Colorado State University College of Engineering Scientists to Speak in Fort Collins, Denver as Part of Innovations Breakfast Series

Colorado State University’s College of Engineering will feature Sybil Sharvelle and Kevin Lear, two of the college’s most prominent educators, to discuss the latest technological trends and innovative research projects as part of the Engineering Innovations Breakfast series.

Both lectures are 7:30-9 a.m. and are open to the public. Cost is $20 and reservations are required by contacting (970) 491-3358 or cbernard@engr.colostate.edu.

Nov. 9 in Fort Collins

Sharvelle, an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will speak about an anaerobic digester she has created to reduce the cost of waste disposal in Western agriculture on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

Sharvelle’s talk, titled “Energy from Waste: Using Anaerobic Digesters to Save Water and Generate Energy,” will be at 7:30-9 a.m. Nov. 9, Fort Collins Hilton, 425 W. Prospect Road.

Sharvelle is currently developing an anaerobic digester that turns animal waste into methane using much less water than conventional technology, making it more economically feasible and easier for use by feedlots and dairies in Western states.

Nov. 16 in Denver

Lear, a professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department and the School of Biomedical Engineering, will speak about the development of “lab on a chip,” a development that may allow for early detection of heart disease or cancer by simply putting a drop of blood on a semiconductor chip smaller than a fingernail.

Lear’s talk, titled “Revolutionizing Diagnostics with a Lab on a Chip,” will be 7:30-9 a.m. Nov. 16 at the CSU Denver Center, 475 17th St., second floor atrium.

Lear’s “lab on a chip” development can detect proteins landing on a silicon chip with a laser or LED beam, enabling quick diagnostics of diseases, even in remote locations where expensive lab-based medical tests are not possible. The new chip is intended to simplify and speed up medical diagnostics and other biosensor applications by eliminating chemicals, special equipment and complex steps often required for current laboratory tests.

The Innovations Breakfast Series provides an opportunity for alumni and members of the community to interact with engineering professors as well as learn more about university programs, technological trends and innovative research projects.

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