Top Stories of 2024 Showcase Impact, Innovation and Inspiration

No. 1 — New Research Explores the Effects of Cannabidiol on General Health 

For 20 years, Laura Stewart, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, at the University of Northern Colorado, has been exploring how exercise improves the immune system. Over the last decade, however, her interests shifted to focus on the relationship between cannabidiol (CBD) and immune function. It’s a topic that fascinates the scientist, as she has found that there is a big difference between what the public understands about cannabis (marijuana) and CBD, and what science has proven.

No. 2 — Colorado Lawmakers Give Final Approval to Fund UNC’s Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine 

UNC celebrated a historic milestone in April 2024 when Colorado lawmakers approved a bill to fund the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, edging the university’s ambitious vision closer to fruition. House Bill 24-1231 allocated an investment of $127.5 million toward construction, startup and accreditation expenses through Certificates of Participation funding. In addition to increased access to health care, the college will serve as a powerful economic engine, creating jobs, attracting talent and boosting local economies.

No. 3 — Cheers! Brewing Program Taps into Local Partnership to Sell Beer 

Students in the University of Northern Colorado’s Brewing Laboratory Science program have been making beer at the microbrewery on campus for seven years — but without a liquor license to sell the product, about 95% of what they created literally went down the drain. That’s changing though, thanks to a new collaboration between the university and one of Greeley’s professional local brewers. It’s a partnership that was formed after a series of conversations that started, quite fittingly, over a beer.   

No. 4 — School Psychologists in Short Supply as Youth Mental Health Concerns Increase 

Two UNC alumni working as school psychologists, one in a rural school and the other in a bilingual school, both notice the need for more students to take on the profession in Colorado. The National Association of School Psychologists recommends a ratio of one school psychologist for every 500 students. During the 2021-22 school year, Colorado’s ratio was 1-to-942, nearly double the recommendation. To combat the shortages, UNC is finding creative ways to bring awareness of the profession to college students and have them graduate with the intent of becoming a school psychologist.

No. 5 — UNC Achieves Federal Designation as Hispanic Serving Institution 

More than 18 months ahead of schedule, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) received notification this week from the U.S. Department of Education that it is officially Colorado’s newest Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).  

“This is a significant milestone for our university,” said UNC President Andy Feinstein. “Since officially beginning our pursuit of the HSI designation, our focus has been twofold. We have endeavored both to meet and exceed the enrollment threshold requirements for the designation and ensure that our institution fosters a sense of belonging for Hispanic and Latine students, their families and the broader community.  This ambitious vision is fundamental to our future. It aligns with our commitment to put students first and create an inclusive environment where all individuals — students, faculty and staff — feel welcomed and supported.”

Top Photos of the Year

UNC Photographer Woody Myers’ top photo picks

No. 6 — Inspiring Inclusivity in Music Through Achieving Milestones and Pushing Boundaries 

Jolie González Masmela, a doctoral student from Colombia who is in the Orchestra Conducting program at the University of Northern Colorado’s College of Performing and Visual Arts (PVA), recently achieved three important milestones. As a woman pursuing a career in a field that has traditionally been dominated by males, she’s hoping those achievements can open paths for future generations.    

“In Colombia, when I just started my career in conducting, the director that I most admired, and who was my mentor at that time, told me that this professional path was not for me because I was a woman,” said González Masmela. “He told me this was not a job for girls. However, that didn’t stop me. My family has always been very supportive of my dreams, and I also found that encouragement when I came to UNC.”

No. 7 — Audiology Student Researches Security Vulnerabilities in Hearing Aids 

University of Northern Colorado Doctor of Audiology student Katie Kim combined her fascination with technology and research in her scholarly project, Hearing Aid Data Security: User Perceptions and Bluetooth Low Energy Security Assessment. 

“In a world where everything is digital, protecting your information is imperative. Knowing what your devices are broadcasting, whether they’re hearing aids or something else, allows you to ascertain what precautions should be implemented,” she said. “I want my research to be a wakeup call for audiologists and hearing aid users and manufacturers.”

No. 8 — UNC Collaborates on Regional NSF-Funded Initiative on Climate Resilience 

UNC is part of an exciting groundbreaking collaborative initiative funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that will drive climate resilience and sustainability across the Colorado-Wyoming region. In March the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine (CO-WY Engine) was named one of 10 inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engine awardees. The collaborative network will receive up to $15 million for the next two years, with the potential to receive as much as $160 million over 10 years. Led by northern Colorado’s Innosphere Ventures, the leading incubation and commercialization program for launching science and high-tech startups, the CO-WY Engine is composed of 40 partners spanning industry, academia, government and community sectors. They are charged with developing innovative solutions that support communities to monitor, mitigate and adapt to climate impacts, positioning the collaborative at the forefront of the nation’s environmental and climate technology initiatives.

No. 9 — Student Researcher Examines Effectiveness of ‘Systems Thinking’ Teaching Approach in Chemical Education 

In his second semester in the University of Northern Colorado’s Chemical Education Ph.D. program, Navid Ahmed Sadman has already discovered his passion. He’s researching the effectiveness of educating future chemists differently using a “systems thinking” approach. Systems thinking is both a philosophical and practical method that views problems holistically and considers the interconnectedness of a system’s components. 

It’s far from the culture of rote memorization method Sadman experienced as a chemistry undergraduate in Bangladesh. “This emphasis on memorization bothered me as a student; and now, as an instructor, I see that memorization makes students question chemistry’s relevance. We need to train chemistry students better at the undergraduate level. That’s why I am more and more invested in the chemistry education field.” 

No. 10 — 2024 Honored Alumni  

In 2024, the university honored seven individuals who have made significant contributions in their communities and beyond: Delia Haefeli, M.A. ‘90; Paul McClay Heidger, Jr., Ph.D., ‘63 and Barbara Hyslop Heidger, ‘63; Trustee Stephen Jordan, Ph.D., ’71; Jamar Rahming, ’06; Kathleen Sears, ’76; and Jill Trotter, ’87. 

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