DU Increases Research Impact and Honors Outstanding Faculty
The University of Denver has announced four new research centers and institutes as well as the winners of the inaugural Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works Awards.
At a festive reception on Feb. 25, the University of Denver faculty community came together to celebrate several important announcements that reinforce DU’s commitment to impactful research and the outstanding faculty members who make it happen.
The University announced the official designation of one new research institute and three new research centers. This is the third such round of designations. DU previously established six research institutes in 2023; it created six research centers and two research institutes in 2025.
“The new research centers and institutes demonstrate the broad reach of impact of the DU research profile,” says Corinne Lengsfeld, senior vice provost for research and graduate education. “From rural education to urban housing to the diversity of flora and fauna, we are leveraging curiosity and passion for purpose.”
In addition to the new research entities, the University announced the winners of the inaugural Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works (RSCW) Awards. This awards program was established to honor DU’s excellence in research activity, scholarly achievement, and commitment to innovation. The awards recognize faculty at every stage of their careers and reflect the University’s vibrant and inclusive culture.
New research institute focuses on biodiversity
The new research institute designated this year is the Biodiversity Research Institute, which is housed within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics’ Department of Biological Sciences. The institute’s mission is to advance a multiscale understanding of biological diversity—from molecules and cells to organisms, populations, and ecosystems—and to support research that addresses how life adapts, persists, and interacts in a rapidly changing world.
To be considered for designation as a research institute, an entity must have a three- to five-year annual average of $1.5 million in research expenditures from external sources. It must also be found to contribute to the fabric of the University through a minimum number of faculty involved and students taught and trained. Research institutes receive more access to resources from DU departments; they also receive financial incentives from the University to stabilize administration and cover other costs.
New research centers prioritize housing and schools
The three newly designated research centers are as follows:
The Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions aims to be a go-to source of information, data, and research, as well as a driver of policy, for all housing-related matters for the state of Colorado. Its creation is made possible by a collective $2.65 million in philanthropic gifts from four visionary organizations: Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, ZOMA LAB, Conscience Bay Research, and Arnold Ventures. Read more about this new interdisciplinary hub for vital research, policy evaluation, and professional education.
The Center for Housing and Homelessness Research at DU’s Graduate School of Social Work conducts applied, community-engaged research focused on housing instability, homelessness, and equitable community development. It partners with local and national stakeholders to generate research that informs policies and programs addressing housing insecurity.
Finally, the Center for Rural School Health and Education—housed within the Morgridge College of Education—is dedicated to ensuring that all children, youth, and adults in rural communities live healthy, meaningful lives. The center partners with rural schools and communities to improve health and education outcomes.
A DU research center is a formal research entity that facilitates cooperative research to support an individual research leader and collaborators or a research team. It formally recognizes the University’s thought leadership in a specific area. While research centers utilize University resources, they are primarily responsible for their own funding from external sources.
Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works Awards
The University announced the winners of the new Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works Awards across seven categories.
The Research Scholar Award—Emerging celebrates an assistant-level professor who is establishing a strong foundation for research and scholarship. This year’s winners are:
- Allegra Aron, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Linda Méndez-Barrientos, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
- Jonathan Velotta, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
The Research Scholar Award—Established recognizes an associate-level professor whose scholarship reflects significant achievement, growing influence, and continued promise for leadership in their field. This year’s winners are:
- Marie Berry, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
- Lauren McGrath, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Scott Nichols, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Robin Tinghitella, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
The Research Scholar Award—Eminent honors a full professor who has demonstrated sustained excellence and leadership in scholarly research over the course of a distinguished academic career. This year’s winners are:
- Pilyoung Kim, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Shannon Murphy, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Galena Rhoades, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
The Creative Works Award recognizes faculty whose responsibilities include contributing and producing creative work, such as performances, works shared through screenings and exhibits, books, poetry anthologies, and other forms of written creative expression. This year’s winner is:
- Remy Le Boeuf, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
The Research, Scholar, and Creative Works Impact Award recognizes faculty whose research or creative work has made a significant and demonstrable impact beyond the University. This award celebrates scholarship that contributes meaningfully to society. This year’s winners are:
- Justin Marceau, Sturm College of Law
- Robin Leake, Graduate School of Social Work
- Pardee Institute for International Futures, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
The Translational Impact Award recognizes faculty whose scholarly work bridges the gap between discovery and application. This year’s winners are:
- Amy He, Graduate School of Social Work
- Bridging the Gap Project, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
The Mentoring Impact Award honors faculty who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the scholarly, professional, and personal growth of graduate students. This year’s winners are:
- Alexi Freeman, Sturm College of Law
- Jennifer Hoffman, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Chris Angela Nelson, Morgridge College of Education
