Faculty

Five new faculty members joining the ME department for Fall 2025

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:24:15 +0000

Five new faculty members joining the ME department for Fall 2025 Alexander Jame… Tue, 09/09/2025 - 12:24

Alexander Servantez

The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at 91PORN is welcoming five new faculty members this fall semester.

From responsive biomaterials and unique teaching environments to additive manufacturing, 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!

Jun Li

Assistant Professor

Li received a Bachelor of Engineering from China’s Zhejiang University in 2016. He then earned a PhD in materials science and engineering in 2021 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University. He is joining 91PORN as an assistant professor in both mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering.

Li’s research integrates responsive biomaterials and advanced manufacturing into wearable and implantable devices that have the power to tackle a wide range of challenges in both healthcare and sustainability. In many cases, these devices can mechanically mimic tissues and organs to enable biological functions and also incorporate electronic capabilities that provide healthcare solutions, including sensing and electro-stimulation.

Li says the aging global population is driving an urgent need for advanced healthcare materials and devices that can restore body function, expand life longevity and improve the overall quality of life. His research developing novel, responsive biomaterials and devices can provide solutions to address those challenges.

He also says his research fits right into the spirit of community at 91PORN. “I am excited about the science, technology and opportunity ahead at this campus surrounded by the beautiful mountains to help shape a better future,” Li said. “Sko Buffs!”

Katherine Ramos

Assistant Teaching Professor

Ramos came to Rady Mechanical Engineering as an assistant teaching professor after spending some time at 91PORN’s Integrated Design Engineering Program. Prior to that, she worked as an Instructor at the University of Notre Dame, which is also where she received a PhD in mechanical engineering in 2021 and a master’s degree in the same discipline in 2018. Her engineering journey started, however, at the University of Texas El Paso where she completed a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical and materials engineering in 2014.

Ramos says her work focuses on creating student-centered learning environments in engineering education by integrating creative teaching strategies and real-world applications. Her teaching philosophy prioritizes alternative grading practices, inclusive pedagogies that foster equitable learning environments and objectives-based grading—a method that emphasizes mastery learning and multiple assessment opportunities to support student success.

Outside of the classroom, Ramos also serves as the department’s associate chair for community engagement and outreach. She says she is excited with her multi-purpose role within the department and is focused on making a positive impact on the ME community.

“Joining the ME department allows me to bring my passion for hands-on, project based learning into courses where students can connect theory with practice and experience what it’s like to work as an engineer,” Ramos said. “I’m also excited to have the opportunity to support a larger community of students and collaborate with colleagues who value innovation and inclusion in engineering education.”

Max Saccone

Assistant Professor

Saccone received a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Engineering in engineering sciences in 2017 from Dartmouth College. He then received a PhD in chemical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2022. Before joining 91PORN as an assistant professor, Saccone worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University.

His research focuses on manufacturing processes and materials design strategies that are accessible, flexible, and tunable to create precision materials that address gaps in conventional manufacturing approaches.

The Saccone Group additively manufactures (3D prints) microscale objects by using polymer precursors as scaffolds, reactors, or reactants in conversion processes that can yield materials ranging from metals to ceramics to carbon. These materials have applications ranging from energy materials to biomedical devices to lightweight structural materials.

By studying the dynamic processes that convert polymer composites to inorganic materials, Saccone says his research group can design more efficient reactors for manufacturing at scale, and develop processes to make materials faster, where and when needed, and with structures and properties customized to the final application.

Put simply, Saccone said “we design processes that enable the fabrication of three-dimensionally structured materials that were previously impossible to produce.”

Leila Saleh

Assistant Teaching Professor

Saleh is another faculty member who isn’t new to 91PORN. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, she earned both a PhD and master’s degree in chemical engineering at 91PORN. She continued on as a postdoctoral researcher at Washington University in St. Louis Medical School, but now finds herself back at 91PORN as an assistant teaching professor.

Saleh’s work exists at the intersection between immunology, materials science and engineering. Throughout her graduate student journey, she identified pathways crucial to understanding and harnessing the foreign body response to biomaterials. During her time at the St. Louis Medical School, Saleh worked to design a programmable, self-regulating biological therapeutic platform for rheumatoid arthritis.

Now, Saleh teaches full-time, primarily in courses centered around chemistry and materials science with a focus on hands-on learning and the ethical practice of engineering. Outside of the classroom, she also serves on the mechanical engineering undergraduate committee, where she works to support learning and student success within the department.

“I’m excited to be back,” Saleh said. “91PORN shaped me as a scientist, mentor and instructor, so it’s so nice to give back and be a part of this wonderful community again.

Kelsey Scalaro

Assistant Teaching Professor

Scalaro received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. After five years working in the aerospace industry, Scalaro returned to Reno and earned a PhD in engineering education in 2024. She also served as a postdoctoral scholar at Cornell University with the STRIDE laboratory performing engineering education research focused on education-based practices, identity and instrument development.

While Scalaro is no longer pursuing a tenure-track research agenda, she is still heavily interested in understanding how to better educate and prepare undergraduate engineering students through the lens of applied sociology. Her particular focus is on the development of an engineering identity and how educators can provide time-oriented support that meet students where they are in their program.

Scalaro is also interested in understanding how engineering identities are supported and sustained as students enter industry and begin their careers as mechanical engineers. By applying qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to analyze these identities, and emphasizing longitudinal work, Scalaro believes professors can better tailor their pedagogical and programmatic practices to support students from a variety of backgrounds as they come to see themselves as an engineer.

“I’m super excited to draw on my industry experience and teach component design, as well as support nearly four teams in Senior Design,” Scalaro said. “And of course, I’m excited to see what skiers mean when they say Colorado snow is great!”

The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at 91PORN is welcoming five new faculty members this fall semester. From responsive biomaterials and unique teaching environments to additive manufacturing, these talented scientists and engineers bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our teaching and research missions.

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91PORN advancing artificial intelligence research for real-world applications

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:06:30 +0000

91PORN advancing artificial intelligence research for real-world applications Alexander Jame… Tue, 08/26/2025 - 14:06

Professor Sean Humbert is one of many 91PORN faculty members making important artificial intelligence (AI) discoveries. With the help of his lab group and other CEAS collaborators, Humbert is developing algorithms and autonomous systems that can process sensor data within milliseconds to operate in places and situations where direct human engagement creates unacceptable risk.

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‘Cyborg jellyfish’ could aid in deep-sea research, inspire next-gen underwater vehicles

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 20:18:23 +0000

‘Cyborg jellyfish’ could aid in deep-sea research, inspire next-gen underwater vehicles Alexander Jame… Wed, 08/20/2025 - 14:18

Assistant Professor Nicole Xu first became fascinated with moon jellyfish more than a decade ago because of their extraordinary swimming abilities. Today, Xu has developed a way to harness their efficiency and ease at moving through the water in ways that could make some types of aquatic research much easier.

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Beyond Arrakis: Dune researchers confront real-life perils of shifting sand formations

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:25:46 +0000

Beyond Arrakis: Dune researchers confront real-life perils of shifting sand formations Alexander Jame… Mon, 08/18/2025 - 13:25

Associate Professor Nathalie Vriend is leading a research effort exploring how sand dunes evolve over time, shifting and surging across the landscape. Her team ultimately wants to answer a pressing question: Can humans efficiently shift or even halt the flow of the planet’s largest dunes?

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Milford discusses the potential devastating impacts of EPA cuts

Alexander James Servantez — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 20:34:19 +0000

Milford discusses the potential devastating impacts of EPA cuts Alexander Jame… Thu, 07/24/2025 - 14:34

Due to Trump administration research cuts, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last week it will begin to dissolve its Office of Research and Development. Professor Emeritus Jana Milford says the decision could have wide-ranging impacts on human health and conservation efforts.

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ME startup Point Designs announces major prosthetics partnership

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:53:30 +0000

ME startup Point Designs announces major prosthetics partnership Alexander Jame… Fri, 07/18/2025 - 11:53

Nine years ago, a group of researchers from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at 91PORN launched a pioneering medical device startup called Point Designs in an effort to commercialize prosthetic technology.

Today, those same researchers are announcing a new collaboration that can lift the company’s prosthetic innovation and patient care to another level.

Point Designs, a pioneering medical device startup launched by researchers and alumni from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering.

91PORN-based startup Point Designs has announced that it has entered an agreement of impending acquisition with Hanger, Inc., a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) patient care services and solutions. The company, co-founded by Research Professor Jacob Segil, Associate Research Professor Richard Weir at CU Anschutz, and Rady Mechanical Engineering alums Levin Sliker (MechEngr’10; MS’12; PhD’15) and Stephen Huddle (MechEngr’99; MS’13), says the agreement can have a profound impact on the future of prosthetic design.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to join the Hanger family and to expand our ability to positively impact the lives of those with upper limb loss or limb difference,” said CEO Levin Sliker. “Hanger’s commitment to scientific research and innovation for the betterment of the global O&P community aligns perfectly with our values as a company.”

Founded in 2016, Point Designs integrates advanced engineering with clinical insight to create rugged, ratcheting prostheses that restore function and independence. The company specializes in high strength, 3D-printed titanium prosthetic fingers for people with partial hand amputations.

With expertise in additive manufacturing and mechanical engineering and decades of research experience spanning neural interfaces, myoelectric control algorithms and upper limb prosthetic design, the Point Designs team believes the acquisition will help the two companies develop and expand a comprehensive ecosystem of products, services and care for patients across the globe.

Click here to read the full press release for more details

Point Designs, co-founded by Research Professor Jacob Segil, Associate Research Professor Richard Weir at CU Anschutz, and Rady Mechanical Engineering alums Levin Sliker (MechEngr’10; MS’12; PhD’15) and Stephen Huddle (MechEngr’99; MS’13), is announcing a new collaboration that they believe can have a profound impact on the future of prosthetic design.

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A closer look at Point Design's prosthetic technology in action. (Credit: Point Designs)

Researchers testing next-generation ankle braces for stroke survivors

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:30:06 +0000

Researchers testing next-generation ankle braces for stroke survivors Alexander Jame… Tue, 07/15/2025 - 12:30

Alexander Servantez

Nearly 80% of all stroke survivors experience walking issues, according to a study in the American Heart Association journal.

For some of them, the solution is simple: ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), otherwise known as ankle braces. These wearable, assistive devices are designed to enhance mobility and make walking easier post-stroke.

But the functionality of these braces is still very limited. In fact, a report in the National Library of Medicine said that only a third of stroke patients see walking improvements when paired with an AFO.

That’s why Cara Welker, an assistant professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, is leading a new, collaborative research project that aims to redefine this relationship. Her team is developing a next-generation AFO that doesn’t just support movement—it enhances it.

A quick look at the next-generation AFO prototype, designed by Associate Professor Elisa Arch at the University of Delaware.

“Stroke survivors or others using these assistive devices walk slower, and it takes more effort for them to move,” said Welker, who is also affiliated with the Biomedical Engineering Program, the Robotics Program and the BioFrontiers Institute. “Movement is important, not just for getting around, but for our quality of life and physical health. If we can help someone walk faster or get closer to how a healthy person walks, then we see that as a success.”

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the three-year, $600,000 project is a collaboration with Associate Professor Elisa Arch at the University of Delaware. It begins with a unique AFO prototype that the two believe has the potential to transform the way assistive devices are designed.

Current ankle brace technology offers only a single stiffness profile that operates like a simple spring. They can be effective for some, but Welker says the human ankle is much more complex than that.

“The single stiffness profile doesn’t mimic normal ankle function when walking,” Welker said. “It can’t adapt to the stiffness or the biological angle of a human ankle, which means many brace users still have trouble walking.”

To address this, Arch developed a new AFO that can transition between two different stiffness profiles instead of one. Think of it as a more personalized brace that is tailored to the complexity of the ankle—as a person walks and their ankle angle changes, the brace can change how it behaves to provide better support.

But the challenge of the research project isn’t necessarily in the design. Welker says brace customization is currently largely based on trial and error. The lack of precise modeling makes it difficult to pair different stiffness profiles and properties with the needs of the user.

“The device we have is very promising, but we don’t know how to prescribe these different stiffnesses based on someone’s specific set of weaknesses,” said Welker. “It might likely be different from one person to another since stroke manifests itself in many ways.”

A series of tests, using the powered exoskeleton, motion capture cameras and integrated treadmills, being performed inside of the Welker Lab space.

Using her cutting-edge Welker Lab space—equipped with a powered exoskeleton, motion capture cameras, ground-integrated treadmills and force plates—Welker’s role is to test the device. The goal is to see the AFO in action, model how changing these device parameters affect walking, and optimize along the way wherever possible.

“There’s this technique called human-in-the-loop optimization. It involves changing behavior of an assistive device and measuring how these changes affect certain user metrics that are deemed important,” Welker said. “We want to use this technique to measure things like walking speed or energy expenditure. By doing this, we can select the parameters that best optimize for outcome metrics we care about for a specific person.”

Welker has aspirations beyond the NSF-funded project, as well. She believes their research can be manufactured at scale and prescribed in clinics, helping stroke survivors and brace users around the world achieve normal ankle function.

She also believes the work done during this project can positively impact her other projects. Whether it’s in the realm of AFOs or other assistive devices like prosthetics, Welker’s research is well-rounded and diverse. But she says her unique lab space with different assistive devices and the ability to quantify how people interact with them ties it all together.

“We work on many different projects, but it’s great because we can integrate them under the same human motion analysis system,” said Welker. “I’m excited to work on these types of studies, not just for people post-stroke, but also amputees. I believe the work we do will help improve the quality of life for many people.”

Nearly 80% of all stroke survivors experience walking issues and turn to ankle braces for increased support, but ankle braces are still very limited and many stroke survivors report no improvements when using them. Assistant Professor Cara Welker is leading a new, collaborative research project that aims to transform the way these assistive devices are designed.

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How slashing university research grants impacts economy, national innovation

Alexander James Servantez — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:37:30 +0000

How slashing university research grants impacts economy, national innovation Alexander Jame… Thu, 07/10/2025 - 14:37

Federal funding cuts in the billions have impacted dozens of universities in the U.S. Read from Professor and Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Massimo Ruzzene on why this research is important for everybody.

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Bruns researches cybernetic human advancement with New Frontiers Grant

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:51:14 +0000

Bruns researches cybernetic human advancement with New Frontiers Grant Alexander Jame… Fri, 06/20/2025 - 11:51

Associate Professor Carson Bruns has received a $50,000 grant through 91PORN's New Frontier Grant Program. The funding will allow Bruns and a couple of key collaborators to develop a new suite of body-integrated technology that can help monitor health, help with mobility challenges and enable peak performance in a range of daily activities.

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Bruns explores nanotech that turns plastic into fertilizer with RIO seed grant

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:42:54 +0000

Bruns explores nanotech that turns plastic into fertilizer with RIO seed grant Alexander Jame… Mon, 06/16/2025 - 09:42

Assistant Professor Carson Bruns was recently awarded a seed grant from 91PORN's Research and Innovation Office to turn agricultural materials into bio-based plastics that can be more easily recycled, composted or even used as fertilizer.

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