Includes both the community and people spotlight听news categories.

Visit the Community page

Albert Kettner

Albert Kettner steps into INSTAAR acting director role

July 18, 2023

Albert Kettner, associate research professor and associate director of INSTAAR, has stepped into the role of acting director of INSTAAR as of July 10.

A smiling Sara Padula holds a Chickadee in her hand

Q&A with Sara Padula, first recipient of the Sarah Crump Graduate Fellowship

July 14, 2023

We are proud to announce Sara Padula as the first recipient of the Sarah Crump Graduate Fellowship. The fellowship provides summer support for a graduate student researching Earth or environmental science in Arctic, Antarctic, or alpine regions. We caught up with Sara to ask about her research, her summer, and life as a scientist.

A 16-by-16-inch piece consisting of frozen India ink, paper and thread. Created by Colorado artist Hannah Taylor in collaboration with CU Boulder scientist Noah Molotch, the frozen ink wash papers represent a community defined by snow.

Colorado artist, CU Boulder scientist band together to spotlight Dillon Reservoir and the state鈥檚 water issues (Summit Daily)

June 26, 2023

Their collaborative art piece, part of a CU Boulder-sponsored exhibit, is one of several hanging in the Colorado State Capitol building.

Suzanne Anderson stands outside with mountains in the background.

American Geophysical Union鈥檚 Hydrology Section Fellows discuss the future of science

June 22, 2023

INSTAAR Fellow Suzanne Anderson was part of a deep dive into the future of hydrologic science and the responsibilities of scientists, recorded at the inaugural Frontiers in Hydrology Meeting.

Mark Williams stands in a walk-in freezer with samples.

Mark Williams obituary (CU Geography)

June 12, 2023

We are grieving the loss of Mark Williams, Professor Emeritus of Geography and INSTAAR Fellow Emeritus, who passed away in Boulder on June 6. Mark led Niwot LTER at CU for two program cycles, and was a founder of the Critical Zone Observatory program at CU Boulder.

A student and Prof. Bill Bowman crouch on the wildflower-strewn tundra of the Mountain Research Station.

鈥楥lassroom in the sky鈥 inspires generations of researchers, students (CU Arts & Sciences)

June 12, 2023

Just north of Nederland, about 26 miles from Boulder, is CU Boulder鈥檚 鈥渃lassroom in the sky鈥濃攖he Mountain Research Station. It is home to some of the world鈥檚 longest-running alpine research, from how vegetation responds to wildfires, to how wildlife responds to climate change, to the changing composition of the soil itself.

Bruce Vaughn presents Sylvia Michel with the Outstanding PRA Award.

Sylvia Michel receives INSTAAR鈥檚 first Outstanding PRA Award

May 24, 2023

INSTAAR is pleased to announce that Sylvia Michel is the first recipient of its Outstanding PRA Award. This new award recognizes a professional research assistant (PRA) who has demonstrated excellence in their role and within the larger communities of INSTAAR and the University.

Jared Collins, Airy Peralta, and Brad Markle at the celebration of INSTAAR awards. Photo by Marisa Seitz.

Airy Peralta and Jared Collins garner first INSTAAR Graduate Community Awards

May 24, 2023

Airy Peralta and Jared Collins are the recipients of the first INSTAAR Graduate Community Awards. The award is a new honor that recognizes students who expend substantial effort in activities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the INSTAAR community and as representatives of INSTAAR.

Holly Barnard and artist Jocelyn Catterson an artwork by Catterson in the Lieutenant Governor's office at the Colorado State Capitol building.

Art and climate science converge in new exhibit at the Colorado Capitol (KUNC)

May 24, 2023

An exhibit that just opened in the Colorado capitol building's rotunda features artwork made in the process of partnerships between artists from around Colorado, their communities, and CU Boulder scientists. Called 鈥淐oloradans and our Shared Environment in Times of Challenge and Change,鈥 the art grapples with the climate and environmental challenges that are part of Coloradoans' lives: drought, decreasing groundwater, acid mine drainage, wildfire, pine beetle tree mortality, and more.

A mixed-media artwork by Jocelyn Catterson explores groundwater in the San Luis Valley, reflecting a partnership with INSTAAR Holly Barnard.

Coloradoans and our shared environment in times of challenge and change (CU OOE)

May 18, 2023

A collaborative exhibition tells the story of how Coloradans are experiencing interrelated challenges of fire, drought, and water and air quality in their communities. Artists (the CASE Fellows) partnered with scientists and communities to make visible the connections between Coloradans and their environment. Several INSTAARs acted as scientist partners. This website showcases the artwork, as well as quotes from the partners, explorations of the issues, and what you can do to act.

Pages