Meet Teaching Assistant Professor Katie O'Harra
Prior toÌýjoining CU Boulder, Katie O’Harra was an assistant professor at The University of Alabama, where she developed the Engineering Positive and Intentional Change Scholars Program, an honors-designated minor for engineering and computer science undergraduates. The programÌýfocused on the intersection ofÌýengineering solutions with environmental responsibility, sustainable energy, resource stewardship, policy, ethical decision-making, empathyÌýand social impact. She also designed several experiential STEAM courses, including TheChemistry of Baking, Visual Arts Media and Materials ScienceÌýand an immersive Sustainable Industry and AgricultureÌýstudy abroad program in The Netherlands and Denmark.
O’Harra served asÌýadjunct faculty inÌýthe Chemical and Biological Engineering department, teaching courses and co-directing a study abroad program in Ireland. She holds a BS, MSÌýand PhD in chemical engineering and a BAÌýin dance from UA. Her research has resulted in more thanÌý30 peer-reviewed journal articles, several US patent applications and numerous presentations at national and international conferences. Her work hasÌýinspired collaborative projects and proposals, particularly inÌýthe design of high-performance ionic materials for membrane-based gas separations and additive manufacturing applications.