MINES PROFESSOR RECEIVES NSF CAREER AWARD

Ning Wu, Colorado School of Mines Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering assistant professor, received a 2015 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award for his research ‘In and Out of Equilibrium Behavior of Colloidal Clusters with Broken Symmetries.’ The study’s results will provide fundamental knowledge that scientists and engineers can use to develop materials and devices, such as new sensors or coatings with controlled optical properties.

The project team will also develop a summer research program in colloidal science targeted to high school students in the Denver area, particularly to students from underrepresented groups. A multidisciplinary course titled ‘Engineering of Soft Materials’ will engage undergraduate students in colloidal science and train them for careers in the materials industry.

The NSF CAREER award is the most prestigious award in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher?scholars through outstanding research, excellent education, and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations.


DISTINGUISHED MEMBERSHIP AWARD

Maria A. Capello MS ’95, directorate consultant at Kuwait Oil Company, was honored with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Distinguished Membership at SPE’s Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition held last October in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. As a key member of the SPE Talent Council since 2010, Capello was acknowledged for her efforts in helping to shape initiatives related to gender, cultural diversity, and dual career couple issues; mentoring and supporting SPE members in the Middle East region; and serving in leadership roles for SPE events. She also serves as the Mines alumni section leader for Kuwait.