Apr. 7, 2025 - External Newsletter
News from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor Longji Cui and his team in the Cui Research Group have developed a new technology to turn thermal radiation into electricity in a way that literally teases the basic law of thermal physics. The group says their research has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing industries by increasing power generation without the need for high temperature heat sources or expensive materials.
High Impact, Interdisciplinary Research
Tiny compasses could improve navigation, brain imaging and more
Associate Research Professor Svenja Knappe is apart of a team of physicists and engineers studying quantum technology. In a novel study, the group has discovered a new way to measure the orientation of magnetic fields using atoms. Their findings could one day lead to the creation of new quantum sensors that can map the activity of the human brain or even help airplanes navigate the globe.
Rentschler, Aspero Medical awarded $4.5M for endoscopy advancement
Six years ago, Professor Mark Rentschler helped launch startup company Aspero Medical to develop a medical device used during endoscopy procedures. Today, with the help of a $4.5 million grant through the Anschutz Acceleration Initiative, Rentschler and his team are bringing two new medical devices to the market that have the potential to transform surgeries in the gastrointestinal region even further.
Diamond in the rough: Research could help better detect, target cancer cells
Associate Professor Xiaoyun Ding and his team in the Biomedical Microfluidics Laboratory (BMMLab) stumbled across an interesting anomaly during a cell sensing project that used different forms of acoustic waves to measure cell mechanics. The group discovered a new wave mode never seen before that can unlock a new level of cell manipulation capabilities.
É«ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ further solidifies ranking as top 20 graduate engineering program
The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering graduate program at É«ÊÓƵÏÂÔØ was ranked 17th amongst public institutions for 2025-26, according to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings.
PhD alum spent 45 days isolated in space. Well, kind of
Robert Wilson (PhDMechEngr'20) spent 45 days locked inside NASA’s HERA facility, a high-tech simulation designed to test the limits of human endurance in deep space. His mission could help shape the future of space exploration—and life back on Earth.
Wiedinmyer on the power, importance of NOAA weather forecasting
Research Professor Christine Wiedinmyer is an atmospheric expert whose research investigates the impact of air pollutants on air quality, climate and public health. In this article by The Conversation, Wiedinmyer gives a behind-the-scenes look at how NOAA forecasters use technology to predict the weather, and how important they are to the fabric of our everyday life.