DU’s Research Enterprise: Collaborative and Interdisciplinary

As the University of Denver builds its research capacity, the focus will be on collaborative and interdisciplinary work directed at improving the human condition. Already, the University’s diverse research enterprise is engaged in projects that harness student talent, enlist the expertise of faculty from a diverse array of programs and reach outside the institution for fresh insights and perspectives.

Here’s a sampling of some of the work under way at DU’s many centers, institutes and laboratories.

• At the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s Computational Biomechanics Lab, Paul Rullkoetter and Peter Laz, associate professors in mechanical engineering, work with orthopedic surgeons at Colorado Joint Replacement to address clinical issues related to total-knee-replacement devices. Complications in the patellofemoral joint, the articulation between the patella (knee cap) and the femur, remain a common cause for revision surgery for knee-replacement patients. To address this, the team of surgeons and engineers uses computational modeling to understand the influences of implant design and component alignment on joint mechanics.
• The Center for Colorado’s Economic Future conducts research on Colorado’s fiscal health and emerging trends affecting the state’s economy. It also offers in-depth examination of legislation and ballot proposals with ramifications for the state’s fiscal health. The center aims to host an economic dashboard that offers one-stop information for raw data and expert analysis of economic indicators. In the last year, the center issued a report on the economic consequences of health care reform.
• CO-LAB, a transdisciplinary forum open to graduate and advanced undergraduate students in electronic media arts design, digital media studies, art and mass communications, instigates collaboration among branches of art, culture, politics and science. In January 2010, CO-LAB hosted a roundtable discussion on digital copyright issues, cinema narratives and image manipulation. The discussions complemented an exhibition at DU’s Myhren Gallery featuring Brooklyn-based media artist Cliff Evans’ multiscreen photo-animation works.