dozen or more flight programs in development at any time, the capability to build multiple instruments simultaneously, and the demonstrated experience to concurrently operate more than 100 space instruments, LASP is a leader in space exploration. LASP offers extensive engineering facilities to develop and test spacecraft on site. Their state-of-the-art test and calibration facilities allow engineers to work in tandem with scientists, mission operators, and software developers to create “test-like-you-fly” scenarios. Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Time: 3:30 - 5:00 pm (optional social hour off-site) Location: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, CO (details send to attendees) Info: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/ Cost: free for CO-LABS members and guests Regarding Google Form signups: RSVP at this link. Note: It may show "Sign in to Google to save your progress. Learn more" You don't have to have a Gmail account to RSVP, click on the "Learn More" link and you can RSVP without logging in.

CubeSats are NASA’s newest—and smallest—class of spacecraft. These nanosatellites, often about the size of a cereal box, enable rapid, low-cost exploration of the space environment around Earth and beyond. This November 2, 2022 webinar by Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics will introduce CubeSats, explore the dynamics of Earth’s radiation belts, and discuss the upcoming GTOSat CubeSat mission, which will study the radiation belts from a highly elliptical orbit, an environment in which CubeSats have never flown before. These tiny explorers provide crucial observations for understanding space physics and the dynamic radiation environment in near-Earth space. In particular, they help researchers study high-energy charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field, in what are known as the Van Allen Radiation Belts. These radiation belts are highly dynamic, with often unpredictable variations in their intensity and spatial extent. Understanding this changing environment is critical to mitigate the harm energetic particles can cause to safeguard spacecraft and astronauts as they explore space. Did you know: LASP is the world’s only academic research institute to send instruments to all eight planets, Pluto, the sun…and beyond. Read more about LASP>>> ALSO: CO-LABS will have a small group tour at LASP on Wednesday, November 9. Reach dan at co-labs.org for more information.

Cybersecurity best practices are crucial for everyone with a computer, laptop or smartphone to understand. While internet security issues have always been challenging for IT managers, now with employees working from home, or in many cases in other countries as "Digital Nomads", cyber security risks have grown significantly. CO-LABS invites you to learn from Blake Schwank at Colorado Computer Support as he reviews ways you can keep yourself, your company and the government better protected from cyber threats. We will also learn what to do if the worst does happen and how to recover gracefully. UPDATE: Watch the Video on our YouTube channel. Who should attend? Remote workers from any industry, government agency or academic institution will find this informative. You'll get ideas on questions to ask of your employer's protocols for cybersecurity and learn tips to be more secure with your internet-connected equipment. Tuesday, October 25, 2022 10:00- 11:00 am FREE for CO-LABS members and friends Background: The pandemic dramatically changed the way that employees work. In 2020, during lockdowns, almost every employee transitioned from the office to work from home. Over two years later, the statistics show that only 42 percent of the workforce is required to work full time in the office while 58 percent are able to work remotely full or part time. In this context, the constant and evolving threats in the digital realm deserve attention - this webinar will help you understand key factors to assess and what steps to consider to reduce cybersecurity risks.